Rice cookers are much more versatile than the name lets on.
Whether you're a rogue chef experimenting with new kitchen tools or a college student looking for a be-all and end-all appliance, this gadget might be everything you need and more.
Basic electric rice cookers work by heating liquid in an inner pot to steam or boil the contents. Then, once the rice cooker senses a certain temperature, it reverts to a low temperature "keep warm" function. The most basic rice cookers have just two settings: cook and keep warm. Some are more complex, with options for slow cooking and precisely adjusting the temperature. Others -- in our opinion, the ultimate rice cookers -- sing a song to you when your rice is ready.
Having a rice cooker is like having a little sous chef sitting on your counter. Just pile in the ingredients and leave it to do its thing -- it will turn off on its own, so there's no need to stand by to watch it.
Below, eight things you can make in a rice cooker that aren't rice.
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