Proctor Silex Rice Cooker Steamer: Easy, Quick, Delicious

The Proctor-Silex Rice Cooker and Steamer is a handy appliance for cooking rice and steaming food. It has a polarized plug for safety and a cord that is designed not to tangle. The general ratio for cooking rice is 2 parts water to 1 part rice. The cooker will switch to WARM mode automatically after the rice is cooked, and this mode will keep the rice warm until the unit is unplugged. To steam food, pour water into the inner pot, place the pot in the base, add food to the steam basket, and plug the cord into the outlet. Push the switch down to start cooking.

How to steam food while cooking rice

Step 1: Prepare the Rice Cooker

Before you start, make sure to rinse out the inner pot of the rice cooker. Then, place the inner pot inside the base of the rice cooker.

Step 2: Add Rice and Water

Add the desired amount of rice to the cooker. For example, if you want to make eight to ten servings, you would use 2 cups of rice. Next, add water to the cooker. The amount of water you add will depend on the desired consistency of the rice. For drier rice, use less water, and for wetter rice, use more. As a general rule, use twice the amount of water as rice. Do not fill the pot beyond the fill line.

Step 3: Prepare the Steamer Basket

The Proctor Silex Rice Cooker comes with a steamer basket that can be used to steam food while the rice cooks. Rinse the steamer basket and any food you wish to steam (such as vegetables or fish) before placing them in the basket. The steamer basket can also be used as a colander for rinsing the food before cooking.

Step 4: Start the Rice Cooker

Plug in the rice cooker. The "Warm" light will come on automatically. Depress the button, and the "Cook" light will turn on. The rice cooker will now begin cooking the rice.

Step 5: Steam the Food

Once the rice cooker is cooking the rice, you can place the steamer basket inside the cooker. The steamer basket will cook your food using the steam from the rice cooking. You can also use the removable divider in the steamer basket to steam two foods at once.

Step 6: Wait for the Rice to Finish Cooking

Let the rice cook until the switch flips, the "Cook" light goes off, and the "Warm" light comes on. You may hear a "thunk" as the switch flips from "Cook" to "Warm." Do not remove the cover while the rice is cooking.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Once the rice is done cooking, you can serve both the rice and the steamed food. Enjoy your meal!

How to cook rice

The Proctor Silex Rice Cooker & Food Steamer is a versatile appliance that allows you to cook rice, grains, hot cereals, and even steam vegetables, seafood, and poultry. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to cook rice using the Proctor Silex Rice Cooker:

Step 1: Prepare the Rice Cooker

Rinse out the inner pot of the rice cooker and place it inside the base of the cooker. The Proctor Silex Rice Cooker comes with a non-stick cooking pot, making it easy to clean and maintain.

Step 2: Measure the Rice and Water

Add the desired amount of rice to the cooker. The amount of rice you use will depend on the number of servings you need. For example, use 2 cups of rice for eight to ten servings.

Next, add water to the cooker. The amount of water you add will depend on your desired rice consistency. Generally, you should add twice the amount of water as the amount of rice. For example, use 4 cups of water for 2 cups of rice. If you prefer drier rice, you can use less water (e.g., 3 cups), and for wetter rice, you can use more water (e.g., 4 ½ cups).

It is important to note that the Proctor Silex Rice Cooker has a fill line that should not be exceeded. Do not fill the pot beyond this line.

Step 3: Season and Plug In

At this point, you can season your rice by adding 1 teaspoon of salt to the water, if desired. Cover the pot with the lid and plug in the rice cooker. The "Warm" light will come on automatically. Depress the button, and the "Cook" light will illuminate.

Step 4: Let the Rice Cook

The Proctor Silex Rice Cooker will automatically cook the rice to perfection. It uses steam from the water to cook the rice, so there is no need to worry about maintaining the correct temperature or cook times.

Do not remove the cover while the rice is cooking. Let the rice cook until the switch flips, the "Cook" light turns off, and the "Warm" light comes on. You may hear a "thunk" sound as the switch flips from "Cook" to "Warm."

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Once the rice is cooked, you can serve it immediately or let it stay warm in the cooker until you are ready to eat. The "Warm" function will keep your rice at an ideal temperature without overcooking it.

How to clean the rice cooker

To clean your Proctor Silex Rice Cooker, follow these steps:

• Unplug the rice cooker and let it cool down completely.
• Remove the inner cooking pot from the rice cooker.
• Wash the inner cooking pot with warm, soapy water and a soft sponge or cloth. Avoid using abrasive materials that could damage the non-stick surface. Rinse and dry it thoroughly before reassembling.
• Wipe down the housing unit with a damp cloth or sponge, being careful not to get any water into the electrical components.
• If your model has a steam vent, use a small brush or cotton swab to remove any debris or residue.
• Reassemble the rice cooker and store it in a dry and safe place until the next use.

Always refer to the user manual for specific cleaning instructions and recommendations from the manufacturer. Regular cleaning and maintenance of your rice cooker will ensure optimal performance and prolong its lifespan.

How to cook rice and steam food at the same time

The Proctor-Silex Rice Cooker and Steamer is a handy appliance that allows you to cook rice and steam food simultaneously. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to use it:

Step 1: Prepare the Rice Cooker

• Determine the amount of cooked rice you need. Using the cooking chart provided with your rice cooker, add the recommended measures of rice and water to the inner pot. Do not fill it past the "MAX" line.
• You can spray the inner pot with cooking oil spray to prevent sticking.
• Place the inner pot straight down into the base, ensuring it is securely seated.
• Put the cover on the inner pot and plug the cord into an outlet. The "Keep Warm" indicator light will turn on, but the unit is not yet cooking.

Step 2: Cook the Rice

• Push the switch down to start cooking. The "COOK" indicator light will illuminate.
• The rice will cook according to the time listed on the cooking chart. Once done, the "Keep Warm" indicator light will come on, and this setting will keep the rice warm until the unit is unplugged.

Step 3: Prepare the Steamer

• While the rice is cooking, you can prepare the steamer. Pour about 1-2 cups (250-500 ml) of water into a separate inner pot.
• Place this inner pot straight down into the base, ensuring it is securely seated.
• Put the food you wish to steam into the steam basket and place the basket on top of the inner pot. Cover and plug the cord into the outlet.

Step 4: Steam the Food

• Push the switch down to start steaming. Steam will be produced in about 8 minutes.
• One cup of water will steam for about 30 minutes, and two cups will steam for a similar duration.
• When finished, unplug the cord from the wall outlet. Remember to use caution when removing the cover and steam basket as the escaping steam can cause burns.

Step 5: Clean the Rice Cooker and Steamer

• Unplug the cord and wash the inner pot, cover, steam basket, steam rack, plastic measure, and paddle in hot, soapy water. You may need to soak the inner pot for a more thorough cleaning.
• Rinse, dry, and reassemble all the parts for storage.
• Wipe the base with a soft, damp cloth or a scrub pad suitable for all surfaces. Do not use abrasive cleansers, and do not immerse the base in water to avoid the risk of electrical shock.

How to cook different types of rice

The Proctor-Silex Rice Cooker and Steamer is a great way to cook rice, with the added convenience of a simple interface and a keep-warm function. Here is a guide to cooking different types of rice with this handy appliance.

Rinsing and Preparing the Rice

Rinsing the rice is an important first step. This will remove any excess starch build-up from broken grains or other debris. Rinse the rice in the rice cooker pot directly, swirling and draining the water 1-2 times with cold water. The water doesn't need to be completely clear, but you should see it start to change colour. This process is especially important for aromatic rice varieties like basmati and jasmine, as it prevents a sticky consistency.

Rice to Water Ratio

The ratio of rice to water is crucial to getting the right texture. A good general ratio is 2 parts water to 1 part rice. However, this can vary depending on the type of rice:

• Long-grain rice (e.g. jasmine rice): This type of rice is four times longer than it is wide and has a lighter texture. A 1:1 ratio of water to rice will work well.
• Medium-grain rice (e.g. Arborio or risotto rice): This rice is twice as long as its width and has a chewy bite. A 1:1 ratio is also suitable for this type.
• Short-grain rice (e.g. sushi rice): This rice is almost as wide as it is long and has a sticky consistency. A 1:1 ratio will work, but you may want to add a little more water for a plumper texture.

Cooking the Rice

Now you're ready to cook! Place the rice and water in the rice cooker pot, stirring to spread the rice out in an even layer. Put the lid on, turn it on, and let the cooker do its magic. The cooking time will depend on the type and amount of rice, but it usually takes around 20-30 minutes.

Resting and Fluffing the Rice

Once the rice cooker indicates that it's finished cooking, let the rice sit undisturbed for 5-10 minutes. This allows the rice to gently finish cooking and any excess liquid to evaporate. Then, use a rice paddle to fluff it up before serving.

Adjusting the Ratio for Different Rice Types

Depending on the type of rice, you may need to adjust the rice-to-water ratio. Longer-grain rice will typically need more water, while shorter-grain rice will need less. It's a good idea to start with a 1:1 ratio and adjust from there. If your rice is too dry, add a little more water and leave it on warm for a few minutes. If it's too mushy, you'll need to start over with less water.

Flavour Variations

You can easily add flavour to your rice by substituting broth or stock for water. Use unsalted versions and add salt to taste afterward to avoid oversalting. You can also add herbs, spices, aromatics, or chopped fresh herbs and vegetables to the cooking pot.

Now you're equipped with the knowledge to cook a variety of rice types in your Proctor-Silex Rice Cooker and Steamer!

Frequently asked questions