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A basic rice cooker should save you time without making portion sizes, cleanup, or controls confusing. The IMUSA USA GAU-00013 Electric Nonstick Rice Cooker keeps the design simple with one cook switch, an automatic warm mode, a removable nonstick bowl, and an 8-cup uncooked-rice capacity. It is a practical fit for everyday rice, oatmeal, grains, soups, and stews, especially when you want a straightforward appliance instead of a menu-driven cooker. Its main tradeoffs are equally simple: the pot is hand-wash only, the cooker lacks advanced digital programs, and the nonstick coating may not suit buyers who prefer a ceramic cooking surface.
Quick Verdict
Rating: 8.2/10, Recommended with caveats
Best For: Students, small kitchens, RV use, and households that want a simple high-capacity rice cooker
Bottom Line: The GAU-00013 gives you easy one-switch rice cooking, a generous 8-cup uncooked capacity, and automatic warm mode at a budget-oriented level. Skip it if you want digital presets, dishwasher-safe parts, or a ceramic-coated cooking pot.
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Brand | IMUSA |
| Model | GAU-00013 |
| Product type | Electric nonstick rice cooker |
| Capacity | Up to 8 cups uncooked rice (up to 16 cups cooked) |
| Power | 500 watts, 120V corded electric |
| Unit size | About 12.25 x 9.85 x 8.9 inches |
| Unit weight | About 4.55 lb |
| Materials | Aluminum, steel, and plastic; nonstick-coated removable cooking bowl |
| Lid | Tempered glass with steam vent |
| Controls | Single ON switch with COOK and WARM indicator lights |
| Included accessories | Serving spoon and 6 oz measuring cup |
| Care | Hand wash cooking bowl and lid; wipe cooker body with a damp cloth |
| Safety mark | UL listed |
| Best use | Rice, oatmeal, grains, jambalaya, soups, and stews |
Key Takeaways
- Large simple capacity: The GAU-00013 is rated for up to 8 cups of uncooked rice, which suits family meals and batch cooking better than compact 3-cup models.
- Easy controls: You press one switch to cook, and the cooker automatically changes to warm mode when the rice cycle finishes.
- Useful basic hardware: You get a removable nonstick bowl, tempered-glass lid with steam vent, cool-touch handles, serving spoon, and measuring cup.
- Manual care: The bowl and lid should be hand-washed, and the cooker body should never be immersed in water.
- No advanced programs: There is no timer, digital display, fuzzy logic, or dedicated menu for different grains.
What Is the IMUSA USA GAU-00013 Rice Cooker?
The IMUSA GAU-00013 is a basic electric rice cooker built around a removable nonstick cooking bowl and a mechanical cook switch. IMUSA rates the cooker at 500 watts and 120 volts, featuring a white exterior, tempered-glass lid, cool-touch side handles, and separate COOK and WARM indicator lights.
The main appeal is simplicity. You measure the rice and water, place the dry bowl into the housing, press the switch, and let the cooker complete the rice cycle. It then changes to warm mode automatically. That makes it useful when you want less stove monitoring without paying extra for a complex multicooker.
Top 5 Features That Matter on the IMUSA Rice Cooker
1. 8-Cup Uncooked Capacity
The headline feature is capacity. IMUSA rates the GAU-00013 for up to 8 cups of uncooked rice, yielding up to 16 cups cooked. That gives you enough room for family meals, meal prep, or small gatherings without needing a bulkier commercial cooker.
One key detail matters here: the manual tells you to use the included 6 oz measuring cup for its cooking chart. Do not assume that every cup in the chart equals a standard 8 fl oz U.S. measuring cup.
Before You Buy: The advertised 8-cup capacity refers to uncooked rice measured with the supplied 6 oz rice cup. Use the IMUSA chart and the bowl markings instead of substituting standard liquid measuring cups.
2. One-Switch Cooking and Automatic Warm Mode
The control system is intentionally basic. Plug the cooker into a standard 120V outlet, press the ON switch, and the red COOK light turns on. When the rice cycle is complete, the cooker automatically switches to WARM and the orange light comes on.
This is convenient for everyday cooking, but the warm function is not designed for endless storage. IMUSA’s manual advises against leaving rice in the cooking bowl on warm for more than 12 hours.
3. Removable Nonstick Cooking Bowl
The removable nonstick bowl is easier to clean than a fixed inner vessel. It also features internal water-level markings, helping you match rice quantity to water without transferring liquid to a separate container.
The tradeoff is daily care. IMUSA states that you should wash the bowl and lid by hand using warm, soapy water and a nylon sponge. Abrasive cleaners and metal scrubbing pads will damage the nonstick coating.
4. Tempered-Glass Lid and Cool-Touch Handling Points
The tempered-glass lid lets you check progress without lifting the cover and losing steam. A built-in steam vent releases excess pressure during cooking, while side handles and the lid knob are designed to stay cool for safer handling.
Always treat the cooker with caution while active. Steam escaping from the vent can cause burns, so take care when opening the lid after cooking.
5. Included Serving Spoon and Measuring Cup
You receive the two accessories essential for basic rice cooking: a non-scratch serving spoon and a 6 oz measuring cup. Using the provided cup ensures your rice-to-water ratios remain consistent with the manufacturer chart.
Who Should Buy It?
Best For
- You want a simple rice cooker for family-size batches without digital menus.
- You have a small kitchen, dorm setup, camper, or RV and want one basic appliance for rice, grains, oatmeal, soups, or stews.
- You prefer a clear glass lid, removable nonstick bowl, and automatic warm mode over complex settings.
Skip If
- You need digital presets, a delay timer, or precise grain-specific temperature controls.
- You prefer dishwasher-safe components over hand-wash cooking pots.
- You want a ceramic-coated interior or wish to avoid traditional nonstick coatings.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Up to 8 cups uncooked capacity for generous batch cooking
- Automatic switch from cook mode to warm mode
- Removable nonstick bowl with internal water-level markings
- Tempered-glass lid with steam vent for easy visual monitoring
- Includes serving spoon and calibrated 6 oz measuring cup
Cons
- No digital display, delay timer, or grain-specific programs
- Cooking bowl and lid require hand washing only
- Traditional nonstick coating may not suit buyers seeking ceramic options
Rice Cooking Guide and Setup Tips
The most consistent results come from using the supplied measuring cup and following the IMUSA cooking chart rather than guessing water ratios. The manual provides different ratios and estimated cooking times for white, yellow, and brown rice, with times increasing according to batch size.
For example, the manual lists about 10 to 15 minutes for one cup of white rice and 45 to 50 minutes for a full 8-cup batch. Brown rice requires more time and water, ranging from roughly 50 to 55 minutes for one cup up to 85 to 90 minutes for eight cups.
Pro Tip: Rinse your raw rice under cool water to remove excess surface starch, dry the exterior of the inner bowl completely before inserting it into the cooker, and keep the glass lid closed throughout the cook cycle to lock in steam.
Simple Setup Checklist
- Place the cooker on a flat, stable, heat-resistant surface with clear space around the steam vent.
- Measure rice and water using the supplied cup or internal bowl markings.
- Ensure the heating plate and outer surface of the cooking bowl are clean and dry.
- Keep the glass lid tightly closed while rice cooks.
- When the switch flips to warm, let the rice steam undisturbed with the lid closed for 15 minutes before serving.
- Unplug the unit when finished, as it does not feature a separate power switch.
How It Performs in Real Use
For Everyday White Rice
This is the cooker’s strongest scenario. Measure with the included cup, add water to the corresponding line, press the switch down, and let the appliance switch to warm mode automatically. The clear glass lid allows effortless visual monitoring.
For Brown Rice and Whole Grains
Brown rice needs significantly more water and time compared to white rice. While the GAU-00013 cooks brown rice reliably, plan for cook times between 50 and 90 minutes depending on volume.
For Soups, Stews, and One-Pot Meals
IMUSA outlines specific directions for soups and stews. It works best for recipes that cook in 60 minutes or less. You should set an external kitchen timer, stir occasionally, and serve immediately when finished rather than leaving soups in warm mode.
For Small Kitchens, Dorms, Campers, and RVs
With dimensions of 12.25 x 9.85 x 8.9 inches, this cooker offers significant cooking capacity in a moderate footprint. It fits well in dorms, campers, and tight kitchen counters, provided you have a grounded 120V outlet and adequate clearance for hot steam.
What Else Can You Make With the IMUSA Rice Cooker?
Beyond white rice, IMUSA lists oatmeal, stews, jambalaya, quinoa, and grain blends among intended uses. Because controls are strictly mechanical, you must monitor timing manually for foods that do not boil off water at the same rate as standard rice.
When preparing oatmeal or expanding grains, stay well below the maximum liquid line to prevent starch boil-over through the steam vent.
Before You Use It: Safety and Materials
The GAU-00013 utilizes an aluminum cooking pot with a traditional nonstick coating, steel and plastic outer housing, and a tempered-glass lid. It carries a UL safety listing. IMUSA’s disclosure indicates the nonstick coating contains nonstick compounds (PFAS), which is an important consideration if coating composition influences your decision.
For safe operation, do not immerse the cooker body in water, avoid touching the active steam vent, and always dry the outside of the cooking bowl before switching the unit on. Use the appliance on a stable, heat-resistant counter with adequate overhead clearance.
Cleaning and Maintenance Tips for Longevity
Always unplug the unit and let it cool completely prior to cleaning. Remove the inner bowl and lid, then wash both with warm, soapy water and a soft sponge. Dry all parts thoroughly before storing.
Wipe down the outer body and internal heating plate with a damp cloth. Never immerse the base in water or use harsh scouring pads on the nonstick interior.
| Task | Recommended Method | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Inner bowl and glass lid | Hand wash with warm soapy water and nylon sponge | After every use |
| Cooker exterior body | Wipe with a damp cloth, then dry with a soft towel | As needed |
| Heating plate | Wipe cool plate with a damp cloth to remove stray grains | When residue builds up |
| Storage | Cool completely, wind cord loosely, store in dry cabinet | After cleaning |
Is It Worth the Price?
The GAU-00013 delivers solid budget value if you want high capacity and simple one-switch operation. You are paying for functional reliability rather than digital timers or specialty fuzzy-logic settings: an 8-cup uncooked capacity, 500W heating element, automatic warm transition, glass lid, and included accessories.
It represents an economical choice for families, meal preppers, and students. However, if you require dishwasher-safe parts, a ceramic inner pot, or programmable timers, investing in a mid-range digital model will be a better fit.
How It Compares to Alternatives
If you prefer a ceramic-coated cooking pot in a similar size, the IMUSA GAU-00313 8-cup ceramic model is the direct alternative. If cooking for 1 to 2 people, IMUSA’s smaller 3-cup GAU-00011 uses only 300 watts and less counter space, though it trades away batch capacity.
The GAU-00013 stands out as the best match when maximum capacity and straightforward mechanical controls are your top priorities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the IMUSA GAU-00013 really an 8-cup rice cooker?
Yes. IMUSA rates it for up to 8 cups of uncooked rice, yielding up to 16 cups of cooked rice. Note that the included measuring cup is 6 oz, which matches IMUSA’s cooking ratio chart.
How long does rice take to cook in this model?
Cook times vary by grain type and batch size. Most white rice batches take between 10 and 50 minutes, whereas brown rice batches require roughly 50 to 90 minutes.
Does it automatically keep rice warm?
Yes. The switch automatically moves to WARM once the liquid evaporates during cooking. IMUSA recommends not leaving rice on warm for longer than 12 hours.
Is the inner cooking pot dishwasher safe?
No. IMUSA specifies hand washing only for the nonstick bowl and glass lid. Use warm soapy water and a soft sponge to preserve the nonstick coating.
Can you cook soup, stew, or oatmeal in this cooker?
Yes. IMUSA lists oatmeal, stews, jambalaya, and soups as suitable. For soups and stews, monitor cooking with an external timer and turn off the cooker when finished.
What warranty comes with the GAU-00013?
The official IMUSA manual specifies a 1-year limited warranty for qualifying U.S. purchases. Always verify exact warranty details with your seller at purchase.
Who should skip this rice cooker model?
Skip it if you need digital timers, fuzzy-logic grain controls, dishwasher-safe parts, or a ceramic cooking bowl. It is designed purely for simple, high-capacity cooking.
The Bottom Line
The IMUSA USA GAU-00013 is a great choice when you want an uncomplicated 8-cup uncooked-capacity rice cooker with automatic warm mode, a glass lid, and a nonstick bowl. While it lacks digital presets or dishwasher-safe cleanup, its large capacity and reliable single-switch operation make it a solid choice for daily family meals, earning a Recommended with caveats rating.
