Zojirushi BS-ED10-WA: Mastering the Art of Mochi Making at Home

Mochi, the chewy, soft Japanese rice cake, holds a special place in Japanese culture. Often associated with celebrations and traditions, particularly the New Year, mochi is more than just a treat; it is a symbol of good fortune and prosperity. Making mochi from scratch has historically been a labor-intensive communal event, involving the rhythmic pounding of steamed glutinous rice. The Zojirushi BS-ED10-WA Rice Cake Machine brings this time-honored tradition into the modern kitchen, offering a convenient and efficient way to make fresh mochi at home. It’s a product that caters to those who cherish the flavors of authentic Japanese cuisine and are keen to try it without the traditional effort.

Overview

The Zojirushi BS-ED10-WA is a specialized kitchen appliance meticulously designed for mochi making. It automates the traditionally laborious process of steaming and pounding glutinous rice, simplifying it into a few easy steps. It is made by Zojirushi, a respected Japanese company with a long history of producing high-quality kitchen appliances. This compact machine weighs approximately 17.64 pounds and measures 16.3 x 12.68 x 11.61 inches, designed to fit comfortably in most kitchens. The machine operates at 100V, necessitating a step-down transformer for use in countries with different voltage standards, such as the United States (120V).

Design Philosophy - Bridging Tradition and Modernity

Zojirushi, known for its innovative kitchen appliances, designed the BS-ED10-WA with a clear philosophy: to make the traditional art of mochi making accessible to everyone. This machine embodies a respect for culinary heritage while embracing modern convenience. It’s about bringing a taste of authentic Japanese culture into homes worldwide, without the need for laborious manual pounding. This appliance is designed to simplify a complex culinary process, allowing both novices and experienced cooks to enjoy the art of mochi making.

Automatic Mochi Making - The Science of Perfect Mochi

The BS-ED10-WA’s core capability lies in its automatic mochi-making function. This involves two primary stages: steaming and pounding. But what gives mochi its unique, delightful texture? The secret is in the type of rice used: glutinous rice, also known as sweet rice or mochigome.

Glutinous rice is distinct due to its high amylopectin content. Amylopectin is a branched-chain polymer of glucose, and it’s what gives mochi its characteristic sticky and elastic texture. When glutinous rice is subjected to steaming, the heat and moisture cause the starch granules to swell and undergo a process called gelatinization. This process breaks down the crystalline structure of the starch, transforming it into a viscous, gel-like substance.

The BS-ED10-WA expertly automates this steaming process, ensuring the rice is cooked to the perfect consistency for mochi. After steaming, the machine’s powerful motor (rated at 160W, with the heater at 600W for a total of 760W as confirmed by user reviews) takes over, vigorously pounding the rice. This crucial pounding process develops the gluten further and incorporates air, resulting in the smooth, elastic texture that defines high-quality mochi. One user on Amazon raved, “much better than store-bought!” highlighting the superior texture achieved with this machine.

Manual Controls - Tailoring Mochi to Your Preference

While the automatic mode simplifies mochi making, offering a straightforward path to delicious results, the BS-ED10-WA also provides manual controls for both steaming and pounding. This feature caters to seasoned mochi makers who prefer to fine-tune the process to their specific preferences. It allows for variations in texture and consistency, providing a level of customization that true mochi connoisseurs will appreciate. For instance, achieving a slightly firmer mochi might involve adjusting the pounding time, a nuance easily managed with the manual controls.

The machine has the following buttons (translations provided for US users):

• Upper Right: Power ON/OFF (切 end; finish; stop)
• Center Big Button: Automatic (自動 automatic) - Steams and then pounds automatically.
• Upper Left: Steam Only (むす Musu (To Steam)) - Use this for steaming only, then stop with the power button.
• Lower Left: Pound Only (つく Arrive, Accrue, Make) - Use this for manual pounding, typically for about 10 minutes.
• Other buttons: (こねる Knead), (つぶす to smash; to crush; to flatten), (みそ Miso), (もちつき Mochitsuki (the pounding of mochi)), (自動違転 Automatic turnover), (しめる Close), (はずす Remove)
  

Effortless Cleanup with Non-Stick Components

A common concern with any kitchen appliance is the cleanup process, especially when dealing with sticky substances like mochi. Zojirushi thoughtfully addresses this potential pain point with the BS-ED10-WA’s non-stick components. The inner pan and the pounding paddle are specifically designed to prevent the tenacious mochi from adhering, making cleanup remarkably easy. Users consistently praise this feature in their reviews. One user succinctly stated, “great product simple to use and clean,” while another emphasized, “Easy to clean.” This ease of cleaning significantly reduces the time and effort required after each use, encouraging more frequent mochi-making adventures. The paddle is also easily removable for more thorough cleaning.

Voltage Considerations for US Users

The BS-ED10-WA is designed for the Japanese market and operates at 100V. This is a crucial consideration for users in the United States, where the standard voltage is 120V. Using the machine without a step-down transformer can damage the appliance and poses a safety risk.

Based on user feedback, it’s vital to use a step-down transformer capable of handling at least 760 watts. This is because the combined wattage of the heater (600W) and motor (160W) totals 760W. It is vital to choose a transformer of sufficient capacity to ensure safe and optimal operation. A user review helpfully specified, “If you are looking at transformers, please advised that you need something that will support a minimum of 760 watts. The motor (モーター) uses 142-160 watts and the heater (ヒーター) uses 600 watts.” This highlights the importance of not only using a transformer but selecting the correct one.

Material and Build Quality

The Zojirushi BS-ED10-WA is built with a stainless steel inner pan, ensuring durability and even heat distribution. This choice of material is not only robust but also contributes to the quality of the mochi produced. Stainless steel is known for its resistance to corrosion and its ability to withstand high temperatures, making it ideal for the steaming and pounding process. The machine’s exterior is a clean white, giving it a modern and minimalist aesthetic that fits well in any kitchen. The robust construction, combined with high-quality materials, suggests a product designed for longevity.

Capacity for Generous Batches

The BS-ED10-WA boasts a 1.8-liter capacity, which translates to roughly one bushel. This generous capacity allows users to make a substantial amount of mochi in a single batch, perfect for families, gatherings, or those who simply want to stock up on this delicious treat. The ability to produce larger quantities is a significant advantage, especially when compared to smaller mochi makers on the market. It means less frequent use for the same amount of output, saving time and effort. One user review mentioned making up to 5 cups of sweet rice per use.

Summary

The Zojirushi BS-ED10-WA Rice Cake Machine offers a convenient, efficient, and user-friendly way to enjoy fresh, homemade mochi. It successfully bridges the gap between traditional Japanese culinary practices and modern kitchen technology, making the art of mochi making accessible to a wider audience. While the lack of English instructions and the need for a voltage transformer in the US are notable considerations, the machine’s performance, ease of use (once set up), and the superior quality of the mochi it produces make it a worthwhile investment for mochi enthusiasts. By understanding the science behind mochi’s unique texture and utilizing this well-designed appliance, anyone can embark on a delicious journey into the heart of Japanese cuisine. You can experience the joy of crafting your own mochi, from simple plain varieties to creative variations filled with sweet red bean paste, fruits, or even ice cream. The possibilities are as endless as your imagination.