In every kitchen space of every family in Vietnam, the rice cooker is one of the essential appliances. However, after a long period of use, there will certainly be some problems that can interrupt the cooking process. Let’s find out the 5 common problems with rice cookers and how to fix them!
1 Plug in but the light doesn’t come on
Plug in but the light doesn’t come on
Cause:
- Burnt-out or broken light bulb: In this case, the rice cooker still works normally but the indicator light doesn’t come on, causing inconvenience in the process of monitoring the cooking status.
- Broken power cord or electrical system issue: The conducting wires can be cut, broken by insects or mice, or due to heavy objects pressing on them, preventing the transmission of electricity. This can cause the light not to come on even if you have securely plugged it in.
How to fix:
- Replace the light bulb: When you detect a burnt-out light bulb, you just need to replace it with a new one to continue using the appliance and be able to monitor the cooking process.
- Contact repair service: You should call a technician or take the rice cooker to a reputable repair center for timely inspection and repair.
2 Rice cooker doesn’t turn on
Rice cooker doesn’t turn on
Cause:
- Loose plug: When we unintentionally move the rice cooker frequently, the power cord connecting to the cooker can become loose, resulting in the rice cooker not turning on.
- Weak power supply: If the power supply in the socket is too weak, it will affect the transmission of electricity, preventing it from reaching the rice cooker and causing the rice cooker not to turn on.
- During use, the power cord can be cut, exposed, or damaged, which is unavoidable. This not only prevents the rice cooker from working but can also pose risks to users.
- Faulty relay and heating element: Due to frequent and continuous use of the rice cooker, these components can become old, worn out, and damaged over time.
- Broken connector: This is an important part for connecting the power source to the rice cooker. Over time, this component can become burned or damaged, preventing the rice cooker from connecting to the power source.
How to fix:
- Before cooking rice, check if the plug is securely connected to the power source and if the power cord is cut, burnt, exposed, etc. Additionally, you should clean the rice cooker plug to avoid excessive dust accumulation.
- If you have checked the external parts, which can cause malfunctions, and still cannot fix the issue, you should contact a technician for quick and effective repair or replacement.
- To solve the problem of low power supply, you can ask the power company to check the electrical panel or consider installing a voltage stabilizer in your home.
3 Automatic rice cooker indicator light turns off before the rice is cooked
Automatic rice cooker indicator light turns off before the rice is cooked
Cause:
- Malfunctioning thermal relay: This can occur when the “Cook” button is pressed multiple times or when the rice cooker is old and the thermal relay’s timing is off, resulting in the rice cooker turning off before the rice is cooked.
- Bent bottom or poorly sealed lid of the rice cooker: This can cause insufficient contact heat, leading to the automatic turn-off of the indicator light.
- Dirty heating element: Over time, dust and food can accumulate, but if they are not properly cleaned, they can affect the stability of the sensor, causing the rice cooker to turn off before the rice is cooked.
How to fix:
- If the thermal relay is faulty, you should take the rice cooker to an electric shop or a warranty center for repair or replacement. You should not attempt to repair or replace the thermal relay at home if you are not skilled in such operations.
- Regularly clean the heating element to limit dust and food residue, remember to disconnect the power before cleaning.
- When cooking rice, make sure to tightly seal the rice cooker lid and if you find a bent bottom, replace it with a genuine replacement part.
4 Rice burns too much
Rice burns too much
Cause:
- Delayed operation of the thermal relay: This can happen when the thermal relay is too old, estimating a delayed thermal cutoff time, causing the rice cooker to cook for too long and result in burnt rice.
- Poor quality rice cooker: If the inside of the rice cooker is dented or the non-stick coating is scratched, it can affect the rice’s quality and cause excessive burning.
How to fix:
- Check and replace the thermal relay to restore the normal operation of the rice cooker, preventing unnecessary risks and ensuring the rice’s quality when it is fully cooked.
- Choose to buy a rice cooker from reputable and high-quality brands to ensure better cooking results and safety.
- During cleaning, avoid using sharp objects to scrub the bottom to prevent peeling of the non-stick coating. Instead, clean it with a soft sponge.
5 Rice cooker doesn’t switch to warm mode
Rice cooker doesn’t switch to warm mode
Cause:
- Faulty temperature sensor: This part is the round button located in the center and slightly protruding above the heating element. If the rice cooker doesn’t switch to warm mode, the temperature sensor may be malfunctioning.
- Deformed rice cooker pot: When the inside of the rice cooker pot, especially the bottom, is deformed, such as dented or warped, it can lead to a loss of heat from the heating element and prevent the rice cooker from switching to warm mode.
How to fix:
- Repair the temperature sensor: Take the rice cooker to a warranty center if it’s still under warranty or contact a professional repair center. Do not attempt to disassemble or repair the temperature sensor at home without proper expertise.
- Replace the pot: You can purchase a new rice cooker pot to replace it at home. Make sure to buy a genuine replacement part to avoid any unexpected issues. Alternatively, you can contact the manufacturer or warranty center to order a suitable pot for your rice cooker.
In this article, we have compiled 5 common problems with rice cookers and some simple ways to fix them at home. Stay tuned for more useful information!
