I just found out my rice cooker was costing me way more than it should

For the last year, I've been using a small 3-cup rice cooker that came with my apartment. I thought it was fine, but I finally checked the wattage last week (it's 600 watts). I did the math, and running it for 45 minutes costs about 7 cents each time. That doesn't sound like much, but I make rice 4 times a week, so that's over $14 a year just for rice. My friend showed me her instant pot, which cooks the same amount in 12 minutes for about 2 cents. I feel silly for not checking sooner. Has anyone else found a cheaper way to cook staples like rice or beans?

3 comments

3 Comments

the_harper14d ago

Can you just cook rice in a regular pot for way less?

the_tyler14d agoTop Commenter

This is one of those hidden costs that adds up everywhere. It's like the old light bulbs versus LED thing, or a cable box that sucks power all day on standby. You don't think about it until you check, and then you realize how much waste is built into using the convenient, older appliance. Makes you wonder what else around the house is quietly adding a few bucks to the bill each month.

lopez.emery14d ago

Ever try a cheap microwave rice cooker? Mine was like five bucks and it's way faster...