Thanks for your advice. Cooking is my passion and fortunately my budget (within reason!) isn't a limiting factor.

I'd read about Zojirushi but unluckily I've only seen them on ebay and I think I'm prepared to compromise a bit to buy from within the UK as so much electrical stuff today seems to have faults....... a mini oven and humidifier this week both a few weeks old.

One thing I have read is that size is important! It seems that large capacity rice cookers cook small quantities less well than small ones. So I'm looking for a small reassuringly expensive one I think that has as many functions that helps cook and hold perfect rice.

Any feedback and advice appreciated.