Home cooks and restaurant staff in New York may notice increased interest in rice cookers this week. Amazon’s annual Prime Day sale, which began on Thursday, features several Zojirushi models at reduced prices. Zojirushi, a Japanese brand known for its durability and performance, is a staple appliance in many restaurant kitchens across the city, including sushi counters and casual lunch spots.
The sale arrives during the summer, when rice-based dishes are prominent on menus from Koreatown to the Upper West Side. At H Mart in Flushing on Thursday afternoon, shoppers compared notes on models while checking their phones for deals. Most Zojirushi cookers on sale feature digital controls, warming functions, and nonstick inner pots. The discount ranges from $30 to $70, depending on the model and features.
Some chefs say the appliance’s reliability makes it worth the investment. “We use ours for staff meals and catering orders,” said a sous chef at a Midtown Japanese restaurant on Friday morning. “If there’s a discount, it’s a good time to replace old equipment.”
Prime Day discounts are set to run through the weekend, with inventory fluctuating as customers place orders. Shoppers are reminded to check return policies and shipping dates, as some models are already showing extended delivery times.
For New Yorkers who prepare rice regularly at home or in professional kitchens, the current sale offers a rare opportunity to purchase a Zojirushi cooker below standard retail price.