Why is my rice cooker not switching on?

If your rice cooker seems completely dead, start with the simplest checks first. In many cases the cooker is not making proper contact with the mains supply, the inner pan is not seated correctly, or a small amount of moisture or food is preventing normal operation. For safety, stop using the appliance straight away if you notice a damaged cord, scorch marks, a burning smell, or heat coming from the plug or socket.

1. Check the wall socket and plug. Plug another safe appliance into the same socket. If that appliance also fails, the socket may be the issue. If the rice cooker cord or plug looks damaged, do not use the cooker.
2. Make sure the inner pan is fitted properly. Remove the pan, check that it is clean and dry on the outside, then place it back in the cooker. Expected result: the pan should sit flat and stable. If it rocks or sits off-centre, switch off and refit it.
3. Confirm there is food or liquid in the inner pan before switching on. These rice cookers are designed for use with the inner pan in place and with contents inside. Expected result: the cooker should begin its cooking cycle normally once the switch is set correctly.
4. Look at the indicator light and switch position. Move the on/off switch to the cooking position only once the appliance is assembled correctly. Expected result: the power light should come on. If nothing changes, unplug the cooker and do not keep trying to force the switch.
5. Inspect for moisture or residue under the pan. Wipe away any water, rice, or starch from the base and the outside of the inner pan. Expected result: clean, dry contact points may allow the cooker to work again.

Stop using the rice cooker immediately if it still does not switch on after these checks, or if you are unsure whether the electrical parts are safe. In that case, contact the retailer or store where it was purchased for the available next steps.