Here you go

I got reasonably good at making rice in a pot, then I bought a Zojirushi rice cooker. (Not this exact model, but similar.)

It spits out the best quality rice I was ever able to produce on a stovetop, except it takes 30 seconds to dump the shit in and press the start button and I can go collect my perfect rice any time in the next 12 hours. Yes, it's a monotasker, but it's the most effective one I've ever used and I love it to death.

Yes! I have this rice cooker for reference. I do about a cup of steel cut oats, any salt/cinnamon/fruit/whatever I'm adding, then fill with water almost to the top. Stir it up, turn it on, and check back when the indicator says it's done (usually about 30 minutes). Stirring periodically while it's cooking helps, but isn't absolutely necessary.

Almost any ricer cooker is better (imo) than no rice cooker. They're super easy and idiot proof.

In my experience the cheaper ones make more of a mess.

I've owned this one and it wasn't very expensive, it's easy to clean, and it makes a limited mess on the counter (unless it's super full). We follow the measurement directions and the rice is great every time.

I currently own this one and it makes almost no mess ever. It's pricey, and I'm not sure it's worth the cost difference if you don't use it a lot, but not having to clean up the counter is super.

We have this Zojirushi, which is the cheapest one they sell that is still made in Japan. We love it. Asian-style cookers are the way to go!

How about something like Ikea's veggie balls?

I picked up a few bags back in early December, emptied two of them into a gallon freezer bag, and toss a few into my rice cooker's steamer tray whenever I cook rice. I'm sure there are recipes to make them at home too.

Edit: My rice cooker that can rice and steam at the same time.

I will gladly oblige!

Stew

I omitted the peas because peas are gross. I added rosemary to it and swapped tomato sauce with a fresh tomato.

You can choose thickness as you wish and omit the cornstarch thickening solution per your souping needs.

As most folks don’t own a pressure cooker or perhaps “instant pot”...but a crock pot will suffice, it will just take much longer to cook everything thoroughly. Rule of thumb is to cook until tender- potatoes and meat taking the longest.

[Cooking device for those inclined]


Edit: syntax, link

I use a small rice cooker to cook rice and steam vegetables as a side dish at the same time. Frees up my microwave, oven, and stovetop and only takes a few seconds of prep time!

Edit: I find basmati rice works well in this cooker.

BTW, 6 quart instant pots are the cheapest they've ever been on Amazon right now for anyone looking to pick one up!

https://camelcamelcamel.com/Instant-Pot-Multi-Use-Programmable-Pressure/product/B01MFEBQH1

I bought one of these, use it once or twice a week and we love it. $35

https://www.amazon.com/Aroma-Housewares-ARC-914SBD-Cool-Touch-Stainless/dp/B007WQ9YNO

There are larger capacity ones as well, and others with more features, I wanted something multipurpose, but yet basic enough.

Stash an oh-shit roll of toilet paper. Separate it from the normal stash, so you're forced to go get it when you ran out and forgot to buy more. It'll remind you to buy more. :-P
Get a plunger.
Get a 1/4" allen wrench and tape it to your garbage disposal.
Get a first aid kit. Put it somewhere obvious like a drawer or medicine cabinet in the bathroom.
Get renter's insurance. It's cheap and it protects for a lot of things you wouldn't expect, like personal liability stuff.
Can opener.
A colander or strainer.
A cheese grater.
At least a couple spatulas.
Some sort of large serving spoon, like for soup. Doesn't have to be a ladle.
A cheap 4-piece set of cutlery.
A small knife, and a large knife.
A Leatherman or Gerber tool is handy to have around. I leave mine in my car.
One pot and one saucepan, both with lids. Good enough to cook most anything.
A toaster. You won't go through a loaf of bread in time (probably), so you'll freeze it. Toasting frozen bread works great.
A cookie sheet. Not for cookies, just for a way to put stuff in the oven like leftover pizza, etc.
Aluminum foil. Put it on your cookie sheet so you don't have to actually clean it after use.
Some non-perishable foods for your pantry (boxes of Mac N Cheese, Rice a Roni, whatever.) Preferably, stuff that doesn't require ingrients you might not have (meat or milk, for instance)
Freezer safe containers
Ziploc bags
At least two trash cans (one for bathroom, one for kitchen)
TRASH BAGS!
AA batteries. Just buy a pack and store them.
A few lightbulbs.
Probably a couple cheap floor lamps.

This is less of an everybody thing, but buy a slow cooker. Cooking for yourself sucks, but it sucks a lot less if you're making 5-10 meals at a time and freezing them.

On a similar note, a small rice cooker is handy. I went all out and got a Zojirushi. You want a small one because big ones tend to make small amounts of rice shitty.

A bottle of bleach, some dishwashing detergent, and washing machine detergent stuff (assuming you have access to these appliances)

At some point in the future, you might find yourself wanting a blender. When that happens, don't go cheap.

Sugar and salt.

Buy spices as you need them, but garlic powder will almost always be one of those spices.

A measuring cup.

If it's somewhere cold, two snow shovels -- one for car and one for house. Also a change of warm clothes in the car.

If it's somewhere hot, store some water in the car.

If you don't already have one, a decent computer chair. Ikea makes a great chair for the price called the Markus

Plastic cups, paper plates.

EDIT: a stepladder, 3 steps preferably.

A vacuum cleaner, but that one is probably obvious.

OK, so it has some startup costs due to it needing a rice cooker and crock pot plus Quinoa is expensive if you buy it in smaller amounts, but you're a bachelor so it's likely you've got a little extra money.

A rice cooker is going to be an important addition to your cooking tools because fuck using the stove and burning shit or having to stand over your cooking. It's easy to use, easy to clean, and it's pretty much automatic, you fill it up, plug it in, flip it to on...and blam that shit's cooking. When if flips itself to off, your rice or quinoa will be done.

A big ass crock pot will serve as the main cooking device for your meals. Again, screw the stove, you don't want to have to stand over the damn thing...pour stuff into this bitch flip it on and go to work on what you'd rather be doing. The bowl comes out and goes right into the dishwasher. I'd have starved to death without a slow cooker when I was a bachelor. As you're making meals for several days here...your mother's little 5 quart version isn't going to cut it, spend the 35 bucks and get this one. The reason you aren't buying a bigger one...they don't make one bigger that isn't 200 bucks.

Quinoa This stuff becomes your "rice" except that it's MUCH better for you than rice. If you're poor or don't care all that much about nutritional value, then by all means, buy rice. But seriously...25 pounds of dry quinoa will last you a long fucking time. Get a big tupperware container, pour the quinoa into it, and leave a 1 cup measuring cup in it. If you're looking to cut some costs but still get some of the nutritional value, mix it half and half in your tupperware so you don't have to mess with it when you're making the meals. The water to food mix is the same for both, 2 cups water, 1 cup quinoa (or NON instant rice).

Meat...buy whatever is on a good sale, never pay more than 3.99 per pound for beef (we aren't buying steaks, look for top or bottom round and buy what's on sale, after 12 hours in a crock pot you won't be able to tell a filet from rump roast), or 1.99 per pound for chicken, pork, or 80/20 ground beef (for the love of your colon don't go worse than 80/20.) Shop the sales, have your mother or sister or grandfather or thrifty co-worker look at the sales fliers and find coupons if you don't have time. Buy in bulk, but freeze in smaller quantities ~ 2 pounds each in generic 1 quart FREEZER bags, not the cheap sandwich ones or you get freezer burn. I buy the Walmart brand freezer bags in boxes of like 100 and they're fine.

My wife still laughs and says she can always tell when I find good sales because when I do, I revert to bachelor shopping style. Thursday I came home with 12 pounds of boneless skinless chicken breasts from Stop and Shop because they were on SUPER cheap sale as they were getting close (3 days) to expiration date, they were a buck a pound, I bought as much as I figured I could fit in my freezer.

Vegetables. This is where you're going to get a good chunk of your nutritional kick. When I was a bachelor I would go to the grocery store on Sunday morning and hit the "it won't last much longer" shelf in the produce aisle. I would buy pretty much whatever vegetables they had if I could chop them and toss them into the crock pot, and because I was going to start cooking it in like an hour, I didn't give a shit that it wasn't going to last another 5 days. I found that I was eating a ton of shit I had never heard of, but it was almost always delicious and amazingly more nutritious than eating from a box.

Vegetables that you should always keep on hand are onions, whole carrots, sweet potatoes, and turnips. They're all cheap regardless of sale, they last a long time if stored properly too. I would buy 10 pound bags of onions, 5 pound bags of carrots, for sweet potatoes and turnips I just made sure I always had like 5-10 pounds. To keep these lasting a long time, get a wire cart thing from Staples or Walmart for like 20 bucks, the wire mesh keeps them open to the air and dry, to help prevent rot. It's also on wheels so if the onions make a mess you can move it and just vacuum under it plus you can drag it over to the kitchen with you when you cook.

To make your meals, you start this the night before you want to eat.
Take out 2 beers, start drinking one, pour the other into the bottom of the crock pot.
Cube your meat (or if it's still frozen then fuck it toss it in whole,) chop your vegetables and add both to the crock pot at about a 1 to 1 portion ratio, if the meat is frozen pack the vegetables around it evenly, if you remembered to thaw the meat and cube it (which will improve your meal quality) then mix them in the crock pot. Season this any way you like. I buy spices cheap from Atlantic Spice Company as they're better quality and a lot less money than grocery store spices. I like the smoky meat flavor so I also add a capful of liquid smoke or toss it with Taco Seasoning once in a while, regardless this is up to you, but when in doubt, onion, garlic, oregano, parsley, salt, pepper. Once you've got like 2 pounds of meat and 2 pounds of vegetables packed into your crock pot, put it on low then walk away. I normally started mine at like 8-10pm.

About 30 minutes before you want dinner, toss 2 cups of quinoa into the rice cooker with 4 cups of water along with some salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder. Push the cooking thing down on your rice cooker and walk away. If you were cooking a frozen chunk of meat instead of cubed meat, take this time to shred the fuck out of it inside of the crock pot, no need to mess up any more plates or anything, use a fork and a big ass knife and get the meat evenly shredded to like a pulled pork consistency, then stir the vegetables into it.

When it pops up then take a ladle of the meat and vegetable mix over a scoop of your quinoa and enjoy a badass meal. You'll find that you can fill tupperware containers with the quinoa and the meat/vegetable mix and freeze them or toss them into the fridge for lunches/dinners throughout the week. I would often freeze half of mine and set the other half in the fridge for lunches, the frozen ones would get rotated out so I wasn't eating the same thing lunch and dinner 5 nights a week. If you freeze them, at least date them. I never bothered to label what it was other than that, but they keep like 6 months in the freezer and it's nice to have a mix of different meals.

Must Have Kitchenware:

• Measuring cups. Until you get better at "eyeballing", stick with measuring cups. Additionally, it gives you a good starting point if you see a recipe online or such.
  
  
• A rice cooker. This one (EDIT: I lied, I meant this one. For $7 more than the above one, it has a slow cooker function) doubles as a crock pot as well, if you're smart about it. Leave some veggies and let the rice go, easy meal. Which leads into the next point:
  
  
• A crock pot. If you want something more extravagant than rice and beans, try learning how to use a crock pot. It's easy to make ribs or pulled pork: just leave some bbq and pork in the pot and go to class. I know I had some trust issues leaving a kitchen appliance going for hours at a time, but once you get past that it's a life saver.
  
  

  Places to Shop:
  

  
  

• The Meat Lab (scroll down to the bottom). Great prices, and great quality. It's food right from the farms at school. As the name might suggest, you can get meat and eggs from there.
  
  
• Far East Grocery. Fave place to get my oriental groceries and everything you could ever want. It's cramped, very confusing, and has sketchy lighting-- reminds me of home.
  
  

  General Tips:
  

  
  

• Clean while you cook.
  
  
• Don't buy ramen because it's "the college kid food." One cup of (filling) ramen is ~$1, maybe 60c if you're lucky, or 40-60 bucks assuming you eat 2 meals a day. In comparison, 20lbs of rice is $10, and a month's veggies+potatoes+eggs is $15, and soy sauce is $5.
  
  With all of that, you can make a month's supply of some really damn good fried rice.
  
  
• When shopping for a recipe, write out what you need. Nothing sucks more than coming home and realizing you forgot turmeric.
  
  When I'm super lazy, here's my go-to meal-- Rice, salt and pepper, cumin, with a tomato sitting at the top, and maybe some carrots. I just toss them all in the rice cooker and watch some TV.

No!

If your slow cooker will not boil water, do not cook beans in it!

Some beans like kidney beans need to be boiled for a few minutes at least to kill off certain anti nutrients that can make you very sick. I have personally experienced this. 3 days of horrible cramping and diarrhea. Do not recommend.

Also if you're just a single person, I'd recommend the $59 instant pot. Its more than big enough for 1 or 2 people.

https://www.amazon.com/Aroma-Housewares-UNCOOKED-Steamer-ARC-743-1NG/dp/B0055FSN3Q/ref=sr_1_8?s=kitchen&ie=UTF8&qid=1549788080&sr=1-8&keywords=rice+cooker

​

Got this for my girlfriend on Valentine's day 4 years ago. She's now my wife. Use that info as you wish, actual milage my vary.

​

But seriously it's a great foolproof cooker.

Also, don't cheap out and get the $20 one. Spend the money for a quality unit with "fuzzy logic" like a Sanyo, Zojirushi (the one we have), or Panasonic (for example) and get excellent results every time, every grain cooked perfectly.

And on the topic of how you can use it for more than just rice, we are addicted to steel-cut oats cooked in our rice cooker. This is the recipe we use. You can double the amount of cinnamon and substitute raisins for dates to good effect.

My advice for perfect rice every time.

https://www.amazon.com/Aroma-Housewares-ARC-914SBD-Cool-Touch-Stainless/dp/B007WQ9YNO/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1465785298&sr=8-2&keywords=aroma+rice+cooker+stainless

CHICKEN STOCK

Well for one thing, make stock. I don't know how you get your chicken but if they have bones on them, save them (freeze them). Cooked or not. Or you can cut to the chase and go buy two whole chickens. You may need a stock pot. There's a good Cuisinart one for about $40, which is about $30 cheaper than when I bought mine about a year ago. So snatch it in case the price goes way back up.

Fill with the chicken (remove the gizzards and such if you bought them whole and raw) and about a gallon of water. Simmer for 3 hours. take a few carrots, a few stalks of celery, and an onion or two. Rough chop them. Into the pot. Continue to cook for another 3 hours. This isn't rocket science. It's dissolving food in water.

If you have some whole peppercorns, parsley, and garlic cloves, either toss them in and strain them later or make into a bouquet garni (essentially tie them up in a bit of cheesecloth so they don't get loose) and toss them in. After another 30 or 60 minutes (stock doesn't require precision) you're finished. And if you don't have any of these items, don't sweat it. It's still gonna taste good.

Ideally, strain through a mesh strainer lined with cheesecloth. I bough a pack of the kinds of plastic containers you get when you order soup from Chinese Takeout from Amazon and you can partition out the stock for easier use.

Put them in the fridge and let them cool down. The fat will rise and form a protective barrier. As long as the fat is there, the stock will keep longer in the fridge. Just skim the fat before you use the stock. Fat in your stock when you use it is generally a bad idea. Don't feel bad about freezing whatever you can't use in the first two weeks.

Now you have liquid gold. You're 15 minutes away from chicken soup. (Just chop up everything, dump in the stock and cook until you wanna eat it.) You now can have flavorful rice. Or better yet, step up your starch game and make risotto. You can add it to other dishes like ground turkey with taco seasoning to make turkey taste about 1000x better. Hell, you can straight up drink it.

CHICKEN FAJITAS

As a side note, olive oil does wonders for chicken. Grab the chicken tenderloins, scrape out the ligament and cook in a little olive oil. Toss in some bell pepper and onion (and fajita seasoning if you have it, else salt, pepper, and garlic powder to taste) and you've got yourself fajitas. You can decide whether you want a taco shell or not.

CHICKEN & BROCCOLI (or Beef & Broccoli)

Here's a recipe for beef & broccoli (but works for chicken & broccoli too). Considering it's essentially protein, broccoli, and rice with the barest of flavorings, I consider this clean eating.

The only thing you need to know is that the Chinese have a technique to make protein have a more velvet mouthfeel. It's called "velveting". That's what the marinade is about.

Marinade: (For the protein)

• 1/2 tablespoon soy sauce
  
• 1 teaspoon mirin
  
• 1/4 teaspoon sesame oil (I leave this out but if you like sesame oil, add it)
  
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  
• dash of pepper
  
  Mix together and rub into the protein with your hands. It's easiest that way. Wait at least 15 minutes. After you do this a few times you'll realize the proportions here don't really matter all that much. I just eyeball it now and make it a little wetter than you'll find this to be. Either way there's not much difference in the final product. In other words, as long as you're reasonably close to this part of the recipe, it'll turn out fine.
  
  Sauce:
  
  
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
  
• 1/4 teaspoon sesame oil (I also leave this out)
  
• 1/2 teaspoon sugar
  
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch
  
• 4 tablespoons water
  
  How to Cook Everything:
  
  

1. Do you have a rice cooker? If yes, make rice. If no, make rice. It's just more finicky without it. But seriously, consider a rice cooker. I like jasmine rice. They make a brown jasmine rice too. If you have a smart rice cooker, try that. Otherwise, stick with the white stuff. (Unless you like/prefer brown rice, then go crazy.)
   
2. After the meat has been in the marinade for at least 15 minutes, cook in a little vegetable oil, preferably in a wok. You may want to work in 2 batches so you can get better browning on the meat. After the meat is cooked, remove to a plate.
   
3. Chop up some broccoli and microwave it for 4-5 minutes until tender. Too much and it'll get limp and dumb. Too little and it'll be too crunchy. I usually microwave my broccoli with a little water in the container and with a lid. That way it steams up nice. If you don't have a microwave, steam on the stove top.
   
4. If you haven't burned anything to the bottom of the wok/pan when cooking your protein, go ahead and add a little more oil, a few minced cloves of garlic, some grated or finely chopped ginger (I recommend using one of these), and red pepper flakes (or break open some dried bird eye chilis if you have them). Adjust to your heat preference. I like mine with a fair amount of heat in it. (If you did burn something, wash the wok/pan out first and start clean.) Add all three to the oil and cook for 30ish seconds until fragrant. Add the protein back to the pan. Add the cooked broccoli. Add the sauce. Bring the sauce to a boil. Serve over rice. Note: There won't be a lot of sauce. It'll coat everything but there won't be a lot of extra. That's because the dish isn't meant to be saucy.
   
   Anyway, try that. It's phenomenal. Personally, I buy sirloin and slice it to make beef and broccoli. But chicken works really well too.
   
   I can keep going but that's at least 3 things you can do with chicken.
   
   Edit: Thanks for the GOLD!

I got this one and it works perfect every time. Comes with a steaming tray and costs under 20$. Cant beat it.

Look into a rice cooker, they don't have an open heat source so they should be allowed. I can't recommend them enough. You can find one for about $20 online and then you'll be able to cook rice, beans, pasta, oatmeal, etc (all ridiculously cheap options).

Here's the one I recommend

It comes with a steamer so you'll be able to stream food too, opening up a ton more options.

Welcome to the future

As a college student cooking for one (completely off a dining meal plan), my go-to recipe last semester was the following:

1 can black beans
1 can diced tomatoes
1 can corn (not creamed corn)
handful of chopped green onion
dash of salt and cumin
throw it all in a skillet and heat until mixed, and eat with tortilla chips. No access to a stove? Throw it in one of these: rice cooker/food steamer with some water, and press 'steam', stirring occasionally. This thing saved my sanity.

Other than that magic recipe, my advice is don't get home from class hungry. Have something waiting for you, be it fruits or veggies or some hummus and chips. Also, because pizza tends to be a main food group in college, try and find a local pizza place that offers no-cheese options, or Daiya (fake cheese) - it's getting more and more common. :)

Here you go there also may be one at walmart that is cheaper, but this is the one I have

Edit: link fixed

If you want to reduce your oil consumption in other ways, here are some tips you might want to experiment with.

• Steam your food in a rice cooker. Cut your food up, add water, turn it on, done.
  
• If you're baking goods that need to be softened, try blending in soft fruits like bananas, dates or apple sauce. Pancakes made with bananas, spelt, rolled oats and whole wheat flour are amazing.
  
• You can use vegetable stock instead of oil to prevent sticking when baking or sauteing.
  
• Some things like onions and mushrooms release enough of their own juices that you shouldn't need to add anything when cooking with them. Add them to the pan first.
  
• If you're cooking with meat, most meats shouldn't require oil. The fat rendered out of the meat is usually enough to prevent sticking.
  
  
  One final note, if you make the move to either eliminate or drastically reduce oil consumption, you need to make sure you're still getting an adequate amount of fat within your diet. On a typical day I find that I can get an adequate amount of fat from my normal diet of whole grains, beans, starches, fruits and vegetables. If I need a bit more, I'll look to higher fat foods like avocados, seeds and nuts.

Get yourself a $30 rice cooker. Here's the one I have: https://www.amazon.com/Aroma-Housewares-ARC-914SBD-Cool-Touch-Stainless/dp/B007WQ9YNO/

I used to waste $2 per meal on the microwave instant rice. Now I get a huge freaking sack of rice for some insanely cheap price at Walmart. And properly cooked rice actually has a lower glycemic index than instant rice, so it's much healthier to boot.

https://www.amazon.com/Aroma-Housewares-ARC-914SBD-Cool-Touch-Stainless/dp/B007WQ9YNO/ref=pd_lpo_79_bs_t_2?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=SGMTA56PNA69SWR724SQ

Makes some of the best rice I've ever had, It's fool proof, I make cups, and fill the water up to the third line

A rice cooker. We use ours every week and rice goes with everything.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B007WQ9YNO/ref=s9_top_hm_awbw_bjv5Fj_g79_i2?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=mobile-hybrid-11&pf_rd_r=1761HHX34NDVW2B0999G&pf_rd_t=30901&pf_rd_p=92464350-d8e4-5a70-b245-7cff2c0e39a5&pf_rd_i=678540011

https://www.amazon.com/BLACK-DECKER-RC506-Uncooked-Steamer/dp/B016Y8JSK4/ref=sr_1_6?s=kitchen&ie=UTF8&qid=1502994239&sr=1-6&keywords=rice+cooker

$14.49 + S&H on amazon. Delivered right to your doorstep or

$14.59 at Target. No S&H needed. https://www.target.com/p/imusa-5-cup-rice-cooker/-/A-13596066#lnk=sametab

Don't insult me. I'm no high roller. I eat beans all week ffs.

I have this little guy and in addition to cooking my rice perfectly, it sings a little song when the rice is done.

Rice cooker is what you want to get. You can find them pretty cheap and keep them in your dorm room. Simply add rice, lentils, a little seasoning if you like and bam you've got a cheap, delicious, and nutritious dinner.

Plus your cafeteria will likely have access to some sort of salad bar which you can load up at to get your greens and veggies.

This is the one I have Zojirushi NS-ZCC10 5-1/2-Cup (Uncooked) Neuro Fuzzy Rice Cooker and Warmer, Premium White, 1.0-Liter https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00007J5U7/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_IBEJBbEK90KZV
It can also keep warm for days!

You're an adult now, just cook. It can be tough cooking for just one person because but it's doable.

Learn some basic, cheap recipes and get comfortable eating leftovers.

Here's one for you:

Hamburger Gravy

Ingredients

1 pound ground beef (get the cheap stuff 75%/25%, you're a poor student)

1 1/2 cup white rice (uncooked)

1 family size can of Campbell's Cream of Mushroom soup, (low sodium is healthier but doesn't taste as good).

Cooking

I cook my rice in an Instant Pot, it's very fast, easy, and requires no supervision. Takes about 10-13 minutes depending on how much rice I'm making. I used to have an amazing Zojirushi Fuzzy Logic Rice Cooker that was the most amazing thing ever, but an ex-girlfriend stole it, so... Use the Instant Pot, it's cheaper and faster anyway.

Rice cookers and Instant Pots typically come with a cup for measuring rice which actually measures about 3/4 of a cup, and the inside of the cooking vessels have graduated measuring lines showing you how much liquid to add for the amount of dry rice you're cooking.

Put the two "cups" of rice (1.5 cups actual measure) into the Instant Pot and fill it with water to the "2" line. Close it up and make sure the pressure valve is closed (I've failed to properly cook my rice too often because I am dumb and don't check this). Once everything is set, just hit the "rice" button.

While the rice is cooking put the soup in a sauce pan along with a can full of milk, any milk works but I prefer whole milk myself. Put the sauce pan on the stove, medium low and stir frequently.

Now that the rice is cooking and the soup is warming put the ground beef in a skillet. I like a good [cast iron skillet] (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00006JSUA/) myself, they're cheap and indestructible, and because of the heat transfer properties of iron they tend to cook foods evenly without burning.

Cook the beef on medium high until it's browned, then drain all the water/grease out into a Tupperware container, do not pour grease down the drain! you can seriously make life hell for yourself and your neighbors if you do.

Add the beef to the soup, increase the heat to medium/medium-high and continue to stir frequently. You want the soup hot enough to bubble a bit, but not a full boil.

By now the rice should be just about done. Let the pressure out, take the lid off, wait a few seconds for the steam to abate then, with a large plastic spoon (you don't want to scratch the bottom of the Instant Pot), "fluff" the rice, just scoop and turn the rice in place, loosening it up, and letting more steam out.

To serve, scoop some rice on a plate, ladle some soup onto the rice, season with a touch of black pepper, and eat.

The rice is enough for 2-4 servings depending on your appetite, while the gravy is enough for maybe twice that. Typically it would be enough for two dinners for me, a 6'4", 225 pound man) and my girlfriend who is pretty petite.

Cost:

Beef: get the cheap stuff, depending where you go and the quality you get, this can be between $2-$5/lb. If your super poor, get a 10 pound tube of ground beef at Smart and Final for like $25, then break it up into 1 pound portions and freeze, otherwise it's about $5/pound most places. So let's say $5.

Rice: the cheapest food on Earth, and it's healthy too! You should probably plan on this being about $1/pound. Get a 10 or 25 pound bag and you'll be set for at least a quarter. Pro-tip: rice goes with literally everything. Add it to all of your meals for some good, clean carbs. Pair it with smaller portions of what you'd normally eat to get the same caloric intake but healthier and cheaper. Anyway the rice in this recipe has a marginal cost of maybe $0.15.

Soup: I think Ralph's usually has the family size can of Cream of Mushroom soup for $2-$3.

So, all in for one person, you could probably make at least 5-6 servings for $8, and it takes maybe 15 minutes to cook.

Store the rice and gravy separately in Tupperware in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Mix together in a bowl and b reheat in the microwave for 90 seconds to 2 minutes for leftovers. I prefer to make fresh rice each day, but making one larger batch then reheating it works as well.

Alternatives

• You can swap the rice out for a baked potato or mashed potatoes if you're feeling fancy.
  
  
• I've tried it with shredded chicken breast and Cream of Chicken soup, but it takes a bit longer, is a bit more work, is a little more expensive, and I don't like it as much, so I basically never do it, but you do you.
  
  There you go, cheap, quick, not totally unhealthy home cooking.

The hell kind of rice cooker are you trying to buy? If you want a nice, long lasting one, this'll do you good if you're single, this if you've got a family.

Here's mine: https://www.amazon.ca/Zojirushi-NS-TSC10-Cooker-Uncooked-Stainless/dp/B0074CDG6C/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1549311058&sr=8-1&keywords=zojirushi+rice+cooker

If you can get your hands on one, a Zojirushi or Tiger is your best option. I have a Tiger and use it regularly. It takes abuse and just keeps going. But the Zojirushi may be more common to where you are.

If you're single, get the smaller 3 cup model as /u/appskicker said.

Mine

Zojirushi with Timer

Zojirushi 3-cup without Timer

Zojirushi.

I've had many other rice cookers, from the target and Walmart brands to black and decker.

Zojirushi is just plain and simple worth it. It will consistently give you perfectly cooked rice...every...single... time.

The reason is it has this thing called fuzzy logic where it's computer can determine how to cook things depending on the weight and what not (not sure how it works exactly, but it works great!). The initial buy in is a bit more expensive than other rice cookers but it's worth the investment. It will last very long.

For steaming, you could use the vegi steamer tray for a pot. It's honestly 100x faster because you don't have to wait like 15 minutes for the water to boil.

This is as good one: http://www.amazon.com/Zojirushi-NS-TSC10-Uncooked-Cooker-1-0-Liter/dp/B0074CDG6C/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1394815672&sr=8-2&keywords=zojirushi+rice+cooker


This is the one I have: http://www.amazon.com/Zojirushi-NS-ZCC10-Uncooked-Premium-1-0-Liter/dp/B00007J5U7/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1394815672&sr=8-4&keywords=zojirushi+rice+cooker

I can't praise it enough.

Also, this for steaming veggies. Works amazing, I've had it for years:http://www.amazon.com/Amco-Collapsible-Steamer-Stainless-Steel/dp/B000Q4N2LO/ref=sr_1_9?ie=UTF8&qid=1394815756&sr=8-9&keywords=steamer+tray+for+pot

I know food processors are nice, but half the budget? I'd work on my knife skills and spend that money on a saucepan (non-stick for eggs, though a saucepan isn't ideal), maybe a strainer, and whatever else suited one's personal cooking style (I don't think my kitchen would feel complete without a rice cooker/steamer, for example).

Gainz or also this. I don't have the first but Ive heard its pretty amazing. I do have the second and I can attest to rice cookers being fucking awesome. I use mine for cooking noodles, rice, soups, wontons, etc.

Alternatively if you want it to be purely lifting related I hear that Donnie thompsons recently started selling his bowtie and formal bowtie. Which are for people who bench a lot and have ache-y shoulders and ive heard its good.

Failing that maybe think of lifting clothes that are comfy that they might want? Ive heard a few pots talk about wool socks being amazing (though i dont know if you wear those to lift in or just in boots?). Also some companies like strideline let you put your own logo onto the socks themselves. So maybe get the weak elephant logo and put it on socks?

When spending only $15-30 for a rice cooker, they're all pretty much the same. I would recommend going for one with the locking lid. The ones with the glass lid that just rests on top tend to spurt rice water on the surface next to it during cooking and the rice doesn't stay fresh/edible for as long.

> If you're not getting good rice, the problem is not the rice cooker.

I disagree. I used a $30 Sunbeam rice cooker for a decade. It made acceptable rice. When it finally flaked out, I replaced it with a Zoji NS-ZCC10. Beyond having a number of other useful features, it simply makes better rice. The moisture level is perfect every time, regardless of rice type, batch, or age.

Does the difference matter? It depends on your needs. It's not a night-and-day difference, but it's there. I upgraded more for the capacity, extended hold options, and timer capability than for the rice quality. But the better rice quality is nice too, especially given how much Asian we cook here.

OP, I had similar needs as you when I picked the ZCC10 - I really just wanted top-quality rice with some convenience options (hold and timer), not a steamer/baker/multi-purpose tool. I also considered induction models. But induction matters most for mixed rice - rice with veggies/meat mixed in. The ZCC models don't have induction or a bunch of extra cooking modes but do have a spherical heating element and better sensors and logic than Zoji's cheaper models. They're also made in Japan and not China. They're more expensive than the entry level models but a bit cheaper than the high-end induction ones. I'm completely happy with our ZCC - it does exactly what I wanted, which is make really good rice in quantity and provide the convenience options I need.

There are ways around not having access to a kitchen.

a small rice cooker
can be used for steaming as well as cooking rice.

a slow cooker

a small George Formangreat for sandwiches as well as grilling meat.

an electric skillet

for soups

These 5 would meet most of your cooking needs.

This is the one I have. You simply add the water, add some rice, add in the tray then put the meat in it and the seasoning from the meat will drop down and be enough to season the rice usually. You can also add broccoli/spinach with the meat on the tray and steam them at the same time for a meal with rice/meat and veggiesss

Skip to 4 minutes and John Stewart will yell at you.

I have a $16 rice cooker from Aroma. Best investment ever. You put rice and some water in and let it cook. You just need to watch for when it turns from cooking to warm because if you leave in there to long it will brown.

My family bought one of the bigger versions that look like this about 10+ years ago. It's been through a fire. It's still kicking and putting out perfect rice every time. This is the model you want. Anyone who says to just learn how to make rice hasn't owned one of these.

You can set it on a timer. It keeps rice warm for like 12hrs after cooking, never burns. You can reheat rice in it and it comes out as if it were fresh. What more could one want?

We purchased the EatingWell Healthy in a Hurry cookbook about 3 years ago and it has been a great addition to our routine. There are some great quick and healthy recipes in there. Some take longer than 30min, but most are pretty close. Family favorites include:

• Wok-Seared Chicken Tenders with Asparagus & Pistachios Current Favorite
  
• Almond Crusted Chicken Fingers
  
• Sweet and Sour Tofu
  
• Vietnamese-Style Beef & Noodle Broth
  
• Portobello "Philly Cheese Steak" Sandwich
  
• Warm Quinoa Salad with Edamame & Tarragon
  
• Beer-Battered Tilapia with Mango Salsa
  
  We generally do at least one stir fry (with a Zojirushi rice cooker that cooks the rice before we get home--worth every penny!) every week. We also try to use the crockpot at least once a week, but that usually means you have to cook 2x in one night, but we usually manage after bedtime.
  
  Edit: Just for reference we both work full time and have a 6 year old and a 3 year old. We generally eat out at least once during the weeknights. To limit the complaints, we usually let each kid pick out a dinner (the cookbook has great pictures btw) for the week.

One big drawback to rice cookers is that they are slower than stovetop cooking, it can take 40 mins to make white rice vs about 20 on the stovetop with pre-boil time.

13 mins for microwave rice though, and it's a cheap plastic pot like this. Bonus small container for leftovers in the fridge.

http://www.amazon.com/Nordic-Ware-Microwave-Rice-Cooker/dp/B0007M2BMQ/

My Zojirushi Rice Cooker. This thing is amazing.

Have you considered getting an actual rice cooker? I don't know if it is in your budget but I have used an inexpensive one for many years and they work very well and are versatile. I cook most of my meals in the rice cooker and toaster oven for a variety of reasons. One of my go-to meals is rice in the bowl of the cooker and a handful of frozen veggies and frozen salmon in the steamer tray on the top. Everything comes out perfectly every time, uses very little electricity, only a few dishes to wash, and it doesn't heat up my home as much as the stove/oven does.

This is the one I've been using for the last 5-6yrs:

http://www.amazon.com/Aroma-6-Cup-Cooked-Cooker-Steamer/dp/B0057XGM5W/ref=sr_1_3?s=kitchen&ie=UTF8&qid=1425857837&sr=1-3

Maybe it is an option for you?

For less messy amazon links you can extract the part after "/dp/" in

https://www.amazon.com/Zojirushi-NS-TSC10-Uncooked-Cooker-1-0-Liter/dp/B0074CDG6C/ref=pd_sim_79_14?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=3FCH92VNZPVJ780X0D18

and make it:

https://amzn.com/B0074CDG6C

Or via smile link:

https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B0074CDG6C

BEEP BOP

Plz send any recommendations via PM

What's your budget? What size do you need?

Zojirushi rice cookers are excellent quality and sometimes they go on sale on Amazon with a deep discount. For example: https://ca.camelcamelcamel.com/Zojirushi-NS-TSC10/product/B0074CDG6C

I have this one since about 3 years. Using it pretty much every day and can't complain.

a slow cooker may be too slow. i would get a rice cooker which doubles as a slow cooker but can also cook and steam much faster. for around $30 you can get a http://www.amazon.com/Aroma-ARC-914SBD-Uncooked-Digital-Steamer/dp/B007WQ9YNO don't get the larger one if you are only cooking for 1-2 people. an ever faster slow/rice cooker is an electric pressure cooker, but they start at more than double this price range, so i would not bother on a student budget.

once you have a cooker, familiarize yourself with the wide variety of affordable starches, hard veg and proteins that cook best in it. locate the indian and asian grocery in your area where you often find the best deals on a wide variety of rice, pasta and dry beans for your cooker. when buying hard and root veg, don't be afraid to buy 1-2 of each veg at a time - often buying big bags of them to save money does not work out, as you may not have the space, and they may spoil before you get to cook them. if you have the freezer space, you can stock up on your proteins if once home you make portion size ziploc baggies and freeze them properly. no need to defrost them before use as the rice cooker will take care of that.

If I may suggest for myself...

Roku: 49.00
Twin Peaks - Fire Walk with Me: 13.86
Find Momo: 11.67
disc golf disc: 17.99
rapid ramen cooker: 6.99 add-on item

TOTAL: 99.51

Haha, my first list came to 100.01 (doh!) - swapped disc golf disc and ramen cooker for The Casual Vacancy and LEGO earrings. :)

For the most part brand really doesn't matter end of the day it is a ceramic pot that sits on a heating element and they are all roughly equal.

Don't bother with fancy timers just look for something in the 6 quart range with a locking lid and removable insert/pot for around $20-30


One like this should be pretty much exactly what you need https://www.amazon.com/Crock-Pot-SCCPVL600S-6-Quart-Portable-Stainless/dp/B003HF6PUO/




If you have some extra cash I would HIGHLY recommend looking at an instant pot. They are a combo device that is a slow cooker, pressure cooker, and rice cooker for around $80.
https://www.amazon.com/Instant-Pot-Muti-Use-Programmable-Pressure/dp/B01MFEBQH1/


As much of a craze as it seems I love my pressure cooker and use it all the time and my slow cooker has been on the shelf since last Thanksgiving. Chili from scratch in about an hour, chicken stock in 2 hours, Ribs in 30 minutes, stew in an hour, pulled pork/carne asada in an hour, yadda yadda yadda AND it is also a slow cooker if you want to let it go all day for something.

I believe this is the model I have, or the newer replacement model for it at any rate.

The super cheapo ones are just bimetalic strip controlled like straight out of the 60's, so if you go for a modern chip controlled one, it's a lot better quality. They use a fuzzy logic chip that looks for variables to match the condition of "done", so the timer on it is more a running estimate of time to completion, like a PC file copy.

They have different preset settings, for different types of rice, so it's looking for a different profile for brown rice vs white.
They even keep rice viable for hours, doubling as a vacuum flask/warmer. I have eaten rice 12-18hrs after it finished cooking, and it was still fine.

The feature set on any basic modern rice cooker is fantastic, because the super high end ones are nuts, and have been for long enough for features to trickle down to the base models.

NHK documentary for the curious.

I do this exact same thing most weeks. If it's nice out I grill the chicken (whatever meat) outside, otherwise I just bake it because I can do a bunch at once.

Also - I'd recommend getting out of the dark ages with stove top rice. This rice cooker is the jam and you can also steam your veggies in it. It is literally the most used kitchen appliance in my house. Has held up great over the past couple years.

What works for me:

I have this rice cooker.

It has a timer which is really helpful. Every morning I wake up to freshly cooked oatmeal, which is a dope way to wake up. I usually throw in some cinnamon and honey. If I have nuts, berries or seeds around, I'll add those too.

At meals I'll have a portion of whole grains-- barley, brown rice, quinoa, pretty much whatever your heart desires. I personally like these more than white rice because they have more texture and make me more full (not to mention the nutritional benefits).

I enjoy stir frying vegetables and some chicken or eggs and adding it to the grains. When I'm getting bored I'll buy some sauces or make some sauces and use those. Generally when I'm stir frying vegetables I like to vary the colors and textures/juiciness of the vegetables I use. Some that work for me: carrots, broccoli, broccoli, kale, sprouts, mushrooms, tomatos, zucchini, corn, and avacados. Avacados are the shit.

If you get a rice cooker you can also cook all types of legumes, and beans in there. With these you can make soups, stews, and many kinds of dishes.

I don't think I really used to like this simple of foods; now I really enjoy what nature has to offer though. I found myself in a similar position as you and walked in to the produce section and thought to myself, "wow, I can eat any of this...and, it's relatively cheap."

Here's my starter kit:

• Slow cooker: https://www.amazon.com/Crock-Pot-SCCPVP600-S-6-Quart-Smart-Pot-Stainless/dp/B004ZUW52W/ref=sr_1_1?s=kitchen&ie=UTF8&qid=1495997790&sr=1-1-spons&keywords=slow+cooker&psc=1
  
• Rice cooker: https://www.amazon.com/Aroma-Housewares-ARC-914SBD-Cool-Touch-Stainless/dp/B007WQ9YNO/ref=sr_1_4?s=home-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1495997817&sr=1-4&keywords=rice+cooker
  
• Containers: https://www.amazon.com/Fitpacker-Containers-BPA-Free-Storage-Portion/dp/B00VWJHFTM/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1495997867&sr=8-2&keywords=fitpacker
  
• Food scale: https://www.amazon.com/Accuweight-Multifunction-Scale-Cooking-Capacity/dp/B013WU0CZW/ref=sr_1_2?s=grocery&ie=UTF8&qid=1495997980&sr=1-2-spons&keywords=food+scale&psc=1
  
  Today, I put a bunch of chicken breast in the slow cooker with salt, pepper, and a jar of pesto, and made quinoa in the rice cooker with salt, pepper, chicken bouillon, cumin, and turmeric.

I use a rice cooker.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007WQ9YNO

Just picked this up a few weeks ago, my first rice cooker. I've made maybe a dozen batches so far, brown, white, basmati, short and long grain. Each turned out better than I have ever done on the stovetop.

I'm sold on using a rice cooker from now on, and quite happy with this inexpensive model. Maybe it won't last a lifetime, but when it eventually dies I'll just grab whatever the best inexpensive model is available at the time.

I use this Aroma rice cooker

I have one of these and I find I preferred my old Black & Decker rice cooker with its simple one-button operation and glass lid.

https://www.amazon.com/BLACK-DECKER-RC506-Uncooked-Steamer/dp/B016Y8JSK4

Interesting. I have a lot of Monoprice cables and they're definitely good bang for buck. I'd personally still wait a while and see what reviewers say before buying an appliance from them since that's rather a different animal than a cheap cable or adapter. I'd be interested in the vacuum sealer depending on the price point.

This Monoprice/Strata Home pressure cooker most closely competes with InstantPot IP-LUX, not to be confused with the IP Duo or higher tiers. The LUX (currently in its 3rd iteration) is $79 on Amazon already so not sure I'd risk an unproven model to save ten bucks, but that's just me.

I would have expected MP to price more competitively since that's their whole thing, but maybe it'll drop down after launch. If not, might just be that electric pressure cookers are already pretty good value (which I kind of suspect, apart from the shiny Breville one).

Something to keep an eye on though! Interesting find.

And for $50 you can get one of these bad boys. For a little more you can even get a pressure cooker that takes like a fourth the time.

An Instant Pot would be useful.

I'll going to go in a different direction here and say "Insta-pot."

This is basically a pressure cooker combined with a Crock-Pot. You can cook fast or you can cook slow in the same pot. I do 2 workouts a day. The first one is in the morning before breakfast - the second one is after work.

I get home from work - I threw a bunch of meat and vegetables in the instapot and then I go train. The food is done by the time I finish exercising.

Nutritious Food is just as important as all the shit you throw on your bike.

Best of all, you can get it for $80 off Amazon.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B01MFEBQH1/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1500579164&sr=8-3&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65&keywords=Instant+pot

Cheap tips...

Rice Cooker, Slow cooker, Food Processor, Blender.

Zojirushi Rice Cookers are consistent and long lasting - I had one of these for 12 years, and it always got the job done right. When I moved in with my wife, she had a rice cooker that was old, but still worked (another Zojirushi). We recently splurged and got a really high end one. It's AMAZING, 10-15 minute perfectly cooked rice.

Cuckoo CRP-HV0667F IH Pressure Rice Cooker - For reference.

Anyways...

Get the simplest cheapest crock-pot - Less things to go wrong when it's as simple as this.

Get a cheap food processor

Get a decent blender - Don't go too cheap on blenders, you really get what you pay for in a quality blender. Blenders and mixers are the two things KitchenAid does best.

Now... The reason why I said get cheap stuff? Because you said you know nothing about cooking, and you might destroy a nice piece of equipment in your ignorance. It's bound to happen. Since you are going to be living on your own, if family gives you free stuff, don't feel bad about getting rid of it if the equipment sucks. They didn't want it anyways. Good tools? And you'll do a good job.

Watch this for other equipment...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-av6cz9upO0 - Gordon Ramsay may be a celebrity, but his kitchen knowledge is definitely high-end.

Personally don't skimp on the saucepans, frying pan, and the knife (honestly for 99% of jobs you just want a really good chef's knife, other than a pairing knife can do most everything). They will make your life easier if you have quality equipment. I disagree with him about the cutting board for 2 reasons (10 years in restaurants in the past here)... One, you are a beginner and might ruin a wood board. Two, wood boards can accumulate bacteria from meats if not taken care of properly. I advise this one...

OXO Grips Utility Cutting Board

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wHRXUeVsAQQ - Great video showing you some good techniques in cooking.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZJy1ajvMU1k - Another video along the same vein, great techniques for cooking.

As others have said Budgetbytes is great.

Raw beans and raw rice are always going to be significantly cheaper than buying pre-made/pre-cooked. Use a slow cooker to cook beans overnight. Use google for a recipe.

Chicken skin-on, bone-in is always going to be significantly cheaper than not. Breast is usually drier/tougher but lower calorie per oz. Thighs are juicier/softer, but higher calorie per oz. Remove the skin if you want to be more calorie efficient. Keep the skin on for flavor. Personally? I always leave skin on, remove the bone (but use it for cooking to extract the flavors), and I always use a chicken thigh. Personal preference. A cool tip is to remove the skin, coat in olive oil, and fry by itself. Try that out, see if you like it. Fry till like crispy bacon. If you don't use the skin in cooking, you can use it like this as a snack later.

Seasoning things is really important. Don't over-season, less is more. Because you can always add more seasoning later. When I make chicken, I always put a pinch of salt on each side, grind some pepper (use a pepper grinder, it's always superior to that pre-ground pepper crap), slap that into it. Olive oil, don't skimp out on this either. Get stuff actually from Italy, larger bottles are usually a better deal. Chicken with salt, pepper, olive oil is simple and tasty.

Get some kinda meal prep containers...

https://www.amazon.com/Freshware-15-Pack-Compartment-Bento-Lunch/dp/B01IIINCRS - These should work great. I like having a separation point in the container.

Some simple recipes I like...

http://luckypeach.com/recipes/miso-claypot-chicken-no-claypot/

https://www.budgetbytes.com/?s=slow+cooker - Anything here.

https://www.budgetbytes.com/?s=easy - Again, using the search function at budgetbytes is huge.

One thing that helps is to develop your palate. If you will be doing okay for money, the occasional outing to a restaurant to try something new can be really beneficial. When you eat food out, imagine what possible technique they could have used to achieve a certain texture or taste.

I'm just rambling, but hopefully this will help a little.

My own two cents:

I own a zojirushi rice cooker ( http://www.amazon.com/Zojirushi-NS-ZCC10-Uncooked-Premium-1-0-Liter/dp/B00007J5U7/ref=sr_1_1?s=kitchen&ie=UTF8&qid=1407830834&sr=1-1 )

I purchased it on craigslist for $30 and I'm not sure how used it was at that point, but having had it for over 6 years now, it still works flawlessly. If you plan on cooking rice at least 3-4 times a week or other things in it, I'd recommend buying one. Yes they are expensive, but they also last a LONG time. It will pretty much cook anything and will keep it warm/good for several hours on end. I've had rice left in the pot on warm mode for over a day and it was mostly still fine.

Just a minor note, make sure all your components are made in Japan. (Sent an e-mail to the company if you're wondering this too). I've heard, but never experienced myself, that the ones made in China are not nearly as good in quality.

A lot of people tell me "What?! $150-200 bucks for a rice cooker? That's insane!" Yeah but you're buying quality and eating food you've made yourself (which is healthier in the long run too) and honestly $150-200 bucks is less than most people spend on other things in a week, at least this will last you a decade most likely. Most people who I've known who don't think its worth it don't eat rice often, like once a month. I'm Viet and I cook oriental dishes 5 days a week, so rice makes up about 15-20 meals a week for me. I've cooked both Jasmine and Japanese short grain rice, both come out excellent. The rice cooker is good at making various kinds of rice and keeping it warm/edible for at least a day (after that I'd recommend using it for fried rice).

One tip, make sure you keep it plugged in. There's a battery in the machine for the clock, but the machine uses power from a socket if it can. The battery is a pain to replace and most likely not worth it, so best keep it plugged in.

Last, but not least, the most important thing you're buying is consistency. Using a Zojirushi means getting the same perfection every time you use it. You don't have to worry about if it'll come out dry, burnt, or soggy. The machine does almost all the work for you as long as you know how to measure. Rice and everything else you'll cook in it will taste the same on day 1 or day 2000.

> zorjirushi brand rice cooker

Also have one, specifically the Neuro Fuzzy. It's a bit pricey but it's the best rice cooker we've had and well worth the price if you cook enough rice. Also, besides working well, the machine looks very nice. A bit silly but it does seem smarter to trust an Asian company to make rice cookers.

Ooh, for a rice cooker that's not too expensive and would feed a family of 4 for a day and a half, I'd recommend Zojirushi fuzzy logic. In my parent's house, they've got two 10 cup, and both had been working wonderfully for about a decade (or longer).

> Being a college freshman now who doesn't have the time cook on a daily basis

Think again. I work full time, and I long for all the free time I had during college! Don't fool yourself, you can make time.

Step number one is to pony up on a good rice cooker - not the cheap kind, but a computerized "fuzzy logic" model. I've been using my Zojirushi rice cooker practically every day for the last three years, and can recommend it highly, but I've heard that there are less expensive models from Sanyo that are just as good.

The feature that's going to make a big difference in your life is the timer function. Before you leave for the day, put in the rice, add water and a some cooking oil, toss in some spices, chop up some vegetables and throw them in (maybe tofu too, anything that can be steamed), then set the timer for when you'll get back from class.

While you're gone, the cooker will wake up, figure out how much stuff is inside (determined from how much water you added, assuming you added the right amount of water for the amount of rice you put in), and figure out when to start cooking. Your meal will finish cooking and be ready to eat right when you get home. I usually make a double serving, eat one half for dinner, and save the other half for lunch the next day.

You can also use the cooker to make your breakfast. Set it at night for when you will wake up in the morning. You can use either rice or gluten-free oats. Instead of spices and vegetables, add cinnamon; when it finishes cooking and wakes you up in the morning, toss in some brown sugar or fruit preserves and eat. Your alarm clock cooks your breakfast! You are living in the future.

It seems that a lot of people are recommending the zojirushis. But if you've never had one and you don't know if you need one, a mere $16 spent on this one is a much smarter buy than a $100+ rice cooker...

I'm Chinese and that's pretty much the one I have. Rice cookers are nifty 'cause they also double as mini-crockpots (you can cook ramen, hard-boil an egg alongside your rice, steam veggies, add in things to your rice..the possibilities are endless!). It will save you money in the long run (just the rice cooker alone is only 16 servings of your pre-cooked rice right?). Bags of rice are ridick cheap at the grocery store and especially at Costco.

It's also just nice because cooking on the stove is just complicated and you do have to be mindful of it. You can just set it before your meal, cook whatever you want to eat with it, and then your rice is still warm and ready when you're done

I bought this: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005FVROW6/ref=oh_details_o04_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 a few months ago, and I've been extremely happy with it. I like that it has different settings. It takes quite a lot longer to cook the rice than my cheap one did, but the rice seems to be cooked better when it's done.

this is the one I got and it's great, totally worth the $40

if you have a higher budget and want an apparently amazing one you get the Japanese ones from amazon, specifically this kind

and if you want a really cheap one I'm sure this $20 version will do the trick just as well as the others

Because Zojirushi is my jam, this prompted me to find out if this one was also Zojirushi. I think I found it!

Model No. CD-JUC30

And on Amazon!


(If you're interested, this is my Zojirushi purchase. Bae <3)

Rice Cooker

> They're a PITA to clean

They don't have to be. I have a rather nice Zojirushi (yeah, it's a spoil-myself item) with a removable non-stick inner pan. I plunk it in the sink to soak with soap and warm water for five minutes, wipe it out with a sponge, dry it, and it's done. Definitely not a PITA.

> after a little time, the rice is mushy.

Again, my Zojirushi keeps things perfect for as long as I want them. It never burns the rice, always cooks perfectly, and keeps it warm (without getting mushy) for many hours.

I use my rice cooker at least once a day, sometimes twice. If you're going to get one, do it right and go for something with a fuzzy logic processor. It will make anything you throw in there perfectly every time, and you can get that "Chinese food restaurant" kind of rice that so many people like. I make oatmeal, rice, soup, veggies, pilaf, even small cakes in that thing. Don't know how I'd ever live without it.

Uh... 2nd or 3rd tier Zojirushi

/thread

Seriously, we have one of these and love it. The rice it makes is always perfect and the timer and 'keep warm' function gives you so much flexibility.

Are you cooking for yourself or multiple people?

4 quarts is about the minimum size needed to cook a meal for a family of four. 6 quarts is the most common you'll find in the larger units, and with that you can cook a few days' worth of food for a single person. Also, most slow-cooker recipes are setup for the larger units.

1.5, 2, 3 and 3.5 quart units are also available, but tend not to have the added features, like a timer, automatic temperature switching or removable dish.

EDIT- Crock Pot's Smart-Pot 4 quart digital is a good option.

If you need the extra capacity, go ahead and get a 6 quart version.

If you want something smaller, this 3.5 quart Cuisinart is the only thing I could find under 4 quarts with digital controls.

I got this, it's dope:

Aroma Housewares 20 Cup Cooked (10 cup uncooked) Digital Rice Cooker

This was my list for a previous, similar post -

I would buy the following items in this order, if it were my $80:

1. A $29 Victorinox Chef's Knife
   
   
   
2. A good cutting board for $12-15
   
   
   
3. A cast iron pan for $15-$20
   
   
4. A utensil set of some kind for $15-20
   
   
   
   From there I'd get a solid set of pots and pans and/or a dutch oven. A rice cooker also is pretty helpful. I use mine constantly. Good luck!

If "easy recipe" can include buying some mixed ingredients ahead of time, here are a couple of my favorites.

1. Mini Tacos - see my recipe here
   
2. Stir Fry - (a) Make some rice. A rice cooker makes this extra easy. Recently bought this one for $17 and love it. (b) Throw tofu and mixed veggies in a pan (no oil needed). For tofu I like firm, diced. For mixed veggies, Trader Joe's sells fresh asian stir fry veggies--a huge portion for maybe $4. (c) Toss in some sauce. I've been mixing the following together: Soy Vay's Hoisin Garlic, lime juice, fresh minced or dried/ground ginger, fresh minced or dried/ground garlic, honey, red pepper flakes. (d) Put all three parts--tofu, veggies, sauce--on high heat until veggies cook through. (e) Pour cooked mix over rice.

This Zojirushi one!

I'm obsessed with it. It also makes meal prep a dream. Oh and it plays a song <3

It may not be in your price range, but I also echo others' sentiments about getting the rice right, and the easiest way to do that is with one of these. Granted, this is a Cadillac, but it's amazing. Even if you don't go with a Zojirushi, a cheaper rice cooker can take a lot of the guesswork out of cooking the rice. I put the rice in, put the water in, and around 35 minutes later, perfect rice. It really is that simple.

By the way, here is the rice cooker I have:

Zojirushi Rice Cooker

It's really pricey and I struggled to justify it at first, but it is one of my favorite kitchen gadgets. I used to hate making rice because it can be easy to mess up. This thing has what they call fuzzy logic and basically impossible to do wrong. Perfect rice every time.

Hey dude, here's the one I use: Aroma Housewares ARC-914SBD 8-Cup (Cooked) Digital Cool-Touch Rice Cooker and Food Steamer with Stainless Steel Exterior, Silver https://www.amazon.com/dp/B007WQ9YNO/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_l8RDyb62MNS2K

I cook either 1 or 2 cups of dry rice at a time and it always comes out perfectly. You might even be able to go under 1 C.

I just could not cook rice to save my life, I ended up purchasing a rice cooker off of Amazon. I highly recommend the Aroma Rice Cooker. I have been using it at least 2x a week for the past 3 years. Best $30 I've ever spent.

I have this guy, and it never comes our right. I've tried basmati and jasmine rice. The bottom is always overcooked.

Edit: I lied. THIS is what's actually on my counter.

I use this rice and this rice steamer.

I made my rice (add rice vinegar, sugar and some salt after it cooks) and put sweet potatoes, mushrooms and asparagus in the steam tray while the rice cooked. Super easy. I then also cut avocado, red pepper and cucumbers. I then left my family choose their insides so they are all different. I also used regular and black sesame seeds. I can't really explain how to roll the sushi since I am so new at it but youtube has a bunch of good videos.

I have that exact one, very unhappy as it spits foamy rice jizz all over no matter what I do. He'd be moving from microwave boilover to countertop boilover.

I upgraded to http://amzn.com/B007WQ9YNO and couldn't be happier. It also has a setting for the brown rice I use, and it comes out perfect! I cook 3 (rice) cups at a time, and store it in the fridge to eat off the next few days.

Since you didn't post the link:

http://www.amazon.com/Rapid-Ramen-Cooker/dp/B009QU375K/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1376267168&sr=8-1&keywords=rapid+ramen+cooker

$6.99

Vegetable Steamer

Rice Cooker

Microwave

Slow Cooker

I mean there is, but a dutch oven low and slow in the oven makes the house hot, requires the oven to be on the whole time, and still has an entry cost of the dutch oven.

The instant pot is a great appliance though, great idea. And right now the 6 quart is $49 on Amazon.

this instant pot is something I've been eyeing for a few months. I don't really NEED it, as I can just cook on the stove or oven easily , but I've heard they're really handy.

I've also been eyeing a kitchenaid stand mixer for years. I doubt I'll ever get it, but it would really be useful in all the frequent baking that I do. But hand mixers work too.... so not really a need lol.


That gif is... interesting.

Seconding the Zojirushi. Lived in Japan where the rice cooker and water heater are everywhere. Saved up and purchased the rice cooker after going through 2 disappointing rice (not super cheap ones) and it's just heaven. It makes perfect rice every time. The one I have is not large and came with a steaming basket.

This is the model I purchased.

I bought my parents one of the cheaper zojirushi cookers about 8 years ago now.


I would day it gets used at least once or twice a week and it's still working. So longevity is one thing.


The more important thing for my family, though, is just the quality of the rice. It's difficult to explain but the texture of the rice is better. I suppose it might depend on your specific preferences but for me, the rice is softer (and in a different way than just adding more water which would also make it musher and wetter) and fluffier. It might be similar to if you've had a frozen meal (i.e. frozen burrito) done in the microwave (cheap cooker) vs the oven (expensive cooker). The end product is similar and from the same thing but the one done in the oven isn't soggy with a bad texture.


In addition to the rice quality which, in my opinion, is worth it alone, there's a bunch of other bells and whistles to the cookers. There's usually a bunch of other cook settings like for different types of rice or grains or foods (i.e. brown rice, half and half, porridge, steamed vegetables). Also, the warm setting is done very well. A few of the other cheaper brands I've had with a warm button end up overcooking/hardening/drying out the rice (esp. On the bottom of the pot) after an hour or so but the zojirushi keeps it warm and still cooked well for 8+ hours after cooking.

One funny thing is that the rice cooker can play a few different songs when it's done cooking rather than just beeping.

There's probably a bunch of other things that I've forgotten but I know it was definitely worth the money for how much rice my parents eat.

I would say, if you have some extra money to spare and eat rice more than once a week, you should invest in one! When I told my parents about how much I spent on it, they were a little skeptical but I know they'd never go back now.


Edit: I got my parents basically a slightly older version of this model. It might be a bit small for a larger family but it's more than large enough for my parents + me. I believe I got it on sale for about $110 or something like that.

A few gadgets can help. Get a rice cooker with a steamer basket, microwave, and mini fridge. I could cook probably half my diet with just those things. With the rice cooker you can do rice, quinoa, lentils, pasta, steamed veggies, oatmeal, and some simple soups. A small nutri-bullet style blender will let you make smoothies and some sauces. And never underestimate the classic PB&J.

Edit to add some more:

Vegan rice cooker recipes: http://www.peta.org/living/food/vegan-rice-cooker-recipes-that-arent-just-rice/

Rice cooker recommendation (not an affiliate link- I've just used it for years and like it): https://www.amazon.com/Aroma-Housewares-ARC-914SBD-Cool-Touch-Stainless/dp/B007WQ9YNO/ref=sr_1_1?s=kitchen&ie=UTF8&qid=1484017119&sr=1-1&keywords=rice+cooker

You should! I recommend this one. Steamer tray, white and brown rice settings, a delay timer.

And there are cookbooks and sites out there with recipes for other things you can cook in a rice cooker. And another tip, wash your rice. It comes out much better.

This! Also this. Between steamed veggies, soups and rice, you've got a no-brainer dinner option always at the ready.

Instant pot is great for large portions. For 1-2 servings I'd recommend getting a smaller rice cooker. I've had this one: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B007WQ9YNO/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apap_tBie2VjX5I8MT for 4 years and used it 5ish times a week. Perfect everytime. Other cheap ones I've tried burn rice.

for a slightly smaller one of the same version here is the amazon link

Gift One: [Rice cooker] (http://www.amazon.com/Aroma-ARC-914SBD-Uncooked-Digital-Steamer/dp/B007WQ9YNO/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_nC?ie=UTF8&colid=248F1IX5XB&coliid=I1UO7W7RA0E2A8)

Gift Two: [Popsicle Mold] (http://www.amazon.com/Norpro-423-Ice-Pop-Maker/dp/B0002IBJOG/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_nC?ie=UTF8&colid=248F1IX5XB&coliid=ITALZ5IKX5WPM) C'mon...gimme.

I haven't seen you today, but I am sure you look very nice.

Do you have an ALDIs store where you live? If so, you can quite easily eat decently on a budget. If not, then try and look around online for the cheapest store which sells items I am about to mention. I wouldn't go with the Dollar Store/Dollar General as they have higher prices usually. If you have a dented food store, commonly ran by Mennonites, you can save some decent money on food. Make sure to check the dates. I ran across an item before where it was 2 years past expiry.

Do you have a rice cooker by chance? You can pick up an awesome one on Amazon for $30 and it will more than pay for itself. You can also find a decent slow cooker for $50. Once you have these two items, you will never go back to Ramen and Mac.

The trick is to cook once for several days. If you are like me and work 10 hour days, you are pooped out and just want to crash, so having time to cook is rare. You can cook in bulk ahead of time and save time, money, and eat healthier. That $1.50 box of Mac and Cheese can be replaced by a bag of rice and some I currently only have to feed myself and I do it for between $100 and $150 per month on average. This includes things I don't mention here. I don't coupon, but I do watch for sales. I don't know what your budget is or what your dollar store carries, but here are some of the items I eat and what I do.

• Chicken
  
  Chicken is a very healthy and affordable protein you can buy to use in many items. I normally buy boneless, skinless breasts or thighs when they are around $1.29 to $1.99 a pound at whatever nearby store. I will buy about 4 packages of them and break them down into meal-sized servings and freeze for later use. The reason I don't go with bone-in chicken because the price difference of boneless makes up for the loss of meat from the weight of the bone and the time spent picking it off when using a slow cooker. However, it is more of your own preference. You can find drumsticks and thighs with the bone for as little as $0.59 per pound.
  
  Once you have chicken, you can do lots of things. I like to bake it and then slap on some Sweet Baby Rays BBQ sauce for a few minutes towards the end. You can always saute it with vegetables and make a stir-fry. You can throw it in the slow cooker and make some amazing dumplings while you sleep or at work. You can throw it in a bowl with some rice and a vegetable and cook plenty of meals in advanced. Example.
  
  
• Lentils/Rice
  
  Lentils and rice are a very good and cheap option as well. A one pound bag is like a dollar and easily covers four meals for a single person. You can make lentils into soup, make and mix with some other protein, or eat with a little bit of salt. Rice can be used in many things. I like making this recipe (with half of the cilantro) and eat it with baked chicken.
  
  
• Pork/Venison Roast
  
  You can often find pork butt roast on sale for as low as $1.19 per pound. I buy a 5/10 pound roast and split it into 2.5 pound portions to later slow cook. I normally throw some vegetables (carrots, celery, mushrooms, onions, etc) at the bottom of the slow cooker, then throw the slab of meat on top, throw a can of root beer or Dr. Pepper in, and then leave it on to cook when I go to bed/work. Here is what it would look like before I throw it on, but I don't have any after pictures. You can either slice it up, make into stew, or pull it apart and make BBQ sandwiches. This will feed me for several days.
  
  
• Homemade Protein bars
  
  I work night shift, so I don't have a normal breakfast. Even days I wake up in the morning, I still don't. What I do eat is protein bars which I found a recipe for off of Reddit. I think they were about $0.40 a piece after factoring in all of the ingredients. I eat one for breakfast each night on the way to work and have one spare just in case I end up working through lunch.
  
  
• Simple Freezer Meals
  
  I came across this Reddit post awhile back. It is really simple to do and cheap. You can mix it up and switch out the vegetable or replace the chicken with beef, and add rice to make each meal more filling. Here is the aftermath of my last round of making these.
  
  I would write more, but I have been called into work to deal with an emergency. I hope these helped you or at least gave you an idea of items you can do.

Alright, so for rice cookers I was looking at this. Cheap and has some pretty good reviews. Do you think I should get the 10 cup version or spend a little few bucks extra on the 20 cup? I was also going to get this "Japanese Rice Washing Bowl"

For a bamboo mat how does this look?

For knives, I have a few thin ceramic blades. Do you think will those work well enough?

EDIT: I saw this knife on one of those weekly threads. I think I may spend some money and buy it.

You don't need a fancy rice cooker to make nice rice. For years I used a random wolfgang puck 2 cup cooker that is now discontinued, then moved to something like this.

However, you can cook it on the stove, too. I think the most important steps are to account for rinsing, setting, and water amounts. I use the knuckle method seen here, because that's how my mom taught me to do it.

I assume you're referring to this one : https://www.amazon.com/Aroma-Housewares-ARC-914SBD-Cool-Touch-Stainless/dp/B007WQ9YNO/ref=sr_1_4?s=kitchen&ie=UTF8&qid=1524503700&sr=1-4&keywords=aroma+rice+cooker

I only used aroma rice cookers for a long time for just the two of us. Cause it was cheap. I was able to get a zojrushi for cheap 5 bucks. and I would never go back. But people are right. They are super expensive.

But this rice cooker made amazing rice for Curry’s. I washed it twice and let it dry then add water and cook it. Bam. Flaky rice for Curry’s. I really can’t recommend it enough.

I've had the older one of this for 5 years now, the Aroma Rice Cooker.

https://www.amazon.com/Aroma-Housewares-ARC-914SBD-Cool-Touch-Stainless/dp/B007WQ9YNO/ref=sr_1_3?crid=EG8WTG7Q8X3Y&keywords=aroma+rice+cooker&qid=1558412329&s=gateway&sprefix=aroma+rice%2Caps%2C136&sr=8-3

​

Think its pretty gold standard for simple rice cooker. I'm happily giving mine to a friend.

​

The instant pot is also a good should, but I tend to want something both from the pot and rice...

​

I'm only now upgrading to a Zor because I got a great deal

I bought this Aroma 8-cup Rice Cooker back in July as an impulse buy and I use it probably 3-4 times a week. I've never steamed vegetables in it (even thought it has the option) or use the "Brown Rice" button haha but the little thing has worked like a champ and it wasn't even $30 off amazon. :)

I don't really have a recipe, but this is how I'd break it down in a very explicit manner:

1. Buy a 3-lb bag of frozen chicken thighs (boneless+skinless is easy mode, and frankly, I'm not convinced that it's worth the effort to get the bone+skin version after switching to boneless+skinless). Also buy some BBQ sauce. I usually use Sweet Baby Ray sauce.
   
2. 2 days before you want to cook it, put it in the fridge in a big bowl or something (avoid leaks in your fridge).
   
3. After ~2 days (you could do 1 probably, they'll just be kinda frozen still), put all of the chicken into your slow cooker (I have a 5-qt one, 4-qt is probably fine too).
   
4. Squirt some BBQ sauce on it until the top layer of chicken seems adequately covered. I don't really measure, but I can use a medium-sized bottle like this at least a few times.
   
5. Put it on "low", and come back 6 hours later.
   
6. Turn slow cooker off and remove chicken. Put it on a cutting board or something. I have a flexible plastic cutting sheet. Rip it up with forks a little bit so it's not in super big chunks. If parts seem dry/unflavored, you can spoon a bit of the cooking liquid onto it. As you're ripping it up, maybe filter out the yucky looking fatty bits and throw 'em out. (When I use the boneless+skinless chicken, I end up with way less "yucky" stuff at the end.)
   
7. That's it.
   
   I have also let it cook for ~30 minutes longer, or let it sit on the "Keep Warm" setting for ~2 hours, without a noticeable change in the results. The "keep warm" is nice if you have a programmable slow cooker and you start it in the morning before going to work.
   
   Alternatively, this is a very good pulled pork recipe that I've done. What I'm doing now is skipping the soda and applying BBQ right away, and subbing in chicken thighs for the pork for health reasons. Also, I don't think I've never used the full 18oz of BBQ the recipe calls for. Seems like a lot.
   
   Also, ~30 minutes before the slow cooking is done, you can start up a batch of rice and nuke some veggies. I haven't explored adding the veggies to the slow cooker yet, but that's probably an option too. If you don't have a rice cooker, I have this one and I love it (4 cups of rice is enough for 6-8 meals depending on how much you like rice). Looks like it's cheaper than when I bought it too.
   
   Lastly, /r/slowcooking is probably worth checking out.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B007WQ9YNO

Good rating too.

Edit: looks like the price is because of my Prime account.

Edit 2: price has changed. More expensive but less than $5 more expensive.

This one should be good, I have a zojirushi at similar size and it serves 4-6 people pretty well

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01EVHWNVG/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_IMJEzb0BFG3JV

Buy an Instant Pot. This is the one I have (no affiliate link): https://www.amazon.com/Instant-Pot-Multi-Use-Programmable-Stainless/dp/B01MFEBQH1

Behold the wonder that is an Instant Pot


It's basically an electric pressure cooker/slow cooker/rice cooker that can also make some cheesecakes and other things. The only reason I got it was because I can put it on and walk away and don't have to worry about falling asleep while it's on. :/

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01MFEBQH1/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER

Amazon is matching the price now!

Doesn't get much more simple than this thing. I've never used it but Zojirushi is the gold standard when it comes to rice cookers so it'll probably work great. I'd save up and go for a digital model instead.

There's a slow cooker subreddit.

/r/slowcooking



If you like rice get a Zojirushi Nero Fuzzy Rice Maker. It's one of the easiest ways to stay alive. My search made this one show up. I've seen them in the $100-120 range. It keeps rice perfect for 2 days, and good enough for another day. You can make jasmine, basmati, etc. Since the rice is ready after an hour and good for 2 days, it can be quick. Heat up some beans, put on rice, make little stirfrys, put on rice.

The other big one for me is a big toast oven. I have this admittedly expensive one. Note you can use a 20% off bed bath and beyond coupon to bring it down to $200. I bake in it, make pizza (from scratch, or store boughten), can braise in it with a 3.5 quart enameled cast iron braiser. I make bread in it in a 2 quart enameled cast iron dutch oven. Make chicken in it.

This recipe is a great go to. It's 'fancy' but easy as hell, and cheap. It's the greatest cheapest meal you can make probably.

You can make baked potatos in a toaster oven that taste great. You can make a baked potato in a microwave. Or you can even make a baked potato starting in the microwave and ending it a toaster oven that's a pretty good compromise. Just make sure you turn on the toaster oven first thing, then prep the potato, then microwave it, then the toaster oven will be good enough. Salsa keeps in the fridge easy, can throw some on the baked potato. Just throwing out some ideas.

Also have an eating strategy based on how much time you have to eat, and shelf life.

level 1 (takes 1-2 min)

protein shake (long shelf life)

special k & milk (short shelf life (milk))

handfull of nuts.

level 2 (5-7 min)

Heat something up and put it on your rice that is already ready.

ramen (long shelf life)

level 3 (10-15 min)

baked potato in microwave (medium shelf life (potato))



level 4 (30 min or so)

kraft mac (long shelf life)

You can make a plan that makes sure you eat if you have no time or lots of time. It's always best to eat something healthy before you are hungry, because if you don't you will get hungry and be willing to eat something bad.

consider literally making a chart. Look down the chart to how much time you have, and then look over to the short self life, and long shelf life options. Revise the chart around your schedule. This is how I think, but hell I should make that chart.

upvote for zojirushi with fuzzy logic.

we have had this one from zojirushi for ~3 years and use it almost every day. we cook all sorts of rices in it, basmati, sushi, medium grain, and it does an incredible job every time. we also love to put steel cut oatmeal in it before bed to be ready for breakfast in the morning (cheapest meal ever and our 2 yr old loves it). this rice cooker is a wonderful investment and worth every cent.

edit: things we love about the zojirushi - retractible cord, easy clean up, easy to read, functionality, timer so that we can set it aside to be ready when we get home from work or wake up, cooks every rice we've tried perfectly, highly versatile, it's cute and plays twinkle twinkle little star.

Don't go too cheap on the rice cooker, you'll probably need to spend at least $80 maybe a bit more, unless the prices have gone down recently. Find one that keeps the rice warm and a timer is nice too. We have a Sanyo and a Zojirushi (lived seperate now together and kept both of them). The sanyo was about $90 the Zojirushi about 120 (on sale) both are great, the Zojirushi has a few more features such as a quick cook button that gets it done in about 15 minutes with a little sacrifice on quality but hey sometimes ya gotta eat. I think my Sanyo works better on brown rice but that could be that I am used to cooking with it too.
Both of them have locking lids which some say are key, I don't know since I was an abject failure at rice before the rice cooker.

Here are our's:

http://www.amazon.com/Sanyo-ECJ-S35K-Micro-Computerized-Bread-Baking-Function/dp/B000W9WYBW/ref=sr_1_9?s=home-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1310083854&sr=1-9

http://www.amazon.com/Zojirushi-NS-ZCC10-Cooker-Warmer-Premium/dp/B00007J5U7/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1310084003&sr=1-1-fkmr0

dunno bout OP, but mine doesn't have the induction heating:

http://www.amazon.com/Zojirushi-NS-ZCC10-Uncooked-Premium-1-0-Liter/dp/B00007J5U7/ref=sr_1_30?s=kitchen&ie=UTF8&qid=1459273844&sr=1-30&keywords=zojirushi

rice is good for a full day though. generally i unplug it after 12 hours to avoid getting crusty rice on the bottom. does induction help a lot with that? 3 days warming non-stop?

edit: i just realized that i always just used "keep warm" button, but just noticed the "extended keep warm". not sure i've ever used that...might have to give it a shot

I have this one. http://smile.amazon.com/Zojirushi-NS-ZCC10-Uncooked-Premium-1-0-Liter/dp/B00007J5U7/ref=sr_1_4?s=kitchen&ie=UTF8&qid=1459278075&sr=1-4&keywords=zojirushi&refinements=p_89%3AZojirushi

Found it on sale, damaged (Just the box was busted, nothing missing or broken) for $49. I would easily pay $200 for it now that I've had it. I make rice way too much to not have a good rice maker.

I hope you didn't actually throw it out. It looks like a zojirushi rice cooker like my brother has. Basically an older model to this: http://www.amazon.com/Zojirushi-NS-ZCC10-Uncooked-Cooker-Premium/dp/B00007J5U7/ref=br_lf_m_1000220711_1_1_ttl?ie=UTF8&m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&s=kitchen&pf_rd_p=385185701&pf_rd_s=center-2&pf_rd_t=1401&pf_rd_i=1000220711&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=11QWDENE298PSQEB51VE They start at $165. Anyway my brother and I made some chicken and rice and put the chicken in there to keep it all warm (they're SO nice like that even when off). Well, whoever never showed and we forgot. By the time we found it it was moldy and we closed the lid and didn't really know what to do. Well, dumb as it sounds we left it, unsure of how to salvage the cooker. I thought of buying a new bowl for it but couldn't find one. Fast forward maybe 6-8 weeks after the dinner and it's really moldy and nasty, smells when opened, etc. My cousin one day, bless her soul, finds it and cleans it out. It looks awful but that mess should just slide out with little resistance. I was amazed seeing how easy the clean up was. Then the nonstick surface can be cleaned and it's fine. He's been using it for the last 6 years with no issues. It's funny, when you buy quality the mess you found is cleanable and the cooker will continue to work. There's no contamination to your food if you wipe the lid and bowl holder. It's just food mold, not black mold. Not as safe as Bleu cheese but it's not gonna kill you. And when cleaned with dish soap it should work fine for years to come. If that sounds crazy you can mail it to me and I'll prove it.

I bought this one last year when it dropped down around $130.

Even at the current price it is still well below your budget. If you want to spend more you can get a higher capacity model. The main reason for me choosing this model is that it's made in Japan instead of China. I've heard people argue there isn't as much of a difference between the two manufacturing locations for Zojirushi, but for my own peace of mind and preference I chose the Japan model.

I use this every morning. The price tag is horrifying, but the machine is amazing. It has dual timers, so you setup your oatmeal the night before (one cup of oats, one and 1/4 cup water) and then tell it the time. The rice cooker will have it done by that time. When it finishes cooking, it turns on a gentle warmer. No fuss, no muss. It requires zero oversight. With the dual timers, its also a great way to have rice done when you get home. Pull out oats, put in rice.

Rice is also one of the easiest things to fuck up. If you have the money to buy a decent rice cooker, it's worth it just for the ease. And a bonus, many rice cookers have a "hold" option, that keeps your rice warm for several hours. However, if you don't eat tons of rice, or don't want to spend the money, it is perfectly fine to use a pot.

At home, I use this one, but it was a gift from a family member.

Just like someone said, slow cooking is cooking slowly, over several hours. You put your food in the slow cooker or crock pot as it's sometimes called (in some cases you have to prep it for a few minutes), then set the timer and come back hours later and the food is hot and cooked. Easy prep, no slaving over a stove for hours, and you eat a nutritious meal. Perfect for busy families, single people, busy professionals, busy moms, college students, or people who don't know how to cook.

The other advantage is that slow cookers are very inexpensive. If you want a basic model you can probably find one for about $30. Mine cost $55. If you want something fancier it can cost up to $200. I don't think those expensive models are all that necessary. It all depends on your wallet. If you are going to get into this then the only thing I would recommend is a crock pot that's programmable that will switch to warm when the timer goes off. This way you don't have to worry about over cooking your food. I have this one here.

The reason why I started is that I was tired of purchasing expensive meals while at work all the time. There were times when I'd pay $20 for lunch, then $20 for dinner. That adds up. I also noticed that I wasn't getting the nutrition that I feel I need. It's easy to hit up burger king, or any of the myriad fast food spots when you are hungry. I am also not the best cook. I can fix a few dishes, but who has time to really get into cooking.

I discovered it from reading a book by a fitness expert. He looked amazing and went on to talk about how slow cooking helped him eat healthy meals in his busy life. -- Eureka. I found it. Just what I was looking for. A way to eat healthy and not slave over a stove.

Just google slow cooking and check out you tube channels and you will see a myriad of meals that can be fixed. Most for those that don't have cooking skill or the time to sit and watch a stove. There are more elaborate dishes that can be made too. It all depends on what you're looking for.

Hope this helps.

I've owned 2 of these. Lost one in a divorce and used(re-purchased for $17 used, woohoo!) the other a few days ago. Great size, all the bells and whistles, also looks pretty good.

I have 4 others but this one is my go to crock.

flipfold - Saves me half an hour of folding every laundry day.

rice cooker/steamer - I use it every day to either cook rice or steam meat or vegetables.

Ice Tea Maker - This was a wedding gift. Never would have bought it for myself because "How hard is it to put a tea bag in boiling water?" But it's another thing I use every day. Steeps perfectly every time and I don't have to keep an eye on it. Really helps me cut way down on soda when I always have fresh tea in the fridge.

This is what I do!

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001KBY9M8/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I'm practicing for no-microwave living, and found my [tiny Black & Decker rice cooker] (http://www.amazon.com/Black-Decker-RC3303-3-Cup-Cooker/dp/B002CVTT52) is amazing for reheating food like grains, soups, cooked vegetables.

Throw it in there with some chicken broth, put it on cook, come back 10 -12 minutes later, and it's bubbling away. It has a warm function as well, which it switches to on its own when the food is heated, and is teflon-lined so zip for mess. Not speedy, but you don't have to stand around watching it and stirring.

Priced at $12.48 + free shipping - it's either a really weird list or kinda cool:

Panasonic Ear/Nose/Facial Hair Trimmer

Meow Mix catfood


Ten cents less but still an OK buy at $12.34 + free shipping:

Black & Decker 3-Cup Rice Cooker


Two cents off at $12.46:

Mega Pack of 50 Slap Bracelets

At $12.43:

Rise of The Guardians DVD

Yes, I'm clutching at straws now so will sign off.

This, and a rice cooker, something like this. Then you've got carbs from rice to fill you up and you can make something saucy in the crockpot or microwave to put on top of it.

> they are crazy expensive when you can just use a pot. they usually go for like $100!!!

You non-Chinese people over complicate your rice cookers.

This is what I own: http://www.amazon.com/Black-Decker-RC3303-Cooked-Cooker/dp/B002CVTT52/ref=sr_1_7?s=kitchen&ie=UTF8&qid=1375150030&sr=1-7

It's 17 bucks. (That seems kinda high, I think I paid $15.00 for it 2 or 3 years ago.)

Don't get a set. Get individual pieces you'll reach for daily.

I live all by myself, but I like to make 3 - 4 servings of whatever I'm cooking at once, and then portion it out for the week, so that I don't spend a fortune eating out.

https://www.amazon.com/Simply-Calphalon-Nonstick-Jumbo-Deep/dp/B001ASBBSG/
This is my favourite pan. In this one, I make pasta (it holds enough water for 1 lb of pasta), I can make soup, I can make pilaf, I can do stir-fries, I can make crepes and pancakes, and it cheerfully handles it all with no problems. The nonstick is good, although you do need a bit of fat to get things moving. I never run it through the dishwasher. Only hand wash with a soft sponge, and some dawn, and everything is fine. I only use wood or silicon utensils. So far, it's been a year, and it's held up great.

https://www.amazon.com/Anolon-Nouvelle-Stainless-2-Quart-Covered/dp/B00H273JYI/
This is a saucier. On the rare off occasion that I want a pot of ramen, or to make a tiny quantity of something, this is perfect. It's also great as a bean pot. When I make a pot of beans, I don't need a giant quantity. I just need enough for me to each lunch a few times. This is just the right size for me.

With those two pots alone, you can cook the vast majority of what you need on a day to day basis. I would suggest getting a rice cooker.
https://www.amazon.com/Aroma-Housewares-uncooked-Exterior-ARC-150SB/dp/B0055FSN0Y/
This one is the best one I've used, and I've used a LOT of rice cookers.

If you want a small frying pan for breakfast dishes and the like, this one's good:
https://www.webstaurantstore.com/7-non-stick-aluminum-fry-pan/407FRYPANNS7.html
Very cheap, lasts long enough, and easy to use.

https://www.amazon.com/Equinox-Professional-Chefs-Knife-Protective/dp/B00ZHO50FY/
I have had this knife for 2 years, and it's still going strong. It feels a lot more expensive than it really is. For $15, the thing is super sharp, and does a great job on my chopping needs.

For cutting boards, size matters.

https://www.amazon.com/Premium-Organic-CONCEPT-Eco-Friendly-Kitchenware/dp/B01DUZMBP8/
It's solid, it's beautiful to look at, and a pleasure to use.

You two should invest $40 in a decent rice cooker and never have this problem again. (Also, no need to drain rice in a colander). I just saved your marriage, you’re welcome.

wtf? She needs to chill the fuck out.

If a white person asked me, or my SIL (who is also Asian) would we just laugh at the question and point to this Amazon link (https://www.amazon.com/Aroma-Housewares-uncooked-Exterior-ARC-150SB/dp/B0055FSN0Y)

This one has served me well.

i have a combo cooker (rice cooker and slow cooker) so saves you space and $

edit: this one https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0055FSN0Y/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o09_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

This is what I have. Rice cooker and steamer. One of my best investments. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0055FSN0Y/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1

this one is $18 bucks, i have the next model up for almost $30 and its great https://www.amazon.com/Aroma-Housewares-6-Cup-Cooker-Steamer/dp/B0055FSN3Q/ref=as_li_ss_tl?tag=dt-incontent-btn-20&ie=UTF8&ascsubtag=home%3A1085467%3A155090226628b8f772&th=1

and here's a $15 dollar one https://www.amazon.com/Elite-Cuisine-ERC-003-Maxi-Matic-Cooker/dp/B000B2UADE/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=rice+cooker&qid=1550902341&s=home-garden&sr=1-1

i havent found the elusive $10 one though

I need a rice cooker. You see, my boyfriend was incapable of making anything that wasn't in a microwave, so I showed him how to make instant rice one day. Mistake. Apparently he can't keep it in the pot when he stirs. I keep finding rice grains in the stove, on the counter top, all over the floor... its a mess. I figure with a rice cooker it might be somewhat more contained.

and I want to soak in a hot tub. badly.

http://smile.amazon.com/Aroma-6-Cup-Cooked-Cooker-Steamer/dp/B0057XGM5W/ref=sr_1_cc_3?s=aps&ie=UTF8&qid=1413729834&sr=1-3-catcorr&keywords=rice+cooker

It's $15, that's the price of what? like five packs of instant rice? just buy one. If you don't like it then throw it away. It's not like you're making a huge investment here.

That's the one I use and it cooks just fine, there are certainly better cookers on the market but if you're on the fence what's $15 to try something out?

Buy this

You can cook the rice in the cooker and the soaked beans in the steamer in like 10 minutes DINNER IS READY. If you're feeling rich, add cheddar cheese.

I use Zero and Lose It apps. I’ve seen others using MyFitnessPal and the LIFE app, and I’m pretty sure they’re all reasonably comparable.

If your campus cafeteria uses SYSCO or a similar food distribution company, you will be able to look up the calories of many of the foods just through Lose It, MyFitnessPal, or tracking apps/nutrition websites, etc. I know it may be embarrassing to be “that person” carrying around a food scale but it’s vital to learn what food servings look like and weigh. There are SO many posts from people who are doing IF, saying they’re eating below their TDEE, eating lower carb/Keto, etc and confused why they aren’t seeing results and it’s often bc they aren’t weighing their food and they’re overestimating portion sizes.

Bulk up on vegetables and dark leafy greens, skip the salad dressing and either use your own or get used to a squeeze of citrus or a splash of vinegar or use wet ingredients in place of dressing (guacamole or cottage cheese for example). If you’re able to, get an instant pot or crockpot, you can control exactly what’s in your meals. You can even make a reasonable amount of food just from rice makers with steam baskets like this one.

A rice cooker/food steamer

Would you like a falafel with that?

We have a Zojirushi rice cooker. I make rice twice a day as my cooker has two timer settings. At around 9pm I put two cups of washed brown rice in the cooker and set it to be ready at 6:10am, and then after I pack lunch I make two more cups to be ready at 8pm (for dinner). I don't know if the extended soaking time makes it so good or the zojirushi! =]

This. I have a Zojirushi NS-TSC18 I bought after replacing a cheapo Aroma something-or-other. These machines are built solid with a very thick pot and some kind of magic nonstick coating that's way more durable than what I was using before. They also cook the rice under pressure and have multiple options depending on the type of rice you're cooking. They tend to take way longer to cook the rice (60 minutes versus ~25-30 I had with the old cooker), but the difference in final product is astounding.

Should you buy a rice cooker? It really depends on how much rice you eat on a regular basis. If every week or less, then maybe. If not that often, then you might be able to get by with cooking on a stovetop, but I can never match how perfect the rice turns out with these machines.

A smaller Zojirushi? Maybe, especially if you're fine with spending that much. In any case, I'm never moving back to cheaper models.

I know that feel. Buy a rice cooker if you haven't already. It will change your life. You can make anything in there if you want to (potatoes, oatmeal, steamed/ boiled vegetables, GF cakes, porridge, whatever). Get one with a built in timer function that will allow you to control when your food starts cooking for extra convenience.

I got one about 7 months after my diagnosis, and it is honestly one of the most important tools in my life. I splurged and got this one, though you could go cheaper:
http://www.amazon.com/Zojirushi-Cooker-NS-TSC18-Uncooked-1-8-Liters/dp/B006W22KF8/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top

Massive capacity allows for more freedom.

Electric pressure cookers (Instapots are one of these) also work.

OP, i can tell u've never been to a major/"event."

#Smash->FGC. '(esp. "IRL")'

It smells like shit, esp. after Day 1(since "Vegas."). I always wear a "face" mask, like those surgeon one's. Don't go on "autistic" rant, about how "SMASH IZN'T A FG, -XD", irl. #either- since it seems like u'mite try to "act" cool, #parrot'ing-opinion's, online. Ppl, will think ur "literally" a "loser." -xd.-',"

r/Kappa reddit/"non-tourney", is basically the only place where "grown men, cry'bout how "SMASH SMELLS" / "IS NOT A FG!!!", isn't met w/ "weird stare's", n' ppl calling u a "fucking loser." #just-doesn't-happen-'IRL', -xd'."

Also, smell aside, be sure to bring 2 chargers, (at least a portable)'snack's, n' "DO NOT BUY, 'STICK's' @ VENUE." ("unless, limit'd")

I've used this rice recently as it's been easy to find at my local supermarket. Nishiki brand seems to be fairly prolific.

Can you cook rice without an appliance cooker? Of course! Can I tell you how to do so and have it come out perfectly? No :)

Zojirushi really makes damn good rice cookers. Personally I recently picked up this model for a little over $100 on Amazon. They also have a less expensive model but I don't have experience with that.

In any event, the rice comes out perfect every time. Perfect. Rinse the rice in 4-5 baths of water, set the final water level, press a button and away it goes. No scorching on the bottom - everything nice and uniform. It's stupid easy and IMO absolutely worth it. Incidentally, each cup of uncooked rice I would say is good for 2-3 rolls... so for me personally, the 3 cup (can do as little as 0.5) rice cooker is perfect either for myself or making a bunch of rolls for entertaining.

Beyond that, once it's cooked... just spread it out gently in a non-reactive bowl, add a little sushi vinegar (store bought is fine - I use a couple table spoons per cup of uncooked rice), fold it together, and you're set.

Simplifying the rice-making process to a button push has me making sushi way more often. Another thing that I feel like makes doing sushi vastly easier and better is doing so with poly food prep gloves. With the rice being so sticky it's just way easier, in my experience, than constantly dipping your hands in water.

I have this little guy (1.8L) http://www.amazon.com/Zojirushi-NHS-06-3-Cup-Uncooked-Cooker/dp/B00004S575/ref=sr_1_3?s=kitchen&ie=UTF8&qid=1462935796&sr=1-3

And it's simple and does its job well, for around $60.

EDIT: Size matters, I guess.

1. Blue
   
   
2. Summer
   
   
3. Food
   
   
4. I would give u/kevinsb this rice cooker because he keeps talking about wanting it!
   
   
5. Book I recommend it to everyone who even hints that they want a book recommendation.
   
   
6. $1 on the dot is the best I could do!
   
   
7. Dog
   
   
8. Not useful, but I need it anyway
   
   
9. I love this movie!
   
   
10. If you get, like, hundreds of them, then you can set them all up like a security system.
    
    
11. Goal - Paint the floor!
    
    
12. Add-on
    
    
13. MLP
    
    
14. Ridiculously priced
    
    
15. Fluffy unicorn
    
    
16. Smell
    
    
17. Rose Petal Place
    
    
18. Writer
    
    
19. 80s toys
    
    
20. Best show ever

This one is very similar to the zojirushi cooker link that I've been using for the last few years.

However, looking at yours it seems like the B&D one is way superior to mine :(. And cheaper. Oh well, mine is still pretty amazing.

my only addition is to look for the made in japan ones, they are better quality than the made in china ones. I have this one (made in japan) and its awesome. though when i bought it ~5 years ago, it was only $120 or so

I've got one of these. Expensive, yes, but being able to have real steel cut oats ready at anytime I enter for the next morning; it was worth it. Also makes amazing brown rice.

not a meal, but seriously it'll make your life better.

get a rice cooker

no, not a $30, break-in-a-year, dry-out-your-rice, POS

a real, fuzzy logic, badass rice cooker. they work better, last decades and are ultimately cheaper in the long run.

like this one

and this one

best part about a good rice cooker? set it to be done at 5pm and leave for the day. second best? never ever deal with burnt rice again. ever. also the rice is better quality than you make in your laughable stove-top pot (ha ha ha ha).

I recently took the plunge and got a neuro fuzzy. I don't really know what the differences are except that the neuro fuzzy is supposedly better at making sushi rice and I make a lot of sushi rice, and then just eat it like regular rice.

Before the Zojirushi I used a cheap $30 rice cooker or just a pot on the stove and have tried both cheap and expensive rices, sticky or otherwise. The difference between the old methods and the Zojirushi is night and day. It really makes superior rice but then better quality cooked rice is not a priority in most people's lives so whether or not it's worth it will depend on you.

I'm really picky about rice, and I have a somewhat fancy Zojirushi rice cooker that I cannot live without. Perfect rice every time, and I do mean perfect.

It's this one: http://www.amazon.com/Zojirushi-NS-ZCC10-Uncooked-Premium-1-0-Liter/dp/B00007J5U7

The nice ones are kinda expensive, so don't buy one if you don't already like rice. That being said you can do oatmeal and other things in them as well. Rice every day!

The differentiating factors between models are cook time, capacity, build quality, and cooking settings. If you want to only make Japanese style rice and sushi rice, any of the models should make it just fine; it is a Japanese rice cooker after all. If you want to cook other things (oats, brown rice, etc.), then you need to pay attention to what each model makes. If you want good build quality, you get one that is made in Japan. If you want it to cook faster, you can get the pressure cooking models. Really you haven't given us enough to go off of. The best advice I can give you is to make sure you get one that is made in Japan (it will say it above the cook button) and at least get a model with the micom. I bought this model, and I have no regrets.

​

Edit: I was just reading up on the pressure cooking models, and it still takes about an hour to cook the rice (unless you use the "quick" setting." Supposedly the pressure cooking models help keep the rice soft, but I don't know if I'd consider that worth spending extra money on. Really there is no telling how much better the rice from an induction or pressure model is without trying it. I'd be willing to bet it's marginal. I feel like if I were to upgrade from the model I linked above, I'd potentially just up the capacity and maybe get a model with an "umami" setting.

i had a cheap one when I was younger, there was always a layer of rice stuck to the bottom and partially burnt.

my mom swears by this one: http://amzn.com/B00007J5U7

my partner just spent too much on a blender, but at some point I'm getting one similar to that one.

Okay, technically, I'm in the barracks. I have my own fully stocked kitchen that makes cooking healthy on a budget extremely easy, but I had to get creative when I had to go somewhere for a month for some extra schooling.

I use this to cook brown rice (two bags for $3.70) and I bought a large bag of frozen broccoli florets ($5.49 - it was organic and HUGE). I'm eating canned albacore ($7 for 9 cans) tonight which I flavored with some Maggi sauce and hot sauce ($1 each -- those bottles will last me the entire time I'm staying here). On Sundays, I buy one rotisserie chicken ($7) which provides me enough protein for dinner until Friday.

For breakfast, I eat fruit and hard boiled eggs which I make in the microwave using this (I bought mine for $8). Lunch is usually another egg and a peanut butter sandwich with a piece of a fruit.

I could have saved money by bringing tupperware from home, but I didn't want to deal with packing those, and I managed to find cheap ones at the PX ($2.50 for a set of 4). My per diem is $18 and buy skipping the chow hall and spending a little extra time buying and prepping my food, I'm saving a lot of money.

I got a rice cooker similar to: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000G30ESY/ref=psdc_678540011_t1_B001KVZZH6

It cooks brown rice perfectly... practically just push-button. It does take a while though, over an hour. But then it switches to a keep-warm setting. Often enough I will start a batch before I go out riding, and then when I get back the rice is cooked and waiting for me. It's great to have healthy food ready for eating after a ride! I can get quite hungry so if no healthy alternatives are at hand it is too tempted to dive into whatever is quick and easy but not so nutritious.

I love my Black & Decker rice cooker. I've had it for at least 2 years, and started using it more frequently in the last 6 months or so. One button, and it keeps the rice warm until you unplug the unit. I think I paid maybe $15 for it at an outlet mall, and the one I linked is the exact one (though mine has a blue-ish cooking bowl).

I used to have and love this one(http://www.amazon.com/BLACK-DECKER-RC3406-Cooked-Cooker/dp/B000UWD9OW), but it doesn't appear to be in the UK (at least in the same form). With that said, this one (http://www.amazon.co.uk/Crock-Pot-0-6L-Rice-Cooker-Grey/dp/B007XEJ55M) appears really highly rated, and crock pot is a pretty reliable brand. Added bonus, one button!

Well, if he can get past the gadgety-ness of it, an electric grill (so he can do it year round!) and rice cooker might be good.

http://www.amazon.com/George-Foreman-GR136B-2-Serving-Classic/dp/B00LU2HXRK/ref=sr_1_2?s=kitchen&ie=UTF8&qid=1449489548&sr=1-2&keywords=george+foreman+grill

http://www.amazon.com/Black-Decker-RC3406-Cooked-Cooker/dp/B000UWD9OW/ref=sr_1_5?s=kitchen&ie=UTF8&qid=1449489490&sr=1-5&keywords=rice+cooker

That with a vegetable steamer (if they don't already have one) opens up the door to lots of easy and healthy meals.

http://www.amazon.com/Sunsella-Vegetable-Steamer-Stainless-Steel/dp/B00KYDZHSI/ref=sr_1_9?s=home-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1449489827&sr=1-9&keywords=steamer

Also, maybe a simple cookbook could help?

http://www.amazon.com/Complete-Cooking-Two-Cookbook/dp/1936493837/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1449463366&sr=8-4&keywords=cooking

As for Blue Apron, I wouldn't recommend it. Their meals are delicious, but most of them have a lot of steps and might be overwhelming for someone that doesn't cook much.

Have been using one of these for several years:
https://www.amazon.com/Black-Decker-RC3406-Cooker-Steamer/dp/B000UWD9OW

I have had one of these for years. I think around 5 or 6. Used it at least once a week. Still works perfectly fine. And it is super cheap and easy to use.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000UWD9OW?refRID=5CYZ8QM4BVW7HYW3B687&ref_=pd_cart_rp_2_2_p

I recently bought this one and it works pretty good.

This is the 4qt version of the crock pot I've used for several years. I love my 6qt model, got a pot roast going now in fact. Will set for 4 or 6 hours on high, 8 or 10 hours on low. Switches to warm automatically. Cooked all sorts of stuff in mine and never had any issues. Not Prime (probably why there aren't tons of reviews) but still ships for free.

This one gives you more flexibility with setting a specific time. I can't speak to it myself because I never used a Cuisinart model, but it's got good reviews and is a Prime item.

Scroll down a little on the product pages, Amazon should have a list/chart comparing similar items. You might find one you like by checking those lists as well.

20bux!

Your upper limit is $250!?

I have one of these and it does everything I need it to. Push the button down and it pops itself back up when done, I've used it for brown and white rice, soup, eggs, and I've seen someone with the same one make a cake thing in it

If you have the funds, I highly recommend getting a cheap rice cooker like this one: https://www.amazon.com/Oster-6-Cup-Cooker-Steamer-004722-000-000/dp/B001KBY9M8/ref=sxin_2_ac_d_pm?ac_md=1-0-VW5kZXIgJDI1&keywords=rice+cooker&pd_rd_i=B001KBY9M8&pd_rd_r=d7ddba03-1964-41f2-a84e-1cbdb927c38b&pd_rd_w=hQMwQ&pd_rd_wg=Yy7uz&pf_rd_p=64aaff2e-3b89-4fee-a107-2469ecbc5733&pf_rd_r=J0YTJNRAJA8PMNH8NQ7C&qid=1564518665&s=gateway

It makes cooking rice extremely easy and you can even steam frozen vegetables on the top while the rice cooks. You can also add canned beans to the rice while it cooks. All you have to do is put the rice in along with the correct amount of water (I do 1 to 1) and press the button to start. Then you can leave the rice until it is finished cooking.

I had the above rice cooker for 2 years and it worked fantastically and was super simple.

You're getting lots of tips on cooking your rice on the stovetop, but I just want to butt in with some rice cooker love. I have this rice cooker from Amazon, and I've been using it at least once a week for over three years. I'm incredibly lazy, and I love the "set it and forget it" nature of rice cookers. I also use it to steam veggies and cook oatmeal. I can cook rice perfectly fine on the stovetop too (and sometimes I still opt to cook rice on the stovetop), but I like that I can set my rice cooker on while I'm hovering over other things on the stovetop and not worry that my rice will overcook. There's only one button, it's absolutely fool-proof.

Buy a cheap rice cooker. Keep rice and microwavable "pouch meals" stocked. I get chana masala (indian chickpea dish), bean dishes and such in microwavable pouches and eat it on rice. Affordable (cheap even), delicious, fast, and can be managed in a dorm room if you have access to a microwave. Also, rice cooker is easy to clean without a kitchen sink.

I have something like this. Good for small batches, cheap, and effective.

I eat brown rice and vegetables pretty much Monday through Saturday... Then on Sunday I will cook a nice steak or bbq chicken.

It's a great way to save money and eat better. I cheat all the time but I've become a much better cook and I really look forward to cooking something delicious on Sunday. Trust me if you plan on changing your diet you're going to have to learn to cook if you haven't already. It's really not hard, and once you start to really learn what you like you really do eat quite well for cheap.

Maybe this will help:

1. Rice Cooker
   
   
2. Spices to play with until you find out what you like
   
   
3. mother fucking rice blends
   
   
4. food processor
   
   
5. decent starter kitchen set
   
   

I need this rice cooker (from my kitchen wishlist). I got a rice cooker off freecycle but it is way too big so it burns whatever I try to cook in it. Plus I might have accidentally melted the bottom of it so now it's lopsided and sad :(

Gluttony

I absolutely can post a grocery list… because I need one or I forget things/buy too much/buy too little. I made this list awhile back to keep track of what (and how much of it) gets used in an average week.

Making a list is a very good habit to get into (IMO), especially if you’re buying a lot of perishable foods. Some items are sold in quantities that will easily carry over and last into the following week, so I adjust as needed.

A few things to keep in mind:

My focus is high volume (ultradistance) endurance training, not strength training, so my diet is heavy in the carbs department (oats, bread, pasta, potatoes).

I have myself, two kids (one teen w/adult appetite) and my husband to feed. I’ve struck out the few items that are strictly for my kids/husband. Half of the soup & bread plus some of the eggs is for them, too.

My kids are picky eaters and I don’t like making two meals (one for adults, one for kids). I can usually only get vegetables into them in the form of soup, chili and pasta sauce, so those get heavy rotation.

The list is not tight-budget-friendly and because I have the time for prepping everyting in advance, I do so. You can save a lot of time by buying frozen veggies or even pre-cooked frozen meat (chicken/beef strips), but it’s more expensive that way.

To give you an idea of where all of that food goes… mostly into me. My husband is content to have the same damned thing for breakfast every morning and he buys his lunch Mon-Fri. He is currently dieting to lose weight, so I have a somewhat different list now (and my kids hate me because I make them eat green things).

Breakfast: Some combination of oatmeal, cream of wheat, French toast or egg omelet w/bagel + yogurt + fruit (which I also snack on through the day or blend into smoothies).

Lunch: Sandwich (w/shredded chicken, lots of veggies, pressed cottage cheese or cheddar) + salad (topped with yogurt or cottage cheese, non-junky trail mix and berries/pomegranate). Alternatively soup + salad... sometimes all 3.

Dinner: 2x Chili (once with Tortilla chips topped with cheese, onion, green pepper; broiled to melt), 2x pasta (with salad on the side), 1-2x stir fry (sometimes vegetarian, usually with chicken) and rice, 1-2x chicken with baked, broiled or mashed potatoes + veggies.

How I make my chili (slow cooker):

Brown 2lbs lean ground beef, slice/dice 3 stalks celery, 1 green pepper, 1 white onion, add 2 tins Alymer’s tomatoes (do not drain water), 1 can red kidney beans (do not drain water), 2 tins mushrooms (fresh mushrooms fall apart; DO drain water), garlic, salt, pepper, 2 packages chili seasoning (Old El Paso/Clubhouse), stir. High to prepare in 4 hours, low to set and forget (8-10hrs). Takes about 20 min to prepare to cook. I store leftovers in the removable cooking pot.

How I make spaghetti sauce (slow cooker):

2lbs lean ground beef, 3 stalks celery, 2 tins Alymer’s tomatoes (drain about 3 quarters of the water), 1 sm can tomato paste, 2 tins canned pasta sauce, 1 diced green pepper, 1 diced onion, 4-5 lg fresh mushrooms, 5 cloves garlic, salt, pepper, basil, oregano, 1 tsp sugar, stir. Same cooking/storage instructions as above. Yeah… I have 2 slow cookers (one was a gift when we already had one).

Handy/helpful appliances: Kitchen grill with removable/reversible plates, rice cooker, BIG slow cooker.

Prep work:

Veggies:

This is the most time consuming prep (1-2hrs). It also requires a fair amount of tupperware. I make sure I have plenty of counter space, I wash my sinks/counter and rinse/wash everything thoroughly. I chop everything up to the appropriate size and use a lettuce spinner to dry off anything that doesn't last long when wet (mushrooms, lettuce, fruit). I add a fair amount of lemon juice (I transfer it to a spray bottle) to any sliced fruit to keep it from turning brown (also works on cucumber; added before spinning).

I store it all by meal/dish with lettuce kept separate to keep it dry. If lettuce is kept dry, it will last through the week. If it’s moist, three days, tops. You can mix most veggies together by meal with the exception of sliced tomatoes.

Same with fruit, which I usually sort by berries, grapes and "other" – other requiring lemon juice to keep.

I didn't include it under breakfast groceries, but I also tend to mix some finely chopped green pepper, green onion, tomato and mushrooms for omelets. I don't use the whole tomato, though. I just use the solid pieces, mixing the wet part with more green onion, chives and some olive oil to use as a topping on souvlaki (stored in its own small container).

Meat/poultry:

I rarely stray from chicken/turkey. I sort of suck at cooking anything else.

I tend not to cook most of it in advance these days as I have more time than I used to, but I was much more pressed for time a few years back. It can be a little dry after a few days in the fridge, so it's best to put any pre-cooked chicken into a dish that moistens it up. As a standalone, it takes less than 10 minutes to grill (because the kitchen grill cooks from the top and bottom) and a whole chicken can be put in a slow cooker if you feel for it or roasted if you've got the time.

I use the serrated plate of the kitchen grill or barbecue to cook it and keep it in two separate tupperware containers: One is for shredded chicken (sandwiches). The other is for strips/cubes (destined for stir fry or chicken caesar salad). It’s much easier to shred/slice when cold.

This

Buy yogurt in bulk for breakfast, along with fruit. Get bags of apples or oranges or whatever you can enjoy every day.

Canned tuna is also great. Lots of protein, you can learn some rudimentary prep methods with spices and condiments that won't cost you much or go bad.

Spend the rest on rice, an electric rice cooker and you can make yourself all sorts of stews and soups and such in the rice cooker with or without meat as your budget allows.

Coop's is definitely not cheap. And anyway, you're always much better off getting a $15 rice cooker and just making your own food.

Get her a rice cooker and some rice, one with a good recipie book and a steamer basket. It's really, really hard to screw up with a rice cooker.

This one is similar to mine. It's a bit large for a rice cooker - but it's just the right size for a soup pot. And it makes the most amazing soups and stews.

So as long as she can cut up an onion and some potatoes without a trip to emergency...

Had this one for a year or two. It works perfectly
http://www.amazon.com/Aroma-ARC-150SB-Uncooked-Digital-Steamer/dp/B0055FSN0Y

It works. Source: I own one.

Amazon

https://www.amazon.com/Aroma-Housewares-uncooked-Exterior-ARC-150SB/dp/B0055FSN0Y/ref=sr_1_3?s=kitchen&ie=UTF8&qid=1473739002&sr=1-3&keywords=rice+cooker
Best Selling one on Amazon is $37 new with 4.4 stars. Your price may be a little high.

Rather than just a crockpot I would suggest an aroma
It's a crockpot but it also works as a rice cooker and steamer. It will give you a lot more functionality. There are entire cookbooks dedicated to recipes for aroma cookers. These things are so cheap it would hard for it to not be a decent investment.

And yes, you can make food in the cooker and freeze it or keep it in the fridge and heat it up later.

I use the Aroma ARC-150SB. Tiger rice cookers are supposed to be the Rolls Royces if you really want to ball out but my cheap little Aroma works for me.

Here's what you do for each of these problems:

> Rice constantly sticks

Get one with a non-stick pot. Don't ever scrape it with something metal, always use a wooden or plastic spoon to remove the rice. Add enough water so it doesn't burn on the bottom. Usually this will be enough, but some high end cookers allow you to control the exact temperature they cook at, in which case, you'd use a lower temperature and cook for longer.

> it leaks

Hinge-top cookers tend to leak less than lid-top ones all else the same, but the big problem here is using too much water when cooking. Ideally, you want to use as little water as possible, just enough to cook the rice through. Maybe even a little less, leaving a tiny "bite" in the middle, like al dente pasta. So experiment by using: the same amount of rice, the same brand and type of rice, and the same cooker- but reduce the amount of water you use until you reach that "just cooked through point". This should 1) Use a bit less water 2) Cook a bit faster 3) Leak a little to a lot less 4) Make rice with a little more interesting texture

> it's difficult to clean

Knowing which are easy to clean or not really requires looking at the inside of the cooker and seeing where water and steam are allowed to go. Hinge top can control what happens more, but you also look for large overflow inserts. (You also clean out the overflow insert thingys every time you cook). In the cooker I linked, it's hard to see, but it's a clear, plastic, thin "cup" on the right side of the first and second last pictures. They pop out of the side of the cooker for easy cleaning, and their purpose is to catch overflowing water/steam.

> only makes 2 cups of rice (uncooked)

Buy a larger cooker.

-----

I recommend Aroma cookers for this price range. I've had a lot of success with them over the years.

8-cup capacity is probably what you want, but if you need to cook really large quantities of rice every day and counter space isn't an issue, they also have a 20-cup capacity one for not much more money.

They have: the capacities you're looking for, non-stick pots that work, overflow insert cups for if you do add too much water, and two different settings for white and brown rice, which is nice.

Anything under 100$ doesn't really do anything better than this. If you really want a cheaper option than the Aroma, go with the cheapest glass lid one you can find, and really work on getting the water added right (minimized), would be my only advice.

And if instead you wanted a more expensive one, you could spring for a Zojirushi, which have a really good reputation for consistent cooking, and have some neat features and stuff (I don't know I haven't used many of them), but are usually quite a bit above 100$.

Yeah-- I have one that you'd like.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0055FSN0Y/ref=cm_sw_r_sms_awdb_dv-mybV54WBKW

It's $32 on Amazon. It's a rice cooker, but it comes with a steaming attachment to put veggies in while you cook rice. I've done it 3 times-- steamed veggies at the same time as making rice. But I mainly just use the Slow Cook setting and make recipes I find on this subreddit. It's fucking incredible and I don't know how I would cook without it.
Pros: everything is fucking delicious and perfectly cooked, white rice especially. Has a steaming attachment. Has a measuring cup and lines on the inside of the bowl. Bowl material is quite durable. Locking mechanism. Excellently designed. Has a keep warm setting for 12 hours. Digital display is super helpful.

Cons: The slow cook setting is High and you can't set it to low. Life is fleeting and we're all gonna die someday.

I have this one that does rice, steam, and slow cooking! I love it, it cooks rice perfectly and slow cooks everything. Only bummer is that is really doesn't have any settings or temp gauges for slow cooking. I had to figure out on my own that it cooks on low, and always make sure to temperature check my meats to make sure they are up to temp. Other than that, it's really handy if you don't have a lot of space. Not quite sure how steamed foods will come out, as I haven't gotten around to it yet.

Mine is almost the same. https://amzn.com/B0055FSN0Y
We use it several times per week. Main thing missing: Porridge Mode.
Other than that minor feature, we're very happy with it.

¿Básica como esta? https://www.amazon.com.mx/Aroma-ARC-743-1NGR-Arrocera/dp/B0057XGM5W/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1535909478&sr=8-5&keywords=arrocera+aroma

Get rice cooker/steamer. Basically It's just a rice cooker but it has a steamer pan as well. I use it to cook rice, chicken, and broccoli all-in-one. Less dishes and pretty much the "set it and forget it". I happened to get an extra steam tray for mine because my roommate left it with me.

Also, near apartments, I noticed that when my neighbors move out at the end of their lease (most people are Aug, Sept year leases so the time is now) They dump all their unwanted stuff near the dumpster. So far I scored a few decorative boxes, a couch, a couple desks, a couple lamps 2 suitcases and a really nice big gym bag, a few shelves, 2 shoe racks... You get the idea. For me, no shame in dumpster diving! D: haha.


Also cruise on craigslist, you'll come across super needy people selling awesome stuff, or angry girlfriends selling their BF's xBox, TV, etc


If you wanted to get an awesome TV (don't know if you have the money, but this happened to me), Go to Best Buy, get one of the clearance TVs. Most times they are clearance b/c they are open box returns. Return policy needs the TV to be back in 15 days. My TV had the last owners Netflix logged in. And her Pandora (good music taste). But yeah... That was cool.

If you're looking for something pre-packaged and healthy, I feel like you might have a difficult time. As far as something simple goes, frozen fish is a favorite of mine. Thaws in five minutes, cooks about in about the same time, and you can throw it on some rice. Or into a taco.

My sister-in-law is also a fan of home made sushi, and it really isn't hard. Just some avocado and a little bit of that fish you've cooked up. Light mayo and sriracha make a great sauce.

Speaking of which, this is why I want this rice cooker. I myself have been looking to eat healthier and can't cook rice for the life of me. It's a quick and easy thing and you can set your rice concoction to cook for the day so you have a meal to come home to as well.

I for one know that if I had rice on the ready at all times, I would spend less money eating fast food.

Also wraps! Spinach or pumpernickel with turkey...and maybe some alfalfa...oh god I'm hungry.

lol i love the imaginary friend, maybe we have the same imaginary friend O_O

anyways could i say two things? because i feel bad about entering with a high priced item

but the relatively high priced item that would change my life would be this mini fridge because i live with 7 other people and the stuff that i buy ALWAYS gets eaten before i can eat it like i'll buy food to eat for work and it'll be eaten or i'll buy like stuff to drink and it'll be gone before i can even drink it so in the long run it would probably save me money and frustrations because this cycle makes me angry xD

the not so crazy item would probably be this cooker because i'm terrible at cooking but this seems really simple and probably a healthier way to eat then going out all the time so hopefully with that i can maybe eat better and eat at home more often.

:3

I bought my cheapy old reliable rice cooker for just about $15 in a local True Value store (kinda like Harbor Freight/OceanStateJobLot but for appliances housewares etc,) and it's not fancy but I've had it for 2 years and it's still going strong. It makes pretty good rice, though I am just as used to making good rice on the stove it is just easier to have 1 burner free if I need it. Rice doing its own thing off to the side.

I've only used plastic or wooden utensils in my rice cooker pot and wash it gently after a soak, with a soft sponge. Basically never scratching it if I can help it, and it's held up very well.

I live in a very poor household, believe you me, but there may come a month where you do find yourself with an extra $15 in your wallet. Instead of buying those few coffees, one CD a month, 2 six packs of beer, whatever your vice; invest in getting yourself some things that make life seem more normal once in a while. Things that keep you well fed, well rested, and able to find transportation should never be looked over ;)

Not so; I've had this one for a year. It's awesome.

Zojirushi 3 cup.

https://www.amazon.ca/Zojirushi-NS-LAC05XT-Cooker-Warmer-Stainless/dp/B005FVROW6

I have this one well, not exactly, but same size and features with induction. It claims 12 hours guaranteed. I don't see temperature in degrees for the function, but I'm going to see if I can test it with a thermometer and post back.

I have this one. It's pretty small, but the right size for two people. I like it because it's quite straightforward to use. I'm sure they can get pretty complicated but luckily this one is simple enough for me to figure out!

Get a Zojirushi and thank me later. I paid $158 pre-tax for this model and it was worth every penny.

450 watts http://www.amazon.com/Zojirushi-NS-LAC05XT-Cooker-Warmer-Stainless/dp/B005FVROW6/ref=pd_sbs_k_2

https://www.amazon.com/Zojirushi-NS-TSC10-Uncooked-Cooker-1-0-Liter/dp/B0074CDG6C/ref=pd_sim_79_14?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=3FCH92VNZPVJ780X0D18

I never have a problem here or elsewhere when shortening amazon links by just removing the part starting with "ref" (that isn't needed anyway). So for this link I'd have used:
https://www.amazon.com/Zojirushi-NS-TSC10-Uncooked-Cooker-1-0-Liter/dp/B0074CDG6C

Some advice: Wash your rice. It gets gummy and sticky when you don't rinse it first. Rinse and drain until the water is clear when you stir it about with your hands.

Second: Get a rice cooker. Seriously. You won't regret it.

I have this one: https://smile.amazon.com/Zojirushi-NS-TSC10-Uncooked-Cooker-1-0-Liter/dp/B0074CDG6C/

But there are cheaper ones. The key words are "fuzzy logic." That's the tech that keeps the rice from getting burned to the bottom of the pot. Most will even cook different kinds of rice... Because white rice cooks differently than brown, etc. You can even make oatmeal and mixed meals in 'em.

It's great. There's a reason why any asian kitchen has one. Even if you can cook great rice on the stove, these things make it 100x easier.

Hard boiled eggs. Honestly I’m super depressed and can rarely make food for myself. I live on hard boiled eggs, PB& J, and bread and cheese. Here’s how to do the bread and cheese: buy a 2-4lb block of cheese. Buy a $1 French or Italian baguette at your local Walmart or other bakery. All the better if it’s already seasoned. Slice 1/4in off of your cheese block. Cut 1” slice of bread. Eat. If you need more flavor add pesto or mustard under the cheese. If you need veggies, put half a handful of lettuce on top. Boom depressed breakfast or lunch served in less than 3 minutes.
Get a rice cooker. Make rice by throwing water and rice in the cooker. You can eat it for any meal over the next 3 days if you can get out of bed. Or take it back to bed with you. Whatever. We have [this one](Zojirushi NS-TSC10 5-1/2-Cup (Uncooked) Micom Rice Cooker and Warmer, 1.0-Liter https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0074CDG6C/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_9MlDAb6M6QHKY) pretty spendy but it keeps rice edible for literally 100 hours after you make it. You can probably find a more reasonable priced one out there. If you want to get really fancy: hard boil eggs and eat them with the rice and soy sauce. Then give yourself a gold star for feeding yourself.

I have an NS-TGC10, which isn't being made anymore, but this looks like the updated version with a microchip.

It's a great cooker - I've had it since... 2008? Brown rice setting, timer option (to have freshly cooked rice in the morning when I wake up or after work). Flawless cooking, does jasmine and basmati fine (white rice setting, I use a little less water). Looks like it's about $175.

No exaggeration, I am IN LOVE with this rice cooker. I have this one which is maybe a bit excessive for some but I think it's great. Also, I was totally selling it short when I said it beeps, because it actually plays a little song when it's done and it will brighten any day.

PAT MART at bloor and Christie, Tap Phoung at spadina and dundas.

Amazon.ca had way better prices when I got mine. Spend the dough and get a "neuro fuzzy" one, it's worth it. Get this one: https://www.amazon.ca/Zojirushi-NS-TSC10-Cooker-Uncooked-Stainless/dp/B0074CDG6C/ref=pd_sbs_79_3?_encoding=UTF8&refRID=74GRWDD84QY53AFR1MW8&th=1

Well now you have:

Zojirushi NS-TSC10 5-1/2-Cup (Uncooked) Micom Rice Cooker and Warmer, 1.0-Liter https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0074CDG6C/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_tJEPAbX5GQKQ5

I got this one a few months ago and I love it!

I'm about to move out of my parents house and someone suggested me to buy a rice cooker. I'm broke right now so this would make an awesome gift.

Thanks for your generosity OP, you rock!

Easiest way by far. Just throw in the right ratio after rinsing the rice, sub in stock instead of water if you want a specific flavor, and let it go. It'll even sit on warm while you make the rest of the meal.

I use this one. No issues yet!

Cheap rice cookers don't have to be terrible. I use this one and it cooks the rice perfectly every time. My 8-year-old Zojirushi recently gave out, and I had a stash of Amazon points so I figured why not. It definitely keeps up with the Zojirushi. Granted, I haven't had it for 8 years so it may not last as long, but for $30 I really have no complaints.

I've only been steaming it so far. I use this rice cooker for literally everything: http://smile.amazon.com/Aroma-UNCOOKED-Stainless-Exterior-ARC-914SBD/dp/B007WQ9YNO?ie=UTF8&psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00

Cooks chicken thoroughly in about 30~35 minutes, and salmon in 45 minutes. I love it!

Which is weird, because as far as I can tell it is a US company (San Diego). Otherwise their devices on sale in Japan would have been localised to compete with the models here. Also, the same model is [12,000 JPY on Amazon Japan] (http://www.amazon.co.jp/%E3%80%90%E4%B8%A6%E8%A1%8C%E8%BC%B8%E5%85%A5%E3%80%91Aroma-Digital-Rice-Cooker-Steamer%E3%80%80%E3%83%87%E3%82%B8%E3%82%BF%E3%83%AB%E7%82%8A%E9%A3%AF%E5%99%A8%E3%80%80%E9%A3%9F%E5%93%81%E3%82%B9%E3%83%81%E3%83%BC%E3%83%9E%E3%83%BC/dp/B007WQ9YNO/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1457593812&sr=8-1&keywords=aroma+%E7%82%8A%E9%A3%AF%E5%99%A8).

I mean I live in Japan so I can get one from a second hand shop for under $20, but it's still a ridiculous difference. 166gbp is less than you can get their gigantic 60-cup cooker for in the US. Rage.

im not sure about the size of the one that i have, i dont remember its maximum volume, but the 8 cup one would probably work https://www.amazon.com/Aroma-Housewares-ARC-914SBD-Cool-Touch-Stainless/dp/B007WQ9YNO/ref=pd_sim_79_7?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B007WQ9YNO&pd_rd_r=JMFH55J0SKKGPGN737K7&pd_rd_w=GL3LS&pd_rd_wg=50oqw&psc=1&refRID=JMFH55J0SKKGPGN737K7

my favorite budget rice cooker is the aroma

The ones that the other people linked are good, but not exactly cheap. When I moved out of my parents' house, I bought this one and it does a good job. 1/3 the price of the ones previously linked. It's not a huge cooker. It's only me and my fiancee, but it can comfortably make enough for 6 servings for us in one go. I would get a bigger one if you are feeding a family. I am also Asian, if that helps.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B007WQ9YNO/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_ihn8yb57W5A90

get a $30 rice cooker ( http://www.amazon.com/Aroma-ARC-914SBD-Uncooked-Digital-Steamer/dp/B007WQ9YNO ) and then get BIG bags of white rice at costo or some other buy-in-bulk store . . . will basically give you perfect rice at the push of a button, add rice + water and walk away. keeps it warm after it's done cooking until you're ready for it.

i set mine when i get back home, hop in the shower, and it's ready by the time i'm dressed. CHEAP. AS. FUCK.

Sorry to hear. That sucks so hard.

If you're going to have to make meals in you room dorm style (again sorry), a rice cooker like this one can really help. Also mass cooking while their away after cleaning the main kitchen and freezing individual "microwave dinners" is a lifesaver.

> Sabra

Actually that is the only hummus I've tried. After I ate it I almost gagged, so I'll try another brand.

> rice cooker

Yes I've been hearing this suggestion frequently around here. Does this one look ok? I'll order it now if it does. It looks pretty awesome. Assuming your right about just throwing stuff in there and putting some water in that is. So veggies will be cooked in there too without external help?

I mean, you have literally the cheapest, most basic rice cooker made. I have this Aroma one for $35 that cooks perfect rice every time, brown or white. The keep warm function does dry out the rice, but only after an hour or so. And it's never burned it. Plus you can steam things in it.

I think I got this right...

$0-5: Sharpie Pens these are currently waaaaaaay marked down, hopefully they stay that way for the duration of the contest EDIT: booooo the price went back off, I've got nada for this category.

$5-10: A wind-up Tardis

$10-20: The Avengers Pre-order everyone wants that

$20-50: Rice Cooker!

Get a large rice cooker that has a removable plate to steam chicken and veggies.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B007WQ9YNO/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1372014521&sr=8-1&pi=SL75

I have this and its been great! https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007WQ9YNO/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

My favorite kitchen appliance is my cute little rice cooker/food steamer! It makes the perfect amount of rice for 2 and only takes 10 minutes to do so. I also use it to steam delicious shrimp dumplings.

I had originally bought a cheapo black and decker one where you put the rice in, and water and pushed down a button. When the pot hit a certain weight the button popped up and that's was the end of it. It had a shitty coating and burnt rice on warm all the time.

I picked up this one at my local ollies for $15 it works so much better. No burnt rice and the coating has yet to peel in my 4 years of ownership.

There are rice cookers that you can steam fish, chicken and vegetables while cooking the rice, or make a little soup/stew it's an entire meal quick, easy and cheap. https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B007WQ9YNO/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Rice is really cheap, if there is an Aldi near you that would be gold otherwise walmart is a good cheap option. Get salt and pepper in the grinders, it is stronger so you don't need to use as much.
Defiantly toilet paper, paper towels, rice, black beans, flour, beef and chicken broth cubes (there are a million little soups you can make with these, they don't require refrigeration), hard candies, carrots and broccoli (these don't need refrigeration and can be steamed or eaten raw), drink flavor squirts or the packets to put in water bottles (you're not always going to want plain water), hot tea bags and/or coffee, peanut butter and jelly, dried fruit, cereal bars, oatmeal, olive oil or cooking pan spray, quinoa and/or couscous (again if you are near Aldi, these are very cheap and easy to make).

I bought a rice cooker 2 years ago and it's still going strong for even less than this deal. It's from amazon so no shipping charges either:

http://www.amazon.ca/gp/aw/d/B007WQ9YNO/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1450823908&sr=8-1&pi=SY200_QL40&keywords=Rice+cooker&dpPl=1&dpID=41juCzD8qWL&ref=plSrch

why not both?

https://www.amzn.com/B007WQ9YNO/ I have this one, works great!

I recently got the digital stainless steel 8-cup Aroma Rice Cooker & Steamer from Walmart
http://www.walmart.com/ip/Aroma-8-Cup-Digital-Rice-Cooker-and-Food-Steamer/19756393

Which is also available on Amazon: https://amzn.com/B007WQ9YNO
The white version is also slightly cheaper ($1): https://amzn.com/B007WQ9YNE

I find it perfect for personal uses and great for steaming other vegetables.

This one. Doesn't have a slow cooker button, or even plus/minus for manual timing.

http://www.amazon.com/Rapid-Ramen-Cooker/dp/B009QU375K/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1398184750&sr=8-1&keywords=rapid+ramen+cooker

https://www.amazon.com/Rapid-Ramen-Cooker-Microwave-Dishwasher/dp/B009QU375K

My mom bought me a 2 pack, and then I think I bought about 2 more.

Thanks for the feedback!

Yeah, we've experimented adding some salt in the noodles but it doesn't make a big enough difference to justify the sodium increase. Our Kickstarter backers have had success with boiling the noodles in the soup; it's definitely something you can try. Some people have had success with the Rapid Ramen Cooker (made by another UC Davis alumni!), which they say helps infuse the flavors better, but I haven't tried it myself yet.

The flavors are getting a huge boost next version! Should be very distinguishable in v1.1, we've got some really cool new ingredients that we're super excited to incorporate in the ramen! There'll be a huge boost in umami as well. In the meantime, if you're not sodium sensitive, you're free to add some salt or MSG yourself if you'd like to kick it up a notch!

We don't yet have plans to change the veggies, but your feedback is helpful! It would definitely be cool to have more substantive veggies in there, but there's a lot of factors to consider there (supply chain, affecting overall flavor, overall cost, etc). Not a bad idea though :)

I love cooking and while I can not help you with the soap and other beauty products I can help you with the cooking utensils

As said before- Pyrex Is the way to go when getting rid of plastic (29$)

For Cooking utentisls I would never recommend stainless as it gets so hot and can ruin certain pans. Instead Wooden is the way to go for 6$

As a bonus here is a link to disposable wooden utensils for camping and holiday use for 20$ so you wouldn't have to use plastic.

If you don't have one a steamer is a life changing item, this steamer and ricecooker gadet is a great combo for you. You can use it strictly for gluten free cooking and let your family have their rice made on the stove. at 15$

I highly recommend Pyrex for your measuring cups too. They work in the microwave and are pretty amazing for 15.

I agree that stainless pots are the way to go I checked out the reviews on this set and found that it has the best costumer service and finishing at 57$

I don't know if this helps or not but I did try! Good luck stopping smoking and if I win surprise me!

I have had this one (or, maybe a previous version of this model?) for about ten years and it's still going strong. I use it about once a week and make both white and brown rice in it. The timer feature is very helpful, as you set it for the time you want to eat, and the rice maker figures it out starting time from there based on weight and type of rice.

rice cooker and or crock pot (I mean not every moment of my life has to an [instant pot] (https://www.amazon.com/Instant-Pot-Multi-Use-Programmable-Pressure/dp/B01MFEBQH1/ref=asc_df_B01MFEBQH1/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=167155690034&hvpos=1o2&hvnetw=g&hvrand=17234452769957758817&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=1019404&hvtargid=aud-799711277694:pla-362941723327&psc=1)add), cooler, can opener, sleds if you live somewhere cold (can always get them in winter but it's a dam smooth date or fun bros idea), also depends on how you like to live but I never could've survived school without charcoal and grill tongs or stuff to play wiffleball. As long as you're not in a dorm fuckin live it up and be the cool apartment

https://www.amazon.com/Instant-Pot-Multi-Use-Programmable-Pressure/dp/B01MFEBQH1/ref=asc_df_B01MFEBQH1/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=167155690034&hvpos=1o2&hvnetw=g&hvrand=5967074576245059627&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9013454&hvtargid=pla-362941723327&psc=1

I got this shit thanks to a vietnamese cooking group i joined to figure out how to make pho. shit rules

Couple of questions: have you also considered a crockpot? Similar idea, toss all into the pot, set to low and dinner is done when you get home.

I have 2 instapots/ an 8 qt (huge), and a 3 qt (good for one or two). I think this is a great model

https://www.amazon.com/Instant-Pot-Programmable-Pressure-Steamer/dp/B071FGTXDW/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?keywords=instapot+3qt&qid=1556948259&s=gateway&sr=8-1

If youre going to be cooking for just you, this one would be good. If you are cooking for others, the 6qt Duo is amazing.

Just made rolls with medium grain rice the other day. I think it worked just fine as the rolls disappeared remarkably fast. Definitely pre-wash the rice until the water runs clear. Can’t help with the water ratio, as this guy does the cooking for me.

Once done, fluff into a large bowl. Mix in seasoning and separate the grains. Light and gentle with a folding motion.

I’m considering this cooker, but it’s quite expensive. Not sure if it’s worth the cost: Zojirushi NS-TSC10 5-1/2-Cup (Uncooked) Micom Rice Cooker and Warmer, 1.0-Liter https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0074CDG6C/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_1zzYAbQDV4F1Q

Another nice thing about this series is you can get a smallish 5 1/2 cup version which is great for a household of one or two. Most start at the next size up (10 cups?) in my research.

Zojirushi NS-TSC10 5-1/2-Cup (Uncooked) Micom Rice Cooker and Warmer, 1.0-Liter https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0074CDG6C/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apip_VqW8OJtdBefIp

Get a rice cooker with a steamer tray: Cooks perfect rice and also steams the veggies and you can put pieces of precooked chicken in the water with the raw rice. Close lid, push on, have a complete meal 25-30mins later. Chicken can then be cooked whenever, or buy one of those rotisserie chickens from the store.

https://www.amazon.com/Zojirushi-NS-TSC10-Uncooked-Cooker-1-0-Liter/dp/B0074CDG6C/

https://www.amazon.com/Tiger-JAZ-A10U-FH-5-5-Cup-Uncooked-Cooker/dp/B000AOJ9W6/

2nd one you have to get the water level more precise since it doesn't have the "Micom fuzzy logic" but it still does a very good job. (I had a 'Wolfgang Puck' rebadge of the Tiger one in the past)

Not only does the first one have dynamic cook times, but also a retractable power cord like a vacuum cleaner, so you can easily move it to the dining room table.

I have a different model, but I guarantee this Zojirushi Rice Cooker is worth every penny. I buy sushi and hybrid brown rice at a local Asian market, ~$20-25 per 15lb bag. Wash 4 cups of rice (sushi rice needs to be washed to have some of the starch removed, or it gets really gooey, but this isn't necessary for all rice types), fill the pot to the indicated fill line, close and push "start". In roughly 40 minutes you'll have perfect rice, and the cooker will keep it warm for days. After 90 hours, it can get soggy on the bottom and dry on the top if you don't stir it up, but it still tastes fine. Plus, you can use it for things other than rice, like [cake] (http://www.zojirushi.com/app/recipe/black-sesame-cake), no lies.

I'm also in the process of buying a new Zojirushi rice cooker, but I'm a little confused. Can someone please explain to me why the the NS-TSC10 5 1/2 cup model is a good $20+ cheaper than the NS-ZCC model? To me it looks like it ought to be the other way around.

I heard the NS-TSC model is made in China while the NS-ZCC model is made in Japan, but is that really the only reason the ZCC model is more expensive? I know the ZCC features "neuro-fuzzy" technology, while the TSC model is only one of the Micom models, but it features "fuzzy logic" technology, too! Is neuro-fuzzy better than fuzzy logic?

I'm thoroughly confused by all these different kinds of fuzzy.

Kitchen Equipment used.

I used a lot of foodsaver bags for the sole reason I was spending a lot of time and money and didn’t want to risk freezer burn because I was prepping so far in advanced. Food storage first – not including things like Ziploc freezer bags, foil, parchment… and then kitchen equipment:

Foodsaver V4400 2-in-1 Vacuum Sealer Machine with Automatic Bag Detection and Starter Kit | Safety Certified | Black & Silver : Mine is like 9 years old… I don’t know if I would recommend this one exactly had I bought again. I works good.. but the auto bag detection can be finicky… YMMV

https://www.amazon.com/FoodSaver-V4440-Automatic-Detection-Certified/dp/B00DI342B4/ref=sxin_3_osp64-9923e9b1_cov?ascsubtag=9923e9b1-6183-477e-aa56-8a4dfc4129ac&creativeASIN=B00DI342B4&cv_ct_id=amzn1.osp.9923e9b1-6183-477e-aa56-8a4dfc4129ac&cv_ct_pg=search&cv_ct_wn=osp-search&keywords=food+saver&linkCode=oas&pd_rd_i=B00DI342B4&pd_rd_r=88594738-3101-4d09-bd53-96278ca4d2e7&pd_rd_w=UhZe4&pd_rd_wg=ac2zF&pf_rd_p=a23a388c-add5-49df-b293-a31ade89c6bf&pf_rd_r=3YDACSK6QW44JXQA1GTP&qid=1573057908&tag=fsmag_os-20

FoodSaver B005SIQKR6 Special Value Vacuum Seal Combo Pack 1-8" 4-11" Rolls 36 Pre-Cut Bags, 1Pack, Clear : 1st : I bought at Costco when there was $10 off savings. I know the meal prep community can recommend off brand ones. The premade bags are a time saver so I in the future I would only by those in bulk and keep the rolls for random sized things. I know I know, one time use… but I do wash the bags if I can get a second use out of them / depends what I stored in there / do not use for sous vide

https://www.amazon.com/FoodSaver-B005SIQKR6-Special-Vacuum-Pre-Cut/dp/B005SIQKR6/ref=sr_1_7?keywords=food+saver+bags&qid=1573057990&s=home-garden&sr=1-7

Plastic Deli Food Storage Containers with Airtight Lids (12 oz. - 48 Sets) :

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B075CSH8Q7/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o08_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

55 Pack - 2.25 LB Aluminum Pan/Containers with Lids/To Go Containers/Aluminum Pans with Lids/Take Out Containers/Aluminum Foil Food Containers From Spare - 2.25Lb Capacity 8.5" x 6" x 1.5" :

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B071CLMVRD/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o08_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Cuisinart DFP-14BCNY 14-Cup Food Processor, Brushed Stainless Steel – Silver : I think mine is only the 11 cup size…I have had it mine for.. oh 15 years? Maybe longer? and FYI: NOTE: Cuisinart has announced a recall of the older riveted S-blade of our winning food processor, which was included in models sold from 1996 through December 2015. Cuisinart will replace the blade free of charge, and the new blade will fit old machines. Anyone with this older blade should contact Cuisinart at https://recall.cuisinart.com (or call 1-877-339-2534).

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01AXM4WV2/?tag=ccoequippilot-20

KitchenAid KSM75SL Classic Plus 4.5-Qt. Tilt-Head Stand Mixer, Silver : I won’t get into the long story.. but I’m using my OLD (I got for my 16th birthday, so this bad boy has lasted over 16 years!!) Kitchen Aid 4.5 qt tilt head mixer….

https://www.amazon.com/KitchenAid-KSM75SL-Classic-4-5-Qt-Tilt-Head/dp/B00BU27HYO/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=kitchenaid+stand+mixer+4.5&qid=1573058334&sr=8-3

but if you love to bake and have been on Santa’s good girl list like me.. I’m hoping I get this one for Christmas this year!

KitchenAid KSM7586PSR 7-Quart Pro Line Stand Mixer Sugar Pearl Silver :

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B008XF7926/?tag=ccoequippilot-20

Le Creuset Signature Enameled Cast-Iron 7-1/4-Quart Round French (Dutch) Oven, Caribbean : If you live near a Le Creuset outlet.. check there… I got this model (in like an eggplant color) for $180 and there were 0 flaws… It made me wonder why I waited 15 years to get one!

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0076NOHTO/ref=twister_B007BA034A?_encoding=UTF8&th=1

Cuisinart WAF-F20 Double Belgian Waffle Maker, Stainless Steel : https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01IA3HJGG/?tag=ccoequippilot-20

Cuisinart GR-300WS Griddler, Elite, Stainless Steel : https://www.amazon.com/b?node=14552177011&pd_rd_w=Z09x2&pf_rd_p=d3e725e5-9820-431a-824a-b2cb56851b67&pf_rd_r=MV3GQEMZFAYM1344C9M3&pd_rd_r=03f94bd5-9e41-4d7c-a7b7-0de5e8ee0295&pd_rd_wg=d2h15

Zojirushi NS-TSC10 5-1/2-Cup (Uncooked) Micom Rice Cooker and Warmer, 1.0-Liter : Mine is 10 years old—so it doesn’t look exactly like this. I won’t be prepping any rice because this is so easy to make:

https://www.amazon.com/Zojirushi-NS-TSC10-Uncooked-Cooker-1-0-Liter/dp/B0074CDG6C/ref=sr_1_3?crid=3GWEIFTDW8TUQ&keywords=zuroshi+rice+cooker&qid=1573064673&sprefix=zuroshi%2Caps%2C162&sr=8-3

The rest of the equipment is either old, I don’t like it, or I am preparing to replace with much higher quality. I’m also planning to add an instant pot come black Friday/ Cyber Monday.

I love our Japanese rice cooker and definitely recommend getting one (24 hour hold setting is so useful) but I don't think you need to buy it in Japan and bring it back.

Looks like Amazon has it and the buttons are even in English!
(https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0074CDG6C/ref=psdcmw_678540011_t1_B00007J5U7)

We did buy ours in Japan but we're also going to be living here for a few years.

I've had this model for a few years now, used between 1-3 times a week and I've had zero issues with it. Made in China but I would still highly recommend it.

I don’t really measure, but I add so that the water comes up to x1.5-x2 the height of the soaked beans. If the beans are submerged and then some, it should be ok. Set cooker on regular white rice mode.

Rice cookers are great to cook with because it steams and cooks. I’ve even successfully cooked oxtail with it too!

Here’s the one that looks like mine. I’ve had it for 7 years now and everything is as good as new.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0074CDG6C/ref=psdcmw_678540011_t1_B01EVHWNVG

The most recommended one from america's test kitchen is like 30$. At that price I think there's no reason to not get one.

http://www.amazon.com/Aroma-UNCOOKED-Stainless-Exterior-ARC-914SBD/dp/B007WQ9YNO/

http://www.amazon.com/Aroma-uncooked-Digital-Exterior-ARC-150SB/dp/B0055FSN0Y/

I'm buying this one so not super expensive: https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B007WQ9YNO/

I had this one which was on a black friday sale for like $10: https://smile.amazon.com/Oster-004722-000-000-Rice-Cooker-Cup/dp/B001KBY9M8/

We did just get a new stove so it could honestly have been the old stove. I haven't tried to cook rice yet on it. Maybe I'll try that before picking up the new rice cooker.

I have this one: http://smile.amazon.com/Aroma-Cooked-Digital-Steamer-Stainless/dp/B007WQ9YNO/ref=pd_sbs_k_1?ie=UTF8&refRID=0BG7J99F1P57KTXSFBHT

Main difference from the other one posted is that it has a timer in case you want to be able to have it done when you arrive home at night. And yes, it's completely easy - add rice, add water, close lid, press button (this one weighs the contents to determine the right cooking time) and then just wait till it finishes!

You can cook rice, potatoes, fish, meat, pasta, steamed veggies, and more in a rice cooker. Make sure to buy one that comes with a steam tray. Here is the one ive used in the past in a similar situation: Aroma Housewares ARC-914SBD 8-Cup (Cooked) Digital Cool-Touch Rice Cooker and Food Steamer with Stainless Steel Exterior, Silver https://www.amazon.com/dp/B007WQ9YNO/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_1eMuzbJT6S6NW

If the rice fits your calories then it doesn't matter, I avoid it usually because I try to aim for things with protein.

I do object to the 5 minute rice though, rice cookers are like $20-$30 and improve the rice by 10000%, top one on amazon doubles as a steamer :https://www.amazon.com/Aroma-Housewares-ARC-914SBD-Cool-Touch-Stainless/dp/B007WQ9YNO/ref=sr_1_3?s=kitchen&ie=UTF8&qid=1492616071&sr=1-3&keywords=rice+cooker

Wow that is really pink! If I was buying my own I would get this:

Pressure Cooker/Rice Cooker

But if I was receiving as gift I would be totally thrilled with:

Rice Cooker

I've been trying to find a decent rice cooker forever! I'm figuring based on your Sake needs that you eat asian food frequently and could probably use one as well.

I'm going to drop this rice cooker in for ~$100 cheaper and it will likely accomplish all of your needs (shit I'm using a rice cooker that looks to be 30 years old and it works just fine). No need to spend that much money on something that cooks rice...

Edit: This is my baby. Works like a charm. http://i.imgur.com/7RS9uEu.jpg

The thing on my wishlist that I've wanted the longest is of course the KitchenAid stand mixer but it's moreso there for my own entertainment.

In all seriousness, I've really wanted a rice cooker for a long time. New to adding to my wishlist, but I've wanted one since I knew they existed. I make rice all the time, but it takes much longer to do the package rice, and with this, I can make in bulk and freeze rice. (Did you know you can freeze rice and it actually stays good?!)

Cooking in a hotel room is going to be kind of tricky. I found a
Crock pot and a Rice Cooker.

Edit: Actually I am kind broke right now myself. Good luck with everything.

You look wonderful today, did you do something new to your hair?

You should get this can opener is made of good thick steel, it's heavy in the hand and I have never had a problem opening a can with one. Bonus, it has a bottle opener on it.

And this is an excellent liquid measuring cup.

You may also want some of the following:

Hand soap for the kitchen and bathroom sinks, hand towels.
You need basic first aid stuff, like adhesive bandages (band-aids) and rubbing alcohol, good tweezers. Include basic pain meds, stuff for an upset stomach, allergy meds, or any prescription medications you need.

Sponges and scrub brushes. If you want to use a swifter type thing, I'd like to recommend this I have used it to clean offices and it works. The handle is pretty heavy duty and you can make or buy extra cleaning cloths, then you just put them in the washer.

Oh a colander, I will admit I picked that one because it's cute.

I love my rice cooker I use it to steam vegetables or cook rice at least once a week. I have the larger version but that one would probably work, or the larger one.

I could use one of the following: Notebook or Scissors or a Book.

I can't speak for all rice cookers, but on mine, I set the timer on the rice cooker for how long each food needs to cook. My rice cooker came with a booklet that includes recommended times for different vegetables and meats. For instance, broccoli is 15 minutes, cauliflower is 25 minutes, etc. I own this Aroma rice cooker.

If you're talking about this one. https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B007WQ9YNO/ref=pd_aw_sbs_79_1?ie=UTF8&dpID=41juCzD8qWL&dpSrc=sims&preST=_AC_UL100_SR100%2C100_&psc=1&refRID=P0AD9V94DZT2ZQR41JSK. Don't.

It's one of those "cool touch" ones so it take a half hour for white rice and 2 hours for brown rice

Love it. Typed "vagina". Got this:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B01HCR9WN4?fp=1&pc_redir=T1&tag=fastbuyer-20


For dick:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B007WQ9YNO?pc_redir=T1&tag=fastbuyer-20

Rice cooker rant was the best dick rant btw

I've used this for two years now, and I've never had anything but perfect rice every single time.

I'm sure I could get better rice if I dropped $300 on one, but the price is good and the quality is perfectly fine to me.

If you want to go really cheap, then this works decently in your microwave. After using it for a few months, I found the Aroma on sale and now I use the microwave device for cooking ramen, which it is much better at than rice. The Aroma comes with a couple of plastic utensils, and I make sure to only use them when dishing out the rice.

I looked it up just for you. I wanted a simple one (I didn't like the instant pot as a rice cooker, but maybe the one I regifted was broken?) with good capacity and clearly marked inner water lines.

​

It has more buttons than I use, and it doesn't count down to the end of your cooking until it's in the last minute - my guess is it doesn't actually know until some internal sensor condition is met. 4/5 stars, $30, 10k reviews on amazon. I tried the smaller model and it was a no-go for the larger rice mix meals I make.

Rice cooker! $30 bucks for chinese restaurant quality rice every time. Literally foolproof.

This one ( http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B007WQ9YNO/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1417741994&sr=8-1&pi=AC_SY200_QL40 ) looks pretty fancy

> instead of eating a few cups of rice since I simply do not have enough time

Buy a rice cooker. This is a great one for the money, and you can set up to a 15 hour delay on it. It will also keep the rice warm pretty much indefinitely (although the manufacturer recommends no longer than 24 hours I believe).

White rice takes ~12 minutes to cook, brown rice takes a bit over an hour.

This is some mighty tasty brown rice.

No excuses.

I have this and can't recommend it enough. It won't make your rice taste any better, but the consistency and ease of use/cleaning is well worth the price. It can also steam vegetables and has separate settings for white and brown rice. I've even used it to make couscous and quinoa.

i cook about 2-3 portions/days of rice throughout the week. highly recommend a rice cooker. total game changer. takes about 2 minutes tops to measure, clean/rise the rice, and start cooking. Add another 2 minutes for clean up in a simple soak and wipe out.

I personally bought this one

$70? This Aroma 8-cup is only $30 and gets a ton of solid reviews. It looks pretty close to the one I used to have (I think mine was a rebrand of it), and I remember mine consistently doing a good job.

It is this sorcery! :) Can't wait to try it!

I love Shark Tank and the inventions I see. My favorite inventions ive seen are

The ramen cooker

The blue tooth and app controlled lightbulb

Morninghead, the hair wetting cap

Black and Decker - 6 Cup Rice Cooker - $12 on Amazon

I got the 3-cup version because I didn't want another big thing taking up counter space in the kitchen and I really like it. I got the 3-cup version for $11 like 6 months ago and I use it nearly every day (for oatmeal or rice).

If your budget is tight it's definitely a good option.

Prices depends on cups. I got mime for around the same price as the one I listed. That will be better in the long run when compared to boxed meals.

You can find small ones and they can be very affordable. Seriously, it’s the one extraneous appliance I will find room for. I used a simple on/off rice cooker for about ten years and it was $15. It was an older version of this: https://www.amazon.com/DECKER-RC506-Cooked-Uncooked-Steamer/dp/B016Y8JSK4?ref_=Oct_RAsinS_678540011_3

You won’t regret it.

I think we have similar fridges! I do have a small compartment for frozen goods, but it's only enough space for a tray of ice or a pint of ice cream.

As a college student without a meal plan living in a dorm, I utilize a small rice cooker just like this and make scrambled eggs in them.

Eggs are so versatile. With the rice cooker, you can also make single serve frittatas and you can stuff them with cheese, meat, peppers, or whatever. I usually have a side of avocado and salsa with my eggs. It may get boring after while but with a rice cooker you can also make mac and cheese, pasta, and of course rice. I've steamed veggies in a rice cooker before too so there's so many options.

Get a Zojirushi rice cooker. Perfect rice every time.

2nd the Zojirushis. For me, I like the 3-cup models as the minimum amount to cook is 0.5 rice cups. I had a crappy rice cooker before which the minimum was 2 cups and it was just way too much rice.

I have this one, but got mine for $90 years ago: https://www.amazon.com/Zojirushi-NS-LGC05XB-Cooker-uncooked-Stainless/dp/B01EVHWNVG

Does it make rice as well as a good rice maker?

Two things have helped me, well maybe 3. I always add a little dashi or stock. I have learned that some rice is better than others and I really like Sukoyaka Genmai, and after years and years of no rice cooker and crappy rice cookers I got a good one and it changed my life - I like the Zojirushi ones with the fuzzy logic like this one. Now brown rice is an absolute treat, and since it takes longer to cook I can program the rice cooker to have it done when I need it after work.

I can't speak to the Instant Pot. But I do own a Zojirushi rice maker. Before I bought it I ate rice once or twice a month. Now I eat rice 4-5 times per week. I was able to make an ok batch of rice before but to get it really nice in a pot you have to watch it or at least come back very close to on time. Zojirushi is set-and-forget and the perfect rice comes out every time.

The other thing is brown rice, which is a bit more tricky to cook than white rice, really benefits from the Zojirushi. Main drawback is the 98min cooktime - but it comes out so good it is worth it for me. My near-daily routine after work is I wash the rice and start the cooker, sit a rest for about 1 hour, then finish cooking the rest of the meal in the last 30 min.

I also use it most weekends to make steel-cut oats. I don't think I use any kitchen appliance even half as often as the rice cooker.

For reference I have https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01EVHWNVG/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o07_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 which is the 3 cup version of the one you are considering.

Hello OP, there's actually this model on sale for $84 right now: https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B01EVHWNVG

It's def a good place to get started, and it normally costs $150

I have this $120 model (discounted from $150 on Amazon) but which is a micom model. I’m very happy with it and use it twice daily: rice for dinner (and then lunch the following day) and then steel-cut oats overnight on the porridge setting to be ready when I wake up in the morning.

I think you have to think about your use case and frequency of use. For me, I’d never replace my rice cooker with an Instant Pot because I use the rice cooker so often and would often need to be using them simultaneously — when I’m braising or stewing something, which for me would be the most common Instant Pot use, I almost always need to make some rice at the same time as well.

However, Zojirushi machines are definitely expensive. While I certainly think they perform better than cheaper rice cookers, it’s not worth it for everyone. (I for example have a cheap ass microwave and don’t even own a toaster, because I only use my microwave to reheat leftovers and I basically never eat toast at home. You just have to prioritize according to your culinary lifestyle.)

An instant pot is a must for a dorm. A toaster oven too. Or better yet a Nuwave oven.

https://www.amazon.com/Instant-Pot-Multi-Use-Programmable-Pressure/dp/B01MFEBQH1


https://www.nuwaveoven.com/common/NVJAE04/features.asp

Obviously not a "one size fits all" answer here, but from experience and what I recommend to clients:

​

Not skilled in the art of cooking? Buy a tool that alleviates that pain point. I often recommend an Instant Pot.

I use an instant pot to cook all of my weekly proteins (chicken, ground beef, fish, turkey, pork, etc) in one single pot. I throw all of the meat into a pot, add some stock, season with whatever I enjoy, and set it to cook.

​

After it's done cooking, I can easily weigh out the meat I want to eat in a single serving and put it on top of a bed of carbs (rice, noodles, potatoes, etc.), add some veggies, and garnish with mushroom + green onion. Well balanced meals with ease.

I have this one and I love it because I can pre-brown the meat right in the pot. It's got a non-stick surface though, so I don't know whether it can be Kashered or not. I have been hearing a lot of good things about the Instant Pot lately. Have you considered one of those?

InstantPot

It's plugged in with a grounded 3 prong cable. Inside there's a little metal pressure switch which allows the unit to turn on (which I don't plan to do for this). On top of that, there's a metal (stainless steel) pot that goes inside.

Two words: Instant Pot

https://www.amazon.com/Instant-Pot-Muti-Use-Programmable-Pressure/dp/B01MFEBQH1/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1505547239&sr=8-3&keywords=duo+instant+pot+6+qt

I just bought my wife an InstaPot. Anyone here have experience with them? Any tips?

I LOVE the Instant Pot! I have had one for two months now and it is amazing.

If anyone was wanting to get one, you can get them on Amazon for less than $80! You can buy them here, I think they are on sale too!

Check out amazon, if your still looking, the 3 quart is 59.99 and the 6 quart is 79.99. The three quart would be perfect for you.

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link: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01MFEBQH1/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Price History

A decent basic rice cooker is pretty inexpensive for how much easier it makes cooking rice.

Rinse rice, add to pot, fill to water mark, press button.

Access to no microwave:

Go Japanese style bento: Rice Onigiris : rice balls with tuna in them (I use calrose rice, and switch the filling with leftovers meat sometime). Tamagoyaki : egg omelets with a sprinkle of sugar. the square pan is not mandatory, just make things easier. Add to that steamed veggies like cauliflowers, carrots, broccoli and you got an easy and fast japanese lunch. The secret to make it quick or even in a dorm room is to use a rice cooker. I have the same model and it comes with a lid you can add on top of the rice. In 20 mins you get steam veggies and white rice cooked perflectly without looking. plus it's super easy to clean.

For cold food for lunches you can also make cold pasta salads with less then 5 ingredients, like this cowboy salad or this chickpea-avocado-feta salad

If you have access to a microwave :

for warm an easy meals your slow cooker would be your best friends : stews, chili, spaghetti sauce. anything put in there will break with just a fork so you wont need to have a knife.

My boyfriend started to used those black meal storage everybody shows on mealpreap (the three containers one). The biggest container is for veggies, the two smalls are for carbs and meat. He's been using it religiously for 8 weeks now and he combined with a bit of cardio everyday, has lost over 20 pounds.

I have one from the 80s. It has a single button that pops up when the rice is ready. I helped a family friend move and they gifted it to me. I would recommend looking on eBay and craigslist or going to a thrift store and perusing their kitchen appliances from time to time. You might get lucky!

This is very similar to the one I have. It's bare bones; but it does the trick. You might have trouble with overcooking the rice when it is on "keep warm" mode since the basic models are not as "smart" as the more expensive ones.

I'm deciding on either one of these Zojirushi NS-YAC10/18 (with slow cook and kind of outside my budget) or NS-ZCC10/18. Is the slow cook function on YAC10 is going to be that useful or with some simple trick I can achieve the same thing on the white one and save some money?

Here's the production comparison chart, serious business!

A pot of sorts, yes, but a product, like this:

http://www.amazon.com/Zojirushi-NS-ZCC10-Cooker-Warmer-Premium/dp/B00007J5U7

http://www.amazon.com/Zojirushi-NS-ZCC10-Uncooked-Cooker-Premium/dp/B00007J5U7/ref=sr_1_1?s=kitchen&ie=UTF8&qid=1370832610&sr=1-1

Makes perfect brown or white rice every time!

Sorry I didn't see this until now. I hope it's still relevant to you!

1. Buy a rice cooker from Japan. The "from Japan" part is important. (Korea is also OK.) I like Zojirushi; I have this one: https://www.amazon.com/Zojirushi-NS-ZCC10-Uncooked-Premium-1-0-Liter/dp/B00007J5U7.
   
   
2. Buy rice. I like short-grain white rice that's fairly glutinous, since it holds together well. Calrose Botan is good. You should try different kinds; once you get fancy, you can match your dish with different kinds of rice. Or you can just buy 20-lb bags of the rice you like.
   
   
3. The rice cooker will come with a cup for measuring rice. Don't lose this! Put one measure of rice in the bottom of the rice cooker.
   
   
   
4. The inside of the rice cooker will have lines for the amount of water to add. Add water to the line marked "1", because you used 1 scoop.
   
   
5. Open 2 regular-sized cans of pinto beans or one ginormous can of pinto beans. Drain out the liquid. (You can use a collander if you're fancy, but I kind of hold the opened lid down to prevent the beans from sliding out and shake it over the sink. Rinse the beans once or twice with tap water, drain the tap water, and add the beans to the rice.
   
   
6. This is your basic prep, which you'll add things to. I like to use pre-cooked chicken, because I do not have time to cook my own chicken. Rotisserie chicken is aces - rip off little bits and throw it on top of the beans. Those pre-cooked strips are good, too. Or use the internet to find directions for cooking boneless chicken breasts, cook them, cut them into cubes, and throw them on top. DO NOT put raw chicken in this prep unless you enjoy food poisoning.
   
   
   
7. If you want your spinach cooked, mound it in there on top of the beans and rice. I like to fill the bowl almost to the brim - it'll cook down.
   
   
   
8. Don't add cheese before cooking!
   
   
   
9. Press "Start" on your rice cooker. If you got the Zojirushi, it will play you a tune!
   
   
   
10. When your rice cooker is done (it plays another tune), gently mix ingredients together. Or dig down through the layers, lasagna style. Put this in a bowl, or a tortilla. Layer cheese, guacamole, sour cream, chili pepper flakes, and/or salsa on top in the proportions you like. I like salt, so I usually add a little salt.
    
    
11. That's it! The permutations are kind of endless; canned tuna, Rotel tomatoes, frozen vegetables, a raw egg. Sure, the frozen broccoli is better steamed separately, but you're a grad student with limited time and patience, so throw it on top of the rice! It's still good! If you're really short on time, skip the rice and just make beans plus whatever else you want - it'll heat everything up and keep it warm for you and kind of simmer stuff. I think it tastes better that way.
    
    
12. For oatmeal, add oatmeal instead of rice, set the rice cooker setting to "porridge", and add water to the line that says "1: porridge". Add whatever combo of sweet/savory you like.
    
    
    This is all pretty forgiving, so you can experiment a lot to figure out what works for you. I pretty much use mine for everything except baking and boiling water. (Reheated leftovers in the rice cooker requires putting the leftover in the rice cooker and then turning it on until hot. It's aces for Chinese and Mexican food.)

It really depends on your budget. I picked up this Zojirushi (used, but brand new condition) and I don't regret the extra cost at all. It's excellent and unlike other rice cookers even when I screw up ratios it has never failed me or made my rice dry/soggy.

Zojuroshi. Says on the front "NS-ZAC10" but I've had this one at LEAST a decade, possibly two, so their models have likely changed since. It LOOKS just like this one but I can't tell you if it's exactly the same. I have no idea why they don't mention the awesome "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star" feature on the box but I thought I was being pranked the first dozen batches of rice.

Side note, it also handles 'mixed' rice recipes and they have a few (good and bad) examples on their site. I've tried a few things in it like a fake paella which work well enough but after some trial and error, my Mexican rice in there is foolproof.

That sounds really yummy!

This may be a dumb question, but how do you know when it's near the end of the cooking cycle? I have a Zojirushi 10 cup rice cooker I got many many years ago that has held up great. It does a countdown when it's close to done, but I usually miss that and just hear it's music when it stops. Maybe I'm just not familiar enough with using it to know (possible - I tend to do the 'set it and forget it' method or time it to be done at a certain time).

I have one I spent $150 on and it was the best ever. Worth it a thousand times over. It cooks white or brown rice perfectly every time.

For a parent, it's a fantastic device to own. Add rice, water, hit cook and after a while (it does take longer to cook, but you can program it up to 24 hours in advance) perfect yummy rice. I've had it almost 6 years and it was cheaper than the link below, which is a slightly smaller model for the same price.

Link

I use this to cook rice and chicken at the same time. Its not the biggest thing in the world but you can still cook plenty in it. As long as you put enough water in it you can throw frozen chicken breasts/fish fillets in it and it will be fully cooked through by the end of the rice cycle. perfect to trow your shit in it, turn it on and forget it and 1-2 hours later you have a fully cooked meal.

http://www.amazon.com/Zojirushi-NS-ZCC10-Uncooked-Premium-1-0-Liter/dp/B00007J5U7

As fellow apartment dwellers, we also kept our list limited. Below are the very best gifts we received and still use regularly:

A fuzzy-logic rice cooker. In the first years of our marriage, we ate from the rice cooker 4 times a week. The number of things you can make in one is astounding! Avoid bulky, single use appliances.

A few good knives should see you through all of your kitchen needs; you can always add a bread knife at a later date.

Nice everyday plates. Like other posters here, I strongly recommend against china. Most of us don't entertain on the scale to make it worthwhile. It is delicate and it takes up space. Find some semi-formal daily use plates that are still nice enough for holiday dinners.

We also received this Anolon cookware set which I love, partially because it was half that price when it was gifted to us, and after four years of daily use, I've learned which pans are the ones I use regularly and can replace them with higher quality ones that fit my needs.

I can highly recommend the Zojirushi NS-ZCC10. It cooks rice amazingly well. If you want to have additional program courses, then I would recommend the NS-TSC10. It includes options for cake, etc. that the ZCC doesn't have. The ZCC does a better job of adjusting for ratio mistakes, etc. in my opinion. Also, I would go with the 1.8L model for either if you plan to cook rice for more than 4 people at a time.

If it were me, go with the Zojirishi Neurofuzzy or the airplane tour. Or better yet, plan out an adventure for the two of you and have a romantic picnic.

Skip the Keurig, I'm "meh" on the earrings. I got beautiful earrings from my boyfriend once, and it broke my heart to lose one :(.

They make microwave rice cooker which are a breeze to clean. No sticking. This is the one I use. https://smile.amazon.com/Nordic-Ware-Microwave-Rice-Cooker/dp/B0007M2BMQ/ref=sr_1_10?s=home-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1481185240&sr=1-10&keywords=microwave+rice+cooker

FWIW, I use this microwave rice cooker for making rice, quinoa, and steamed veggies. You can do a lot with it.

I buy everything at Costco in bulk quantities. Rice, quinoa, pinto beans, frozen veggies, etc.

Beans just need to be soaked for 8-12 hours and then heated, and yes for microwaving rice in the micro wave you may have to buy something like a microwave rice cooker but that is only about $11 so there is a bit more than just throwing it in the microwave with water. I really did not think about that one, so yes that would cost an extra $11. I would also suggest he get a hot plate, to make a lot of this easier. About 15$. That is 25$ to open up your recipes to a much broader level.

Something like this might be easier, if you're trying to cook rice with a pot. I use a similar product and it comes out fine every time. It saves me a lot of money to use that in the microwave with normal rice, instead of buying microwavable rice.

I've been making rice in the microwave for almost a year using the Nordic Ware rice cooker. It takes about 20 minutes (10-12 in the microwave, 10 minutes to let it sit). And when you're done, just throw it in the fridge and eat the rest throughout the week. It's easy to keep clean too.

It looks too small to prevent boil over.

I use http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0007M2BMQ/ for not only rice, but pasta as well (but mostly rice).

It might be useful for oatmeal, but I have a Pyrex bowl for that to prevent oatmeal spilling over while being microwaved. Neat idea, but just not big enough to fit in my small studio apartment kitchen to replace the other things I would need to get rid if I bought it.

My friend, lend me your ear. The Zojirushi rice cooker: https://www.amazon.com/Zojirushi-NS-LAC05XA-Uncooked-Cooker-Warmer/dp/B000G30ESY. You can get a larger one. Perfectly cooked fresh brown/white/sushi rice every day. It's easily the most used piece of equipment in my kitchen.

I was looking at this one. It seems like a good balance between price and fancy options. Plus I like stainless steel.

Here's one from the same brand as my bread machine. The smallest size of rice cooker available seems to be 3 cups, which this is.

I LOVE this rice cooker, and it's $16: http://www.amazon.com/Black-Decker-Uncooked-Yields-Cooked/dp/B000UWD9OW

Perfect to make a little rice for me and my husband.

These knifes are amazing and can take a beating for sure.

This is the rice cooker I have, it's super and cheap AF!

I see you have items for home and I think everyone needs one of these

"You can't pick your friends nose"

Thanks for contest!

If Walmart won't ship to you, Amazon might

It's almost as if the eBay item had a differently-sized crock from the pot it fits in. Or, perhaps, in your country the crock was metric whilst the pot was Imperial, or vice versa.

Don't blow off the Crock-Pot brand; it's fine and popular. But perhaps find a way to get one new, from someplace.

I've studied different brands recently because I wanted a second, smaller one. I bought THIS one for about USD 50 in the USA. But since you want a manual one, there's THIS which is selling for USD 20 in the States. Larger sizes for manual on/off/warm ones are of course more expensive but not radically so.

I have a 3.5 quart slow cooker and it has been more than adequate. It is capable of cooking for a small group or for solo meals.

The most important thing to me was that it was capable of being stored. I live in an apartment, and with my microwave, coffee maker, dish rack, etc., there was no more space for a counter top appliance. It had to be capable of fitting inside one of my lower cupboards. Luckily, the 3.5 quart one I have just barely fits in my cupboard (I have to flip the lid upside down).

This is what I have.

This is good advice, but don't get one that is TOO LARGE.

We got This Model for our wedding and its perfect for myself and my husband.

Too large, and you risk having to cook TOO MUCH food, or with smaller portions having it not cook evenly or be too dry.

The model I linked to is big enough for a large fryer chicken or a good batch of chili.

If you're looking to cook more for yourself, I really reccomend /r/slowcooking, especially when it is so hot out and nobody really wants to use an oven. Crockpots are awesome, and you can generally pick one up for pretty cheap. This is the one I have, though it is more midline/price. I've had it for 2 years now though, and it is still going strong and getting used at least weekly.

I make 3-4 servings dinners for just me in this 3.5qt. model.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001E5CWVU/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I will eat one, take one for lunch the next day then freeze the last 1-2.

I've got this one and never had any problems with either how it cooks or with cleaning it. The capacity is smaller but it makes more than enough rice for one person, and its small size means it's ideal for smaller kitchens.

My wife and I use this rice cooker ~3 times a week for 5 years. Fancy rice cookers are a waste of money.

This is the one I have.

It's pretty small and can also be used for other stuff like steaming vegetables.

Buy a cheap (>$20) rice cooker from your favorite big box store, they come with a steamer attachment. You put rice in the bottom, put on the steamer, put fresh cut veggies, chickpeas or beans in the top, pop the lid on, and push the button.

If you don't find veggies very flavorful try adding a little garlic, MSG, cumin or cayenne pepper.

Burritos:

Get a bunch of burrito sized tortillas, 2 cans of 8oz pinto beans per 12-14 burritos, a block of cheddar cheese, get a cheap rotisserie chicken or buy some chicken breasts (if you have time and want to save money, get bone in,skin on chicken thighs and debone them), and one 8 oz can of salsa verde for every 12-14 you want to make.

Cook the chicken (debone first if you got the thighs)- I like to season the thighs with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and oregano. Just put it skin side down on the pan and it makes it's own oil, put oregano only on the non-skin side. If using breasts I cut it up before cooking and season it in a bowl or bag because it's faster and I've got stuff to do, right?

Mix all the other ingredients. 2 cans of pinto beans, about 2 cups of the cheese, one 8 oz can of salsa verde, and mix in the chicken that you've cooked and cut up into tiny bites if not already done. Put a couple scoops on the tortilla and fold it like you do for burritos. Here's a couple videos. 1 2 I use the first way, but hey, it's your burrito. (Not according to that guy on the burrito video though, omg, it's a burrito not a chess game).

Freeze them if you'd like to. I wrap them in a paper towel first so they don't stick together and put them in a freezer bag. Then when I want to eat them I take them out and throw them in the microwave on defrost for a couple minutes until they're soft all the way through. Heat it up another minute or so, then I put them in a pan (I use cast iron because that's what you do when you're awesome) to get the outside crispy. Then you eat. Don't burn your tongue.

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Chicken fried rice

Make the chicken thighs I said above.

Make 3 cups of rice. I use white rice but it's up to you I guess. Put it in the fridge for a day. I find it tastes better that way. If you don't have that kind of time because you're a person and not a hermit like me, you can cook it today too. I use this rice cooker because it's easier than cooking it in a pot. By far the best purchase of my culinary life It may be cheaper at Target, but this gets shipped to your house and Target is a trap. Don't go in there.

Buy some frozen mixed veggies. I get a huge bag from costco, but then I'm feeding 6 people every day so you may want a smaller bag.

Get your essential spices: For fried rice I like to use pepper, crushed red pepper (just a little, I don't want it to overpower the other flavors, just want a tiny bit of heat), garlic powder (tiny bit), ground ginger, and ground turmeric. You can also use crushed or minced garlic if you don't want to use the garlic powder. Also have soy sauce and if you're REALLY fancy get some sesame seed oil and sesame seeds. The seeds add like NOTHING to the taste, but if you're bringing a date home and want to impress them, this is where it's at. Also chives can be chopped up in there at the end for garnish. Look at you, gourmet chef!

If you're REALLY FANCY then put that fancy sesame seed oil in a pan, toss in the minced or crushed garlic, and heat it up for a short bit to let your house smell nice. Then throw in the rice. Pour on a bit of soy sauce. Then throw in a handful of the frozen veggies. Don't use a measuring cup unless you're getting an engineering degree. Now sprinkle in any or all of the spices I mentioned above, but I'd recommend not skipping the ginger. That's pretty important to the flavor. If you want it to look nice, don't skip the turmeric, sesame seeds, or chives.

Now throw in the chicken from earlier. I cook up a whole bunch since I buy from costco and put it in the fridge, so I take it out and microwave it for a short bit before throwing it in the pan. You don't have to though. Now mix it up a bit to let the flavors even out. When it's ready, push everything to a side of the pan, take an egg and crack it on the empty side, scramble it, and then mix it all up again. Dump it in a monster sized bowl because you're in college and then garnish because, well, it's also a date. Then enjoy :)

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I got more but kids have had enough screen time so I'm going now. But I'd recommend you watch these guys. They are great and taught me to not worry so much about measuring every little thing. It makes dishes harder and makes cooking take more time, so I'm glad I'm moving away from that.

I'm not asian. But get a rice cooker, then just wash the rice and put in the amount of water it advises. It's like magic. You can get a rice cooker for like 15 bucks too. They're not expensive and you'll never have to worry about making rice again. I have no clue why they aren't more popular in America, if I didn't watch anime I never would've known about them and never would've gotten one.

That's generally what they use in asian households. I'm not so sure about asian restaurants.

Non-spill travel mug. I really like the OXO brand which is $19.99 (maybe less from another site). You can also get them at places like Fred Meyer. I've had two, only because I lost the first one.

Are they living on their own? How about a rice cooker? This one gets four stars, it's red, and it's $18.96.

A 3-hole punch to get organized. This one is on sale.

I saw this title and I felt the same way just one year ago. I fucking love rice and use it weekly multiple times.

My life changed when I finally purchased this...

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001KBY9M8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_S4HIzbCNS04ZW


You can buy a more expensive one if you want but this works fantastic for me.

Just Rice & Stock no problem click and cook the rest of my meal. Then add a pad of butter after its done ✔.

I even mix it up sometimes, Ill add shallots or carrots and corn. Sometimes ill dab some fish sauce into my stock. Or add Taco seasoning when I want some mexi rice.

Doesnt matter the grain. I keep Jasmine, Basmati, Brown, etc on hand and everything is to perfection. Just rince your rice do a 3/4 to 1 or a 1 to 1/2 for Basmati and its perfection.


Spend $20 on a rice cooker if you enjoy it like I do. I promise youll come back in 3 months and want to thank me.

Like this.

there are some cookbooks on amazon for frugal student cooking
used copies plus shipping is about $5. and some have great reviews.

Obviously there some awesome websites for recipes http://studentrecipes.com/ http://www.budgetbytes.com/


What i found useful were recipes you could make from raw ingredients you could get easily cheaply and store well. this is why pasta, rice and noodles are popular. the base is always handy and all you have to do is add dressings. Cans of beans and nuts are also great ways to add a protein to your meal without having to worry about it going bad before you eat it.

Find about 12 recipes you like and can make easily and then just rotate them. That's enough to keep you from being bored, save MEAT centered recipes for once a week, such as in a crockpot and the rest of the week eat meat free. Because meat is the most expensive ingredient and the easiest to screw up and let it go bad before you remember to cook it. Essentially you buy the meat on the same day you cook it and the leftovers go in the fridge and have to be eaten before the next time you cook meat, so the leftover won't go blue and fuzzy.



Indeed a crockpot is essentia Proctor 1.5 slow cooker $13 but i'd get the biggest one you can afford. ...actually when i moved in this apartment i had no serious money and no stove. I started off with all the inexpensive items from Proctor Silex - usually sold in walgreens, cvs, and other cheap appliance stores... Proctor 1 liter electric kettle $14 Proctor Toaster Oven $22 Proctor Hot Plate $14 which does have a draw back for boiling large pots of anyting, it's really a more egg frying/ grilled cheesy thing. Black and Decker has a 3 cup rice cooker for $12

It is easy for your dorm room to get unkempt if you start cooking in it for real, so a dedicated foot locker perhaps upright with shelves banged in. Put everything away clean when you don't use it. Put a dishpan in the locker, 1st thing you take out put your dirty items in it as you cook and eat, then take it to the bathroom and wash everything and then bring it all back and put it in the footlocker and then put everything in on top.

One of my favorite books was Cooking in a Bedsitter by Whitehorn..an English cookery book, but the ideas worked. A bedsitter is a dorm room with no running water, no fridge and nothing but a gas ring/hot plate to cook on. So basically you have to really think out what you are going to make and plan ahead. My solution was to cook small amounts very often so i didn't have to store a lot of food or leftovers.

wow, do you own this rice cooker???

http://www.amazon.com/Black-Decker-RC3303-3-Cup-Cooker/dp/B002CVTT52/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1324707297&sr=8-2

I have a 1.5 cup rice cooker made by Black and Decker. It's not fancy, but it does the job well.

Oh yeah, a fancy one. No, no way to use that except with a transformer, sorry.

The one I have uses a special magnet to do it all.

http://www.amazon.com/Black-Decker-RC3303-3-Cup-Cooker/dp/B002CVTT52/

CRAP! Look at the price difference US to UK. UK price: £58.13 (that's US$ 94.13)

USA Price: $12.68 -- bloody hell!

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Tacima-500VA-500W-Voltage-Transformer/dp/B000U1L1SE/

Even the transformers are way over priced.

Get a rice cooker! Gets the job done every time. No skill involved I swear. No one should have to live without the deliciousness of rice at the their fingertips!

Rice cookers are incredibly versatile, cheap, and this one is particularly portable too.

You can make normal rice. Try soaking beans then throw rice on top, cook, then crack in an extra egg near the end. Rice cookers are great for hard boiling eggs as well. I've even fried eggs and cooked hamburger patties in there.

Buy a rice cooker and for $35 you can cook up to 10 cups of rice (20 cups cooked). I cook about 10 cups on Sunday and leave the built-in bowl in the fridge for the rest of the week. One of the best investments ever.

I have an Aroma that serves as a rice cooker, steamer, and slow cooker (crockpot). It works well and I really like it. My only complaint is that you can't set it to steam something for less than 5 minutes, so it's not good for blanching delicate veggies like broccoli.

I bought this a year ago and it's works perfectly every time. My last Aroma rice cooker worked well for 3 years but I wanted a larger capacity.

http://www.amazon.com/Aroma-ARC-150SB-Uncooked-Digital-Steamer/dp/B0055FSN0Y/ref=sr_1_2?s=home-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1406485651&sr=1-2&keywords=aroma+rice+cooker

Rice cookers are very simple technology, you don't need an expensive one to last a long time.

I use this one. Never had an issue.

10-cup rice cooker with steamer basket. The updated version sells for about $37 on Amazon. Works fine. Instruction manual here.

I was thinking about getting this one:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0055FSN0Y/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&th=1

This is something that I came up with a while ago that my roommate could make easily (he's not exactly culinary school material). It's ridiculous easy. Very tasty. VERY flexible (swap out proteins, seasonings, add veggies, you can do whatever you want to it). Should work in a crock pot if needed, definitely works in one of these combo rice cooker/slow cooker things.

Fajita Rice

3 cups of rice
Water for 3 cups of rice
1 can of diced tomatoes (don't drain)
1 tablespoon onion powder
2 teaspoons crystallized garlic
1 lb ground beef uncooked
2 tablespoons fajita or taco seasoning
2 teaspoons jalapeno salt
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 tablespoon of crushed red pepper
1 teaspoon turmeric
1 tablespoon chicken broth concentrate (or 1 big bullion cube (4 normal sized))
1 tablespoon beef broth concentrate (or 1 big bullion cube (4 normal sized))
about 1 lb of chicken (either a breast or thigh works) (thawed) cut up into 1 inch pieces
No butter or oil, the fat in the beef will be our fat

Mix all of this in rice cooker (break up the beef as much as possible), and push the rice button.

You could also buy a rice cooker. I got the Aroma large one (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0055FSN0Y/ref=oh_details_o05_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1) and it's amazing. There are plenty of rice cooker recipes out there like beans and rice, that allow you to make a one-pot meal in there with very little effort.

But, regardless, I'll also use the rice cooker to simply cook up large amounts of rice, and then seal them up into portions and freeze. I'll do both white and brown, and the brown I cook in the chicken bone broth I make, which also gets frozen. Red sauce, both with meat and without, do well in the freezer.
I buy packs of chicken breast and boneless thighs from Costco, and then cut the raw chicken into bite-sized pieces. Lay it out on a cookie sheet topped with parchment/wax paper and freeze. Freezing them like that means you can pour out some of the frozen meat, not all, plus it thaws quicker.
Make GF gravy and freeze it. I combine the chicken with the non-meat red sauce, or with gravy and have that over rice or waffles, or stir-fry w veggies over rice.
I found that it was better in the end if I did all the prep work and then frozen, rather than created meals. I also get onions - slice some, dice some, mince some, and freeze. Same w green/red peppers if you use those. If you use one of those vacuum sealers, you could make up GF pizza crusts ahead of time, freeze the proper portion amount of sauce to go with and same with freezing proper portion amount of shredded cheeses.

They have smaller ones, this is a 20 cup for only $37.

I'd imagine you'd make your money back in no time with hungry people everywhere.

http://amzn.com/B0055FSN0Y

Great knife for the money I outfitted the last restaurant I worked at with these, and have one at home as well. They take a good edge pretty easily, and hold it reasonably well. Not the best knife I have, but by far the best value knife I've ever used.

Ceramic Rod to take care of the knife. This one is double sided, one side is coarse, other is fine. For occasional touch ups, run the knife - spine first/blade trailing up and down the fine side. I normally do 5x on one side, 5x on the other, 4x each side, 3x each side, 2x each side, 1x each side. For more serious sharpening, start at 10 on the coarse side, then again on the fine side.

Cutting Board I like these, they don't warp like the thin flex ones, and the rubber on the ends does a good job keeping the thing still on your counter. I dunno anything about it being anti-microbial, as I wash mine to take care of that sort of thing, but it's a more than serviceable board at a good price.


That leaves you $70 for whatever else.

If you're a poor college student, a slow cooker can be a wise investment.

I'd look for Wok as well. You ought not to pay very much for a wok, and get one made of carbon steel, not cast iron IMO. If your place has an electric stove it won't work very well to put a wok pan on it, so check out electric woks.

Rice cookers are also very versatile, and most people can't cook rice to save their life, so their 'intended' purpose is useful as well.


Don't feel like you've got to buy anything new either, yard sales, thrift shops etc can l and you rice cookers and slow cookers for next to nothing.

$15, definitely worth it.

Hi! Nice to meet you!

1. This rice cooker!
   
2. It would help us! We make lots of rice, and it would save on resources! Plus it steams!! :)
   
3. Blue! :D
   
   Thank you for the contest!

This would be a freakishly awesome keychain for you to have! :D
I've really really been wanting a rice cooker! because I have rice pretty much every other day and it would super helpful and awesome to have an actual rice cooker! :D
bunnicula

Get this.

For rice, look for a short or medium grain rice. Long grain rice is what's typically served at chinese restauraunts and doesn't have the sticky texture that shorter grain rice has. In the US, it's much cheaper to get California-grown rice than getting Japanese imported rice. Also look at Korean brands of rice as they tend to be similar to Japanese rice. Many brands offer small bags (5 pounds or less) so you can try them and see what you like best and is also wallet friendly.

For a rice cooker, you can get away a basic $20 rice cooker. It won't make the best rice in the world, but it'll be tolerable if you want to save up for a high-end rice cooker.

Some high-end brands of rice cookers are Zojirushi, Tiger, Panasonic, and Cuckoo. The price tiers are similar across the brands and each tier incorporates more/different technologies. The levels will be basic (mostly just cook and warm settings), fuzzy logic/micom, neuro fuzzy logic, induction heating, pressure cooking. Some brands also have unique features like 'diamond coated cooking bowl' and they seem to be more gimmicky than anything else. Price ranges are ~$100 - micom, ~$150 - neuro fuzzy logic, ~$250 induction heating or pressure cooking, >$350 induction heating and pressure cooking. I have a Zojirushi rice cooker that I bought 3 years ago and still works perfect.

Rice cooker cup size will affect price too. Also, cheap rice cookers measure in cooked cups where more expensive models measure in uncooked cups. More expensive does not equal faster cooking (until you reach the pressure cooker level). A $20 rice cooker will cook rice in about half an hour, where a $250 induction heating rice cooker will take >45 minutes. The added time is because it includes soaking time for the rice and it operates at varying temperature levels during cooking, where the $20 rice cooker would just boil it the entire time.

Something you may want to consider to make cooking more convenient, get a rice cooker/steamer just be sure you get one that has a steamer basket. they're only about $20 and takes up very little space even less than a small microwave. you just need a power outlet and some water. Obviously don't use it to make rice. I have one of these and it's great for steaming meat and vegetables.

This one from amazon. I would recommend you guys not buy it. I'm planning to change to a different model (at least) once this stops dead.

I honestly have no idea why it's happening! I thought it was that I was overfilling the pot (rated for 6 cups), but really all I cook at once is 8 oz uncooked brown rice in 16 oz water which isn't very much. Then maybe I think it's getting old, but honestly I don't know how to fix that. If yours works then keep chugging away, haha 😅

Is this the style you have? This one is the model I got:
https://www.amazon.com/Aroma-Housewares-6-Cup-Cooker-Steamer/dp/B0057XGM5W

buy a rice cooker.

buy lots of rice. brown is better for you but get a variety.

buy lots of veggies to put in the tray at the top.

put rice and water in the rice cooker.

put veggies in the steamer.

plug rice cooker in and flip switch to 'cook.'

in like 20 minutes you've got healthy rice and veggies.

i've been making a week's worth of lunches every sunday evening using the rice cooker and making salad-in-a-mason-jar.

I need hangers cause I'm an idiot and don't have enough with me to even fill up part of the closet. I also need a rice cooker cause food? And this pad thing so that I can work out in my apartment and so that when my boyfriend visits he doesn't sleep on the bare floor. XD I guess they link with apartmenty stuff, but in totally different rooms. XD And to infinity and beyond!

I got this rice cooker recently: http://www.amazon.com/Aroma-Arc-743-1Ngr-Uncooked-Cooked-Steamer/dp/B0057XGM5W/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1370856164&sr=8-2&keywords=rice+cooker

It'll help you stay frugal by making rice ridiculously easy to cook. My next frugal'ish purchase is a water filter. I tend to drink a lot of canned beverages, because I keep them cold and don't like city water (grew up drinking well water). With a water filter pitcher, I can keep it filled up in my fridge and drink on that all day, saving me .25$ a can I've been paying.

An air gun is a fun gift for a young guy. It's not something you would buy yourself, but they're fun at parties.

Alternatively, you could buy him something for the house, since he just got his own place. A rice cooker is super handy and easy, especially if you don't cook well/often.

Is this closed already? If not, we could really use This item since rice is a staple and only one person knows how to make it and she's often not home or asleep. Here's the wishlist:

get yourself a Rice cooker. Start rice before going to class, return to hot rice. The pot will store leftover rice in a fridge and one pot should be good for 4+ meals.

At the grocery store get cans of beans (look for them on sale), a can of Ro-Tel, a rotisserie chicken, tortillas and cheese. You can make 1,000,000,000 burritos or soft tacos just using a spon of this or that and 30 seconds in a microwave.

You can often get different types of fish fairly cheap. I know I can often find frozen salmon for $5-6 USD/lb. Its not as cheap as chicken, but if you just have one fillet(~1/4 lb) it stretches. You can dress fish up many different ways as well. I think it might help if you narrow down the type of food you like.

One useful food "hack" that I used a lot in college is a rice cooker with attached steamer, such as this one.

Its quite useful for fast cooking and you can make a variety of meals quite easily in it.

Chopped onions, peppers and tomatos + rice, broth and spices = spanish rice. Throw a piece of fish in the steamer on top, add a little lemon and you have a nice meal.

You can do rice and beans as well. I have even used it to make pasta. If you get a smaller one, you can just make single portions and eat out of the cooking vessel after you remove it.

If you can point me toward what kind of food you like, I can perhaps be more helpful.

Here is a cheap one on Amazon. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0057XGM5W

From my experience, that won't cook rice anywhere near as well as an expensive one.

Okay, I thought I did this already, but I guess I didn't LOL My standard housewarming first place gift is a rice cooker and a spice rack. Crockpots are awesome as everyone says. Just make sure it has the removable crock and same thing if you go for a Foreman Grill type implement or Waffle Iron, make sure that the plates are removable. OH and don't forget a plunger LOLOL

this rice cooker is 5 bucks more but has better reviews (the Black Decker seems to have longevity problems as of late) http://www.amazon.com/Aroma-Arc-743-1Ngr-Uncooked-Cooked-Steamer/dp/B0057XGM5W/ref=sr_1_2?s=home-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1375161090&sr=1-2&keywords=rice+cooker

I think I have the same cooker. Is it this?

im looking at a rice cooker. i always hear to get zojirushi, but you say this one is just as good? its about half the price too.

was looking at https://www.amazon.com/Zojirushi-NS-LAC05XT-Cooker-Warmer-Stainless/dp/B005FVROW6

Rice cooker? Zojirushi are the best. My Japanese mother-in-law just cooks it on the stove, though. All you really need is a pot with a tight fitting lid so it keeps the steam inside.

I don't brine my pork belly.

Kimchi is definitely cheaper to make yourself (in bulk), but I frequently buy prepared. The stuff you can buy at Korean restaurants is typically way better than mass market jarred kimchi.

If I may, I wish to interject with this fucking amazing kickass wonderful device. No, I'm not paid by this company, but this rice cooker kicks ass. It'll keep your rice warm (without burning it) for >= 24 hours after cooking it perfectly. It also sings to you. Let me repeat: this rice cooker sings to you. What more could you possibly want?

EDITED TO REMOVE REFERRAL CODE

Get a Zojirushi. What a great little machine.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006W22KF8/ref=s9_acsd_hps_bw_c_x_3_w

There's even a cheaper one- $50

https://www.amazon.com/Zojirushi-NHS-06-3-Cup-Uncooked-Cooker/dp/B00004S575

Aroma rice cooker like this one. You fill it with the appropriate amount of rice and water, and it cooks it automatically. You can leave it in there for hours if you forget about it. Get an air fryer, and you can cook your chicken and broccoli in it by the time the rice is finished.

Get you a $20 Walmart jank. Unless you are Johnny Rice and want to dial in your rice cooking to the six sigma level, you will not be disappointed with a $20 jank cooker. I have one (at work and can't remember brand) that is 10+ years old and has no issues. It is basically a thermostatically controlled heater with a timer, so the odds of anything breaking are super low. So if you want to cook 600lbs of rice or you want 4 cups of Jasmine rice with 7.4444% water content, get the $100+ cooker, but if you want rice with your pork chops, get a jank cooker. And with a jank cooker, the learning curve is simple...fill with rice to one line, fill with water to another line, push button, smoke cigarettes is the logic. With the others.....not so much.

Link to the TYPE I have:

http://www.amazon.com/Aroma-Housewares-UNCOOKED-Steamer-ARC-743-1NG/dp/B0055FSN3Q?ie=UTF8&qid=1465303267&ref_=lp_678540011_1_12&s=kitchen&sr=1-12

And I find it funny how people here use racial stereotypes to their advantage. Being Asian doesn't mean you know rice more than my being from Indiana means I'm an authority on corn and basketball. :)

Since this apparently came from my comment like mine on the ramen thread I though I would add a few more details.

First a simple pot style rice cooker works just fine and gets more use in my house than my more expensive options.

Now visit a few Asian, Latino, and Middle Eastern markets in your area to come prices and find one you like.

First buy yourself a big ass bag of rice(15 lb+). Short grain white rice will be the most flexible to begin with but basmati, jasmine, brown etc will add variety down the road.

Of now for easy ass beans and rice dinner. No need to soak your dry beansbut expect them to need to simmer for 1.5-2 hours. Start your beans cooking and about a hour later start your rice.

Slice up a small onion

Smash up a clove of garlic

Throw some olive oil or butter into a HOT pan.

Throw the onions and garlic into the pan and cook on low to medium to soften both and create some flavor.

Now add a .5 to 1 packet of Sazon your bought at the Latino market and stir till you get a paste. Now you have a cheap sofrito. Turn of heat and wait add to your pot of beans for the last 30 minutes of simmering.

When both are done throw those beans on rice and enjoy. Keep some hot sauce nearby for those that want it.

Need a protein? Pork shoulder is your way to go. Get. 5-10 lb pork shoulder for less than $1 per lb and a slow cooker and cook that shit on low for 8-12 hours. Now divide that shit in portions and freeze. From there you can make Kalua Pork, carnitas, pork and beans, Cuban sandwiches, pork curry, or Puerto Rican Pernil.

Cheers!

Did you conveniently ignored the impact of heat due to the extra power consumption? Even in a normal size case the heat is significant.

Your example of the wattage of certain appliances are also borderline hyperbolic. Even a high end $200 microwave has a wattage rating of 1200w, not to mention most people don’t use their microwave for hours each day.

1500w rice cooker? Really? Do you mind sharing a link to a ricer cooker that uses 1500w for non commercial usage?

Again, even a high end rice cooker such as this one is only rated at 610w.

https://www.amazon.com/Zojirushi-NS-TSC10-Uncooked-Cooker-1-0-Liter/dp/B0074CDG6C/ref=mp_s_a_1_7?keywords=rice+cooker&qid=1550983761&s=gateway&sr=8-

Finally I find it ironic, and somewhat amusing that you question other people’s usage for their gpu on high load for 4 hours a day, but cite the power consumption of a “lamp post” on your front porch. Why exactly do you need to keep it on again? Do you have it on for hours each day? If so for what reason?

Looking forward to read your reply.

you must be talking about the neuro fuzzy

it even plays a song when it's done!

> This is impractical for people who may have errands to do during lunch or before or after school. Or those who need to pick up children from work. Or those who work odd hours (do you really want to be biking on a road at 2AM? Or during winter. or rain... nothing like showing up to work soaked wet...

1. It's only impractical if you don't have enough time to sleep/eat or don't have days off. 9 hours at work including lunch +9 hours sleep/eating at home and even a 1.5 hour commute leaves 3 hours for leisure time/running errands, and that's not including days off.
   
   
2. You can wear layers in inclement weather.
   
   >Cool. When I lived in Chicago, my heating gas cost was nearly $200, and I didn't keep it higher than 68
   
   Either that was a) a aberrant spike, b) was much larger than a 1 bedroom apartment, or c) your landlord was bilking you.
   
   >You need a mini-fridge. And you'll need a microwave unless you plan on eating cold rice and beans every day. And you'll need a stove to heat up the beans and rice.
   
   No you can use a gas stove-which we have and is also included in my gas bill-or a cheap rice cooker which happens to have a 15 hour delay so you can have your rice ready when you wake up and/or get home from work.
   
   The power rating of a typical rice cooker will cost you around $12 a month in electricity if you're using it 5 hours every day for cooking.
   
   >Boston, $769 will get you a median 340 sqft, or a 34'x10' space. IF you can even find a place that small.
   
   Median is even more useful than average.
   
   You forgot 1 bedroom shares*. My rent is 525 and I share a two bedroom small apartment outside Boston.
   
   Besides, we're talking about survival here, right? If you have enough space to live, why is it a problem?
   
   Or is it really not a starvation wage, but a "I take lots of things for granted and want to be able to have them" wage?