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Tiger Rice Cooker JBA-T18A (Made in Japan) $300 at Costco (Membership Required)

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Tiger Rice Cooker JBA-T18A (Made in Japan) $300 at Costco (Membership Required)
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LMeconium on 31/03/2017 - 20:46 files.ozbargain.com.au (12956 clicks)
Last edited 01/04/2017 - 01:49 by 1 other user

First deal, please be nice etc.

I've been looking for a new Tiger brand rice cooker (well known to be the best brand going) for a while, but they seem to be expensive and hard to find at a bricks and mortar shop. My girlfriend picked up this rice cooker from Costco today, and not only is it at least $50 cheaper than any I could find on eBay, Costco has a great warranty in the unlikely case that anything goes wrong with it.

Made in Japan. Around 20 of these were in stock at the Canberra Costco today. Available in fashionable Urban Beige. Deal will probably end when Costco is sold out. Not sure if available in all Costcos.

Get your fluffy, toothy, delicious rice on, OzBargainers.

$305.03 @ Catering Sale - thanks/credit to monkp

Electrical & Electronics Rice Cooker Tiger

Related Stores

Costco Wholesale
Costco Wholesale

closed Comments

  • sgtdanny69148 on 31/03/2017 - 21:26
    +8

    if its made in japan then its worth it by x100000000, get them before they phase out…..

  • Hydress on 31/03/2017 - 21:29
    +1

    Damn, wish I knew when to post deals from Costco. This was in stock nearly 2 weeks as of Monday.

    • Meconium on 31/03/2017 - 21:30
      +1

      Apparently you gotta target the Friday night crowd 😉

      • mafmouf on 31/03/2017 - 22:28
        +2

        Friday night = rice cooking hunting date night.

  • chinezejew on 31/03/2017 - 21:30
    +6

    BigW kmart VS branded

    I went Panasonic. (My Japanese friend i visited also used a panasonic in Japan)

    Couldn't justify hunting a Tiger down $300

    • aerona on 31/03/2017 - 21:43
      +1

      Been using my Panasonic for about 4 years each which cost about $70. Had two over the last 8 years. Great value as I use it 24/7

      • trev likes bargains on 31/03/2017 - 21:56

        Is that at a restaurant?

        • wtfnodeal on 31/03/2017 - 22:55
          +1

          Seven Eleven I guess. Hardly any restaurant opened 24/7

        • aerona on 31/03/2017 - 23:07

          Yes my home kitchen. I mean it's usually kept on 'keep warm' setting lol. Worse thing that has happened with the rice cooker is that the filter on the top begins to lose its colour, but that is more from me not clearing the filter between every use.

          Sorry actually I think I had this for 6 years! Going strong. Recommended my family to get one also.

          I use a 5 cup and does a good job keeping brown rice in edible moist condition.

  • hamwhisperer on 31/03/2017 - 21:39
    +1

    I literally realised I wanted one of these yesterday, HOWEVER I think I found one as cheap as $270 online.

    EDIT: (before even posting) - that's the 10 cup, yeah that's a good deal. They don't have the 5.5cup do they?

  • itstuan on 31/03/2017 - 21:40
    +1

    I too don't see what's the fuss about the Tiger 🐯 rice except it's made in Japan. My Breville lasts 8 years and still going strong.

    • Elision on 31/03/2017 - 22:20
      +2

      I dunno, from reviews i've read its a "you don't know what you're missing out on" type of deal.

      Zojirushi and Cuckoo are other brands people rave about (Japanese and Korean brands). For someone who doesn't really like rice you may not be able to tell the difference but every review i've read where they had tried a different brand cooker's rice and a cuckoo/zojirushi/tiger say there is just no comparison.

      • rodericb on 31/03/2017 - 23:08

        Yeah, it is quite like that. My wife bought a couple of cheapies, then a Breville of some sort. Rice would usually end up crusty down the bottom, especially when using coconut milk to make nasi lemak. I made her get the best local Panasonic and you can tell the difference. An induction model (of which the Panasonic isn't) cooks a bit more evenly. The heating algorithms make a difference too.

      • itstuan on 01/04/2017 - 17:56

        It may be true. I guess I'll never know until I try one. The missus also want one of these, we eat rice almost every day so good rice cooker kinda important.

  • Elision on 31/03/2017 - 21:42
    +1

    Supposedly you can buy these in Springvale (Success Hardware & Kitchenware) as well as the 5.5 cup model. They used to be cheaper than this but the last info I have found is from 2012 when they were $270 or so. Unsure how much they are now.

    If anyone misses out on the Costco ones or only want the 5.5 cup model then at least it's another option :)

    • hamwhisperer on 31/03/2017 - 21:57
      +2

      Yeah I was googling this yesterday, 5.5 cup model @ $270 from 2012. Be curious to know how much now and if Coscto has the smaller one.

      So many fake / grey market goods with China booming, hate to pick up a fakey from a little shitty independent store, prefer someone big like Costco

      • Elision on 31/03/2017 - 22:17
        +2

        True, I believe that this is the most popular store to buy them though. I've read about it quite a lot. My issue is that I want a rice cooker for just my partner and I. We love rice but 10 cup is just so big :/ I wish costco sold the smaller model.

        • hamwhisperer on 31/03/2017 - 22:44

          Same here, 10 is 2 big for just 2 of us.

          So Costco only had the one model?

        • Elision on 31/03/2017 - 23:15

          @hamwhisperer:

          I'm just assuming they only have this one as they didn't mention any others in the post. Plus costco likes to do everything big/bulk haha.

        • encoderboy on 31/03/2017 - 23:51

          @hamwhisperer: They also make a 5.5 cup version of this - I think I paid ~$220 for mine earlier this year (not from Costco).

        • hamwhisperer on 01/04/2017 - 08:59

          @encoderboy: Wow, that cheap, the Chinese made or the Jap made? What model # and where?

        • encoderboy on 01/04/2017 - 20:20

          @hamwhisperer: Tiger JBA-T10A is the 5.5 cup version.

          I've had a bit of a dig around, and suspect it's been superceded by JAX-S10A (which looks nearly identical, but costs ~$300).

          I'm not sure if I bought at just the end of the lifecycle maybe..

        • hamwhisperer on 02/04/2017 - 10:47
          +1

          @encoderboy: Oh sweet, thanks dude, appreciate.

  • clandestino on 31/03/2017 - 21:55
    +1

    What is "toothy, fluffy rice"?! Lol

    • Meconium on 31/03/2017 - 22:23

      Yum rice

  • Unrvl on 31/03/2017 - 21:56
    -7

    i didnt know $300 rice cookers existed. certainly didnt think it would pop up here. ozbargain is broken

    • jv on 31/03/2017 - 21:58

      ozbargain is broken

      Early April Fools joke I believe…

    • dreamstation on 31/03/2017 - 22:26
      +2

      We have a $20 sunbeam rice cooker which does the trick. Would love to know what makes this model worth $280 more.

      • plasmoske on 31/03/2017 - 22:56

        I'm Vietnamese and eat rice every day. Same I also have a $20 rice cooker. I mean it's rice. Why the hell you need a $300 rice cooker for? It's like a Toyota vs a Porsche.

      • Ryk on 01/04/2017 - 11:37

        buy one, try it. you'll throw out the $20 job.

    • mickeyjuiceman on 01/04/2017 - 06:41

      Not everyone here is an idiot who can't distinguish between cost and value.

  • jv on 31/03/2017 - 21:57
    -8

    $300 at Costco

    or just use a saucepan and cook your rice for free…

    • slipperypete on 31/03/2017 - 23:00

      where did you get the free saucepan from?

      Apart from that, it seems considering you got negged there must be a lot of people who get overly emotional about their rice cookers!!!

      Actually I agree with you…but I'm not a rice connoisseur

      • jv on 31/03/2017 - 23:01
        +2

        where did you get the free saucepan from?

        it was a gift…

        • SuiCid3 on 01/04/2017 - 20:33

          What about the fire/electricity to cook your rice?
          If fire, what about your gas? If not gas, what about your wood? If using wood to make your free fire, what did you use to start the fire?

        • jv on 02/04/2017 - 07:29

          @SuiCid3:

          did you use to start the fire?

          Flint

  • 99altezza on 31/03/2017 - 22:03
    +1

    is this nationwide?

    • Meconium on 31/03/2017 - 22:05

      I think so.

  • monkp on 31/03/2017 - 22:04
    +1

    very good rice cooker, bought mine from cateringsale mid last year when they were $297 inc gst.

    • carlenet on 01/04/2017 - 10:16

      Price @ cateringsale isn't inclusive of GST, hence the price to consumers is $305.03.

      • enveloped on 03/04/2017 - 20:27

        They emailed me saying that they only have JAX-T18U at $350 (rounded up). Researching if that one is good at that price.

  • Hardlyworkin on 31/03/2017 - 22:05
    +3

    If you eat a lot of rice then $300 isn't that much over time. Spending a bit more to make a food you love is money well spent!

  • Hsinking on 31/03/2017 - 22:06
    +1

    I would suggest buying a IH rice cooker rather than a rice cooker, it simulates the ancient way to cook rice and yes it makes a difference, I got one overseas for 200 aud, you can find many of them on eBay (my brand is Midea).

    • evie on 31/03/2017 - 22:47

      Supor and Midea are very professional rice cooker and both of them are good. I used them for over 10 years.
      But Tiger is a different story.

      • Hsinking on 31/03/2017 - 23:01
        +1

        it is another phychological story…

      • Ryder on 01/04/2017 - 11:10
        +1

        This one is expensive for a non IH rice cooker

  • camelthief on 31/03/2017 - 22:10
    +2

    I got the 5Cup version of this Panasonic for $78/- about a year ago. Its really good and you have the option of doing a quick cook, roughly 20min for 2-3 cups of rice.

    https://www.jbhifi.com.au/whitegoods-appliances/kitchen-appl…

    Not sure if this Tiger is 4x better ;-)

  • browser on 31/03/2017 - 22:13
    +1

    10 cups are a bit too much for us, a 4 to 6 cups version would have been perfect.

  • Lord Fart Bucket on 31/03/2017 - 22:13
    +7

    Sorry, but i just buy a cheap $20 one… i know it won't last, but it is 1/15th of the price. And all it does is boil rice. Can't see how $300 is a deal. No reason to neg… just expressing my opinion.

    • UFO on 31/03/2017 - 22:30
      +3

      I agree!

      I go through $10-20 rice cookers every couple of years. No worries, I just buy another one and am perfectly happy with the fluffy rice that comes out.

      Can someone please explain why this $300 one is any better? It's just rice…. it's a vehicle to hold the other flavoursome food.

      • skywards on 31/03/2017 - 22:36

        The convenience of rice done well

      • poor_me on 31/03/2017 - 23:22

        I had a cheapo Kmart one for years. I suppose its only setting was too high as some rice would always be stuck to the bottom of it. I would always just think of it as a rice write-off. Eventually I got a little sick of it (and the quality of the cooked rice) and moved on to a $70 Panasonic model. Cooks a little slower, but you really do notice the difference. You wouldn't expect it but the rice really is more appetising.

        Not sure how a $300 one would perform, would sure like a taste-test to find out..

        • Radar on 01/04/2017 - 00:02
          +1

          that crispy bottom rice is a treat in our place.

    • dufflover on 31/03/2017 - 22:59

      It's not just reliability but also the quality. Luckily for me I only have a cheapie Kmart rice cooker as well which is good enough I can't justify a "fancy" rice cooker.

      I personally would probably struggle to split the cooking quality difference between a better one (say $100 mark) to this though.

    • imolared on 01/04/2017 - 00:02
      +1

      $20? Pfft, been microwaving my rice for years now on a Pyrex bowl, comes out perfect in 15 minutes (2 cups).

  • Hsinking on 31/03/2017 - 22:18
    +4

    Another thing to share : I have a college mate who is now living in Japan, he told me that it is not the Japanese rice cooker(10%)that makes the rice delicious, it is indeed the Japanese rice(90%) which makes people think Japanese rice cookers are superior to other rice cookers. The Japanese took the seeds of rice from Manchuria during WWII and Manchuria is now commonly known as Northeast China, a region which produces the best and most expensive rice in China, it is even better than the Thai/Vietnamese rice which you can find in Australian markets.

    • OzBLover on 31/03/2017 - 22:27
      +1

      agree the rice is very important and so is the cooker. most if not all of the Vietnamese rice in Aus are actually from Thai. I personally like Red Roses the best.

      • Hsinking on 31/03/2017 - 22:48
        +3

        Thai and Vietnamese rices are grown in warm regions which allow them to be harvested 3 times a year;

        However Manchuria is surrounded by Siberia and North Korea, it is a cool region which only allows rice to be harvested once in a year, so is the Japanese rice.

        The temperature plus unique soil( soil of Manchuria is described as dark soil) makes rice there at least one of the best in the world.

        • Meconium on 31/03/2017 - 23:08
          +1

          The Japanese harvest rice three times a year now, it used to be once but with fertilisers and improved water control they can get three flushes in a season. Would be surprised if China didn't do the same these days.

        • simulacrum on 01/04/2017 - 06:05
          +1

          Thai and Vietnamese rice tends to be long grain/jasmine rice. It has its own taste profile, and mix of starches. Japanese tend to use shorter grain varieties, with a different taste, aroma and texture. I think Thai jasmine rice is delicious and stands up well to flavor packed Thai dishes. Japanese rice tends to clump better and has a milder sweeter taste that works better with milder flavored Japanese dishes.

        • OzBLover on 01/04/2017 - 08:51
          +1

          The southern part of Vietnam with a warmer climate and support of the Mekong delta is able to harvest 2 to 3 times. The north is a lot colder and usually experience severe storms 3 to 4 months a year - can only harvest once and sometimes twice.

          We grow both long grain (Oryza sativa L.var.utilissima A. camus) and sticky/purple rice (Oryza sativa L. var glutinosa Tanaka).Compare with Thai's rice, Vietnamese's rice grain is shorter/rounder. I dont believe we export to Australia at all since 2015. Our customers are China, Myanmar and some Africa countries. All Vietnamese brands in the market at the moment are actually Thai rice.

        • [Deactivated] on 01/04/2017 - 15:03

          Yes this. If you ever get the chance, do try the Dongbei da mi (I believe thats what it is called).
          Once you try it you,ll never go back.

          We use this with a chinese IH rice cooker (quite a popular chinese brand) and the rice is really of a different league.

      • nightelves on 01/04/2017 - 08:49

        Red Roses has degraded a lot over the years.

      • hamwhisperer on 01/04/2017 - 13:37

        Where can I get good quality, still healthy AND cheap brown rice? My girl wants to eat white rice and I want to dissuade her from that garbage as much as possible.

    • Chazzozz on 31/03/2017 - 22:30
      +1

      Agreed. I spent a year in Japan during high school and that's how I learnt to appreciate rice done well. Anything made in a saucepan just does not compare at all.

      • slipperypete on 31/03/2017 - 23:06
        +1

        so how was it cooked before all these gadgets came out…or is this improvement in cooked rice a new concept?

        • Baghern on 01/04/2017 - 00:47
          +3

          Havent you seen the ricecooker's in the primitive cave paintings in Japan?

    • WT on 01/04/2017 - 10:52

      I like the taiwanese rice but it went from $20 to $28 a bag and its only a 10kg bag…

  • alo1234 on 31/03/2017 - 22:19
    +1

    These are available in Costco Docklands as well. First saw them at $300 and was like who pay $300 for a rice cooker… The Panasonic one they used to have is good enough at $120 or so back then

  • Nicko11 on 31/03/2017 - 22:31
    -5

    I have to be blunt and honest…. Expect some rage for my comments but have to say this…

    what a waste of money $300 for a rice cooker….. Only an idiot who is truly lazy will pay to buy a rice cooker this expensive….

    All you have to do is

    Step1 : wash the rice (1min)
    Step 2: 2 cups of rice and fill the pan with water, fill water 3 to 5 times the rice level (1.30 sec)
    step 3: boil rice until its done (between 5 - 10 min)
    step 3: use a strainer to remove the water ( 1 min)
    step 4 : eat the bloody rice

    come on guys stop wasting you hard earned money……….and be a man for a change

    • FitzChivalry Farseer on 31/03/2017 - 22:50
      +4

      When every small Chinese takeaway and restaurant I know, every one of them scrimping and saving to make a few dollars a night from their cheap $5 takeaways, is using one of those expensive rice cookers, I know it ain't about being lazy but about being smart.
      Because they know if the rice ain't nice you aren't going back again.
      And spending $300 on a rice cooker that gets it right every time for 20 years without worrying about over cooking or being soggy seems like a very good investment to me.

      • slipperypete on 31/03/2017 - 23:09
        +2

        yeah but you are talking commercial. I can see the benefit if you are eating rice every day and have a large family, but is this really worth it for the average non Asian out there who would eat rice a couple of times a week? Just curious, I eat brown rice 4 times a week but only cook 2 cups worth each time…is this overkill?

      • Nicko11 on 01/04/2017 - 02:28
        -5

        I didnt ask you not to buy it. Go and get it, it was just a citizens warning …… horses for courses

        Atleast 2 days a week I cook rice and its been nearly 12 years since I stopped using my rice cooker and i never had soggy rice incident. So my point still stands - about laziness, you have to be proactive else choose to be lazy and use $$$ cooker

        I know restaurants who still refuse to use Rice cookers , they have over 20 years of experience . so you think they are stupid or not smart? The rice we get at cheap $5 takeaway got its quality tied to it. Thats why it got no taste and you need different types of sauce or chemicals to get some taste. So you keep eating that F grade rice next 20 years and most probably your doctor will tell you "that wasnt too smart decision" .A real good rice got its taste in itself .

      • OzBLover on 01/04/2017 - 08:54

        just want to add that the Tiger used in takeaway and restaurant are the commercial models which start from around $600

    • Chazzozz on 31/03/2017 - 22:51
      +6

      Depends on how you like your rice. It's actually not very easy to make good rice in a saucepan, although it IS possible. Sadly, it's far too easy to end up with gluggly, sticky rice that's nowhere near as nice. A rice cooker isn't designed to take away the hard work, it's meant to perfect the process so you end up with a decent end result.

      If you're determined to save money and do it in a more traditional fashion then use the absorption method.

      • slipperypete on 31/03/2017 - 23:11

        great explanation…thanks

      • starionx on 31/03/2017 - 23:22
        -1

        What a load of crap. During the colder months, I will cook rice (in a saucepan) 3-4 times a week, and it is perfect every time. It's not hard, you just need to be attentive, and know how to read a clock. Besides, rice is boring on its own. It's what you mix it with, that counts.

        • ganymede on 01/04/2017 - 01:03

          Perfect is relative… ;)

        • [Deactivated] on 01/04/2017 - 15:08

          Thing is, I'd rather pay a little bit more to be a little lazy.

          Its is possible to perfectly mow your 1 acre lawn by hand, you just need to drink lots of water and know how to use a pair of scissors. Why pay $400 for a mower?

          Don't need to put others down just to feel superior right? I use a kmart rice cooker while my IH (about 100+ AUD from china) is in another town with the wife. If I wasn't moving around so much (and have a cooker already) this one is a good deal.

    • tsimop on 31/03/2017 - 22:53

      I was thinking the same thing, especially if the rice cooker takes 45 mins to cook rice… What benefit does the rice cooker give?

      • jlogic on 31/03/2017 - 23:13
        +1

        Soft fluffy rice according to the comments

      • dbun1 on 01/04/2017 - 11:05

        None. It just automates the process.

        I cook my rice on the stove with pot and lid. Fluffy rice. It's quicker, but you have to watch it more.
        Fluffy rice is just a combination of good rice, right amount of water and correct cooking time.

        A rice cooker is not some kind of magic machine.

      • boomramada on 01/04/2017 - 18:13

        45 min for 10 cups?
        For 2 cups it be over kill.
        I'm using my $15 rice cooker from k mart for once a week two cup cooking and always make the perfect rice for my mind.

    • ganymede on 01/04/2017 - 00:59
      +10

      Mate! If you need a strainer to remove the excess water after you have cooked the rice you are doing it wrong.

    • simulacrum on 01/04/2017 - 06:10
      +2

      LOL if you have enough water left in the pan to need to strain it out, I'm sorry to say but you're just not very discerning about the quality of the end product. It might be perfect rice for you but guarantee that many people would consider your rice way too gluggy.

      Additionally if you're using the same steps for basmati, koshihikari and brown jasmine, then you're not going to get the ideal texture and flavor for each type of rice.

    • Hahuh on 08/04/2017 - 17:29

      Think non of these people know how to cook. Ive been negged aswell. Ive spoken to people and they are like "You cook without a cooker" Yes. Infact we make it differently than most and it turns out 100 times better. If I wanted "Steamed rice" I wouldnt pay more than $50 for a machine taking up counter space.

      We make what is known as 'pilav' or pilaf. The rice is washed about 3 times. then left to sit for around 30 mins with salt and drained. We then fry the rice in oil until the rice clumps together. For each cup (we use drinking glasses) of rice we add around 1.5 times the water. Then you pop the lid and simmer on low heat. When it done you put a paper towel to absorb the remaining liquid (wedge it between the pan and the lid) fluff with a fork.

      This is how Ive eaten rice all my life. We do steamed rice for puddings or if we have an upset stomach.

      https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8eUFgKsstwQ

      but with way less oil

  • jelko on 31/03/2017 - 22:41
    +4

    Who would pay $300 for a rice cooker?

    • evie on 31/03/2017 - 22:43
      +2

      because they are good?

    • Elision on 31/03/2017 - 23:38
      +1

      Like every asian family I know.. also me.. i'm looking to buy one.

    • Praeto on 01/04/2017 - 12:47
      +1

      When you're looking at a purchase, you should look at the cost annualised. $300 might seem like a lot, but if it gives you perfect rice and lasts 20 years it's not a bad option. Sure, the $60 versions might do a passable job, but if they only last 2 - 3 years you're paying $400 - $600 over the same period for a lesser quality output.

      The cheap option frequently isn't the "bargain" option.

  • congo on 31/03/2017 - 22:50
    +1

    Is there one smart enough to tell you if you have put too much or too little water?

    • nowindex on 01/04/2017 - 21:37

      A Thermomix maybe? But they are ~6x the cost of this rice cooker!

    • simulacrum on 12/04/2017 - 17:27

      you measure rice using provided "cups" and put it into the container, then fill it with water up to the relevant mark inside the cooker for the number of cups and the type of rice you're cooking.

  • SuiCid3 on 31/03/2017 - 22:52

    There is a reason Tiger are used widely in the asian community, if you can't justify the price of it, don't buy it. Simple.

    I've got a hand me down from my mum, which has been used anywhere between 1-3 times a day, every day for at least the last 15 years and is still going strong.

    • jelko on 31/03/2017 - 23:36
      +1

      That's a lot of fried rice.

      • ATangk on 01/04/2017 - 00:14

        Fried rice is only if you cook too much. After 15 years im sure they, like us, have the proportions nailed down to the grain.

  • Vash1984 on 31/03/2017 - 22:57
    +2

    I'm an ABV and probably wouldn't spend more than $50 on a rice cooker, but my wife is born in Japan and she told me to buy another one just in case our current Tiger rice cooker breaks! She eats of a lot of plain foods so I think the taste and texture of the rice needs to be just right to enjoy the dish. Chinese/Vietnamese food on the other hand, in my opinion, have plenty of flavors and sauces so rice doesn't play a big part of the dish. So it really depends on what types of meals you eat.

  • tightasian on 31/03/2017 - 22:57

    Try to soak your rice for a few hours, say in the morning put water and rice in the $20 rice cooker, press cook when u get home around 6 pm. $300 for a rice cooker, not Asian style

  • neonlight on 31/03/2017 - 22:58
    +2

    Had a Panasonic one for less than $120 used it for few years no issues similar kind of quality rice. So why would you pay double more

    Tiger is only good for themos type

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