Per von Zweigbergk wrote:

snip
A close-up image of the component can be found at
http://www.pvz.pp.se/stuff/riskokarkomponent.jpg (59.2 kB). The actual
size of the component is approximately 15 millimeters from end to end.

To me it looks like a terminal lug from the end of a thermal fuse
or thermostat.


I thought it might be additionally helpful to take a picture of the
innards of the rice cooker, to illustrate where in the circuit the
mystery component was located.

It can be found at http://www.pvz.pp.se/stuff/ricecooker-innards.jpg


What is the maximum rated temperature of the cooker? Knowing that, I
would install a cartridge-style thermal fuse or thermostat into that
ceramic block in series with the AC mains in the photograph with a
value about 20 degrees F higher than the max. rating of the cooker.
Inspect the method of thermal contact inside that block; it may be
useful to use refractory cement to make good contact between the
business end of that thermal block and the new thermal protection
device.

You could even salvage a thermostat from a drip-style coffee maker
which may be about the right temperature (these units are easily
found in the trash, rummage sales, etc. in the States).

Regards,

Michael