[Harmless Teddy Bear]

Perhaps not a full fledged gourmet kitchen with a dozen cooks but even the poorest of the poor could start a fire and cook their meals.

In their apartments?

Fire was a big problem in Rome so most of the apartments where the poor lived did not have fireplaces. Firewood would also be a major expense.

This was the reason most food was bought pre-made. Yes it was more expensive then raw but not as expensive as doing it yourself.

Not to mention taking the chance of burning the place you lived down.

[bgill]

Because all Romans lived in the city and wood is the only available fire source.