
Electric rice cookers have become a familiar household appliance, present in every home. This device is a valuable aid for cooking, saving time and effort for users. However, not everyone understands the reason for not opening the lid of the electric rice cooker after cooking. If you are one of them, read the article below to get detailed information.
1. Why Should You Keep the Lid of the Electric Rice Cooker Closed?
There are currently two types of electric rice cookers on the market: the one with a lockable lid and the one with a removable lid. The lid of the electric rice cooker is usually designed by manufacturers with a push-button to facilitate convenient opening and closing, making it easier and allowing for better steam ventilation. The lid of the electric rice cooker plays a crucial role in retaining heat and sealing the cooker tightly, ensuring its efficient operation.

When the cooker is in operation, it is advisable to keep it closed and not open the lid frequently. Experts recommend that after cooking rice, you should also close the lid tightly and only open it when serving the rice.

Many experts believe that most electric rice cookers are set to switch from the cook mode to the warm mode. During this time, many people tend to open it to check whether the rice is cooked or not. This action will cause the hot steam inside the cooker to escape into the surrounding environment, resulting in unevenly cooked, sticky, and less fluffy rice.
Therefore, it's advisable not to open the lid immediately; instead, wait for about 10 to 15 minutes before uncovering and fluffing the rice. After that, seal the lid again until it's time to enjoy the meal. This method ensures fluffier, better-tempered rice that is evenly cooked.
To ensure the optimal performance of the electric rice cooker, check whether the lid is tightly closed before starting. Failing to securely close the lid from the beginning can compromise the quality of the cooked rice. Approaching the cooker, users may risk scalds from the steam escaping.
2. Considerations when using an Electric Rice Cooker
Wipe the inside of the pot dry before turning it on.
Many individuals have the habit of pouring rice into the pot, plugging it in, and turning it on without wiping the inside dry. However, forgetting to wipe the exterior of the pot before placing it inside prevents the electric rice cooker from getting damp, avoiding water accumulation that can result in minor burns due to contact with high temperatures, turning the pot black, and reducing the heating element's quality.

Moreover, if you plug it in without drying the pot, there's also the risk of the pot catching fire, especially with older appliances.
Avoid excessive pressing of the Cook button
Repeatedly pressing the Cook button is one of the reasons your electric rice cooker may deteriorate quickly. Pressing the button too many times causes the relay to become sticky and malfunction. This also applies to the 'Warm' button.

Therefore, refrain from overusing the buttons on the electric rice cooker. Only press the button when you use it in a reasonable manner.
Use both hands to place the pot into the cooker

Experts recommend using both hands when putting the pot into the cooker. Additionally, gently rotate the pot's base when placing it down to ensure the pot's base makes full contact with the relay. This helps protect the relay from damage and ensures fragrant, evenly cooked rice.
Regularly clean the electric rice cooker
After each use or every day, meticulously clean the equipment instead of waiting for a few days to pass before washing. Parts on the electric rice cooker such as the steam vent, inner pot, outer shell, etc., need to be thoroughly sanitized.

Since the electric rice cooker comes into contact with food in every meal, allowing it to go uncleaned for an extended period fosters the growth of bacteria, affecting the health of family members.
Finally, store the electric rice cooker in a dry, well-ventilated place, avoiding areas with high heat.
Above are the answers to why you should not open the lid of the electric rice cooker immediately after cooking. Save this for reference and application. Don't forget to follow Mytour to quickly update the most useful information.
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