Rice cookers are truly a remarkable invention, allowing us to cook rice quickly, easily, and without hassle.
But have you ever noticed that every rice cooker you purchase comes with a rice scoop? And even more intriguing, this scoop has tiny dots on its surface.
Ever wondered what those little dots are for? Could they be designed to prevent the rice from sticking when you stir? If that’s what you think, you’re in for a surprise—the real reason will definitely catch you off guard.
If you’re a regular rice cooker user, you may have noticed that, even with a nonstick coating, rice grains can still stick to the pot, particularly when using sticky rice or when it’s left overnight.
When the rice cools, it sticks tightly to the pot’s walls. To clean it, many of us soak the pot in water, hoping the rice will loosen, and then scrub with a dish sponge. But using a soft rag makes the cleaning difficult, while an iron brush could damage the nonstick coating.
This is where the small round spots on the rice scoop come into play. Pour water into the pot to soften the rice, then gently use the side with the round dots to massage the rice that’s stuck to the pot.
These little dots are tough enough to help dislodge the rice but soft enough to avoid scratching the pot. Just a light massage will remove the sticky grains. Afterward, wipe the rice cooker with a soft towel, and you’re done!