How to Use Xiaomi Rice Cooker: A Complete Guide from Preparation to Cooking

Xiaomi’s rice cookers have become a hit with smart kitchen appliances thanks to a combination of affordable prices, modern technology and ease of use. These devices not only save time, but also guarantee the perfect result — crumbly rice, fragrant cereals or even pastries — without your constant supervision. However, many users make typical mistakes when they first get acquainted with the device: pouring water incorrectly, choosing the wrong mode or ignoring the smart control features through the Mi Home app.

In this article, we will discuss all the steps of working with a Xiaomi rice cooker, from unpacking and first switching on to cooking complex dishes. You will learn how to avoid burning rice, what proportions of water are optimal for different cereals, and how to use additional features (for example, Delayed Start or Maintaining Heat).

1. Preparation of the rice cooker for the first use

Before the first switch on, you need to follow several mandatory steps to ensure that the device lasts long and works without failure. Start with unpacking: check the equipment (usually a non-stick bowl, a measuring cup, a spatula and instructions). Do not wash the bowl with abrasives - this will damage the coating. Just rinse it with warm water with a soft sponge.

Then, perform the “dry run”:

1. Connect the rice cooker to the grid.
2. Press the Power button (usually marked with a symbol) I/O).
3. Select Quick Cooking (if any) and run for 5-10 minutes without water or rice.

This will help eliminate possible production odors.

⚠️ Warning: If you have a faint plastic smell after the first switch, that's fine. But if it persists after 2-3 uses, contact the service center: the heating element may be defective.

Also check the vapor valve (usually located on the lid) to open and close freely. If the valve is jammed, do not use the device - this can lead to excessive pressure and breakage.

Rinse the bowl with warm water|

Check the integrity of the power cord|

Perform a "dry run"|

Ensure the efficiency of the steam valve-->

2. Basic controls and display

Xiaomi’s Ricemakers are equipped with an intuitive control panel, but its functions may differ depending on the model. Consider the most common configuration using the example of the MiJia Smart Rice Cooker. 3L:

• 🔘 Power button (I/O) — switch-on.
• 🍚 Rice mode - standard white rice preparation.
• 🥣 Mode "Porridge" - for oatmeal, buckwheat or other cereals.
• ⏱️ Timer – Delayed Start (up to 24 hours).
• 🔄 Heating – maintaining the temperature after cooking.
• 📱 Wi-Fi/Bluetooth — synchronization with the Mi Home application (in smart models).

The display displays the current mode, cooking time and temperature. in smart rice cookers (e.g. Xiaomi Smartmi). ZNCJ01CM) There's a touchscreen with additional options: Multi-Chair, Yogurt, Steam cooker, even Baking, which requires you to follow the proportions of the ingredients exactly, and we'll talk about that later.

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If your model supports voice control through Alice or Google Assistant, link it to your Mi Home account in the app settings, which will allow you to start cooking with a voice command, such as, "Alice, turn the rice cooker on porridge mode."

3. How to cook rice: proportions and secrets

The most common mistake of beginners is the wrong ratio of rice to water. Xiaomi rice cookers use a measuring cup that comes with a set (usually 180-200 ml). General rule: 1 cup of rice: 1-1.5 cup of water for white rice.

But there are nuances:

• 🌾 Long Grain Rice (Basmati, Jasmine): 1:1.2 – Rice will turn crumbly.
• 🍚 Round rice (for sushi, risotto): 1:1.5 - need a softer texture.
• 🌱 Brown Rice: 1:2 – requires more water and time (use Whole Grain Mode if available).
• 🍛 Pilaf rice: 1:1.3 + pre-soaking.

Critical: Never exceed the maximum filling point of the bowl (usually 3-4 cups of dry rice), overloading leads to foam leaking through the valve and damage to the device.

The cooking algorithm:

1. Rinse the rice under cold water 2-3 times until the water is clear.
2. Soak the rice for 15 to 30 minutes (optional, but improves texture).
3. Sprinkle the rice into the bowl, add water to the labels inside (or use a measuring cup).
4. Set the bowl in the rice cooker, close the lid and select Rice mode.
5. After the signal about the end, allow the rice to "rest" for 10 minutes with the lid closed.

White long-grain|

Round for sushi/risotto|

Brown/unpolished|

Wild/black rice|

Another option-->

4 Additional features: timer, heating and smart control

Xiaomi’s rice cookers stand out from the competition with smart features that save time and energy.

• ⏰ Delayed start: allows you to program the start of cooking at a convenient time (for example, to have rice ready for your return from work.
• 🔥 Heat maintenance: rice stays warm for up to 12 hours without drying; the function is activated automatically after the program is completed.
• 📲 Control via app: In smart models, you can select a mode, monitor cooking times and receive notifications of completion.
• 🔄 Self-cleaning: Steam cleaning mode (if any) removes food residues and odors after use.

How to set up a delayed start through the Mi Home app:

1. Open the app and select your rice cooker.
2. Press the timer and set the desired time.
3. Add ingredients to the bowl (water and rice) and close the lid.
4. The device will automatically start cooking at a given time.

⚠️ Note: When using a timer, do not add perishable foods (such as meat or milk) to the bowl for more than 2 hours before cooking.

5. Preparation of other dishes: porridge, soup, yogurt and even bread

Xiaomi's rice cooker is not just for rice, it can cook dozens of dishes, from oatmeal for breakfast to homemade bread, and the key is to choose the right regimen and proportions.

Kashi

For oatmeal, use the ratio of 1 cup of cereal: 3 cups of water/milk and a porridge regimen. For buckwheat or millet, 1:2. Add salt, sugar or fruit to taste. Advice: if the porridge is too thick, add hot water and mix after the signal about the end.

Soup.

In Multi-Chair mode, you can make a soup made from frozen vegetables or canned ingredients. Proportions: 500 g of food: 1 liter of water. Add spices and run the program for 40 to 50 minutes. Don't use meat with bones - it can damage the non-stick coating.

yogurt

For yogurt preparation:

1. Pasteurize the milk (heat to 90)°C, then cool to 40.°C).
2. Add the sourdough (1 tbsp. spoonful of finished yogurt per 1 liter of milk).
3. Select the Yogurt mode and set the time of 6-8 hours.

The temperature in the bowl will be maintained at 40-45°C automatically.

Baking.

Yes, you can bake in a rice cooker! For a muffin, mix: 200g flour, 100g sugar, 2 eggs, 100ml milk, 50ml vegetable oil and 1 tsp baking powder.

Pour the dough into an oiled bowl and select Baking mode on 50–60 Important: Don't fill the cup more than a minute. 2/3 — dough will rise!

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For meat dishes (for example, pilaf), use the Multi-Pilaf mode and add meat after 10 minutes of cooking rice - so it will not be digested and will retain juiciness.

6 Cleaning and care: how to extend the life of a rice cooker

The non-stick coating of the bowl is the most vulnerable part of the rice cooker, so that it lasts longer, follow the rules:

• 🧼 Wash the bowl after each use with warm water with a soft sponge. avoid metal scrapers.
• 🚫 Do not use a dishwasher - it destroys the coating.
• 🧂 To remove the sodium, pour water with citric acid into the bowl (1 tbsp. l. per 1 liter of water) and turn on the steam mode for 10 minutes.
• 🔌 Store the device in a dry place, having previously dried the bowl and lid.

The steam valve and the sealing ring on the lid also require care:

1. Remove the valve and rinse under running water (it is removable in most models).
2. Wipe the O-ring with a wet cloth, then dry.
3. Check the valve hole for blockages - if necessary, clean with a toothpick.

⚠️ Warning: If scratches remain at the bottom of the bowl after washing, do not use it to prepare sour dishes (for example, yogurt or tomato soup.

Once every 3 months, it is recommended to carry out a deep cleaning:

1. Pour 2 cups of water and 1 tbsp of vinegar into the bowl.
2. Turn on the cereal mode for 30 minutes.
3. After cooling, wash the bowl and wipe dry.

This will remove the lime plaque and disinfect the surface.

7.Typical mistakes and how to avoid them

Even experienced users sometimes encounter problems with the rice cooker, and here are the most common mistakes and solutions:

If the Xiaomi rice cooker shows an error on the display (for example, E1, E2), refer to the instructions: E1 — temperature-sensor problem, E2 — overheating.

In both cases, disconnect the device from the network for 30 minutes. If the error repeats, contact the service.

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If the rice is too dry, don't put water directly into the bowl -- put it in a bowl and sprinkle it with hot water, then cover it with a lid for 5 minutes, so it absorbs moisture evenly.

8. Model comparison: which Xiaomi rice cooker to choose

Xiaomi’s line of rice cookers includes models with different functionality and volume, and here is a quick comparison of the most popular:

• 🍚 MiJia Smart Rice Cooker 3L — base model with 5 modes, suitable for a family of 3-4 people. there is support for Mi Home, but no display.
• 📱 Xiaomi Smartmi ZNCJ01CM — It's a smart rice cooker with touch screen, 12 modes and voice control, 3 liters, perfect for baking and yogurt experiments.
• 🏠 MiJia Pressure Rice Cooker is a pressure cooker model that cooks rice in 15 minutes.
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Xiaomi Viomi 4L — Extended volume (4 liters) for large families. There is a mode of baby food and sterilization of bottles.

When choosing, focus on:

1. The volume of the bowl: 1.5-2 liters for 1-2 people, 3-4 liters for the family.
2. Smart features: If you need to sync with your smartphone, take models that support Mi Home.
3. Additional modes: Smartmi is suitable for yogurt and baking ZNCJ01CM.
4. Budget: Basic models cost from 3,000 ₽, smart -- from 5,000 ₽.

Savings tip: If you don't need smart features, take MiJia 3L — It's reliable and easy to use, and if you like to experiment in the kitchen, invest in Smartmi with advanced modes.

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Models with pressure cooker function (such as MiJia Pressure Rice Cooker) save up to 50% of cooking time, but require more careful care of the safety valve.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions