The answer is when it is the Aroma Professional Pasta and Rice Cooker which can boil up to one pound of pasta and make up to 16 cups of rice so you always have some on hand for Pinto Bean, Quinoa and Wild Rice Wraps. The machine also functions as a 6-quart slow cooker for when you’re in the mood for Barbacoa Tacos. If that wasn’t enough, you can use the unit to make soup, or steam, sauté, or reheat foods, too. The digital control panel allows you to choose the perfect setting for whatever you’re making and it features a delay timer so dinner is ready when you are. This appliance is definitely more than a rice cooker.