[ELI5] How does a rice cooker “know” the timing to switch from cook to warm when there’s no more water in it?

Question

[ELI5] How does a rice cooker “know” the timing to switch from cook to warm when there’s no more water in it?

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Answer 1

When there is water in the rice cooker, the temperature of the water and rice cannot exceed 212F/100C. Once the water has evaporated and/or been absorbed, the temperature of the rice can now rise above that temperature. So, I assume a rice cooker has a thermometer that is sensing the temperature. It is likely sensing the temp of the metal bowl, but regardless, it will be at a rather constant temp while there is still water in the bowl. But once that water is gone, the temperature will rise.