Do you ever stare at the wall of rice bags at the grocery store, feeling completely lost? Choosing the right rice for your trusty rice cooker can feel like a confusing chore. You want that perfect, fluffy bowl every time, but some bags promise magic and deliver sticky clumps instead. It’s frustrating when your appliance, which should make things easy, produces less-than-ideal results because you picked the wrong grain.
This simple decision—which rice to buy—actually makes a huge difference in your final meal. Using the wrong type can lead to mushy bottoms or grains that don’t cook evenly. We know you want reliable, delicious rice without the guesswork. That is why we created this guide.
By the end of this post, you will know exactly which rice varieties shine in your machine and why. We break down the differences between long-grain, short-grain, and everything in between. Get ready to unlock the secret to perfect rice cooker meals, starting right now with a look at the best grains for the job.
Top Rice For Rice Cooker Recommendations
- Store rice in a cool, dry place in an airtight container to preserve freshness and prevent moisture or pests
- One 2 pound bag of jasmine long grain rice
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- Premium quality jasmine rice that cooks up light and fluffy
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- ENRICH YOUR KITCHEN: Use RiceSelect’s Signature Jasmati white rice to liven up your favorite rice-based recipe with unforgettable flavors. Similar to our proprietary Texmati white rice, Jasmati is a RiceSelect-exclusive, American-style hybrid of Jasmine and long-grain rice, cooking up in 15 minutes.
- QUALITY FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY: From our exclusive rice varieties and rigid “inspect each grain” quality to our unique, innovative packaging, RiceSelect products are one of a kind. Each product we develop provides premium quality, taste, and texture that home cooks and the whole family will love!
- ALL ABOUT NUTRITION: Our Jasmati long-grain white rice has no other ingredients, so it’s low in fat, cholesterol, and sodium! It is Non-GMO Project Verified, Star-K Kosher, and Certified Gluten-Free as well as free of preservatives and additives, so even loved ones with dietary restrictions can enjoy it.
- PAIR WITH OTHER FOODS: Raise your kitchen game with fried rice dishes, rice puddings, cold rice salads, or a braised short-rib rice bowl. Enhance homemade supreme pizza crust, or upgrade an outdoor BBQ meal like Vietnamese lemongrass chicken skewers with Jasmati white rice and nuoc cham.
- SUSTAINABLE PACKAGING: We package all of our award-winning products—Texmati, Jasmati, Royal Blend, Couscous, Quinoa, and more—in our iconic BPA-free, fully recyclable jar. Check out the back of the Jasmati jar for complete cooking directions.
- REIMAGINE TRADITIONAL: Craft your favorite recipes in a whole new way with Mahatma Extra-Long-Grain Rice. This long-grain white rice works with any flavor combination and always turns out light and fluffy!
- EASY RICE: Prepare rice according to package directions. On a stovetop, add 1 cup rice to 2 cups boiling water for 20 minutes or until water absorbs. Alternatively, microwave the above measurements on HIGH for 5 minutes, for 15 minutes at 50% power, then let stand for 5 minutes.
- TRUSTED VEGAN FOOD: Our bulk white rice is 100% vegan and vegetarian, but that's not all. It's free from gluten, MSG, and preservatives and verified by the Non-GMO Project. It's even kosher, so you can gather everyone you love around your table!
- REWRITE RECIPES: Start your day with cheesy rice omelets. Try a rice salad, soup, or veggie burrito bowl for lunch. Build dinner with our rice and a protein like chicken. You can even craft dessert—pudding, pie, or a traditional Latin-American arroz con leche!
- HEART & SOUL OF THE FAMILY TABLE: Mahatma rice is for all who give so much of themselves to provide their families with the best life possible. For close to 100 years, we’ve poured our heart and soul into every bag of quality rice and grains—so you can enjoy it with those you love.
- REIMAGINE TRADITIONAL: Craft your favorite recipes in a whole new way with Mahatma Extra-Long-Grain Rice. This long-grain white rice works with any flavor combination and always turns out light and fluffy!
- EASY RICE: Prepare rice according to package directions. On a stovetop, add 1 cup rice to 2 cups boiling water for 20 minutes or until water absorbs. Alternatively, microwave the above measurements on HIGH for 5 minutes, for 15 minutes at 50% power, then let stand for 5 minutes.
- TRUSTED VEGAN FOOD: Our bulk white rice is 100% vegan and vegetarian, but that's not all. It's free from gluten, MSG, and preservatives and verified by the Non-GMO Project. It's even kosher, so you can gather everyone you love around your table!
- REWRITE RECIPES: Start your day with cheesy rice omelets. Try a rice salad, soup, or veggie burrito bowl for lunch. Build dinner with our rice and a protein like chicken. You can even craft dessert—pudding, pie, or a traditional Latin-American arroz con leche!
- HEART & SOUL OF THE FAMILY TABLE: Mahatma rice is for all who give so much of themselves to provide their families with the best life possible. For close to 100 years, we’ve poured our heart and soul into every bag of quality rice and grains—so you can enjoy it with those you love.
- 32 ounces of organic long grain white rice
- Premium enriched long grain rice
- Perfect versatile rice for any dish
- Certified organic and non-GMO
- Ready in 20 minutes
- REIMAGINE TRADITIONAL RICE: Craft your favorite recipes in a whole new way with Mahatma Jasmine authentic aromatic rice. This fragrant, slightly sweet rice cooks each rice grain separately and works anywhere classic white rice would, especially in Asian cuisines like Thai, Indian, or Cambodian.
- EASY RICE: Prepare rice according to package directions. On a stovetop, simmer 1 cup rice in 1 1/2 cups of water with olive oil or salt for 15 minutes or until water absorbs. Or, microwave 1 3/4 cups water and above ingredients on HIGH for 5 min, at 50% power for 10 minutes, then let stand for 5 minutes.
- TRUSTED VEGAN FOOD: Our classic Jasmine bulk rice bag is 100% vegan and vegetarian, but that's not all. It's free from gluten, MSG, and preservatives and verified by the Non-GMO Project. It's even kosher, so you can gather everyone you love around your table!
- REWRITE RECIPES: Jasmine Rice is commonly used in Thai, Indian, or Cambodian cuisine but also anywhere white rice is used. Craft an easy coconut lime rice side dish with meats and vegetables, a restaurant-style meal, rice salad, Mexican chicken and rice, Spanish rice, Indian or Thai curry, or fried rice.
- HEART & SOUL OF THE FAMILY TABLE: Mahatma rice is for all who give so much of themselves to provide their families with the best life possible. For close to 100 years, we’ve poured our heart and soul into every bag of quality rice and grains—so you can enjoy it with those you love.
- Store rice in a cool, dry place in an airtight container to preserve freshness and prevent moisture or pests
Choosing the Perfect Grains: Your Guide to Rice for Rice Cookers
A rice cooker makes cooking rice easy. But the rice itself matters a lot! Picking the right rice can turn a simple meal into something delicious. This guide helps you choose the best rice for your machine.
Key Features to Look For in Rice
Not all rice cooks the same way in a cooker. Look for these features to get great results every time.
Grain Length and Shape
- Long-Grain Rice (e.g., Basmati, Jasmine): These grains stay separate and fluffy. They are great for stir-fries or when you want individual grains.
- Medium-Grain Rice (e.g., Calrose): This rice is slightly sticky. It works well for dishes where you want the rice to hold together a little, like simple side dishes.
- Short-Grain Rice (e.g., Sushi Rice): These grains are very sticky when cooked. They clump together perfectly. Use these for sushi or rice pudding.
Starch Content (Amylose vs. Amylopectin)
This is the science part, but it’s important! Starch decides how sticky the rice gets.
- High Amylose: Less sticky, fluffier rice. Good for pilafs.
- High Amylopectin: Very sticky rice. Necessary for dishes like sushi.
Important Materials and Types
The way the rice is processed changes its texture and cooking time.
Processing Methods
- White Rice: The bran and germ are removed. This rice cooks faster and lasts longer on the shelf. It absorbs water quickly.
- Brown Rice: Only the outer husk is removed. The bran layer stays on. This rice has more fiber and a chewier texture. It needs more water and longer cooking time in your rice cooker.
- Parboiled Rice: The rice is steamed while still in the husk. This pushes nutrients into the grain. Parboiled rice cooks up very separate and firm.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
What makes rice great or just okay? It often comes down to freshness and how you handle it.
Quality Boosters
- Rinsing: Always rinse your rice before cooking! Rinsing removes extra surface starch. This prevents the rice from becoming a gummy mess. A good rinse improves texture significantly.
- Age of the Grain: Fresher rice usually tastes better. Old rice can taste flat.
Quality Reducers
- Not Rinsing: If you skip rinsing, excess starch releases during cooking. This results in thick, sticky, gluey rice.
- Incorrect Water Ratio: Too much water makes mushy rice. Too little water makes hard, undercooked rice. Follow your cooker’s lines or the specific package directions.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about what you plan to cook. This shapes your rice choice.
Simple Everyday Meals
For quick weeknight meals, Jasmine or standard long-grain white rice works best. They are forgiving and cook quickly in most standard rice cookers.
Specialty Dishes
If you are making sticky rice for mango dessert, you must use short-grain sweet rice. If you want fluffy Indian biryani, Basmati is the correct choice. Matching the rice to the dish improves the final meal quality immensely.
Your rice cooker handles the heat and timing. You just need to supply the right grain!
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Rice for Rice Cookers
Q: Can I use any kind of rice in my rice cooker?
A: Mostly, yes. However, brown rice needs more water and a longer cooking cycle than white rice. Check your cooker manual for specific settings.
Q: Do I always need to rinse the rice?
A: Yes, rinsing is highly recommended for most white rices. Rinsing washes away excess surface starch. This step prevents the final product from becoming too sticky or gummy.
Q: Which rice is best for fluffy, non-sticky results?
A: Long-grain white rice, like Basmati, is famous for staying separate and fluffy after cooking.
Q: What rice should I buy if I want sticky rice?
A: Look for short-grain rice, often labeled as “sushi rice.” It has the high amylopectin content needed for stickiness.
Q: Does the brand of rice matter much?
A: Brand matters less than the type of grain and how fresh it is. A good quality long-grain rice from a reputable supplier will usually perform well.
Q: How does brown rice cook differently in a machine?
A: Brown rice takes longer to cook because the bran layer slows down water absorption. You usually need to add more water than you would for white rice.
Q: Should I soak the rice before putting it in the cooker?
A: Soaking is optional, but it can help large grains like Basmati cook more evenly. It is not necessary for standard white rice.
Q: What happens if I use the wrong water ratio?
A: If you use too much water, the rice becomes watery and mushy. If you use too little water, the bottom layer burns, and the top layer stays hard.
Q: Is “instant rice” good for a rice cooker?
A: Instant rice cooks very fast, sometimes too fast for the cooker’s sensors. It is better to use regular or quick-cooking varieties for the best texture.
Q: Where should I store my rice to keep it fresh?
A: Store uncooked rice in an airtight container in a cool, dark, and dry place. This keeps moisture and bugs out, ensuring good flavor for a long time.
Hi, I’m Larry Fish, the mind behind MyGrinderGuide.com.. With a passion for all things kitchen appliances, I created this blog to share my hands-on experience and expert knowledge. Whether it’s helping you choose the right tools for your culinary adventures or offering tips to make your kitchen more efficient, I’m here to guide you. My goal is to make your time in the kitchen not only easier but also enjoyable! Welcome to my world of kitchen mastery!