I cook pasta and potatoes in the microwave. Or potatoes in crock pot. I have a rice cooker for rice, but I tend to cheat and get the microwave steam in bag rice.
I try to nuke everythign I can, to keep heat down int eh house in summer, and to keep danger from the birdies. If I need to use the appliances that get hot, I take them to the back and use them, away from birdies.