How to Cook Rice Perfectly in a Rice Cooker
By Buy Kettles, Toasters, Irons & More Online | Russell Hobbs UK | Published: 2026-10-18
Category: How-to Guides
Learn the simple steps to make fluffy, tender rice every time using a rice cooker. Master the water ratio, avoid common mistakes, and get the most from your appliance.
Quick answer
Measure your rice with the supplied cup, rinse it until the water runs clear, add water to the correct level, and let the cooker do the rest. The automatic keep-warm feature means you can serve whenever you're ready.
Why the water ratio matters
Getting the right water-to-rice ratio is the single most important step for fluffy, separate grains. Too much water turns rice mushy; too little leaves it hard or undercooked. A good rule of thumb is 1:1.5 (rice to water) for white long-grain rice, but the markings inside your cooker bowl are the most reliable guide. Fill to the line that matches the number of cups you have added.
When to rinse and when to skip
Rinsing removes surface starch that makes rice gummy. For most white rice, rinse three to four times until the water is nearly clear. Skip rinsing for enriched or parboiled rice (like some instant varieties) because the added nutrients are on the surface. Check the package: if it says 'do not rinse,' follow that instruction.
Steps for perfect rice every time
- 1. Measure and rinse the rice: Use the measuring cup that came with your cooker (a standard rice-cooker cup is about 180 ml). Rinse the rice in a fine-mesh strainer under cold water until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch that can cause clumping. Don't skip rinsing for white rice—it's the easiest way to avoid sticky results.
- 2. Add water to the correct level: Place the rinsed rice in the inner bowl. Add water up to the line that matches the number of cups you added (for example, the '2' line for 2 cups). For firmer rice, use slightly less water; for softer rice, add a splash more. Always use the markings inside the bowl, not your finger. The knuckle method is unreliable.
- 3. Cook and let it rest: Close the lid securely and press the cook switch. The cooker will automatically switch to keep-warm when the rice is done. Let it rest for 5–10 minutes before opening the lid. This allows excess moisture to redistribute and gives a fluffier texture. Resist the urge to peek early. Lifting the lid releases steam and can lead to uneven cooking.
Products that help
- Rice Cooker & Steamer: This multi-functional appliance cooks up to 10 cups of rice and automatically switches off when food is ready. The auto shut-off prevents overcooking, so you don't have to watch the clock—perfect for busy evenings.
Rice Cooker & Steamer
