The Electric Rice Cooker Conundrum: When to Replace Your Trusted Appliance.

Many of you may have been using a rice cooker at home for years, and unless there are issues such as a faulty power connection or electrical problems, you probably haven’t thought about replacing it. It’s common to think that as long as the rice cooker turns on, there’s no need to replace it. However, this notion is inaccurate. If your rice cooker at home experiences either of these two issues, it’s best to replace it as soon as possible, without hesitation!

Issue 1: The inner coating of the rice cooker is peeling

The inner surface of the rice cooker we use at home is basically coated, and most rice cookers on the market are coated with Teflon, a material similar to the non-stick coating of our pans. While Teflon itself is non-toxic, some manufacturers may add PFOA during the production process. PFOA is a colorless, liquid chemical commonly used as an anti-stick agent. It has a melting point of 40-50 degrees Celsius, so simply heating it will release toxic substances. Prolonged heating at high temperatures increases the danger significantly.

The function of the Teflon coating is to prevent the pot from sticking during cooking. Studies have shown that Teflon only begins to decompose when the temperature reaches 300°C, and the temperature rarely exceeds 103°C when using a rice cooker to cook rice. This means that under normal conditions, the Teflon inside the rice cooker will not decompose and there is no significant safety risk.

However, if the rice cooker is used for an extended period, or if we apply too much force during cleaning, the coating at the bottom of the rice cooker may peel off. The non-stick coating can come into direct contact with food and may mix with our rice.

Once the coating at the bottom of the rice cooker is exposed, the cooker will come into direct contact with the metal during the cooking process, and aluminum particles can exceed standards after a long time. Therefore, once the inner layers of the rice cooker at home peel off, stop using it.

Issue 2: The inner pot of the rice cooker is cracked or deformed

During cleaning, we may accidentally drop the rice cooker on the ground, causing the inner pot to crack and deform. If you notice that the inner pot of your rice cooker is cracked or deformed, discontinue use as it may explode during operation, posing certain safety risks.

When the rice cooker at home is cracked or deformed, it must be replaced promptly. If you don’t want to buy a new rice cooker, you can just replace the inner pot. If your rice cooker at home encounters either of these two issues, it must be replaced promptly. Continuing to use such a rice cooker will not only be dangerous to your health and your family’s but also poses hidden safety hazards.

Precautions when buying a rice cooker

First, choose a reliable brand

Although it’s said that rice cooker production does not require any technology, when buying a rice cooker, you should try to choose a reputable brand. Rice cookers from well-known brands will likely provide better quality assurance. If you encounter any problems after purchasing, you can contact after-sales staff for resolution or complaints.

Second, pay attention to the inner pot when buying a rice cooker

Nowadays, there are various types of inner pots for rice cookers on the market, made of different materials. Each type of inner pot has its pros and cons, and the prices vary, so be sure to inquire about the material of the inner pot before purchasing.

Additionally, choose a rice cooker with a suitable capacity

You need to consider the number of people in your family and the daily volume of rice consumption to choose a rice cooker that suits your needs without causing waste. It should also meet your daily requirements.

By An Nhien – Vietnamnet