Tatung Rice Cooker Is More Than Just for Cooking Rice! Insiders Reveal 'God-Tier Hidden Uses': Convenient, Delicious, and Perfectly Crispy Outside, Soft Inside

When it comes to essential kitchen appliances, many people immediately think of the Tatung rice cooker. A Japanese student studying in Taiwan, whose electric cooker recently 'retired honorably,' decided to switch to a Tatung model and posted online asking fellow netizens if it truly lived up to its legendary reputation. The post quickly went viral, sparking widespread discussion, with users declaring: 'It might not be the best at cooking rice, but it's definitely the most versatile.'

The original poster shared on Threads that after their previous electric cooker broke down, they visited an electronics store and were instantly drawn to the retro design and vibrant colors of the Tatung rice cooker. As a Japanese national, they had heard that 'almost every household in Taiwan owns one,' but had never used it personally. They asked Taiwanese netizens whether it was worth buying, and requested recommendations on models and user experiences.

Netizens praised the Tatung cooker’s versatility, likening it to a 'hexagonal warrior'—capable of steaming fish, eggs, buns, cooking congee, soup, stewing meat, braising pork, making curry, and reheating frozen foods. One user noted, 'It doesn’t score 100 in any single category, but it hits at least 70 in every one.' Another added, 'When I was studying away from home, I relied on it to prepare four dishes and a soup.'

Beyond steaming, boiling, and stewing, users revealed it can even mimic an oven. By lining the outer pot with parchment paper, placing thawed bread or pizza inside, closing the lid, and pressing the cook button, the food is ready once the switch pops up. The resulting bread achieves a 'crispy outside, soft inside' texture that users rave about.

Durability is another major strength. Comments like 'one pot lasts three generations' and 'my family has used ours for 52 years' reflect widespread agreement. Users also praised its simple construction, exceptional durability, and low repair costs.

However, some noted that for plain rice cooking, it may not outperform modern electric rice cookers, joking that 'it’s great for everything except cooking rice.' Still, others shared tips: measuring rice and water precisely with the provided cup, letting the rice steam after the button pops, then fluffing with a rice paddle. With experience, users say they can fine-tune the process to match their personal taste.

When it comes to choosing a model, most recommend 'bigger is better'—a 6-person capacity for a single person, and a 10-person size for a family of four. Stainless steel inner and outer pots are preferred for longevity, and users advise selecting models with a keep-warm switch to avoid wasting electricity if the plug is forgotten.

Source: Threads | Editor: Li Yi-Qing