A rice cooker is an electric kitchen appliance designed to cook rice automatically. It typically consists of a cooking pot, a heating element, and a thermostat. When water and rice are added, the cooker heats the water until it boils, then maintains the temperature to steam the rice until it is fully cooked. Many rice cookers also have additional features, such as settings for different types of rice, timers, and keep-warm functions. Some models can even cook other grains or dishes, making them versatile tools in the kitchen. Popular brands include Zojirushi and Panasonic.