I never make plain rice - only pilaf. I pull out the insert and put it on my stove burner and saute the onions, garlic,
spices, brown the rice, etc in olive oil and then put it back in the cooker with the requisite liquid. I have to watch it
carefully while on the burner and stir frequently since its like a cheap aluminum pan but the results are well worth
the effort. It's only a few minutes in the beginning that you have to pay attention getting it started and then you're
home free in terms of having it perfect at the time of serving.