How to Use a Rice Cooker

You can use a rice cooker to steam large amounts of rice quickly and easily. Measure the amount of rice and water, set the rice cooker to "Cook" and in 35-40 minutes, it will automatically provide you with perfectly cooked rice.

Rice cookers were developed as early as 1912, but the first automatic rice cooker did not appear until Toshiba released it to Japanese kitchens in 1955. Developments in rice cooker technology meant that by 1960 they featured a timer and could keep cooked rice warm. Since then, the rice cooker has grown in popularity and many other companies offer quality models to help the professional kitchen produce large amounts of maximum quality rice with minimum supervision required.

Whether you run a takeaway, a canteen, or a mobile catering company, a rice cooker is a useful addition to any commercial kitchen. This buying guide will provide you with the information you need to make the right choice for your business before making a purchase.

How Does A Rice Cooker Work?

A rice cooker works by gently steaming rice, controlling the heat and timing, then keeps it at the right temperature for you. While the rice cooker does not speed up the rice cooking process, its ability to cook rice automatically means once the rice has been measured and washed and the water added, the cook is free to carry out other tasks during service. Some of the larger appliances are capable of producing up to 92 portions at a time.

Robust and easy to use, a rice cooker is made up of a non-stick bowl, a heating element and a thermostat control - which is how a rice cooker knows when to stop cooking. Rice used to need all of a cook's attention, but using a rice cooker means supervision is unnecessary.

How to Cook Rice in a Rice Cooker

Cooking rice in a rice cooker is a quick and easy way to produce large quantities of rice. If you want softer rice, adjust the rice to water ratio and increase the amount of water. For firmer rice, add a little less water.

1. Measure the desired amount of rice using the measuring cup provided
2. Wash the rice thoroughly in a sieve under running water to remove excess starch. This not only stops rice sticking, it also promotes good hygiene
3. Pour the rice into the inner bowl and spread it around to ensure even cooking
4. Use the measuring cup to add the correct amount of water and place the inner bowl into the rice cooker. As a general guide, use one cup of water for each cup of rice
5. Replace or close the lid until it snaps closed
6. Depress the lever to the "Cook" position until the light comes on
7. Cook for 35-40 minutes
8. Once the rice is cooked, the switch will automatically move to the "Warm" position until the light comes on
9. Keep the lid closed for 10-15 minutes
10. Carefully open the lid to avoid any steam and allow condensation to fall back into the rice cooker
11. Stir the rice and serve as quickly as possible
12. Disconnect the appliance from the power supply

Please note, exact measurements may vary depending on brand, but this method provides a general guide to cooking white rice in a rice cooker. Brown or wild rice may require more water and might take longer to cook.

TIP: To stop rice from sticking, add a little olive oil with the water.

The Benefits Of Using A Rice Cooker

• Perfectly cooked fluffy rice
• Capable of producing up to 23L of cooked rice at a time
• Great return on investment
• Requires minimal supervision
• Frees up space on your hob
• Easy to use
• Automatically switches to "Warm" once rice is cooked
• Easy to clean

What Size Do I Need?

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How to Clean a Rice Cooker

Buffalo rice cookers are easy to clean and maintain, but make sure you use the right equipment.

1. Always switch off and disconnect the rice cooker before attempting to clean it
2. Remove the inner bowl and wash it in warm, soapy water. It's best to avoid harsh chemicals, but a standard washing up liquid should protect the non-stick coating and prevent rice from sticking
3. The exterior of the rice cooker can be cleaned with a damp cloth
4. If your rice cooker comes with a water collector, remove by pulling outwards, then wash in warm, soapy water. You should empty and clean the water collector after each use

TIP: To further protect the bowl during cleaning, be sure to use the soft side of a sponge or a cloth.

What is the Difference Between a Domestic and a Commercial Rice Cooker

The main difference between domestic and commercial rice cookers is size. Commercial models are designed to produce a larger output.

• Warranty: Commercial rice cookers are designed for everyday use in a commercial kitchen. Their components are professional-grade, making them much more durable than their domestic counterparts. And a commercial warranty means you're covered for business use.
• Quality, Quantity & Speed: Commercial rice cookers are specifically designed with your business in mind. Fully automated and able to produce much larger volumes, they allow a business owner to profit on time, money and space.
• Return on Investment: A commercial rice cooker can produce large quantities of rice quickly, allowing your business to turn a fast profit. As a guideline, a 10 Litre Buffalo rice cooker costing £199.99 (excluding VAT) can produce 92 250g portions of rice. If each portion is charged at £3.20, your takings would be £294.40, offering a potential profit of £94.41.

FAQs

What is a rice cooker?

A rice cooker is a countertop appliance designed to steam large quantities of rice, producing maximum quality with minimum effort.

How long does rice take to cook in a rice cooker?

White rice will cook in 35-40 minutes.

How do you cook brown rice in a rice cooker?

You can cook brown rice in a rice cooker, but adjust the amount of water and cooking time according to the instructions for your model.

How do I cook basmati rice in a rice cooker?

Cook basmati rice in a rice cooker with a tablespoon of oil for every two cups of rice to make the cooked rice shiny and fluffy. Infuse the rice with any spices before cooking.

How much water do I use in a rice cooker?

As a general rule, use one cup of water for each cup of rice. Use the measuring cup provided to ensure accuracy.

Can you make coconut rice in a rice cooker?

It's easy to make coconut rice in a rice cooker. Rinse the rice with water as usual, but instead of adding water to the washed rice, add 100ml of coconut milk for every cup of rice, then top up to your usual fill level with water.

How long can I keep rice warm in a rice cooker?

You can keep rice in a rice cooker for up to 8 hours using the "Warm" feature. It should be safe to eat, but it's at its best when served quickly.

Can I cook sticky rice in a rice cooker?

You can cook sticky or sushi rice in a rice cooker by adding less water. The Buffalo rice cooker comes with a silicone liner and non-stick coating to ensure easy service of sticky rice.

Can you cook congee in a rice cooker?

You can cook congee in a rice cooker. Adjust the amount of water depending on the consistency you want. To prevent boiling over, leave the cover ajar to allow the steam to escape.

Can you cook quinoa in a rice cooker?

You can cook quinoa in a rice cooker because the appliance is a steamer. However, we recommend you only use your rice cooker to cook rice.

What can you cook in a rice cooker?

You can cook any food that can be steamed in a rice cooker, but we recommend you only use it to cook rice.

How big is a rice cooker cup?

Buffalo's rice coooker measuring cup holds 400ml of water.