Friends use the Aroma and think it's wonderful. One described it as the best thing he's bought in a while. It's a good cooker. It doesn't have as many menu options or timers as a high end cooker, doesn't have the cute sounds, and the high end cooker will cook rice a little better. Also the high end cooker will prolly last longer since it is a bit more solidly constructed. I also find the high end cooker a little easier to take apart and clean, not that there is much to that. Clean the bowl, the cover and the steam vent, all are removable. Dead easy.

I have a Zojirushi because at the time I got it that was the only small capacity cooker I could find. Perfect rice every time, just measure accurately. http://www.amazon.com/Zojirushi-NS-LAC05XA-Uncooked-Cooker-Warmer/dp/B000G30ESY/ref=pd_sim_79_5?ie=UTF8&dpID=41NSG173A0L&dpSrc=sims&preST=_AC_UL160_SR160%2C160_&refRID=0JQDPQ7291RBBBMBCT1J