How to Use the SpeediChef Rice Cooker

TL;DR: From unboxing to your first perfect bowl of rice — a complete step-by-step guide to getting the most out of your SpeediChef.

By SpeediChef Kitchen Lab · Reviewed by SpeediChef Product Review · Updated 2026-07-17

Beginner · 8 min read

Unboxing and First Setup

When your SpeediChef arrives, you'll find the main cooker unit, the nonstick inner pot, the stainless steel steamer basket, a rice measuring cup, and a serving spatula. Before first use, wash the inner pot and steamer basket with warm soapy water and dry thoroughly. Wipe the inside of the cooker with a damp cloth. Place the inner pot firmly into the cooker, ensuring it seats properly — you'll feel it click into place against the induction heating element.

• Always wash the inner pot before first use to remove any manufacturing residue.
• Make sure the inner pot is completely dry before placing it in the cooker.
• The pot should rotate slightly to align with the heating element — this is normal.

Measuring Rice and Water

The golden ratio for perfect rice is the foundation of great results. Use the included measuring cup (which measures 180ml, slightly less than a standard US cup) for consistent results. For white rice, use a 1:1.2 ratio — 1 cup of rice to 1.2 cups of water. For brown rice, increase to 1:1.5. For multi-grain, use 1:1.3. Always rinse your rice 2-3 times until the water runs clear — this removes excess starch and prevents sticky, gummy rice.

• Rinse rice until the water is nearly clear for the best texture.
• Use cold water for rinsing and cooking — it helps the rice cook more evenly.
• For fluffier rice, let it soak for 20-30 minutes before cooking.

Selecting Your Cooking Function

The SpeediChef's top-mounted LCD touch display gives you access to all 10 cooking functions. Press the power button, then use the function selector to choose your mode. White Rice is the standard setting for jasmine, basmati, and long-grain varieties. Brown Rice uses a longer, lower-temperature cycle to fully cook the tougher outer bran layer. Fast Rice cuts cooking time by about 30% — ideal for busy weeknights. Slow Rice extends the cycle for enhanced flavor and aroma. Multi-grain handles blends of rice with quinoa, millet, or barley.

• Fast Rice is great for weeknights but Slow Rice produces noticeably better flavor.
• Use the Porridge setting for congee — add extra water (1:6 ratio) for a silky texture.
• The Stew and Braise settings work beautifully for one-pot meals with proteins and vegetables.

Using the Steamer Basket

One of SpeediChef's best features is the ability to steam vegetables, fish, or dumplings while your rice cooks below. Place your rice and water in the inner pot as normal, then place the stainless steel steamer basket on top. Add your vegetables or protein to the basket — broccoli, carrots, green beans, fish fillets, and dumplings all work beautifully. The steam generated by the cooking rice will gently cook everything in the basket simultaneously, creating a complete, nutritious meal in a single cycle.

• Cut vegetables into similar-sized pieces for even steaming.
• Delicate vegetables like spinach or peas should be added in the last 5 minutes.
• Fish fillets steam perfectly in about 15-20 minutes — the same time as white rice.

Delay Timer and Keep Warm

The Delay Start function lets you set your rice cooker to begin cooking up to 12 hours in advance. Add your rice and water, select your cooking function, then press the Timer button and use the +/- buttons to set your desired start delay. This is perfect for waking up to fresh porridge or coming home to a hot dinner. Once cooking completes, the SpeediChef automatically switches to Keep Warm mode, maintaining your rice at the perfect serving temperature for up to 12 hours without drying it out.

• Don't use the delay timer with the steamer basket — food safety requires the basket contents to be added fresh.
• Keep Warm is best used for up to 4-6 hours for optimal rice texture.
• Add a small piece of bread or a damp paper towel on top of the rice to prevent drying during long Keep Warm periods.

Buy SpeediChef on Amazon — $99.88 · Cooking guides · Get 10% off recipes