JAB6666

I was wondering if students are allowed to bring rice cookers or rice steamers into their dorms. Appliances like this: Sears: Online department store featuring appliances, tools, fitness equipment and more

I read on the housing website that certain things such as crock pots, electric skillets, hot plates, toasters, and grills are not allowed, but those are different. Those either use an open heat source, or cook over a long period of time. The rice cookers have closed heating sources, cook the rice in a very short time, and fully contain the heat and hot water; so, are they allowed?

mom2collegekids

I can't find the link that details the "do's and don'ts"....can anyone provide that?

gojack

^^^ 2011 Student Handbook
http://housing.ua.edu/pdfs/SUMMER_HANBOOK_2011.pdf
If you have questions about a specific appliance, please contact your Community Director or email us housing@sa.ua.edu with your question.

Not Approved:
deep fat fryer
electric crepe maker
electric fry pan
electric griddle
electric grill
electric hamburger cooker
electric space heater
electric waffle iron
electric wok
halogen lamps and bulbs
hot oil popcorn popper
hot plate
indoor grill or broiler
slow cooker/grill convertible
George Foreman type grills
space heater
convection oven
hot dog steamer
hot pots
low heat warming tray (200 F)
rice cookers

Rose808

Oh, no! My Hawaii girls can't live without their rice cooker

gojack

Microwaves are legal;
Progressive International Microwaveable Rice/Pasta Cooker Set

Amazon.com: Progressive International Microwaveable Rice/Pasta Cooker Set: Kitchen & Dining

mom2collegekids

I realize that these lists are rather standard for all colleges, but I don't understand why rice cookers are not ok....especially if it's a rather automatic one. Seems no worse than a coffee maker.

I wonder if it's ok to use a rice cooker in the common kitchen?

My son was glad when he moved to The Bluff because these rules don't apply there. LOL

JAB6666

gojack, I'm not sure that list also completely applies to regular student residence. That list says that crock pots are allowed, while the housing website says they are prohibited. Here's the link I was referring to: http://movein.ua.edu/What_To_Bring_2010.pdf

It seems like an automatic rice cooker is one of the safest things you can have in a kitchen and, like m2ck says, is no worse than a coffee maker. lol. The whole point of a rice cooker is to make rice quickly and conveniently; it would be such a hassle to have to bring it out to the kitchen every time you want rice.

gojack

Yes;
>So If you have questions about a specific appliance, please contact your >Community Director or email us housing@sa.ua.edu >with your question.

gojack

It appears that an appliance is not allowed to be in a dorm if its capable of boiling oil
(I think that is about 350 degrees) Or has an exposed heating element.

"no single appliance can exceed 1000 watts of usage."
"appliances that have an exposed heating element or exposed heating coil are
not approved for use"
"Additionally, appliances that can generate enough heat to bring oil to a boil are not permitted, again for their potential to cause a fire. The list below is NOT exhaustive, but does list some examples of appliances that have been approved for use in the residence halls as well as examples of the appliances that are not permitted."

http://housing.ua.edu/pdfs/GlossaryofHRCpolicies.pdf

mom2collegekids

Additionally, appliances that can generate enough heat to bring oil to a boil are not permitted, again for their potential to cause a fire.


Ahhh....that must be the guideline that colleges use.

beth's mom

I have the Progressive microwave rice cooker/steamer that gojack posted a link for and it works really well. It's great for rice and surprisingly good for pasta. I suspect when D heads off to college I'll have to buy myself a new one.