Cookworks 1.5 Litre Rice Cooker

Your New Go-To for Foolproof Rice and So Much More

Rice is one of the world’s most versatile and important grains. From fluffy white rice to perfectly tender brown rice, a good rice cooker is an invaluable kitchen tool. The Cookworks 1.5 Litre Rice Cooker takes the guesswork out of cooking rice and can even be used for a variety of other dishes. Keep reading for everything you need to know about using this handy appliance.

Getting Started with Your Cookworks Rice Cooker

Getting started with the Cookworks 1.5 Litre Rice Cooker is quick and easy. Here’s a simple step-by-step guide:

1. Read the instruction manual thoroughly for operating directions.
2. Wash the inner pot, lid, and any other removable parts in warm, soapy water. Rinse and dry thoroughly.
3. Place the inner pot into the rice cooker base and add rice. Use the included measuring cup for accurate rice measurements.
4. Fill with appropriate amount of water according to rice type. The markings on the inner pot serve as fill lines.
5. Secure the lid and plug in the power cord.
6. Select your desired cook setting. White rice, brown rice, and quick cook are common program options.
7. Let the rice cooker work its magic! It will automatically switch to warm mode when done.

With those simple steps, you’ll be ready to start enjoying perfect rice and other dishes with your Cookworks Rice Cooker.

Cooked Rice Capacity

One of the top questions about any rice cooker is how much cooked rice it can handle at once. The Cookworks 1.5 Litre Rice Cooker can cook approximately:

• 6 cups of white rice
• 4 cups of brown rice

The 1.5 litre capacity is ideal for families, as you can easily cook a main rice accompaniment for 4-6 people in one batch.

For larger gatherings or meal prepping, the rice cooker’s capacity can be maximized by doing back-to-back batches. Simply cook the first batch, fluff with a fork, then add more rice and water for a second batch.

Cooking Times

Cooking duration will vary based on the type of rice, its origin, and age. Here are some general timeframes:

• White rice: 12-15 minutes
• Brown rice: 25-30 minutes
• Quick rice: 8-10 minutes

The Cookworks Rice Cooker automatically adjusts heating intensity and cooking time for perfect results every time. No need to watch the clock!

For softer rice, try soaking grains beforehand for 30 minutes up to overnight. This reduces overall cooking time. Older rice also benefits from a brief soak to soften before cooking.

More Than Just Rice

Don’t be fooled by the name – rice cookers like the Cookworks 1.5 Litre can prepare a diverse array of one-pot meals beyond just rice. Try cooking these nourishing favorites:

• Quinoa – Rinse well and combine 1 cup quinoa + 2 cups water or broth.
• Oatmeal – Combine oats and liquid in a 1:2 ratio. Stir in mix-ins like raisins, sugar, cinnamon after cooking.
• Steel-cut oats – Soak overnight in fridge for quicker cooking. Use a 1:4 oats to water ratio.
• Beans – Sort and rinse beans, then combine with water in a 1:3 bean to water ratio. Season as desired.
• Chili – Brown ground meat with aromatics, then add canned crushed tomatoes, beans, and chili seasoning.
• Soups & stews – Prepare broth and sauté aromatics first, then add chopped veggies and protein of choice.
• Steamed vegetables – Use steaming tray to gently cook fresh or frozen veggies.

The options are endless for simple, one-pot meals! Play around with your own recipes.

Keep-Warm Function

The Cookworks Rice Cooker comes equipped with an automatic keep-warm function. Once rice or any dish is finished cooking, it automatically switches over to keep-warm mode.

This convenient setting keeps your meal perfectly warm and ready to serve for hours. No more worrying about overcooked, mushy rice!

For best results, stir and fluff rice periodically while on keep-warm. Serve rice within 12 hours for optimal texture and taste.

Cleaning Your Rice Cooker

Maintaining your Cookworks Rice Cooker is simple. Here are tips for quick and easy cleanup:

• Remove inner pot after each use and clean with warm, soapy water. Avoid harsh scouring pads.
• If any bits are stuck to the pot, soak briefly to loosen.
• Dry the inner pot fully before returning to the base.
• Wipe the heating base clean with a damp cloth. Never immerse in water.
• Wash included accessories like the rice paddle, lid, and steaming tray.
• For a deep clean, fill pot with water and vinegar and boil on cook mode for 5 minutes. Scrub clean.

By washing parts after each use, residue won’t accumulate and cause sticking. Your rice cooker will look like new for years!

Non-Stick Inner Pot

The Cookworks 1.5 Litre Rice Cooker comes equipped with a non-stick coated aluminum inner pot. This provides several advantages:

• Prevent rice and food from sticking and burning.
• Simplify cleaning – food won’t bake on over time.
• Toxic coatings like Teflon are not used.
• Aluminum evenly distributes heat for perfectly cooked rice.

Never use metal utensils or abrasive cleaners on the non-stick surface. This could damage the protective coating over time. Stick to soft cloths and plastic or wood utensils.

Steaming Trays Expand Your Options

Included with the Cookworks Rice Cooker is a steaming tray insert. This opens up even more cooking possibilities!

The steaming tray rests on top while rice cooks below. Use it to:

• Steam vegetables – fresh or frozen.
• Steam fish, chicken, or pork fillets.
• Cook tamales, dumplings, or dim sum.
• Heat side dishes like mashed potatoes.

Steaming food locks in nutrients and flavor better than boiling. It’s a healthy cooking method that preserves texture and color.

Included Accessories

The Cookworks 1.5 Litre Rice Cooker comes with a set of accessories for convenience:

• Rice Paddle – Use the plastic rice paddle to scoop out servings of fluffy rice. It won’t scratch the nonstick surface.
• Measuring Cup – The included measuring cup takes the guesswork out of getting the perfect rice-to-water ratio.
• Steaming Tray – As mentioned, the steaming tray provides a second cooking level for preparing vegetables, proteins, and more.
• Soup Ladle – For one-pot dishes like chili, oatmeal, or soup, use the ladle to easily serve out portions.

These handy accessories stow away neatly in the rice cooker base. Having the right tools makes cooking easier and more efficient.

Perfect Brown Rice

Cooking nutritious brown rice can be tricky, but the Cookworks Rice Cooker makes it foolproof. Here are tips for success:

• Use a 1:2 brown rice to water ratio.
• Enable the brown rice setting, which adjusts temperature and time.
• Allow a natural steam release by letting the cooker sit for 10 minutes after finishing.
• Fluff gently with a fork before serving for maximum fluffiness.
• Rinse brown rice before cooking to remove excess starch.

The cooker’s specialized settings mean no more undercooked grains or mushy rice texture. Enjoy perfectly chewy, wholesome brown rice anytime.

Troubleshooting Your Rice Cooker

While rice cookers are generally reliable, occasional issues can arise. Here are some common troubleshooting tips for the Cookworks Rice Cooker:

Rice is undercooked:

• Use recommended rice-to-water ratios. Increase water slightly if needed.
• Select correct rice function setting like brown or quick rice.
• Allow cooker to complete full cook and steam cycle. Don’t open lid prematurely.

Rice is overcooked or mushy:

• Reduce water slightly. Stick to the minimum absorption ratios.
• Avoid stirring rice too much during the cooking process.
• Use keep-warm mode instead of recooking partially done rice.

Rice sticks to bottom:

• Allow pot to cool fully before cleaning. Soaking helps release stuck bits.
• Add a bit more water next time.
• Replace worn nonstick coating if it has been damaged.

Rice cooker won’t turn on:

• Make sure the power cord is securely plugged in.
• Check if the circuit breaker needs resetting.
• Contact the manufacturer if issues persist.

Helpful Product Specs

Here are key specifications for the Cookworks 1.5 Litre Rice Cooker:

• Capacity: 1.5 Litres (uncooked rice)
• Dimensions: 29 x 25 x 22 cm
• Power: 400 watts
• Voltage: 240V, 50Hz
• Settings: White rice, brown rice, quick rice, keep warm
• Accessories: Rice paddle, measuring cup, steaming tray, soup ladle

Knowing the product details helps ensure you’re using the rice cooker properly. Always refer to the included manual as well.

Automatic Shutoff for Safety

Today’s rice cookers come loaded with safety features, including the Cookworks 1.5 Litre model. Once the rice is finished, it automatically switches to keep warm mode.

This means the heating element safely turns off to prevent overcooking and fire risks. If the cooker is left unattended for an extended time on keep warm, it will shut off completely.

The automatic shutoff provides peace of mind against overheating hazards. Cook your rice and rest easy knowing the cooker will turn off on its own.

Perfect Water Amounts

Achieving that perfect tender yet fluffy rice texture depends largely on using the right amount of water. Here are basic absorption ratios:

• White rice: Use a 1:1.5 rice to water ratio. Ex: 1 cup rice + 1 1/2 cups water.
• Brown rice: Use a 1:2 rice to water ratio. Ex: 1 cup rice + 2 cups water.
• Quick rice: Use a 1:1 rice to water ratio.

As a general rule of thumb, longer grain rice requires more water. Feel free to adjust ratios slightly up or down to suit your taste. The Cookworks Rice Cooker makes dialing in the ideal rice texture easy.

Beyond Rice: Whole Grains, Beans, and More

We’ve mainly covered rice, but the versatile Cookworks Rice Cooker truly goes beyond cooking just grains. You can prepare all kinds of healthy, one-pot meals in this handy appliance.

Give these nutritious options a try:

• Quinoa – A complete protein grain that makes a great rice substitute.
• Oats – Cook steel-cut or rolled oats for a warm breakfast.
• Beans – Perfectly tender beans from dry without having to soak.
• Chili – All the ingredients cook together into a hearty chili.
• Steamed veggies – Lock in nutrients and vibrant color.
• Steamed fish – Gentle steaming keeps fish tender and moist.

Let your Cookworks Rice Cooker streamline healthy plant-based eating. The options are practically endless!

An Energy-Efficient Kitchen Helper

With today’s high energy costs, appliances that save electricity are a must. The Cookworks 1.5 Litre Rice Cooker uses less energy than other cooking methods. Here’s how it helps:

• No oven heating – The insulated cooker doesn’t heat up your kitchen.
• Tight lid – Minimal steam released means less energy required.
• Small capacity – It takes less energy to heat 1.5 litres versus a large oven or pot.
• Automatic shutoff – It transitions to low-power keep warm when done cooking.
• Portability – You can move the cooker to different outlets easily.

For those looking to save on their energy bill each month, a rice cooker like the Cookworks model is an eco-friendly choice.

Where to Buy Your Cookworks Rice Cooker

The Cookworks 1.5 Litre Rice Cooker is sold at major retailers across the UK and online. Check the availability at:

• Amazon – Competitively priced with free shipping for Prime members. Look for authorized Cookworks sellers.
• Argos – Frequently have deals on Cookworks small appliances. Can click & collect many locations.
• eBay – New and used models from various sellers. Sort by price to find deals.
• AO – Large selection of Cookworks products with potential bundle discounts.
• Lakeland – Known for quality kitchenware and specialty cooking devices.

For the widest selection and competitively priced deals, check both local and online retailers. Avoid third party sellers to ensure you get the authentic product and warranty.

Cost Considerations

The Cookworks 1.5 Litre Rice Cooker offers excellent value for an essential kitchen appliance. Prices typically range from:

• £20 – £30 for a basic manual version without preset programs.
• £30 – £50 for a programmable version with additional settings and features.
• £50 – £80 for upgrades like stainless steel models.

When comparing prices, consider key variables:

• Number of program settings provided
• Stainless steel vs. aluminum pot
• Extra accessories included
• Ease of cleaning features like dishwasher-safe parts

For most home needs, a standard programmable model in the £30 – £50 range offers the best return on investment. This gives you top performance without breaking the bank.

Product Warranty Overview

The Cookworks 1.5 Litre Rice Cooker comes backed by a 1-year manufacturer’s warranty. This covers defects in materials and workmanship.

To take advantage of the warranty, register your product online. Then contact Cookworks or the retailer if any issues arise.

As with any small appliance, take care in proper use and cleaning to maximize longevity. With reasonable care, your Cookworks Rice Cooker should deliver many years of reliable service.

Tips for Rice Cooker Mastery

After reviewing all the features and functions of the Cookworks 1.5 Litre Rice Cooker, here are some final tips for success:

• Rinse rice before cooking until water runs clear for best results.
• Use the lines inside the inner pot for easy measuring.
• Try soaking rice before cooking to reduce stickiness and cut down cook times.
• Fluff gently with a fork or paddle after cooking for perfectly separated grains.
• Clean thoroughly after each use to avoid residue buildup.
• Vary water amounts to find your ideal rice texture. Adjust up or down from the standard ratios.
• Experiment with recipes from porridge to chili and more. This cooker has you covered!

Now you have all the know-how for rice cooking confidence. Get ready for a steady helping of your new go-to grain – freshly prepared to perfection every time.