Tatung TRC-6STW Rice Cooker with Stainless Steel Pot

Rice cookers are convenient kitchen appliances that take the cooking time guess work out of prepared rice. Rice cookers come in many different models and sizes, but basically work in the same manner - water and rice are placed together in a pot, heated and cooked in the same bowl with a lid that clamps down. Steam is produced and rice is cooked to perfection. Some models are mini versions allowing a one or two person household to enjoy rice without taking up large counter space.

In the standard stove top method, water and rice are brought to a boil, then covered and simmered for a period of time until the rice kernels soften. And while the methods is pretty much elementary, the convenience of not having to worry about the water boiling over, or watching the clock or setting a timer for the rice to prevent overcooking, makes a home rice cooker worth the cost. Especially if rice used on a weekly or daily basis.

There are many different brands and types of rice cookers out there, and for those in the market for one should have a basic understanding of what features are needed or wanted before purchasing. The Tatung model TRC-6STW with the stainless steel bowl is the one I have, and is reviewed below, in case you are looking at the same one at your local Asian supermarket and are interested in its features.

This model is an electronic rice cooker, with a warming switch to keep the rice warm after cooking. It has a water collector for collecting steam. The two indicator lights on the front of the machine show when the machine is cooking the rice, and when the warming function is on after the rice is cooked. The cook button is a switch, and the warming button is above it and must be depressed in order for the function to turn on after the rice is cooked.

The machine is just over 7 pounds, and has a rice cooking capacity of between 1 to 6 cups of rice. If you are looking at your counter space, the model is 11.1" x 11.1" x 10.9", as indicated on the manual, so estimate a cubic foot for the rice cooker on your counter top.

Accessories that come with the box include:

• Stainless steel inner pot
• Plastic ribbed rice spoon/spatula
• Clear plastic measuring cup
• Plastic steaming tray
• Power cord
• The rice cooker itself

To cook rice in the rice cooker, follow these steps:

1. Measure rice. Rinse if desired.
2. Remove the inner stainless steel pot from the appliance.
3. Add the rice into the pot. Measure in the amount of water needed.
4. Clean any spills from the outside of the pot. Place back inside the appliance.
5. Plug it in. Flick the on switch, and if using the warmer function, press this down as well.
6. Allow time for the cooking to take place, around 10 to 20 minutes. If the warmer switch is turned on the warmer indicator light will switch on letting you know the rice is done. Otherwise, the cook function light will switch off, letting you know the rice is done.

Cooking Tips:

• The pot has a tendency to brown the bottom of the rice if left on the warming function for a long period of time. Simply use the rice when it is done, don't let the rice set for a long time after cooking in the warming heat.
• The manual says to add an additional 1/2 cup of water to brown rice. This is if you are using the rice markings on the side of the inner bowl rather than measuring by hand. If you have a recipe for brown rice, just use your recipe instead.
• Use the rice cooker for all kinds of rice: basmati, long grain, short grain, medium grain, and brown rice.

To clean the machine after cooking and serving the rice, remove the bowl from the appliance and soak it in warm, soapy water. The stuck on rice comes off easily. I've never put the bowl in the dishwasher, and it cleans up easily by hand.

Both the water collector and the steam valve on the top come apart for cleaning or draining. To remove the water collector, just pull it off. Then just drain any accumulated water and press back into place. The steam valve when cooking allows steam to exit the machine, so make sure to keep your hands and face from blocking the top when that happens, to prevent steam burns. To remove the steam valve just push out the valve, and twist to take it apart. It fits back together easily, and pushes into place quickly after cleaning.

Troubleshooting:

• Make sure the plug is firmly pressed into the machine and in the wall before using.
• Ensure proper handling of the stainless steel pot to avoid denting. If the bottom is dented, the heating plate may not come into proper contact with the bowl.
• The steam valve needs to be fully and correctly into place before using, if it is removed for cleaning, otherwise spills may occur or the rice may not cook properly.

If there is a problem with the machine, such as manufacturer defect, the machine comes with a 180 day limited warranty. The Tatung Co. of America, Inc. can be reached for service by calling 310-637-2105, ext 216. This number was in my manual, but may have changed by the time you read this. Look at your model's hand book for the latest number.

Product Manual:

• The product manual for this appliance is available for download from Tatung USA if it is ever lost.