How Does a Rice Cooker Work?
A rice cooker is an essential kitchen appliance, especially in Asian households where rice forms the backbone of daily meals. If you’re curious about what a rice cooker is and how it works to produce perfectly cooked rice every time, you’ve come to the right place! Let’s steam ahead into the fascinating world of rice cookers and discover how they work, along with the different types you can choose from.
1. Getting Started: Preparation is Key
Before you start cooking, you’ll need to measure your rice and add the appropriate amount of water. This step is crucial for achieving the desired texture and flavour. The common ratio is 1 cup of rice to 1.5 – 2 cups of water, depending on the type of rice and personal preference. Once you’ve measured the rice and water, place them into the inner pot of the rice cooker and make sure everything is evenly distributed.
2. The Heating Mechanism: Bringing Rice to Life
Rice cookers operate by transferring heat through thermal conduction. This process begins with the heating element located at the base of the appliance. When you turn on the cooker, this element heats up, causing the water to boil. Materials like aluminium and stainless steel are often used in the construction of inner pots because they efficiently conduct heat for even cooking.
3. Boiling and Absorption: The Science Behind Perfect Rice
As the water reaches boiling point, the rice begins to cook and absorb the water. This absorption process determines the final texture of the rice — whether it’s fluffy, sticky or firm.
For instance, the CUCKOO CR-0675F rice cooker allows you to customise the rice texture according to your liking. One of the great benefits of modern rice cookers (including ours) is their ability to prevent the rice from burning or overcooking, thanks to advanced sensors that monitor the moisture levels.
4. Keeping Warm Mode: Ensuring Freshness
Once the rice has absorbed all the water, the cooker detects this change and automatically switches to “keep warm” mode. This feature helps to maintain the perfect temperature for serving while preventing bacterial growth. Your rice stays warm, fresh and ready to eat, even if you’re not immediately ready to serve it.
5. Different Types of Rice Cookers
There are two main types of rice cookers, which are microcomputer (micom) rice cookers and Induction Heating (IH) rice cookers. The micom rice cooker is known for its microcomputer technology that precisely controls the cooking process, whereas the IH rice cooker cooks rice by heating it from the bottom of the pan using a heater. The CUCKOO CR-0675F is a prime example of a micom rice cooker. It can cook up to 6 cups (12 cups cooked) of rice and offers eight different cooking modes, including options for porridge, soup and more specific dishes.
CUCKOO CR-0675F Rice Cooker: Make Perfect Rice, Every Time
The CUCKOO CR-0675F Rice Cooker is a versatile rice cooker that comes with:
- 8 Cooking Modes
Explore a world of flavours with menu options like white rice, multigrain, GABA rice, porridge and more!
- 3 Rice Texture Options
Customise your rice to be chewy and tender (sticky), moist and tender (soft) or rich and satisfying (savoury), just the way you like it.
- Non-Stick Inner Pot
Cleaning up is a breeze with the non-stick inner pot that ensures nothing sticks to the sides.
- Easy & Simple Detachable Inner Lid
Simplify your cleanup with the easy-to-detach inner lid, keeping the cooker hygienic for your next meal.
- Water Drainage Dish
Collect excessive water from the rice cooker, so that your rice always stays fresh and delicious!
- Auto Steam Sterilisation
Worried about bacteria? Fret not, our automatic sterilisation system keeps the cooker clean and odour-free by using steam.
- Touch Control Panel
Simply press the buttons and cook with ease!
- 3D Air Seal Warming System
Keep your meals fresh and warm until you’re ready to serve.
- Easy Portability
Take your rice cooker anywhere with its detachable cord!
So, what do rice cookers do best? From simplifying the entire process of cooking rice to creating easy and delicious one-pot meals, it’s hard to live without a rice cooker, especially in Malaysia. Available for as low as RM400 through the CUCKOO e-Brandshop, our advanced rice cooker is an excellent kitchen investment for anyone who values consistently delicious meals.