A rice cooker is an indispensable tool in the kitchen! It can help make dinner prep easy and efficient, while providing delicious cooked rice as a side dish. Though rice cookers have been around for decades, they’ve recently started becoming a kitchen staple again. In order to ensure that your appliance lasts a long time, here are some care tips you should consider:
1. Read The Manual
It may seem like a sound idea to start experimenting with your rice cooker when you first get your hands on it, but avoid doing so. Chances are, unless you’re a pro, you will kill many hours of your time and burn the rice. Start the cooking process by getting acquainted with the rice cooker and reading the manual instructions from start to finish. Even if you think you know how to use the cooker without the manual, stay on the safe side and read it!
2. Avoid Electric Shock
Though your rice cooker may seem like an unassuming appliance, it still runs on electricity. This means you always run the risk of electric shock, regardless of how basic the appliance seems. First and foremost, avoid leaving your rice cooker anywhere near a water source such as your kitchen sink. Most importantly, always wipe up spills or any water from your countertops before plugging your cooker in.
3. Keeping It Clean
As rice cookers contain a great deal of metal, they’re unfortunately susceptible to corrosion. This usually means that you need to keep your unit not only completely clean, but dry as well. Never use harsh detergents or abrasive scrubbing as a way to get the inside of the unit clean.
4. Step Back While It Cooks
Your rice cooker will release a great deal of steam through pressure and heat, and that means it’s dangerous for you to remain anywhere near the appliance while it operates. Do not touch the outer surface of the unit while it’s cooking. It gets very hot and may lead to third degree burns. Likewise, don’t put your face near the lid where the steam escapes as it can also cause burns to your face.
5. Protect The Non-Stick Coating
The inside of the cooker will have a non-stick coating to prevent your rice from burning. This means you have to remain extra careful about how you handle the cleaning. Avoid using cleaning agents that aren’t approved by the manufacturer or not mentioned in the user’s manual. It’s important to preserve the coating in the cooker, and that entails following cleaning instructions word for word. Additionally, never use any sharp objects to remove caked on spots as it can once again scratch and damage the non-stick coating.
6. Transfer Food After Cooking
Never leave your food inside of the appliance. Wait for the rice to cool down and simply remove it. Leaving the hot and humid food inside of the cooker will make it the perfect place for bacterial growth. That isn’t something you should ever eat!
7. Clean Right After Use
Wait for your rice cooker to cool down completely, and once it does, make sure you clean it before putting it away again for storage. Bear in mind, if you leave your cooker as it is and never remove the captured moisture, it will cause mold and mildew growth that are detrimental to your health. Whenever you reach the point of using your rice cooker, make sure that it is completely dry and not damp in any way.
8. Store Responsibly
Most rice cookers aren’t used on a daily basis, and that means you have to choose a storage spot carefully. Make sure you opt for a shelf or cabinet where you can store the cooker and all of the accessories. It is also important to take care of the lid as it’s usually glass and easily broken when not cared for properly.
A rice cooker is a fantastic way to prepare casual meals for the entire family. With basic cooking skills, you can create delicious recipes that are sure to please. A great appliance can last for many years to come, but it requires some care and effort on your part when cleaning and storing your unit.