Tayama Rice Cookers

This rice cooker is very pretty and compact. It cooks rice well and has a nonstick lining. The manufacturer gives instructions on how to take care of the nonstick lining and we followed it. During normal use though, as the rice cooker boils for multiple periods of time, the lining also bubbles and permanent bumps develop at the bottom of the bowl. Then the lining flakes off. The manufacturer doesn't comment on this fact and just offers to sell you another replacement bowl for $10. We have had this rice cooker for around 2 years.

I bought this at Houston's Hong Kong market because the regulars there were actively buying these units in preference to much more elaborate (and expensive) units. I've only used it a couple of times, so, if the non-stick coating is fragile, I haven't had the number of rice-makings to determine that. What I do know is that it does an excellent job of cooking long-grain rice. I also did "sweet rice" (Daichi), which, I think, is the same as "sticky rice" and "sushi rice." I rinsed the rice, but did not soak it, and the results were quite good, but maybe a tad more water would be call for.
Remember that the markings for water levels are per cup of rice, but the cup is the 160ml cup that comes with the unit. I will report if, and when, I experience problems with the coating that another reviewer reports.

Nice for the price. It can actually make 3 - 10 cups of rice. 4 cups will take about 20 min. to make. Very fast and always make perfect rice every time. Also very easy to clean (non stick pot inside). I don't personally care for the 'computerized' rice cookers. Rice cookers have been around since forever so I don't know how much more complex can making rice be. I've used this one for years and I have other ones that are inexpensive and they work just fine.