Tatung Rice Cooker Overview

A Tatung rice cooker was a necessary kitchen merchandise in lots of Taiwanese immigrant households. Initially produced within the Nineteen Sixties (and offered for a mere $9 in Taiwan), it is a reliable, sturdy equipment that stands the check 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 appears like a popcorn machine when on). I cherished the scent; 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 faculty. 

For me and lots of different Taiwanese Individuals, Tatung rice cookers are nostalgic reminders of childhood and the comforts of dwelling. 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, On the spot Pots, and snazzy singing Japanese rice cookers with tons of buttons and settings. Actually, 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 completed, the button pops up decisively, and every grain of rice is steamed to dewy perfection—not mushy, not crunchy, however excellent. Whereas it is on the pricier aspect 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 cook 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 inside 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 would like 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 approach I put together the rice, the Tatung delivers improbable outcomes.

FAQs 

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

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

How lengthy does a rice cooker preserve rice heat?  

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

Why We are the Consultants

• Helen Hwang is a contract author and former mechanical engineer.
• She’s written for Eater San Diego, The New York Instances, and Mother and father, amongst different publications.
• She grew up utilizing a Tatung rice cooker and nonetheless thinks it is top-of-the-line choices in the marketplace.