I remember when I bought my zojirushi around 14 years ago I was annoyed by the retractable cord because I was certain it would stop working before the cooker itself broke down.

Well, almost 15 years in (that milestone will be in July I think) and I can’t say the machine is any worse for wear, and I rarely use it less than twice per week. It’s a workhorse. It makes oatmeal at least once per week, rice usually twice per week, and occasionally some other grain. It does a great job on everything I throw at it. The retractable cord is doing just fine.