A typical 5.5-cup rice cooker uses about 650 watts (Zojirushi's NS-ZCC10 is rated 680 W), while 10-cup models use about 1,000 W and small 3-cup cookers less. Keep-warm mode uses much less.
- Running watts
- 650 WTypical; 300–1,000 W across models
- Starting watts
- NoneNo motor surge
- Per day
- 0.33 kWh1 h of use, cycling
- Current
- 5.4 AAt 120 V while running
Figures checked against DOE, ENERGY STAR and manufacturer data on . Your model's label is the final word.
Watts by model and setting
Most rice cooker models draw between 300 and 1,000 W while running; a typical one draws about 650 W. About 45-60 minutes per batch, full power while boiling then cycling to steam and keep warm: 650 W x 1 h x 0.5 = ~0.33 kWh. Leaving it on keep-warm for hours adds more.
- Capacity: 3-cup, 5.5-cup and 10-cup models draw progressively more
- Fuzzy-logic and induction-heating models adjust heat through the cycle
- Hours spent on keep-warm
Running a rice cooker on a generator or power station
- Generator: at least 650 running watts. A generator rated 1,000 W or more covers it with room to spare.
- Power station: continuous output of at least 650 W. Pure sine wave output is the safe choice for motors and electronics.
| Power station capacity | Estimated runtime |
|---|---|
| 500 Wh | 1.3 h |
| 1,000 Wh | 2.6 h |
| 2,000 Wh | 5.2 h |
| 3,000 Wh | 7.8 h |
Based on 325 W average draw (running watts × duty cycle) and 85% usable capacity.
- No starting surge; most 5.5-cup cookers run on a 1,000 W power station
- Turn off keep-warm when running on battery to save energy
- Run a gas generator outdoors only, at least 20 feet from doors, windows and vents; carbon monoxide from generators kills. Connect appliances with heavy-duty extension cords or a professionally installed transfer switch, never by backfeeding.
Add it to the generator calculator
Questions people ask
Can a power station run a rice cooker?
Yes. A 5.5-cup cooker needs about 700 W continuous and uses roughly 0.2-0.4 kWh per batch.
How much electricity does a rice cooker use on keep warm?
Much less than cooking, often tens of watts, but it adds up if left on all day.