After what felt like a lifetime, winding queues and dwindling hope we can finally manage to get our hands on our gas cylinders. But, if living in Sri Lanka for the past few months has taught us anything is that we cannot predict what the next shortage is. So it may be wise to look at an additional appliance to help you cook. This list will provide you some guidance to help you make a choice; After all, it does not hurt to be prepared now does it?

Induction cookers
At one point it was extremely hard to come across induction cookers as everyone was buying it faster than it can come into the country. But now the popularity has died down, this could be because it requires special pots which are compatible with an induction stove. To give a brief explanation, Induction cooking uses electric currents to directly heat pots and pans through magnetic induction. So in order for this mechanism to work, the pot needs to be made of a magnetic metal. Because of this technology your meal is cooked faster and consumes less electricity (which is a big win as our electricity bills too have been increased).

The downside is that you may have to invest in new pots and pans which may cost a pretty penny. Now before you buy new cookware, take a magnet and stick it onto the bottom of the pots and pans in your kitchen ( if you aren’t sure if you own stainless steel pots), if it sticks you can use it with your induction stove, if it doesn’t it means you can’t use it. 

There are a few locally made stainless steel brands that produce stainless steel pots that you can use with your induction cooker which are a fraction of the price of the imported ones so keep an eye out for those.

Infrared cookers
Right now the infrared cookers are at least 8 to 10k more than an induction cooker but the plus point is you can use any pot you already own, some even use Clay pots which aren’t recommended as there is a high percentage of it blowing up in your face. (There is video evidence floating about the internet if anyone is interested). This consumes a little more electricity than an induction cooker as the electric current heats the resistor coil inside to generate heat, and then heat passes to the cooking surface, heating pot, and the food on it. Because of this, it does take a little longer to cook than an induction cooker.

Coconut shell cooker
This appliance is a fraction of the price of the induction and infrared cooker so in comparison, it is the more affordable cooker. This works by burning coconut shell charcoal which you place on the burner and then manually light it with matches, after you get the fire started the fan (powered by electricity) will keep the flames going. 

You can use pretty much any pot, including clay pots (without it blowing up in your face) which are a huge win. You do need to buy coconut shell charcoal and there is a learning curve with getting the fire started but after that it is pretty much like using a single burner gas stove. There will be some smoke initially but it will subside (it won’t go away completely though). When considering the cook time wise it is pretty average but as mentioned earlier lighting the charcoal can be a little bit of a hassle so this adds to the process.

Rice cooker
Many of us started using rice cookers for more than cooking rice; from dhal to chicken biriyani this appliance is very versatile. Best part is if you already have one, you do not need to invest in one so you have an alternative right inside your home. Cooking in the rice cooker does take time, and if you are not careful you can be electrocuted (this usually happens when water droplets get on the heating element). Just be mindful when you cook, make sure you always wipe the bottom of the pot to avoid any unfortunate accidents.

You would be surprised at how many things you can make with a rice cooker; did we mention you can make a cake too? Before you invest in an additional piece of equipment, weigh your options, what do you cook the most? Does it consume a lot of electricity? Can I save time cooking with it? Since everything is very expensive also be mindful of brands, it won’t do if your appliance breaks in a day or two. So, talk to friends, check reviews and make a worthwhile investment.