Originally Posted by barbeler:
“I simply use a bowl-shaped microwave steamer with a vent in the lid (which I keep closed). Just add some Aldi easy-cook rice (although I'm sure any will do – I'd never buy Uncle Ben's), cover it with about 2cm of water then put in the microwave on full power for about 8 minutes. Perfect every time with all the water fully absorbed.”
Funnily enough, I have already been advocating the microwave rice cookers on the "Eat Well for Less" tv thread, as being much easier than a saucepan, and more frugal than the packets, and probably more frugal than a saucepan too.
I use something like this
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Kitchen-Cra...ve+rice+cooker
I normally use basmati rice, and I like the stuff you get in M&S. I don't bother to rinse it, and add just under 2 cups of water to 1 cup of rice and set it for 7 or 8 minutes, then let it sit for a bit, give it a stir, then maybe add some more water and give it another minute. If you've got time to let it sit, then it needs less actual cooking time.
I imagine you could add the rice, water and any flavourings the night before. When you go to make a cup of tea in the morning, stick it on for 7/8 minutes, and fit it into your morning routine. If it's soaked overnight, it won't need as long to cook. You can use the container to keep left-overs in the fridge.
I've heard good things about dedicated rice cookers, and I think they are great if you eat a lot of rice, and especially for families when you might have people eating at different times, but you might find a microwave version suits you a bit better, and is a lot cheaper too!