If you’ve ever wondered how long it takes to cook rice in a rice cooker, then this article is perfect for you. Rice cookers are great appliances because they can be left unattended and will do all of the cooking work for the user while they go about their day doing other things. Although most people already know how long it takes to cook rice in a standard pan, the time it takes to do so in different types of rice cookers can vary depending on the model and size of the cooker.
The best way to determine how long it takes to cook rice in your specific rice cooker is to look at your user manual for the correct cooking times. If you don’t have the manual, then it’s time to get out your measuring cup and a stopwatch.
Cooking times also vary depending on how much rice is being cooked. Most rice cookers can accommodate anywhere from 1/2 a cup of uncooked rice up to 2 cups of uncooked rice. Larger models can add even more capacity but should have cooking times specifically noted in their user manual.
Cooking rice generally takes around 20 minutes regardless of capacity, but some users have reported that it can take as long as 40 minutes. This is due to the difference between stovetop and electric models. Electric rice cookers use hot plates covered with metal domes to heat up the rice instead of a metal pot on a stove. These hot plates take longer to heat up and can cause some rice to burn more easily than if it were being heated in a pan.
Cooking rice in the microwave is another popular alternative for those that don’t own or want to use a rice cooker. Most recipes call for a 1:2 ratio of water to rice and cooking time, but this varies based on the wattage of the microwave used and the desired amount of moisture left in the rice after it’s cooked.
Microwaves use microwaves to heat up food instead of hot air, so there is a substantial difference between cooking rice in a microwave and cooking it on the stove. Microwave wattages also vary from model to model, which can affect cooking time as well.
According to America’s Test Kitchen, an 1100-watt microwave will take around 12 minutes to cook 1 cup of rice that is measured after being rinsed. The time needed changes based on the amount of water used and rice variety, but the general rule is to cook it for about 3 minutes per cup.
From start to finish, washing uncooked white rice only takes about 30 seconds to complete. After removing the bag from its packaging, place your hand inside of it and run cold water over the rice to remove any impurities. Once finished, simply spread it out on a clean towel and let it air dry for a few minutes before cooking.
Rice can take anywhere from 20 minutes to 40 minutes to cook in a rice cooker, depending on capacity. Cooking times are generally around 20 minutes regardless of how much rice is being cooked but may take up to 40 minutes if using an electric model with a metal domed hot plate. Microwaves can also be used to cook rice, but cooking time varies by wattage and amount of water used. To wash rice, simply swirl it around in a bowl while running cold water over it for 30 seconds. Afterwards, spread the rice out on a towel to let it dry for a few minutes before cooking.