I buy this for a friend for Christmas a year or so ago and discover a few month ago that she never use it . so , I immediately confiscate it . if you measure appropriately and put in the recommend amount of water and rice , I be not sure how it could go wrong . it cook perfectly for I every time and if I forget about it , that be ok because it will turn off cooking mode and turn to warm mode when it be do cooking . the steam tray need no explanation . that be just what it be . simple . Works . I love this thing and use it at least twice a week . enjoy !