What makes the perfect bowl of fluffy, perfectly cooked white rice? It seems simple, but choosing the right grain for your trusty rice cooker can feel surprisingly complicated. You want that ideal texture every time—not too sticky, not too hard. Many home cooks wrestle with bags labeled “long-grain,” “medium-grain,” or “short-grain,” wondering which one their machine actually prefers. Getting this first step wrong often leads to disappointing, mushy, or undercooked results, wasting both time and good rice.
This confusion stops now. We are diving deep into the world of white rice specifically made for rice cookers. This post cuts through the confusing labels and explains exactly what you need to look for. By the end of this guide, you will confidently select the best rice variety for your appliance, ensuring delicious, consistent results for every meal. Get ready to unlock your rice cooker’s true potential!
Top White 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
- Some of your favorite Amazon Fresh products are now part of the Amazon Grocery brand! Although packaging may vary during the transition, the ingredients and product remain the same. Thank you for your continued trust in our brands
- Premium quality jasmine rice that cooks up light and fluffy
- Amazon Grocery has all the favorites you love for less. You’ll find everything you need for great-tasting meals in one shopping trip.
- Feed your every day with Amazon Grocery
- 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 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.
- QUICK & TASTY EVERY TIME: You deserve to sit down and savor your meals. Our Minute rice has you covered with our light and fluffy white rice! Use the simple instructions to cook delicious instant-rice recipes that any meat-lover, vegan, or vegetarian will enjoy!
- READY IN 5 MINUTES: This natural white rice can be cooked in the microwave or on the stovetop. Both ways take only 5 minutes, and all you need is water and rice! Follow the instructions on the box of packaged rice that apply to each method.
- ONE SIMPLE INGREDIENT: Upgrade your pantry staples! Our white rice contains no preservatives and is gluten-free and Non-GMO Project Verified. It’s also free of cholesterol, sodium, and MSG, making this rice the one simple ingredient for a perfect meal.
- UNLIMITED POSSIBILITIES: Our long -rice is a great addition to any meal or snack, and it’s also great for making sweet rice desserts like rice pudding! Cook Minute white rice with rice and beans for different Mexican recipes, or use it for Thai recipes like mango sticky rice and more.
- MORE TIME WITH FAMILY: Spend less time cooking and more time with your loved ones with this quick rice. Rely on this delicious white rice in a pinch to take mealtimes back so you can devote your attention to your family.
- One 5 lb bag of BEN'S ORIGINAL Enriched Parboiled Long Grain White Rice
- Parboiled rice is enriched with iron, calcium and vitamins; perfect choice for a well-balanced diet
- Classic flavor works well with a variety of dishes and rice meals, allowing simple exploration of varied recipes
- Enjoy this BEN'S ORIGINAL Rice as a delicious, fat-free side dish, or use it as stuffing in multicolored peppers
- Easy-to-make rice that is ready in 20 minutes; adjust the cooking time and water amount to achieve a desired level of firmness
- QUICK & TASTY, EVERY TIME: You deserve to sit down and savor your meals. Our Minute rice has you covered with our light and fluffy white rice! Use the simple included instructions to cook tasty rice that any meat-lover, vegan, or vegetarian will enjoy.
- READY IN 5 MINUTES: This natural white rice can be cooked in the microwave or on the stove top. Both ways only take 5 minutes, and all you need is water and rice! Follow the instructions on the box of packaged rice that apply to each method.
- ONE SIMPLE INGREDIENT: Each box of our white rice contains no preservatives and is gluten-free and Non-GMO Project verified. It’s also free of cholesterol, sodium, and MSG, making this rice the one simple ingredient for a perfect meal.
- UNLIMITED POSSIBILITIES: Our long-grain rice is a great addition for any breakfast, lunch, dinner, or snack, and it’s great for desserts like rice pudding! Cook Minute white rice with different Mexican and Thai recipes for a great meal.
- MORE TIME WITH FAMILY: Spend less time cooking and more time with your loved ones with this quick rice. Rely on this delicious white rice in a pinch to take mealtimes back so you can devote your attention to your family.
- ENRICH YOUR KITCHEN: A long-grain American white rice, Texmati is pleasantly aromatic and made from an agricultural hybridization of long-grain white rice and Basmati rice. This rice variety is perfect for reinventing familiar flavors in bold, exciting ways.
- 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 Texmati White Rice has no other ingredients, so it’s low in fat, cholesterol, and sodium. It’s also Non-GMO Project Verified, Star-K Kosher, Certified Gluten-Free, and free of preservatives and additives, so even loved ones with dietary restrictions can enjoy it!
- PAIR WITH OTHER FOODS: Raise your kitchen game with fresh rice salads or bowls, or indulge with lemon chicken and rice soup. For a fusion of Filipino and Korean flavors, try our homemade Pork Sisig and Garlic Kimchi Fried recipe that’s better than any local takeout restaurant.
- 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 Texmati White Rice jar for complete cooking directions.
Choosing the Best White Rice for Your Rice Cooker
Buying the right white rice makes a big difference in your meals. A rice cooker makes cooking easy, but the rice itself matters most. This guide helps you pick the perfect bag for perfect results every time.
Key Features to Look For
When you look at rice packages, check these important things:
- **Grain Length:** White rice comes in short, medium, and long grains. Long-grain rice (like Basmati or Jasmine) stays separate and fluffy. Short-grain rice (like Calrose) gets sticky. Medium-grain is in between. Pick the length based on what you plan to eat.
- **Wholeness/Processing:** Most white rice is milled, meaning the bran and germ are removed. This makes it cook faster and last longer. Look for labels that clearly state “White Rice.”
- **Aroma:** Some rice, like Jasmine, has a natural, lovely smell when cooked. If you like a subtle flavor, choose standard long-grain white rice.
- **Absorption Rate:** How much water the rice needs affects texture. Check online reviews or packaging notes if you are new to cooking that specific type.
Important Materials and Types
White rice is just one type of rice, but there are many variations. The “material” here refers to the specific variety.
The three main categories you will see are:
- **Jasmine Rice:** A very popular long-grain rice from Asia. It cooks up fluffy and has a distinct floral scent. It works great for stir-fries and general side dishes.
- **Basmati Rice:** Also long-grain, often used in Indian or Middle Eastern cooking. It cooks up very separate and light. It is known for its nutty aroma.
- **Standard Long-Grain White Rice:** This is the versatile workhorse. It cooks up light and fluffy, making it a safe bet for almost any meal where you don’t want sticky rice.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Good rice quality means consistent results. Poor quality leads to broken grains and uneven cooking.
What Makes Quality High:
- **Consistency:** All the grains should look the same size. Uniformity helps the rice cook evenly in the cooker.
- **Low Breakage:** Look for bags with fewer broken pieces (fines). Too many small pieces absorb water too quickly, which can make the bottom layer mushy.
- **Freshness:** Although white rice lasts a long time, fresher rice usually tastes better. Buy from stores that move their stock quickly.
What Lowers Quality:
Moisture is the enemy of stored rice. If rice absorbs too much moisture, it can clump before you even cook it. Always store your rice in a cool, dry, airtight container once you open the bag.
User Experience and Use Cases
Your rice cooker is designed for convenience. The rice you choose must match how you plan to use the final product.
Fluffy vs. Sticky:
If you are making sushi or rice balls, you need **short-grain** rice because it sticks together perfectly when cooked. If you are serving curry or grilling chicken, you want **long-grain** rice that stays separate so the sauce coats the grains nicely.
Rice cookers work best with rice that requires a standard water ratio (usually 1 part rice to 1.5 or 2 parts water). Avoid specialty rices that need unusual soaking times unless your cooker has a specific setting for them. A good white rice choice offers a simple, set-it-and-forget-it experience.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About White Rice for Rice Cookers
Q: Do I need to wash white rice before putting it in the cooker?
A: Yes, you should always rinse white rice. Rinsing removes extra surface starch. This starch causes the rice to become gummy or sticky. Rinse until the water runs mostly clear.
Q: Can I use any type of white rice in my standard rice cooker?
A: Most standard long-grain and medium-grain white rice works perfectly. Just follow your cooker’s measurement lines or the package instructions for water amount.
Q: Does the brand of white rice really matter for a rice cooker?
A: The brand matters less than the *type* of rice (Jasmine, Basmati, etc.). However, reputable brands usually have better quality control, meaning fewer broken grains.
Q: Why does my rice sometimes stick to the bottom of the pot?
A: This happens for two main reasons. Either you used too little water, or the rice was an uneven mix of small and large grains. Ensure you measure correctly.
Q: Is brown rice better than white rice for a rice cooker?
A: Brown rice is healthier because it keeps the bran layer on. However, brown rice needs significantly more water and a much longer cooking time than white rice.
Q: How much rice should I cook at one time?
A: Never fill your rice cooker more than two-thirds full. Rice expands a lot when it cooks, and you need space for the steam and expansion.
Q: What is the best water to rice ratio for long-grain white rice?
A: A good starting point is 1 cup of rice to 1.75 cups of water. Adjust slightly based on how old your rice is.
Q: Should I use the “Quick Cook” setting on my rice cooker?
A: Quick cook settings speed up the process but often result in slightly less fluffy rice. For the best texture, use the standard white rice setting.
Q: How long should I let the rice rest after the cooker finishes?
A: Let the rice steam undisturbed for 10 to 15 minutes after the cooker switches to “Keep Warm.” This resting period finishes the cooking process evenly.
Q: Can I add butter or salt to the water?
A: Yes. Adding a small pinch of salt enhances the flavor. A tiny bit of oil or butter can help prevent sticking, but only use a small amount, like half a teaspoon per cup of dry rice.