【生活英語】知ってる？炊飯器の英語！操作・購入・修理まで徹底解説

Mom: Good morning! Could you make some rice with the rice cooker today?
Child: Sure! But the rice cooker won’t start. Is it plugged in?
Mom: Let me check… Ah, it wasn’t plugged in. Now it’s on. Don’t forget, please wash the rice before cooking.
Child: Okay, I will. How much water should I add?
Mom: Measure water according to the rice amount. Use the measuring cup that came with it.
Child: Got it. Should I set the cooking mode now?
Mom: Yes, choose the right mode for the rice. And remember, don’t open the lid during cooking.
Child: All set. I pressed the button to start cooking.
Mom: Great! Also, after the rice is done, please let the rice rest before serving to make it fluffy.
Child: Will do. What if the rice is too dry?
Mom: Then you can say, please add more water if needed next time.
Child: Good to know. The rice cooker is making some noise now—is that okay?
Mom: If it sounds strange, like the rice cooker is making strange noises, just unplug it to be safe.
Child: Okay. After using it, I will unplug the rice cooker.
Mom: Perfect. And remember, be careful with hot steam when you open the lid.
Child: Definitely. Oh, and when the rice is ready, the display says, “the rice cooker is ready“?
Mom: Yes, that means you can serve the rice now.
Child: Thanks for the tips!

Jake: Hey, did you try using your new rice cooker yet?
Mia: Yeah, I did yesterday. But at first, the rice cooker wouldn’t start.
Jake: Oh no! Did you check if the power cord was properly plugged in?
Mia: I did, but I forgot to wash the rice before cooking. That might have caused the problem.
Jake: Yeah, you always need to wash rice thoroughly before cooking to get good results.
Mia: I know now. I also made sure to measure water according to the rice amount.
Jake: Good! Did you set the cooking mode right?
Mia: I used the quick cook function because I was in a hurry.
Jake: Nice! Just make sure not to open the lid during cooking, or the rice might not cook well.
Mia: I didn’t open it. After cooking, I let it rest as you said: please let the rice rest before serving.
Jake: Perfect! How was the rice?
Mia: Pretty good, but a bit sticky. Maybe next time, I’ll use less water because the rice was too sticky this time.
Jake: That happens. Also, remember to clean the inner pot after every use.
Mia: Of course. Oh, and the steam vent was clogged, so I had to clean the steam vent regularly.
Jake: Good call. If the rice cooker makes noises, like the rice cooker is making strange noises, unplug it immediately.
Mia: That’s what I did. And after I finished, I always unplug the rice cooker for safety.
Jake: Smart! And when you open it, be careful because hot steam can burn.
Mia: Yes, I always be careful with hot steam when opening the lid.
Jake: Sounds like you’re getting the hang of it!
Mia: Thanks! I think next time, I’ll try the fuzzy logic mode for better cooking.

Salesperson: Hello! Welcome to our store. How can I help you today?
Customer: Hi, I’m looking for a rice cooker. Do you have any recommendations?
Salesperson: Certainly! Are you interested in a basic model or something with advanced features?
Customer: I’d like a model with a timer and keep warm function.
Salesperson: We have several microcomputer rice cookers with delay timer and keep warm function. They adjust the cooking time automatically using fuzzy logic technology.
Customer: That sounds great. How about easy maintenance?
Salesperson: Most models have removable inner pots for easy cleaning. Also, don’t forget to clean the steam vent regularly to prevent clogging.
Customer: What if the rice cooker doesn’t start?
Salesperson: Usually it’s because the power cord is not properly plugged in. Just check that first.
Customer: How much water should I use per cup of rice?
Salesperson: It’s best to measure water according to the rice amount and always wash the rice before cooking for the best taste.
Customer: Sounds good. I’ll try this induction heating rice cooker then.
Salesperson: Excellent choice! If you need help, feel free to ask.
Customer: Thanks a lot. I’m glad I came here.

A rice cooker in American households

In many American households, the rice cooker has become an essential kitchen appliance, prized for its convenience and reliability in preparing freshly cooked rice. Though rice may not be the staple food for all American families, it is widely enjoyed, and the ease of using a rice cooker encourages more frequent home cooking. This guide explores the typical use of rice cookers in American homes while highlighting best practices and helpful features.

First, understanding the parts of a rice cooker is useful. The main body houses the heating element and the control panel, where users set the cooking mode according to the type of rice being cooked. The removable inner pot is where you place the rice and water; it is often coated with a non-stick surface for easy cleaning. During cooking, the lid remains closed to trap steam, which exits through the steam vent. Proper maintenance, such as regularly cleaning the steam vent, ensures smooth operation and extends the life of the appliance.

To prepare a perfect batch of rice, most American users begin by washing rice thoroughly before cooking. This step removes excess starch, resulting in less sticky and more flavorful rice. Using the included measuring cup, it is important to measure water according to the rice amount. Precise water-to-rice ratios vary depending on rice variety and desired texture. After measuring, the rice and water are added to the inner pot.

Once the ingredients are ready, the user powers on the rice cooker and presses the button to start cooking. Many modern rice cookers feature a delay timer so that cooking can be scheduled ahead of time. The appliance automatically manages cooking using advanced technologies such as fuzzy logic, which adjusts heating and timing for optimal results. Some models offer an induction heating rice cooker system for even more precise cooking.

While the rice is cooking, it is critical not to open the lid during cooking, as this lets steam escape and affects the final texture. After cooking completes, the rice cooker may alert the user with a message like “the rice cooker is ready,” signaling it is time to serve. To enhance texture, it is common to let the rice rest before serving, allowing steam to distribute evenly.

After serving, many Americans rely on the keep warm function to maintain ideal temperature for hours. However, extended use of this function without proper care can dry out the rice; thus the keep dry function in some rice cookers prevents this by retaining moisture. Regular care includes removing and cleaning the inner pot, wiping the exterior, and occasionally descaling the rice cooker to prevent mineral buildup.

Occasionally, problems arise such as the rice cooker not starting, often because the power cord is not properly plugged in. Other issues include unusual sounds, which may indicate the cooker is malfunctioning; in such cases, unplugging the unit is recommended for safety. Users are also reminded to be cautious of hot steam when opening the lid after cooking.

In conclusion, rice cookers in American homes combine simplicity and technology to make rice cooking easy and consistent. Following steps such as washing rice, measuring water, operating the appliance carefully, and performing regular maintenance will yield the best cooking results, making the rice cooker a valued tool in many kitchens. With the variety of models available, from basic to those with advanced features like fuzzy logic and induction heating, consumers can find a rice cooker that fits their cooking style and lifestyle needs.