Cover the Rice Cooker with a Towel to Save Electricity? A Simple Trick That Could Cut Your Monthly Bill
Sounds strange, right? But this little-known method—placing a towel over your rice cooker during use or after cooking—is gaining attention among energy-conscious households. It’s one of those clever tricks that seems too simple to work, yet many claim it leads to noticeable savings on your electricity bill.
So, what’s the logic behind it?
When a rice cooker finishes cooking, it switches to “keep warm” mode—sometimes for hours. During this time, the device consumes steady power to maintain temperature. By placing a dry, clean towel over the closed lid, you add an extra layer of insulation, which helps trap the heat inside longer and reduces the need for the cooker to reheat repeatedly.
Benefits of using the towel trick:
- Reduces energy usage by helping the cooker stay warm naturally
- Cuts down reheating time, especially if you serve rice over a few hours
- Protects the outer surface from dust or insects in warm kitchens
- Keeps rice soft and moist without overcooking
Important Tips Before Trying This:
- Use a thin but dry towel—thick ones can block ventilation on some models
- Never place a towel under the cooker or cover the vent
- Only do this during the “keep warm” mode, not during active cooking
FAQs
Can this damage the rice cooker?
As long as you don’t block the steam vent or cover while it’s cooking, it’s safe. Make sure heat can escape if needed.
How much electricity can this really save?
Some households report saving 5–10% on cooking-related energy usage monthly, especially if they cook rice daily.
Can this trick be used with other appliances?
Not all. Avoid using it with stoves, ovens, or anything with open heating elements.
This old-school trick may not be in the user manual—but for those who use rice cookers daily, it’s a clever way to cut costs without sacrificing comfort.
