Help With Old Cookware

[superfob]

Hey guys,

Finally got my endoscopy and colonoscopy today and am starting gluten free now. The procedure was pretty relaxing like other have said - I don't remember anything! The prep for the colonoscopy was difficult but not as bad as I had imagined.

I'm currently trying to figure out what new cookware to get. I was wondering if you guys could look at pictures of my rice cooker to tell me if its safe or not from previous cross contamination. The interior of the rice cooker is stainless steel, but there are residues at the bottom from previous cooking (we steam many things in there besides making rice).

Pic 1

Pic 2

Another problem is that my roommates also use it - usually its to make rice, but sometimes to steam a few other things (some with gluten - but not often). I guess my question is: could I safely use this if I wash it everytime (which I know i might forget sometimes)?

I just want to make sure before shelling out $100 (I would want to get the same one as it is really nice and I could probably use it for a while).

Also, should I get a new colander if my old one is made out of plastic? The holes in my current one do not look like they are big enough to retain bits of gluten, but I am not sure.

Thanks!

[Dixiebell]

You might be able to clean the rice cooker with steel wool but if the roommates are using it for gluten foods you might get CC'ed. If the plastic colander is not scratced, it might be ok too. You do need to have your own cookware to be safe.

[sa1937]

Did anyone click on Pic 2 and have viruses/trojans start downloading? Scared me half to death and I shut down the site and forum and did a complete virus scan (using the latest version of AVG Internet Security 2011). It appears my computer is safe as nothing showed up on the scan.

Now for your question...I'd be hesitant to use either the rice cooker or the colander. You could pick up another colander pretty cheap, possibly at a dollar store. Personally I'd also pick up another rice cooker for myself although it wouldn't be a $100 model. If your cookware is stainless steel, it could probably be scrubbed out well...if it's non-stick, I'd buy myself an inexpensive set (I got rid of some old non-stick and replaced it with a set of T-Fal, which wasn't expensive).

[Dixiebell]

I did not have any problems with it. None that I know of anyway. Just a thought, I did read on FB that something was going on there yesterday.

[Fire Fairy]

I'd toss all plastic. It might be best to let the roommates have the cooker and get yourself a new one.