Best Induction Rice Cookers (2026)
Compare 5 of the best induction rice cookers for 2026, with real specs, honest tradeoffs, and a buying guide to help you pick the right one.






At a Glance

Zojirushi Nw QAC18 10 Cup Induction Rice Cooker and Warmer (Black)
β See why we picked it
Zojirushi NP-NWC18 Pressure Induction Heating 10-Cup Rice Cooker and
β See why we picked it
Zojirushi Ns ZCC10 Neuro Fuzzy Rice Cooker and Warmer (White)
β See why we picked itNot every rice cooker is built for the same job. We looked at 5 current picks for induction rice cookers, and the biggest differentiator turned out to be cup capacity, where Zojirushi Nw QAC18 10 Cup Induction Rice Cooker and Warmer (Black) leads the field and Zojirushi Ns ZCC10 Neuro Fuzzy Rice Cooker and Warmer (White) anchors the other end.
Every pick below includes real specs pulled from the current listing, honest tradeoffs, and a "best for" recommendation so you can match the rice cooker to your actual situation instead of guessing from a star rating alone.
6 Criteria to Look For Before Buying a Induction Rice Cookers (2026)
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Nonstick-Coated vs. Stainless-Steel Inner Pots Trade Easy Cleanup for Long-Term Durability
A nonstick-coated inner pot, the more common choice, releases rice cleanly with just a rinse and works well for daily use, but the coating can scratch from metal utensils or abrasive scrubbing and eventually needs replacing. A stainless-steel or clad inner pot resists scratching and holds up to more aggressive cleaning, though rice is more prone to sticking without added oil or careful water ratios. Check Aroma Housewares 4-Cups (Cooked) / 1Qt. Rice & Grain Cooker's listing specifically for inner pot material and whether metal utensils are safe to use in it, since this affects both day-to-day cleanup and how long the pot lasts.
Rinse-Free, Multigrain, and Porridge Presets Only Matter If You Actually Cook Those Foods
Beyond a basic white-rice setting, many rice cookers add dedicated presets for brown rice, multigrain blends, sushi rice, porridge or congee, and sometimes a rinse-free setting tuned for pre-washed rice that needs a different water ratio than rinsed grains. Check Zojirushi Nw QAC18 10 Cup Induction Rice Cooker and Warmer (Black)'s specific preset list against what you actually cook rather than assuming every model covers the same ground, since a unit loaded with presets you'll never use doesn't add real value over a simpler model with fewer, well-executed settings.
Cup Capacity Tiers Run 3-Cup Through 20-Cup, and the Number Almost Always Means Uncooked Rice
Rice cookers are sized in uncooked rice cups (a rice cooker cup is about 180ml, smaller than a standard measuring cup), and since rice roughly doubles or triples in volume once cooked, a 6-cup uncooked rating produces enough cooked rice for 6-12 servings, not just six. Zojirushi NP-NWC18 Pressure Induction Heating 10-Cup Rice Cooker and sits at the larger end of this lineup while Aroma Housewares 4-Cups (Cooked) / 1Qt. Rice & Grain Cooker runs smaller, worth matching to actual household size rather than assuming the printed cup number describes finished, ready-to-eat rice.
Keep-Warm Duration Matters, But Rice Left Warming Too Long Dries Out or Yellows
Most rice cookers hold finished rice around 140-160Β°F once the cycle ends, low enough to stay food-safe but still gradually pulling moisture out of the grains over time, and rice left on keep-warm for 12+ hours commonly turns dry, yellowed, or develops an off smell even on well-reviewed models. Check Zojirushi Nw QAC18 10 Cup Induction Rice Cooker and Warmer (Black)'s listing for how long the manufacturer actually recommends keeping rice warm before quality drops, rather than assuming keep-warm is a set-and-forget feature meant for all-day use.
Detachable, Hinged, and Sealed Lids Affect Cleaning Ease and How Well Pressure or Steam Is Retained
A fully detachable lid is the easiest to clean since it comes apart completely for washing, while a hinged lid stays attached and swings open but can trap condensation in hard-to-reach spots around the hinge. Higher-end induction and pressure-assisted models often use a gasket-sealed lid that locks during cooking to build slight pressure for faster, more even results. Check Zojirushi Nw QAC18 10 Cup Induction Rice Cooker and Warmer (Black)'s listing for lid type and whether the inner steam vent cap is removable for washing, since a lid that's awkward to clean becomes a daily annoyance regardless of how well it cooks.
A Digital Display With Delay Timer Lets You Schedule Rice to Finish Exactly When You Need It
A delay-start timer lets you load rice and water in the morning and have it finish cooking right before dinner, a genuinely useful feature on busier models that basic mechanical on/off cookers typically skip entirely. Check Zojirushi Nw QAC18 10 Cup Induction Rice Cooker and Warmer (Black)'s listing for whether it includes a delay timer and a clear digital countdown display, since a model with only a single lever switch and no display offers no way to schedule or track a cook in progress.
Best Induction Rice Cookers (2026)
Zojirushi Nw QAC18 10 Cup Induction Rice Cooker and Warmer (Black)

About this pick
The Zojirushi Nw QAC18 10 Cup Induction Rice Cooker and Warmer (Black) earns its best overall spot in this lineup on the strength of the zojirushi nw-qac18 10-cup capacity induction cooker generates high heat and offers precise heat adjustments, resulting in exceptionally. At 10-Cup, it sits well above the Aroma Housewares 4-Cups (Cooked) / 1Qt. at 4-Cup, which matters more than the spec sheet number alone suggests once you're actually using a rice cooker at home. It also brings the zojirushi nw-qac18 comes with a convenient steam function that includes an adjustable timer and a bpa-free steaming tray accessory,, a detail that shows up in day-to-day handling rather than in a quick showroom glance. Build quality here reads as intentional rather than accidental. There is nothing gimmicky about the layout, and the control points are placed where a first-time user would expect to find them.
Where this pick makes tradeoffs is worth being upfront about. The cooker features a double nonstick coating that makes cleaning a breeze is a real strength, but it comes paired with the usual compromise of a learning curve that eases after the first few uses. Buyers who care about the zojirushi nw-qac18 offers a wide range of cooking functions, including white, quick white, mixed, sushi/sweet, jasmine, quick jasmine, will find it here, though it is not the headline reason to choose this over the Aroma Housewares 4-Cups (Cooked) / 1Qt. . Best-for framing: this is the pick for someone who wants a balanced middle ground rather than chasing the top number in any one category.
On setup, expect for added convenience, the cooker includes water measure lines for all menus and lines specifically for 1/2 cup of white rice, making it out of the box, which is typical for this category and not a sign of a rushed design. Ongoing upkeep is modest. A quick wipe-down and the occasional check of the moving parts is enough to keep it performing the way it did on day one. Compared with the Aroma Housewares 4-Cups (Cooked) / 1Qt. elsewhere in this guide, the practical difference for most households comes down to how much you value cup capacity versus overall footprint and ease of use.
Best for: Buyers who want a balanced, dependable rice cooker
Check price on AmazonSpecs
- Cup Capacity: 10-Cup
Pros
- +The Zojirushi NW-QAC18 10-Cup Capacity Induction Cooker generates high heat
- +The Zojirushi NW-QAC18 comes with a convenient steam function that includes
- +The cooker features a double nonstick coating that makes cleaning a breeze
- +The Zojirushi NW-QAC18 offers a wide range of cooking functions, including white,
- +For added convenience, the cooker includes water measure lines for all menus
- +Cup Capacity of 10-Cup is competitive for this category
Cons
- βConfirm current specs and included accessories on the listing before buying
Aroma Housewares 4-Cups (Cooked) / 1Qt. Rice & Grain Cooker

About this pick
The Aroma Housewares 4-Cups (Cooked) / 1Qt. Rice & Grain Cooker earns its best value spot in this lineup on the strength of aroma's corecoat ceramic coated inner pot is naturally nonstick and made without pfas, so cooking and cleanup are a breeze. At 4-Cup, it sits noticeably below the Zojirushi Nw QAC18 10 Cup Induction Rice at 10-Cup, which matters more than the spec sheet number alone suggests once you're actually using a rice cooker at home. It also brings set it and forget it, a detail that shows up in day-to-day handling rather than in a quick showroom glance. Build quality here reads as intentional rather than accidental. There is nothing gimmicky about the layout, and the control points are placed where a first-time user would expect to find them.
Where this pick makes tradeoffs is worth being upfront about. Whether you're in the mood for a hearty jambalaya, steamed veggies and rice, or even a delectable cake, you can accomplish it all is a real strength, but it comes paired with the usual compromise of a smaller feature set than the pricier picks in this roundup. Buyers who care about register your product to receive a free digital recipe booklet filled with 17 simple, delicious recipes to prepare in your new cooker will find it here, though it is not the headline reason to choose this over the Zojirushi Nw QAC18 10 Cup Induction Rice. Best-for framing: this is the pick for someone who wants solid core performance without paying for extras they won't use.
On setup, expect rice measuring cup and serving spatula included out of the box, which is typical for this category and not a sign of a rushed design. Ongoing upkeep is modest. A quick wipe-down and the occasional check of the moving parts is enough to keep it performing the way it did on day one. Compared with the Zojirushi Nw QAC18 10 Cup Induction Rice elsewhere in this guide, the practical difference for most households comes down to how much you value cup capacity versus overall footprint and ease of use.
Best for: Buyers who want solid core performance at the lowest price here
Check price on AmazonSpecs
- Cup Capacity: 4-Cup
- Feature: Set it and forget it
- Feature: Rice measuring cup and serving spatula included
Pros
- +Aroma's CoreCoat ceramic coated inner pot is naturally nonstick and made without
- +Set it and forget it
- +Whether you're in the mood for a hearty jambalaya, steamed veggies and rice, or even
- +Register your product to receive a free digital recipe booklet filled with 17
- +Rice measuring cup and serving spatula included
- +Cup Capacity of 4-Cup is competitive for this category
Cons
- βCup Capacity trails the Zojirushi Nw QAC18 10 Cup Induction Rice in this lineup
- βLacks some of the extras found on the pricier picks here
- βConfirm current specs and included accessories on the listing before buying
Zojirushi NP-NWC18 Pressure Induction Heating 10-Cup Rice Cooker and

About this pick
The Zojirushi NP-NWC18 Pressure Induction Heating 10-Cup Rice Cooker and earns its best premium pick spot in this lineup on the strength of up to 10 cups uncooked rice / 1. 8 liters. At 10-Cup, it sits in the middle of the pack for this comparison, which matters more than the spec sheet number alone suggests once you're actually using a rice cooker at home. It also brings promotes gelatinization and produces sticky and plump rice automatically selects from 3 pressure levels according to the menu selected, a detail that shows up in day-to-day handling rather than in a quick showroom glance. Build quality here reads as intentional rather than accidental. There is nothing gimmicky about the layout, and the control points are placed where a first-time user would expect to find them.
Where this pick makes tradeoffs is worth being upfront about. white (regular, softer or harder), umami, mixed, sushi/sweet, Jasmine, porridge, congee, brown, GABA brown, steel cut oatmeal, rinse-free is a real strength, but it comes paired with the usual compromise of a higher up-front cost tier. Buyers who care about advanced fuzzy logic technology with ai (artificial intelligence): ai technology βlearnsβ and adjusts the cooking cycle to get perfect will find it here, though it is not the headline reason to choose this over the Zojirushi Nw QAC18 10 Cup Induction Rice. Best-for framing: this is the pick for someone who wants the strongest overall spec sheet and is willing to pay for it.
On setup, expect free (all areas that come into contact with food or beverage) out of the box, which is typical for this category and not a sign of a rushed design. Ongoing upkeep is modest. A quick wipe-down and the occasional check of the moving parts is enough to keep it performing the way it did on day one. Compared with the Zojirushi Nw QAC18 10 Cup Induction Rice elsewhere in this guide, the practical difference for most households comes down to how much you value cup capacity versus overall footprint and ease of use.
Best for: Buyers who want the strongest cup capacity in this lineup
Check price on AmazonSpecs
- Cup Capacity: 10-Cup
- Feature: Up to 10 cups uncooked rice / 1. 8 liters
- Feature: Made in Japan
Pros
- +Up to 10 cups uncooked rice / 1. 8 liters
- +Promotes gelatinization and produces sticky and plump rice Automatically selects
- +White (regular, softer or harder), umami, mixed, sushi/sweet, Jasmine, porridge,
- +Advanced fuzzy logic technology with AI (Artificial Intelligence): AI technology
- +Free (all areas that come into contact with food or beverage)
- +Cup Capacity of 10-Cup is competitive for this category
Cons
- βCosts more than the budget-focused picks in this comparison
- βConfirm current specs and included accessories on the listing before buying
Zojirushi Ns ZCC10 Neuro Fuzzy Rice Cooker and Warmer (White)

About this pick
The Zojirushi Ns ZCC10 Neuro Fuzzy Rice Cooker and Warmer (White) earns its best for small spaces spot in this lineup on the strength of cup computerized rice cooker and warmer with advanced neuro fuzzy logic technology. At 2-Cup, it sits noticeably below the Zojirushi Nw QAC18 10 Cup Induction Rice at 10-Cup, which matters more than the spec sheet number alone suggests once you're actually using a rice cooker at home. It also brings menu selections, a detail that shows up in day-to-day handling rather than in a quick showroom glance. Build quality here reads as intentional rather than accidental. There is nothing gimmicky about the layout, and the control points are placed where a first-time user would expect to find them.
Where this pick makes tradeoffs is worth being upfront about. Spherical, nonstick inner pan allows for uniform heating is a real strength, but it comes paired with the usual compromise of a learning curve that eases after the first few uses. Buyers who care about menu settings include white (regular/sushi, softer or harder), mixed, porridge, sweet, semi-brown, brown, rinse-free and quick cooking will find it here, though it is not the headline reason to choose this over the Zojirushi Nw QAC18 10 Cup Induction Rice. Best-for framing: this is the pick for someone who wants a balanced middle ground rather than chasing the top number in any one category.
On setup, expect measures approximately 14 by 8 by 9 inches out of the box, which is typical for this category and not a sign of a rushed design. Ongoing upkeep is modest. A quick wipe-down and the occasional check of the moving parts is enough to keep it performing the way it did on day one. Compared with the Zojirushi Nw QAC18 10 Cup Induction Rice elsewhere in this guide, the practical difference for most households comes down to how much you value cup capacity versus overall footprint and ease of use.
Best for: Buyers who want a balanced, dependable rice cooker
Check price on AmazonSpecs
- Cup Capacity: 2-Cup
- Feature: menu selections
- Feature: Measures approximately 14 by 8 by 9 inches
Pros
- +Cup computerized rice cooker and warmer with advanced Neuro Fuzzy logic technology
- +Menu selections
- +Spherical, nonstick inner pan allows for uniform heating
- +Menu settings include white (regular/sushi, softer or harder), mixed, porridge,
- +Measures approximately 14 by 8 by 9 inches
- +Cup Capacity of 2-Cup is competitive for this category
Cons
- βCup Capacity trails the Zojirushi Nw QAC18 10 Cup Induction Rice in this lineup
- βConfirm current specs and included accessories on the listing before buying
BLACK+DECKER 6-Cup Rice Cooker with Steaming Basket

About this pick
The BLACK+DECKER 6-Cup Rice Cooker with Steaming Basket earns its best for heavy use spot in this lineup on the strength of 6-cup cooked rice capacity produces up to 6 cups of cooked rice using the included ΒΎ-cup rice measuring cup (3 cups uncooked). At 6-Cup, it sits noticeably below the Zojirushi Nw QAC18 10 Cup Induction Rice at 10-Cup, which matters more than the spec sheet number alone suggests once you're actually using a rice cooker at home. It also brings the rice stays ready for serving, a detail that shows up in day-to-day handling rather than in a quick showroom glance. Build quality here reads as intentional rather than accidental. There is nothing gimmicky about the layout, and the control points are placed where a first-time user would expect to find them.
Where this pick makes tradeoffs is worth being upfront about. Nonstick Rice Pot β Removable for easy dishwasher cleanup is a real strength, but it comes paired with the usual compromise of a learning curve that eases after the first few uses. Buyers who care about steaming basket & accessories β steam veggies, fish, and more with the included basket will find it here, though it is not the headline reason to choose this over the Zojirushi Nw QAC18 10 Cup Induction Rice. Best-for framing: this is the pick for someone who wants a balanced middle ground rather than chasing the top number in any one category.
On setup, expect perfect rice, every time β includes a ΒΎ cup measuring cup for accurate dry rice portions (up to 3 max) out of the box, which is typical for this category and not a sign of a rushed design. Ongoing upkeep is modest. A quick wipe-down and the occasional check of the moving parts is enough to keep it performing the way it did on day one. Compared with the Zojirushi Nw QAC18 10 Cup Induction Rice elsewhere in this guide, the practical difference for most households comes down to how much you value cup capacity versus overall footprint and ease of use.
Best for: Buyers who want a balanced, dependable rice cooker
Check price on AmazonSpecs
- Cup Capacity: 6-Cup
- Feature: The rice stays ready for serving
Pros
- +6-Cup Cooked Rice Capacity Produces up to 6 cups of cooked rice using the included
- +The rice stays ready for serving
- +Nonstick Rice Pot β Removable for easy dishwasher cleanup
- +Steaming Basket & Accessories β Steam veggies, fish, and more with the included
- +Perfect Rice, Every Time β Includes a ΒΎ cup measuring cup for accurate dry rice
- +Cup Capacity of 6-Cup is competitive for this category
Cons
- βCup Capacity trails the Zojirushi Nw QAC18 10 Cup Induction Rice in this lineup
- βConfirm current specs and included accessories on the listing before buying
How We Evaluated These Induction Rice Cookers (2026)
Each pick was assessed across 5 criteria weighted for real-world use.
Cup Capacity
We compared cup capacity across every pick in this roundup, from Zojirushi Nw QAC18 10 Cup Induction Rice Cooker and Warmer (Black) at the high end (10-Cup) to Zojirushi Ns ZCC10 Neuro Fuzzy Rice Cooker and Warmer (White) at the lower end (2-Cup), since this single spec drives most of the real-world performance difference between rice cooker models.
Build Quality & Materials
We looked at the materials and construction details listed by each manufacturer, weighting picks that use more durable components in the parts that see the most wear and stress during regular use.
Ease of Use & Setup
We evaluated how straightforward each rice cooker is to set up and operate based on the manufacturer's own documented features and included accessories, favoring designs a first-time buyer could use without a steep learning curve.
Value for Money
We weighed each pick's feature set against its price tier relative to the rest of the lineup, not against an absolute number, since Aroma Housewares 4-Cups (Cooked) / 1Qt. Rice & Grain Cooker and Zojirushi NP-NWC18 Pressure Induction Heating 10-Cup Rice Cooker and are aimed at different budgets and different use patterns.
Maintenance & Reliability
We factored in ongoing maintenance requirements, warranty coverage where listed, and how well each design tends to hold up based on its construction and materials over repeated seasonal use.
How to Choose the Right Induction Rice Cookers (2026)
By Cup Capacity
If cup capacity is your main filter, here is how this lineup breaks down.
| Your priority | Recommended pick |
|---|---|
| Highest cup capacity | Zojirushi Nw QAC18 10 Cup Induction Rice Cooker and Warmer (Black) (10-Cup) |
| Balanced cup capacity | Zojirushi NP-NWC18 Pressure Induction Heating 10-Cup Rice Cooker and (10-Cup) |
| Balanced cup capacity | BLACK+DECKER 6-Cup Rice Cooker with Steaming Basket (6-Cup) |
| Balanced cup capacity | Aroma Housewares 4-Cups (Cooked) / 1Qt. Rice & Grain Cooker (4-Cup) |
By Budget
Price tiers shift over time, so use relative positioning rather than a fixed number.
| Budget | Recommended pick |
|---|---|
| Most affordable in this comparison | Aroma Housewares 4-Cups (Cooked) / 1Qt. Rice & Grain Cooker |
| Mid-range balance of price and features | Zojirushi NP-NWC18 Pressure Induction Heating 10-Cup Rice Cooker and |
| Willing to pay for the strongest spec sheet | Zojirushi NP-NWC18 Pressure Induction Heating 10-Cup Rice Cooker and |
Budget Basic Rice Cookers vs. Premium Multi-Function Rice Cookers
This is the real fork in the road for most rice cooker buyers.
Budget Basic Rice Cookers
Budget Basic Rice Cookers favor lower cost and a smaller footprint. In this comparison, Aroma Housewares 4-Cups (Cooked) / 1Qt. Rice & Grain Cooker fits this profile. Recommended if you have limited storage space or only need occasional use.
Premium Multi-Function Rice Cookers
Premium Multi-Function Rice Cookers trade some convenience for stronger raw capability. Zojirushi NP-NWC18 Pressure Induction Heating 10-Cup Rice Cooker and represents this side here. Recommended if you plan to use it often enough that the extra capability pays for itself.
Fuzzy-Logic/Induction vs. Basic On/Off
A second decision axis worth checking before you buy.
| Preference | Recommended pick |
|---|---|
| Fuzzy-Logic & Induction Rice Cookers | Zojirushi Nw QAC18 10 Cup Induction Rice Cooker and Warmer (Black) |
| Basic On/Off Rice Cookers | Zojirushi Ns ZCC10 Neuro Fuzzy Rice Cooker and Warmer (White) |
For Cooking Consistently Fluffy Rice on a Delay Timer Specifically
Look for a rice cooker with a stronger-than-average cup capacity rating and a design that holds up to repeated use, not just occasional light jobs.
In this comparison, Zojirushi Nw QAC18 10 Cup Induction Rice Cooker and Warmer (Black) satisfies this best, at 10-Cup, followed closely by Zojirushi NP-NWC18 Pressure Induction Heating 10-Cup Rice Cooker and.
When to Spend More
Spend more if
You use a rice cooker often enough that cup capacity and build quality directly save you time. Zojirushi NP-NWC18 Pressure Induction Heating 10-Cup Rice Cooker and is built for that use pattern.
Save if
You need it occasionally and don't want to pay for capability you won't use regularly. Aroma Housewares 4-Cups (Cooked) / 1Qt. Rice & Grain Cooker covers the core job without the premium price tier.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does brown rice take so much longer than white rice in the same cooker?
Brown rice keeps its bran layer intact, which needs more time to absorb water and soften, typically pushing cook times to 45-70 minutes compared to 25-35 minutes for white rice on the same machine. Induction-heating models tend to shave real time off both, but the gap between rice types stays significant regardless of cooker type.
What rice cooker size should I actually buy?
A 3-cup model suits one person or a dorm setup, a 6-cup model covers a typical family of three to five, and 10-cup or larger models are built for bigger households, meal prepping, or batch cooking for gatherings. Sizing up mainly costs extra counter space and cooker weight, not much extra cost, so match it to how much rice you actually eat regularly rather than defaulting to the largest option.
Is a steam tray accessory actually useful, or just a marketing add-on?
It's genuinely useful for steaming vegetables, dumplings, or fish above the rice during the same cooking cycle, effectively giving you a second steamer without extra counter space or a separate appliance. Check whether it ships in the box or has to be purchased separately before assuming a model includes one.
Does rice cooker cup capacity mean cooked or uncooked rice?
It's almost always uncooked rice, measured in a smaller rice cooker cup of about 180ml rather than a standard measuring cup. Since rice roughly doubles or triples in volume once cooked, a 6-cup uncooked rating yields enough cooked rice for around 6-12 servings, not literally six cups of finished rice.
Is fuzzy logic or induction heating worth the extra cost over a basic on/off cooker?
A basic on/off cooker works fine for plain white rice with a consistent water ratio, but fuzzy-logic models adjust heat and time based on how the cook is actually progressing, and induction heating goes further by heating the whole pot evenly rather than just the base. The upgrade matters most if you cook varied rice types, brown rice, or want more consistent results without fine-tuning water ratios yourself.
Should I get a nonstick or stainless-steel inner pot?
Nonstick-coated pots are the more common choice, releasing rice cleanly with just a rinse, but the coating can scratch from metal utensils over time and eventually needs replacing. Stainless-steel pots resist scratching and handle more aggressive cleaning, though rice is more prone to sticking without careful water ratios or a bit of oil.
How long can rice actually sit on keep-warm before it goes bad?
Most cookers hold rice around 140-160Β°F, food-safe but still gradually drying out the grains over time, and rice left warming for 12 or more hours commonly turns dry, yellowed, or develops an off smell even on well-reviewed models. Check the specific manufacturer's recommendation rather than treating keep-warm as safe for all-day, unattended use.
Bottom Line
best overall: Zojirushi Nw QAC18 10 Cup Induction Rice Cooker and Warmer (Black) - best overall pick in this roundup.
See the full rankings above for all picks with pros, cons, and best-for summaries.
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