A rice cooker typically takes between 20 to 40 minutes to cook rice, depending on the type of rice and the cooker model. For example, 2 cups of white rice usually take about 20 to 30 minutes, while brown rice can take 30 to 40 minutes or longer. Digital rice cookers may take a bit longer due to smart settings, while pot-style rice cookers often cook faster (around 20 to 25 minutes for white rice). The cooking time also varies with the amount of rice being cooked.
Cooking Times by Rice Type and Amount
- White rice (2 cups): 20 to 30 minutes
- Brown rice (2 cups): 30 to 40 minutes
- Jasmine or basmati rice (2 cups): 15 to 25 minutes
Factors Affecting Cooking Time
- Rice cooker type (digital vs. pot-style)
- Amount of rice being cooked
- Rice-to-water ratio
- Variety of rice
Most rice cookers automatically switch to a "keep warm" mode once the rice is done, so there is no need to set a timer manually. It is also recommended not to open the lid during cooking to maintain proper steaming and prevent longer cooking times.