Rice Cooker / Slow Cooker Question

[TheRic]

We have been looking for a small ( < 2 quart) slow cooker, one with a temp control. Seem like most small ones have an on / off and that is it.
Looking for something with at least 2 temp settings, more would be better. Well we thought we found one. Once we got it home we realized it's a Rice Cooker, not a slow cooker.

We don't eat rice, so we can't use it for that. From a quick read it sounds like it cooks / steams the rice then automatically goes into warm mode.

Could I still use it as a small slow cooker?? Planning on using it as a warmer (not a cooker) to keep things warm, like a cheese dip. Or would I be better off taking it back, and getting a real slow cooker?

[Mrs. Wallnut]

I don't know if it would work for that as I am not sure about rice cookers. But I don't see a problem with it if it goes to a setting to keep it warm. If you are unsure of this then read the manual that comes with it or visit that brands website.

IMO I would just take it back and get a slow cooker. Most of the little ones our there only have one setting but they are a low temp one and will keep things warm like what you would want, also depending on how big of a dish of cheese dip that you wanted depends on the size of the slow cooker that you want. At one time we had a small one that was perfect for that kind of thing, then our family got bigger and it wasn't getting used so we gave it away.

So after all that it depends on what YOU want. Just putting in my 2 cents worth.

[jziegler]

If you're looking for something to use for a cheese dip, did you look at any electric fondue pots? As a wedding gift, LOML and I received a nice electric fondue set that works great for cheese fondue, I suspect it would be good for any cheese dip. It has a variable temperature control, similar to most electric frying pans or griddles, but only has numbers (1-9 or some such) instead of the temperatures like some of the others have. It's similar to this one, I think
http://www.amazon.com/Cuisinart-CFO-...3126478&sr=8-2

Of course, searching amazon for "electric fondue" gets lots of results. Did you try looking at slow cookers there?

Jim

[TJG]

I see several slow cookers of 1.5 to 2 Qt range at amazon.com. Searched the Kitchen and Housewares area for slow cooker.

Also noted several at target.com. Sometimes, the items on target.com can be found at the local target store.

[MilDoc]

My rice cooker basically cooks by steam, so I wouldn't try to use it as a warmer or as a slow cooker if yours is the same.

[TheRic]

Thanks for your help / advice. I think we are going to return it. I will have to look into the electric fondue cooker, never even heard of one before. I like the variable temp setting verses 2 or 3 settings. I remember my parents having a fondue set that used a little gas heater thingy.

I know there are small slow cookers on the internet, was hoping to find one in a store around here. So I could save on shipping, yes I'm a tighta$$. Also wanted to look at one first hand before I bought it. Which was our problem in buying the rice cooker by mistake. We looked at the cooker, not the box until we got home. Might have to get one on the internet anyways. No stores around here carry one. Nearest Target is 50+ miles.

Once again thanks for the help.

[Cheeky]

you can get one at RiteAid of all places for $4.99 after rebate.

1.5 Quart Toastmaster

https://www.riteaid.com/stores/weekl...12&region=east

[sacherjj]

For what you are wanting, the fondue route is the best idea. I haven't found any crock pots in the smallish sizes with decent controls. We usually have to grab the many quart size for things temperature dependent. This seems counter intuitive, because there is less foot mass to absorb the excess heat energy. (i.e. the food will boil away or dry out faster because there is less of it.)