I believe the line markings is for water when you cook rice. You add 9 cups of rice (perhaps with the plastic cup that comes in the box), then fill it up to th

I believe the line markings is for water when you cook rice. You add 9 cups of rice (perhaps with the plastic cup that comes in the box), then fill it up to the 9 cup line with water. Once cooked, this will produce perfectly cooked rice.