A Rice cooker is an appliance that is mostly used to cook rice. We say mostly because now people like to experiment with whatever they can. A lot of them are using a rice cooker for baking or making other dishes besides different types of rice. But since it is a rice cooker, we will focus on just that. The measurement of the rice cooker is the balance of rice and water when you want to cook the perfect rice.

Now before we dive deeper into the measurements of a rice cooker, you need to understand how it works. A rice cooker is an electronic appliance with a sealed lid. Once you turn it on, the water temperature starts to go up until it reaches a boiling point and the rice in that water gets cooked. Since the rice cooker stays sealed during the cooking process, the air pressure inside is very little which helps the water to boil sooner.

You need to follow the instructions provided with the rice cooker accordingly. The cooking time for rice cookers may differ depending on the model. So you need to be well-prepared. The rice and water ratio also differs between the types of rice. You may question ‘what are rice cooker measurements?’. So let us present to you the ultimate list for rice cooker measurements.

Simple White Rice Measurements

The water and rice measurements won’t be the same between a rice cooker and cooking on a stovetop. You take 2 cups of rice and 2.5 cups of water when you cook rice in a pot on the stove. But when it comes to the measurements of cooking rice in a rice cooker, you need to use the measuring cup provided with the rice cooker. That measuring cup is slightly different than a standard measure cup. That’s why you need to follow the specific instructions provided by the manufacturer.

There are water lines inside the rice cooker pot which indicates how much the pot should be filled for each cup of rice. Use the measuring cup that comes with the rice cooker to measure both rice and water. The standard ratio of rice and water for most rice cookers is 1:1. This means you should take 1 cup of water against 1 cup of rice. But still, check the user manual for confirmation since your model might work differently.

Brown Rice Measurements

Brown rice takes longer to cook, whether you cook it on the stove or in a rice cooker. Depending on your rice cooker model, it can take twice as long for the brown rice to cook compared to white rice. As for the measurements, the standard recommendation for brown rice is 2.25 cups of water against 1 cup of brown rice.

It might be the standard measurements but still, take a look at your manufacturer’s instructions since the measurements can differ according to the rice cooker model. The cooking would take more time than white rice as well. If your rice cooker can cook white rice in 20 minutes, it should take around 40 minutes for it to cook the brown rice.

Basmati Rice Measurements

Basmati rice is quite different than any normal rice you can find on the market. The grains are longer than usual. Basmati rice is used mostly for Indian dishes but you can make a pot at home anytime you want. It is quite fluffy and you can explore different recipes to make it even more delicious. As for the measurement, the normal basmati rice you can find in the supermarket should require 1.5 cups of water for 1 cup of rice.

There is also brown basmati rice available which is grown in the USA. If you use that, you would probably need 2 cups of water instead of 1.5 cups to cook 1 cup of rice. As we already know, brown rice takes longer to cook and requires more water. Just make sure you follow the instructions of whichever recipe you choose.

Jasmine Rice Measurements

Jasmine rice is very similar to white rice. It is highly processed and has a pleasant aroma that makes your mouth water. The recommended measurement for jasmine rice is the same as white rice, which is 1:1. So you need 1 cup of water and 1 cup of jasmine rice for your cooking. The cooking time should also be similar to the time it would take to cook normal white rice. If your rice cooker can cook white rice in 20 minutes, the same should go for jasmine rice. Make sure you fluff the rice with the spatula after the rice is cooked and let the aroma engulf you.

Measurement Tips

The Rice cooker is one of the safest appliances you can have in the kitchen and cooking in it is quite easy once you understand how it works. Now let us provide some tips that would help you cook the perfect rice so you won’t end up with something inedible and mushy. Keeping these in mind are important after you have figured out exactly what are rice cooker measurements. 

– Always use the measuring cup and spatula that comes with your rice cooker. The cup is different than normal measurement cups and is designed to help make a perfect pot of rice in the cooker

– To ensure that you won’t lose the cup, keep it separate from your other kitchen tools. You can just place it inside the rice cooker after it’s cleaned and store them away together. You won’t have to use that measuring cup for anything other than cooking rice in the cooker

– Follow the recipes of what you want to cook before rinsing the rice. Some recipes may require the rice to be soaked longer than usual while some may ask for you to go for a quick rinse. Measure the rice before you rinse them

FAQs

What is the measurement for a rice cooker cup?

According to the USA standard, one cup means 240ml. But the cup provided with rice cooker measures to 180ml. That’s why you cannot measure rice and water the same way for a rice cooker as you would on a stovetop.

How do you measure the ratio of water and rice when you cook in a rice cooker?

Most rice cookers stick to the ratio of 1:1, which means 1 cup of water for 1 cup of rice. Your rice cooker may have a different ratio depending on its model so make sure you check the manual before starting to cook.

How much water is needed for 2 cups of rice?

If you know the standard ratio (which is 1:1) then you know the answer to that question as well. 1 cup of rice needs 1 cup of water to cook. So when it comes to doubling the rice, double the water as well. 2 cups of water for 2 cups of water, and the same goes for as many cups as you want to cook. The amount of rice should be the same as water. Just make sure the inner pot of your rice cooker can handle the amount of rice you want to cook and won’t boil over.

Should I rinse rice before cooking?

Yes, you should. The reason to rinse the rice with water before cooking is so that the starch is removed from the grains. If you put in the rice without rinsing and the starch is present, the rice can become gummy and sticky. If you have the time, try to soak the rice in water for a while before cooking. It would help the grains to absorb the moisture and give a better texture.

Which rice is healthier between jasmine and basmati?

Both rice grains are quite similar when it comes to their nutrient levels. They are processed to be high in carbs so you can have instant energy after eating them. Cholesterol and fat levels are comparatively low in both basmati and jasmine rice. However, jasmine rice has slightly higher calories compared to basmati rice.

Why is my rice sticky?

If you do not maintain the proper water and rice ratio, your rice won’t come out as you would expect. Too much water can make rice mushier. Also, you need to rinse the rice before cooking it since the lingering starch can be another reason for it to be sticky. The boiling water can cause the starch to come out and blend with the grains, making them sticky.

How Is the Capacity of A Rice Cooker Measured?

The capacity of a rice cooker depends on how many cups of rice it can cook. A rice cooker can have a small capacity of only one cup up to 6 cups. The rice cooker size you pick depends on how much rice you would normally cook.

Bottom Line

That is all you need to know about measurements when it comes to cooking rice in a rice cooker. Each recipe is different so each step is different as well. Make sure you read the instruction manual completely before diving into your cooking sessions. Hopefully this article has answered everything you wanted to know about what are rice cooker measurements and given you more tips as well.