OK, the Rice Cooker Decision has been made!

Robo · Nov 4, 2017

Now don't laugh.

When I was planning my first Camino in 2014, (for 2015) having joined this wonderful forum, I raised the question of taking a Rice Cooker.

Why you ask??

Well, my wife is Thai and basically lives on a diet of Rice. Sure she can eat other carbs, (though she is not that keen on bread). But if you had been brought up on a diet of bread, or potatoes or pasta, and could not eat them for 6 weeks, you might miss them like she misses her rice. She even eats rice for breakfast!

Now the couple of times I walked the CF, Rice was not actually available that much on menus. A few frozen Paellas maybe. So you start to get the idea? I would take a Rice Cooker. "Happy wife, happy life" and all that. And to be honest, a bit of fresh rice now again would go down well with me too.

So a couple of years ago I found a tiny Rice Cooker on line. It only weighs about 850 gms. And for the last couple of years I have been tossing up taking it on our Camino next year or not. Last year, on a short 9 day Camino, we used a coil and cup to cook noodles for Pat at breakfast time. But Rice would be much nicer and more appropriate 'fuel'. particularly over our planned 50 day journey next year.

So like most Camino addicts I spend the non walking time planning the next Camino. I have our packing lists almost finalised. I have scoured the World for appropriate gear and gadgets. I even have those little bottle clips that David recommended! I might do a video on all the water carrying stuff I have tried out!

But the Rice Cooker? 850 gms?

Every time I go through our packing lists it stands out.
Like it's nagging me.
Tempting me.
Wanting to be moved from the 'maybe' column to the Rob's pack column.
Without it, I am at 8.1 kg and Pat is at 3.5 kg.
She's small, bad feet (PF), can't carry much .......
Can't put it in there....

Do I take out the Coil and cup and put the Rice Cooker in?
The net difference is +500 gms.
Do I take out my sleeping bag and just take a liner?
Net difference 200 gms.
Take out the Trekking Umbrellas? 220 gms each
Take out Mr Bean my trekking companion from my first Camino?
85 gms. No way That would be gross disloyalty........ He comes too.

We have discussed that if the weight is too much for me. I also have bad feet (Achilles T)
I can ditch the Rice Cooker.
But then.........
I need to also take the coil and cup for cooking noodles as our plan B.
Back to square one

But heck. What is one to do on a rainy spring day but go through packing lists and weigh gear.....

I'd love the option of steaming things along with Rice, to make a change from the Pilgrims Menu Diet.
So that's it.

Next I wondered how to trim down to the weight of the cooker.
I don't need the small plastic (keep it warm) cap for the steel pot. Out....
I don't need the little carry bag. Out......
I don't need the little handles for the steamer plate. Out......
Maybe I can even buy a lighter weight power cord?
I managed to shave off another 30 gms

Then I wondered how long it would actually take to cook a cup of Rice.
You see it's never been used.
So time for a field trial.....

Cup of Rice,
top up with water......
Plug in.....
Power on..........

BANG

Lights go out.............

Rice Cooker is dead.

Decision made

The Camino provides

trecile · Nov 4, 2017

I managed to cook rice in just a covered pan on the stove for about 30 years before I got a rice cooker. Couldn't you just do that in albergues with kitchens?

HedaP · Nov 4, 2017

How many laughs can I put? I am still laughing.
Seriously, well almost because am still laughing, so sorry about the rice cooker. I too am Australian and think of myself as Australasian. As a coeliac, rice is my staple. I miss it so much on the camino. This year on the CF every supermarket had cups or sachets of pre-cooked rice. All you need is a microwave or a plastic clippy bag and something in which to submerge the bag in water boiled with your coil. Yum!

Robo · Nov 4, 2017

trecile said:
I managed to cook rice in just a covered pan on the stove for about 30 years before I got a rice cooker. Couldn't you just do that in albergues with kitchens?

We don't really do Albergues.......

But that's a whole other story....

trecile · Nov 4, 2017

Robo said:
We don't really do Albergues.......

But that's a whole other story....

In that case I think that @HedaP has the best solution.

Robo · Nov 4, 2017

trecile said:
In that case I think that @HedaP has the best solution.

I agree, though was it ever really about the Rice Cooker...?
Or Rice....
Or Food....

jsalt · Nov 4, 2017

Robo said:
Take out Mr Bean my trekking companion from my first Camino?

Nooooooo......

Robo said:
85 gms. No way That would be gross disloyalty........ He comes too.

Phew!
Jill

Margaret Butterworth · Nov 4, 2017

IMHO, an electric rice cooker is an unnecessary piece of kitchen equipment anyway. I cook my rice in a plastic rice cooker, designed for a microwave. It weighs and costs a lot less than the electric version.

Robo · Nov 4, 2017

Margaret Butterworth said:
IMHO, an electric rice cooker is an unnecessary piece of kitchen equipment anyway. I cook my rice in a plastic rice cooker, designed for a microwave. It weighs and costs a lot less than the electric version.

That would be like telling an Italian that a Pasta Machine is totally superfluous

Kanga · Nov 4, 2017

I'd take the rice cooker and discard the coil and cup, unless you are travelling in winter. On the Camino Frances it is never that far between bars. And if you don't do albergues, do you really need a sleeping bag?

Anemone del Camino · Nov 4, 2017

And so ends the most facinating 4 year long forum discussion.

I for one will miss these conversation about the rice cooker that in the end was never going to travel the Camino anyways.

I feel a bit sorry for the thing now that it died.

Robo · Nov 4, 2017

Kanga said:
I'd take the rice cooker and discard the coil and cup, unless you are travelling in winter.

I would, except that it just blew up.
I think someone was trying to tell me something

But.....
On our mini Camino last year, Pat found all kinds of yummy food she liked! So I'm sure all will be well.

Kanga said:
And if you don't do albergues, do you really need a sleeping bag?

Well, truth be told, we might try a couple. Pat is limited to about 20 kms a day, so there are some sections where an Albergue might be the only option. (I will apologise for my snoring now.....)

And Pat tends to freeze at night anyway so will use the sleeping bag as an extra cover. She's always looking for extra blankets where ever we stay.......

natefaith · Nov 4, 2017

Rob, as a Taiwanese-American I can totally relate to Pat. My extended family in Taiwan often does rice for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. My dad special-ordered a Taiwanese rice cooker for us and had it shipped to Spain with the proper 220v plug after we moved here. I would miss it a lot if it ever died (so I feel your pain).

Guess you'll have to move to plan B then?

You'll be happy to know they just announced that Udon Noodle Bar will be opening soon in Santiago's As Cancelas mall! Exciting news! Sadly, though, Cedro's - the Thai-Lebanese restaurant in old town - closed a couple years ago. That was a big loss for our team.

Happy rice planning!

HedaP · Nov 4, 2017

Robo said:
That would be like telling an Italian that a Pasta Machine is totally superfluous

If anyone tells me I need to dispose of my Japanese rice cooker I will curl up in the corner and cry. I use it every day. It is as much a part of my life as my shower or my bed. Mind you I don’t have any desire to take it on the camino.

But I do take my sleeping bag!

GettingThere · Nov 4, 2017

Robo said:
Now don't laugh.

When I was planning my first Camino in 2014, (for 2015) having joined this wonderful forum, I raised the question of taking a Rice Cooker.

Why you ask??

Well, my wife is Thai and basically lives on a diet of Rice. Sure she can eat other carbs, (though she is not that keen on bread). But if you had been brought up on a diet of bread, or potatoes or pasta, and could not eat them for 6 weeks, you might miss them like she misses her rice. She even eats rice for breakfast!

Now the couple of times I walked the CF, Rice was not actually available that much on menus. A few frozen Paellas maybe. So you start to get the idea? I would take a Rice Cooker. "Happy wife, happy life" and all that. And to be honest, a bit of fresh rice now again would go down well with me too.

So a couple of years ago I found a tiny Rice Cooker on line. It only weighs about 850 gms. And for the last couple of years I have been tossing up taking it on our Camino next year or not. Last year, on a short 9 day Camino, we used a coil and cup to cook noodles for Pat at breakfast time. But Rice would be much nicer and more appropriate 'fuel'. particularly over our planned 50 day journey next year.

So like most Camino addicts I spend the non walking time planning the next Camino. I have our packing lists almost finalised. I have scoured the World for appropriate gear and gadgets. I even have those little bottle clips that David recommended! I might do a video on all the water carrying stuff I have tried out!

But the Rice Cooker? 850 gms?

Every time I go through our packing lists it stands out.
Like it's nagging me.
Tempting me.
Wanting to be moved from the 'maybe' column to the Rob's pack column.
Without it, I am at 8.1 kg and Pat is at 3.5 kg.
She's small, bad feet (PF), can't carry much .......
Can't put it in there....

Do I take out the Coil and cup and put the Rice Cooker in?
The net difference is +500 gms.
Do I take out my sleeping bag and just take a liner?
Net difference 200 gms.
Take out the Trekking Umbrellas? 220 gms each
Take out Mr Bean my trekking companion from my first Camino?
85 gms. No way That would be gross disloyalty........ He comes too.

We have discussed that if the weight is too much for me. I also have bad feet (Achilles T)
I can ditch the Rice Cooker.
But then.........
I need to also take the coil and cup for cooking noodles as our plan B.
Back to square one

But heck. What is one to do on a rainy spring day but go through packing lists and weigh gear.....

I'd love the option of steaming things along with Rice, to make a change from the Pilgrims Menu Diet.
So that's it.

Next I wondered how to trim down to the weight of the cooker.
I don't need the small plastic (keep it warm) cap for the steel pot. Out....
I don't need the little carry bag. Out......
I don't need the little handles for the steamer plate. Out......
Maybe I can even buy a lighter weight power cord?
I managed to shave off another 30 gms

Then I wondered how long it would actually take to cook a cup of Rice.
You see it's never been used.
So time for a field trial.....

Cup of Rice,
top up with water......
Plug in.....
Power on..........

BANG

Lights go out.............

Rice Cooker is dead.

Decision made

The Camino provides

Nooooooo!!! Oh Robo, that's tragic news! I was reading your post thinking "yes, take it, take it this time" and then... bang!

I have to tell you I was dreaming of having access to a rice cooker just last week. When my mother was really sick with food poisoning and we were in a hotel without kitchen access. Plain steamed rice was really what she needed, and a rice cooker would have been the answer to our prayers! Not to be, but as I read your post I was going to reply and urge you to find room for it!

Well but maybe in the two years since you found that one, someone will have invented an even smaller and lighter version! And more electrically stable! I say don't give up on the rice cooker dream yet.....

Irish Bernie · Nov 4, 2017

Leave Pat AND the rice cooker at home,simple

Rick of Rick and Peg · Nov 4, 2017

Robo said:
Take out Mr Bean my trekking companion from my first Camino?
85 gms.

Robo said:
No way That would be gross disloyalty........ He comes too.

For those not familiar with Mr. Bean read the post The Challenges of Walking the Camino with your Best Friend!

FLEUR · Nov 4, 2017

Robo said:
Now don't laugh.

When I was planning my first Camino in 2014, (for 2015) having joined this wonderful forum, I raised the question of taking a Rice Cooker.

Why you ask??

Well, my wife is Thai and basically lives on a diet of Rice. Sure she can eat other carbs, (though she is not that keen on bread). But if you had been brought up on a diet of bread, or potatoes or pasta, and could not eat them for 6 weeks, you might miss them like she misses her rice. She even eats rice for breakfast!

Now the couple of times I walked the CF, Rice was not actually available that much on menus. A few frozen Paellas maybe. So you start to get the idea? I would take a Rice Cooker. "Happy wife, happy life" and all that. And to be honest, a bit of fresh rice now again would go down well with me too.

So a couple of years ago I found a tiny Rice Cooker on line. It only weighs about 850 gms. And for the last couple of years I have been tossing up taking it on our Camino next year or not. Last year, on a short 9 day Camino, we used a coil and cup to cook noodles for Pat at breakfast time. But Rice would be much nicer and more appropriate 'fuel'. particularly over our planned 50 day journey next year.

So like most Camino addicts I spend the non walking time planning the next Camino. I have our packing lists almost finalised. I have scoured the World for appropriate gear and gadgets. I even have those little bottle clips that David recommended! I might do a video on all the water carrying stuff I have tried out!

But the Rice Cooker? 850 gms?

Every time I go through our packing lists it stands out.
Like it's nagging me.
Tempting me.
Wanting to be moved from the 'maybe' column to the Rob's pack column.
Without it, I am at 8.1 kg and Pat is at 3.5 kg.
She's small, bad feet (PF), can't carry much .......
Can't put it in there....

Do I take out the Coil and cup and put the Rice Cooker in?
The net difference is +500 gms.
Do I take out my sleeping bag and just take a liner?
Net difference 200 gms.
Take out the Trekking Umbrellas? 220 gms each
Take out Mr Bean my trekking companion from my first Camino?
85 gms. No way That would be gross disloyalty........ He comes too.

We have discussed that if the weight is too much for me. I also have bad feet (Achilles T)
I can ditch the Rice Cooker.
But then.........
I need to also take the coil and cup for cooking noodles as our plan B.
Back to square one

But heck. What is one to do on a rainy spring day but go through packing lists and weigh gear.....

I'd love the option of steaming things along with Rice, to make a change from the Pilgrims Menu Diet.
So that's it.

Next I wondered how to trim down to the weight of the cooker.
I don't need the small plastic (keep it warm) cap for the steel pot. Out....
I don't need the little carry bag. Out......
I don't need the little handles for the steamer plate. Out......
Maybe I can even buy a lighter weight power cord?
I managed to shave off another 30 gms

Then I wondered how long it would actually take to cook a cup of Rice.
You see it's never been used.
So time for a field trial.....

Cup of Rice,
top up with water......
Plug in.....
Power on..........

BANG

Lights go out.............

Rice Cooker is dead.

Decision made

The Camino provides

"Rice cooker is dead! "Oh how that made me laugh, great story.

VNwalking · Nov 4, 2017

What a great post...

Anemone del Camino said:
And so ends the most facinating 4 year long forum discussion.

Maybe wait a bit before you hammer the nail into the coffin of the rice cooker story, Anemone.
There's always the possibility of another (better) model out there.
Besides, what would the rest of us do without the thread of this running joke to follow?
It beats contemplating the state of the world any day.
Thanks, Rob!

CaminoDebrita · Nov 4, 2017

Anemone del Camino said:
And so ends the most facinating 4 year long forum discussion.

I for one will miss these conversation about the rice cooker that in the end was never going to travel the Camino anyways.

I feel a bit sorry for the thing now that it died.

@Anemone del Camino --Oh, this is far from over! (I sense).

Robo · Nov 4, 2017

CaminoDebrita said:
@Anemone del Camino --Oh, this is far from over! (I sense).

Hmmm.

Have you ever bought something online, and then forgot that you ordered it?
And ended up buying two of the same thing?

So it happened with the Rice Cooker!

The 'sister' of the deceased cooker now lives in Bangkok with my Niece who is at University there.
We haven't heard yet that the Dorm has blown up.
So maybe all is well.
Or maybe she hasn't tried to use it yet?
She's lazy when it some to cooking....
Better send a warning message though...........

Pat goes to Bangkok tomorrow.
She could repatriate the Rice Cooker's sister ?

No. I think not.
The thought of that extra 850 gms....
And I would have to carry Rice.......

We are meant to be without it I think.

Sixwheeler · Nov 4, 2017

I've followed this thread for (it feels like) years. Now you have your answer. Divine intervention.
Ultreïa

Anemone del Camino · Nov 4, 2017

I stopped breathing for a few seconds thinking of the rice cooker’s reincarnation in the form of the one serving dutifully in a uni dorm.

nycwalking · Nov 5, 2017

Take yourself and your wife and your rice cooker; then leave everything else behind.
Buen camino.

Susan hopes · Nov 5, 2017

I hope you gave it a decent burial and said a few words.

Rest in pieces, rice cooker.

Robo · Nov 5, 2017

Sixwheeler said:
I've followed this thread for (it feels like) years. Now you have your answer. Divine intervention.
Ultreïa

I'm taking it as a very clear sign from above @Sixwheeler .

Like some kind of dietary version of a crack addict, Pat must now break free of the chains......
Lose this dependence on Rice....
And not just any old Rice as we know, but 'properly' cooked Rice.

I'm sure the first couple of weeks on our next Camino will be tough as she goes 'Cold Turkey.....
But then I feel confident that a whole new World will open up for her.
One that she has only dabbled in before....(when Rice was not available)

Bread, Potatoes, Pasta........

FreeeeeeeeeDom!

It's a pity the travel Hair Dryer can't meet it's maker like the Rice Cooker..

But that might just be a step too far

VNwalking · Nov 5, 2017

Robo said:
We are meant to be without it I think.

Maybe, maybe not.
The surfacing of a second one thousands of kms away is downright spooky.
I just hope you're not the one carrying the jasmine rice, too.
Or the hairdryer for that matter.
(Send her to me and I can share the joys of giving that away...)

J F Gregory · Nov 6, 2017

Have you considered taking a ultra light pack packing stove? You can purchase fuel in Spain. It will add less than a pound to your pack.

domigee · Nov 6, 2017

Robo said:
That would be like telling an Italian that a Pasta Machine is totally superfluous

I shocked my brother and s-i-l SO MUCH when they discovered I didn't even own one rice cooker!
(She's Thai of course)

I say take a plastic microwave rice cooker

Tincatinker · Nov 6, 2017

I can't find the emoji for tears of laughter. @Robo it was never about the rice was it? Really?

Buen caminos amigo and may every paella be perfect...

Rick of Rick and Peg · Nov 6, 2017

Get a rice cooker, insert a seat, insert Mr. Bean, attach all to a drone.

SYates · Nov 6, 2017

Rick of Rick and Peg said:
Get a rice cooker, insert a seat, insert Mr. Bean, attach all to a drone.

The Flying Rice Cooker Monster ;-) SY

Rick of Rick and Peg · Nov 6, 2017

Rick of Rick and Peg said:
Get a rice cooker, insert a seat, insert Mr. Bean, attach all to a drone.

Robo Rice Cooker Copter, Mark I, Mod 2: Add Bluetooth speaker. Play Ride of the Valkyries.

VNwalking · Nov 7, 2017

Rick of Rick and Peg said:
Get a rice cooker, insert a seat, insert Mr. Bean, attach all to a drone.

Rick of Rick and Peg said:
Robo Rice Cooker Copter, Mark I, Mod 2: Add Bluetooth speaker. Play Ride of the Valkyries.

Oh, my.
@ivar, please can you give us an emoji for tears of laughter?

Northern Laurie · Nov 8, 2017

https://backpackinglight.com/forums...tanium-pot-multipurpose-titanium-rice-cooker/

Only 256 grams, and a drone could probably carry it. But the camping stove that goes with could be used to heat a hot air balloon, tethered to the pack, thus resulting in a net decrease in weight. Plus less noise than a drone potentially- thus reducing whine.

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OK, the Rice Cooker Decision has been made!

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