Definition & Meaning of "rice cooker"

What is a "rice cooker"?

A rice cooker is a kitchen appliance specifically designed for cooking rice. It typically consists of an outer casing with a removable inner cooking pot, a heating element, and a thermostat. Rice cookers work by heating the inner pot to bring the water and rice to a boil, then automatically adjusting the heat to simmer the rice until it's fully cooked. Once the rice is done, the cooker switches to a "keep warm" mode to maintain the temperature and texture of the rice until it is ready to be served. Rice cookers come in various sizes and styles, ranging from basic models with one-touch operation to more advanced units with digital displays and programmable settings.