Why do you measure rice in volume rather than weight?

It is a common point of confusion, but there is a very specific reason why rice cooker capacities are always measured by volume (cups) rather than by weight (grams).

Why Volume Over Weight? Using weight measurements for cooking rice in a rice cooker is quite inaccurate. Different varieties of rice (such as jasmine, basmati, or short-grain sushi rice) have different densities and moisture contents, meaning they weigh different amounts even if they take up the same amount of space. Because rice cookers rely on a precise ratio of rice to water, using grams as a guide can easily result in undercooked or mushy rice. By using volume, you ensure a consistent result every time, regardless of the type of rice you are cooking.

How to Measure Correctly To get perfect rice, you should always use the specific measuring cup provided with your machine (which is a standard rice industry size of 180ml) alongside the corresponding water level lines marked on the inside of the cooking bowl.

If you are used to measuring your rice by weight and are unsure which size rice cooker you need, we highly recommend this simple test:

1. Take the amount of rice you usually cook by weight.

2. Pour it into a standard liquid measuring jug.

3. See how that volume translates into our standard 180ml cup size.

Cooking Small Portions If you are looking to cook smaller amounts, you will be happy to know that both our Tsuki and Panda models are highly versatile. Both of these models are capable of cooking as little as half a cup (90ml) of raw rice, making them perfect for single servings or small households!

For more detailed information, we have a comprehensive guide on our website that explains everything you need to know about sizing: 👉 Yum Asia: Rice Cooker Capacity Guide

Please let us know if you have any other questions about finding the perfect rice cooker for your needs!