Tatung Rice Cooker Assessment

A Tatung rice cooker was an important kitchen merchandise in lots of Taiwanese immigrant households. Initially produced within the Nineteen Sixties (and bought for a mere $9 in Taiwan), it is a reliable, sturdy equipment that stands the take a look at of time—many have used the identical machine for many years. 

My mom used her Tatung day by day, and I’d assist her put together the rice by pouring the grains into the metallic bowl. With a easy press of a swap, the cooking course of began. The steam enveloped the rice, “popping” every grain to supply the proper batch (it seems like a popcorn machine when on). I liked the odor; it was like inhaling a pillow of consolation. Our home was wealthy, even once I wore low cost polyester garments from the Taiwanese avenue market to my rural American elementary college. 

For me and lots of different Taiwanese People, Tatung rice cookers are nostalgic reminders of childhood and the comforts of house. They’re versatile, simple to make use of, and sturdy, and can all the time have a spot in my kitchen. 

Why I Love the Tatung Rice Cooker

As an grownup, I’ve outfitted my kitchen with Crock-Pots, Instant Pots, and snazzy singing Japanese rice cookers with tons of buttons and settings. Truthfully, for me, the outcomes can’t examine to the simplicity of the Tatung, which has a single button to begin the cooking course of. When it’s carried out, the button pops up decisively, and every grain of rice is steamed to dewy perfection—not mushy, not crunchy, however good. Whereas it is on the pricier facet for a rice cooker, its longevity and consistency make it price it.

How It Works

The Tatung (like many different rice cookers) works like an electrical steamer and double boiler, utilizing the oblique warmth from steam to slowly and gently prepare dinner the rice.

To make rice within the Tatung, measure it and add it to the metallic bowl, overlaying it with water to one of many ranges etched inside (my mom used her knuckles to measure how a lot water so as to add). Then, add water to the outer pot, which surrounds the internal pot holding the rice; this helps management the quantity of steam (extra water means extra steam). For instance, if I’m making rice to accompany a stir fry, I need it to be fluffy, so I don’t add a lot additional water. But when I’m making congee, I add extra water to make the rice right into a thick soup. However regardless of which means I put together the rice, the Tatung delivers incredible outcomes.

FAQs 

What are you able to make in a rice cooker in addition to rice?  

 A rice cooker form of acts like an electrical double boiler, which suggests you possibly can slow-cook entire rooster and even braise beef. You may also make congee, tea eggs, stews, rooster soups, and steamed candy golden muffins known as “nian gao.”

How lengthy does a rice cooker maintain rice heat?  

A rice cooker can maintain its contents heat for hours, however the U.S. Product Security Fee doesn’t advocate preserving home equipment plugged in and on for too lengthy, since they’ll pose a hearth hazard.

Why We are the Specialists

• Helen Hwang is a contract author and former mechanical engineer.
• She’s written for Eater San Diego, The New York Occasions, and Dad and mom, amongst different publications.
• She grew up utilizing a Tatung rice cooker and nonetheless thinks it is among the best choices in the marketplace.