Why does the rice at the top stay dry while the bottom cooks?

Dry rice on top usually means the water ratio, rice quantity, or stirring step needs adjusting. It can also happen if the cooker was opened too often during cooking, letting steam escape before the rice had time to absorb it.

How to diagnose the issue

1. Unplug the cooker and let it cool before checking the bowl.
2. Confirm you used the supplied measuring cup and filled to the correct level marks.
3. Rinse the rice well in several changes of clean water, then drain it before cooking. The manual warns that not washing rice can lead to poor results and extra steam build-up.
4. Check that the lid was closed fully and stayed in place during cooking.
5. After cooking, fluff the rice gently with the provided spatula, then replace the lid quickly. The manual recommends consuming stirred rice within 1 hour.

What each result means

If the rice becomes evenly tender after correcting the water level and rinsing method, the original issue was likely preparation related. If the top remains dry even with the correct fill level and a full cook cycle, the bowl may not be heating evenly or the cooker may be unsuitable for that quantity.

When to stop using it

Stop using the rice cooker if the dry-top problem comes with burnt smells, smoke, or visible scorching at the base. If the issue remains unresolved or safe use is uncertain, contact the retailer or store where it was purchased.

On these models, the inner bowl is non-stick and removable, and the cooker is designed for domestic use on a flat stable surface with space around it, so correct set-up matters as much as the cooking time itself.