My rice cooker is a wonder. It costs just seventeen bucks, is easy to use, easy to wash, and incredibly versatile. I have nothing against the dining halls, but eating at them doesn't always fit in with my schedule and my dietary restrictions. The rice cooker helps me fill in all the gaps between dining hall meals without resorting to Ramen.
Despite its name, I think I've only made rice in it three or four times this semester. The rice cooker is basically just a pot that gets to a nice boiling temperature and stays at that temperature until the rice is done. But since it's just a hot pot, I can cook so many other things. Mostly, I make soup. I can saute onions, garlic, and olive oil in there first, and then dump in water and whatever other ingredients I want. Since I'm not tied to the hall kitchen I can sit at my desk and do homework as it cooks. I've also used my rice cooker for stirfry, omelets, lentils, and pasta. The model I bought has a steamer basket, too, so I occasionally use it to steam veggies. I've heard that it's possible to make a cake in one, but I haven't had to see if it really can be done.
Despite its name, I think I've only made rice in it three or four times this semester. The rice cooker is basically just a pot that gets to a nice boiling temperature and stays at that temperature until the rice is done. But since it's just a hot pot, I can cook so many other things. Mostly, I make soup. I can saute onions, garlic, and olive oil in there first, and then dump in water and whatever other ingredients I want. Since I'm not tied to the hall kitchen I can sit at my desk and do homework as it cooks. I've also used my rice cooker for stirfry, omelets, lentils, and pasta. The model I bought has a steamer basket, too, so I occasionally use it to steam veggies. I've heard that it's possible to make a cake in one, but I haven't had to see if it really can be done.If anyone else is tired of the dining hall for every meal, and you don't feel like dragging yourself to the communal kitchen down the hall (or eating ramen all the time), I definitely would recommend a rice cooker. Just be sure to get a nice cheap model with a non-stick removable pan and a glass lid. The more expensive ones are phenomenal at cooking rice, but they won't necessarily do as well if you try to use them for other things.
My rice cooker is a Rival RC61 3-Cup Rice Cooker, Red.
Also check out: Escaping the Dining Hall: Beth’s Cheap and Easy White Bean Soup Recipe for an easy way to break in that new rice cooker of yours!
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