Why does my rice cooker heat but the rice stay undercooked?

If the rice is still hard or partly raw, the most likely causes are too little water, the wrong rice-to-water ratio, or the inner pan not making proper contact. Start with a fresh batch and check the measuring method carefully before assuming the cooker is faulty. If the base smells hot, the pan is warped, or the rice is sticking badly and burning, stop using the appliance.

1. Measure the rice with the supplied cup and rinse it in clean water before cooking. Unwashed rice can give poor results and increase steam build-up.
2. Add cold water to the correct level mark in the inner pan. If the rice is still undercooked, add a little more water next time. If it turns too soft, reduce the amount slightly.
3. Make sure the outside of the inner pan is dry before placing it back in the cooker. Moisture can prevent proper heating contact.
4. Check that the pan is seated flat and nothing is trapped between the pan and the heating plate.
5. Leave the lid closed during cooking so the steam can build evenly.

If the cooker still leaves rice undercooked after correct measuring and positioning, stop using it if heating seems uneven or unreliable. Do not try to dismantle the appliance. If the issue remains unresolved or safe use is uncertain, contact the retailer or store where the product was purchased.