Rice cookers or steamers are a great, no-fail to perfectly cook side dishes such as rice, couscous or quinoa. Because these items use electric to heat water to a high temperature, they pose a safety risk if used incorrectly.
Rice Cooker Safety
Safety First
- When buying a new rice cooker, always buy from a reputable dealer, and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Always register a new rice cooker with the manufacturer. That way you can be contacted easily if a safety recall is required. While the chances of a faulty product causing serious damage are small, the risk is still there and returning a faulty product or ordering its repair is very easy to do. To register all your appliances, regardless of age, visit our Product Registration page.
- Use our free online Product Recall checker to see if your rice cooker or any other electrical items have been recalled.
- Check that your rice cooker has a UK plug, but if it doesn’t, do not use a UK travel adaptor. Seek advice from the manufacturer or retailer., Do regular checks of the plug and socket for burn marks, sounds of ‘arcing’ (buzzing or crackling) or if it feels too hot to touch.
- Ensure your home is fully protected by an RCD (residual current device), which can generally be found in your fuse box (also known as a consumer unit). An RCD is a life-saving device that protects against dangerous electric shock and reduces the risk of electrical fires.
- If you don’t have RCD protection in your fuse box for your sockets, consider installing an RCD socket or use an RCD plug to protect you and your property from serious appliance faults.
- Sometimes, appliance fires are caused by something beyond your control. Smoke alarms and heat detectors are essential in keeping you safe in the event of a fire. There should be a minimum of one alarm/detector per floor and fit enough to cover all areas where a fire could start, and make sure they are tested regularly.
- If a fire does start, don't try to fight the fire. Get out and call 999 immediately.
Safe use
- Don’t use the rice cooker near or below curtains, shelves, cupboards, or anything else likely to be damaged by the escaping steam
- Do not over fill the bowl with food and water.
- Always be careful when pouring food or water in or out of the rice cooker so that the power cord and socket stays dry.
- Many modern electric rice cookers are designed with a stay-warm feature, which means the cooker can stay on for hours to keep food at optimal temperature. Never leave a rice cooker on unattended for long periods of time.
- Make sure item is switched off and unplugged before it is dismantled and cleaned. Ensure the appliance is dry before being used again. Do not immerse the rice cooker in water for cleaning. Though it’s likely parts of the rice cooker are dishwasher safe, the base is electric and should only be wiped down with a damp cloth
- Always turn off the appliance when not in use.