How to Operate a Rice Cooker

Rice cookers offer an easy, simple way to prepare rice.

Rice cookers offer a simple, easy way to prepare meals. The pot-style rice cooker is the most popular, because it is inexpensive and easy to use. You can cook between three and 30 cups of rice depending on the size of the pot. It has a removable inner pot with a vented lid that holds the rice and water, which is inserted into the cooker body. Pot-style cookers usually come with a tray for cooking fish, chicken or vegetables that fits over the rice pot so they can be steamed simultaneously.

Things You'll Need

• Rice
• Water

Instructions

1. Measure the amount of rice needed and rinse it thoroughly to remove any residue that would cause the rice to stick together upon cooking. One cup of uncooked rice will become two to four cups of cooked rice, depending on the variety, so check package recommendations carefully.

2. Place the inner pot into the cooker body. Pour the rice in and add the exact amount of water needed.

   For standard American white rice, use two cups of water per one cup of rice. For brown and basmati rice, use 1 1/2 cups of water per one cup of rice. For jasmine rice, use slightly less than 1 1/4 cups of water per one cup of rice.

3. Cover the pot with the vented lid. Plug in the cooker and turn it on.

4. Remove the lid with great care when the pot has finished cooking as it will release hot steam. It will usually beep to let you know the rice is done, and most cookers have a warming function that keeps the rice warm until you're ready to eat it.

5. Fluff the rice with a fork if you wish, before serving.

6. Turn off the machine if it does not shut off automatically. Unplug it and remove the inner pot for cleaning and drying after each use.

Tips & Warnings

• If you often cook with brown rice, you may wish to find a rice cooker that has a brown rice cooking option for optimal soaking and cooking time.

• Instead of water, experiment with liquids such as vegetable broth, milk or salad dressing. You can also add fresh or dried spices or hot sauce to flavor the rice while it's cooking. Just make sure the total ratio of liquid to rice remains consistent.

References

• Rice Cooker Guide: How do Rice Cookers Work?
• USA Rice Federation: Rice Cooker Information