Aroma Professional ARC-980SB User manual

Professional
Questions or concerns about your
rice cooker?
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Aroma’s customer service experts are happy
to help. Call us toll-free at 1-800-276-6286.
Answers to many common questions and
even replacement parts can be found online.
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Instruction Manual
Rice Cooker • Food Steamer • Slow Cooker
ARC-980SB

Congratulations on your purchase of the Aroma® Professional™20-Cup Digital Rice Cooker, Food Steamer and Slow Cooker. In no time at all, you’ll be making fantastic,
uy rice at the touch of a button! Whether long, medium or short grain, this cooker is specially calibrated to prepare all varieties of rice, including tough-to-cook whole grain
brown rice, to uy perfection.
In addition to rice, your new Aroma®Professional™ Rice Cooker is ideal for healthy, one-pot meals for the whole family. The convenient steam tray inserts directly over the
rice, allowing you to cook moist, fresh meats and vegetables at the same time, in the same pot. Steaming foods locks in their natural avor and nutrients without added oil or
fat, for meals that are as nutritious and low-calorie as they are easy.
Aroma®’s Sauté-Then-Simmer™ Technology is ideal for the easy preparation of Spanish rice, risottos, pilafs, packaged meal helpers, stir frys and more stovetop favorites! The
Slow Cook function adds an extra dimension of versatility to your rice cooker, allowing it to fully function as a programmable slow cooker! Use them together for simplied
searing and slow cooking in the same pot.
But it doesn’t end there. Your new rice cooker is also great for soups, stews, stocks, gumbos, jambalaya, breakfast frittatas, dips and even desserts!
Several delicious recipes are included at the back of this manual, and even more are available online at www.AromaCo.com. This manual contains instructions for using
your rice cooker and its convenient pre-programmed digital settings, as well as all of the accessories included. There are also helpful measurement charts for cooking rice
and steaming.
For more information on your Aroma®Professional™ Rice Cooker, Food Steamer and Slow Cooker or for product service, recipes and other home appliance solutions, please
visit us online at www.AromaCo.com.
See what’s cooking with Aroma online!
www.AromaTestKitchen.com www.facebook.com/AromaHousewares www.twitter.com/AromaHousewares www.pinterest.com/AromaHousewares
Published By:
Aroma Housewares Co.
6469 Flanders Drive
San Diego, CA 92121
U.S.A.
1-800-276-6286
www.AromaCo.com
©2016 Aroma Housewares Company
All rights reserved.

1. Important:Readallinstructionscarefullybeforerstuse.
2. Do not touch hot surfaces. Use the handles or knobs.
3. Use only on a level, dry and heat-resistant surface.
4. To protect against re, electric shock and injury to persons, do not
immerse cord, plug or the appliance in water or any other liquid. See
instructions for cleaning.
5. Close supervision is necessary when the appliance is used by or near
children.
6. Unplug from outlet when not in use and before cleaning. Allow unit
to cool before putting on or taking o parts and before cleaning the
appliance.
7. Do not operate any appliance with a damaged cord or plug or after the
appliance malfunctions or has been damaged in any manner. Contact
Aroma® customer service for examination, repair or adjustment.
8. The use of accessory attachments not recommended by Aroma®
Housewares may result in re, electrical shock or injury.
9. Do not use outdoors.
10. Do not let cord touch hot surfaces or hang over the edge of a counter
or table.
11. Do not place on or near a hot gas or electric burner or in a heated oven.
12. Do not use the appliance for other than its intended use.
13. Extreme caution must be used when moving the appliance containing
rice, hot oil or other hot liquids.
Basic safety precautions should always be followed when using electrical appliances, including the following:
14. Do not touch, cover or obstruct the steam vent on the top of the rice cooker
as it is extremely hot and may cause scalding.
15. Use only with a 120V AC power outlet.
16. Always unplug from the base of the wall outlet. Never pull on the cord.
17. The rice cooker should be operated on a separate electrical circuit from
other operating appliances. If the electrical circuit is overloaded with other
appliances, the appliance may not operate properly.
18. Always make sure the outside of the inner cooking pot is dry prior to use. If
the inner pot is returned to the cooker when wet, it may damage or cause
the product to malfunction.
19. Use extreme caution when opening the lid during or after cooking. Hot
steam will escape and may cause scalding.
20. Rice should not be left in the inner cooking pot with the Keep-Warm function
on for more than 12 hours.
21. To prevent damage or deformation, do not use the inner cooking pot on a
stovetop or burner.
22. To disconnect, turn any control to OFF, then remove the plug from the wall
outlet.
23. To reduce the risk of electrical shock, cook only in the removable inner
cooking pot provided.
24. To avoid spills and burns do not carry rice cooker by the lid handle.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS
IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS
1

THIS APPLIANCE IS FOR HOUSEHOLD USE ONLY.
1. A short power-supply cord is provided to reduce the risks resulting from becoming
entangled in or tripping over a longer cord.
2. Longer extension cords are available and may be used if care is exercised in their use.
3. If a longer extension cord is used:
a. The marked electrical rating of the extension cord should be at least as great as
the electrical rating of the appliance.
b. The longer cord should be arranged so that it will not drape over the counter top
or tabletop where it can be pulled by children or tripped over unintentionally.
Short Cord Instructions
IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS
2
Polarized Plug
This appliance has a polarized plug (one blade is wider than the other); follow the instructions below:
To reduce the risk of electric shock, this plug is intended to t into a polarized outlet only one way. If the plug does not t fully into the outlet,
reverse the plug. If it still does not t, contact a qualied electrician. Do not attempt to modify the plug in any way.
If the supply cord is damaged, it must be replaced by the manufacturer, its service agent or a similarly qualied person in order to avoid a hazard.
DO NOT DRAPE CORD!
KEEP AWAY
FROM CHILDREN!

Inner Cooking Pot Steam Tray Measuring Cup Serving Spatula
Condensation
Collector
Handle
Lid Release
Button
Lid
Steam Vent
Control Panel
Storage Lid
Digital Display
PARTS IDENTIFICATION
3
Digital Controls
The Quick Rice function is a great time-saving option for rice in a pinch. This
setting foregoes the rice cooker’s Sensor Logic™for faster cooking times,
although cooked rice will not be to the same quality of the White Rice and
Brown Rice functions.
DELAY TIMER
The DELAY TIMER sets up to 15 hours for rice ready when it’s needed. Add
rice and water in the morning and set the timer for mealtime at night.
The Steam function is perfect for healthy sides and main courses. Set the
time food needs to steam, it will begin to countdown once water
reaches a boil and shut o once time has elapsed.
The MENU button allows the rice cooker to be set to one of its 8 specialized
cooking functions: White Rice, Brown Rice, Quick Rice, Slow Cook,
Sauté-Then-Simmer™, Cake, Soup and Steam.
The White function cooks restaurant-quality white rice automatically.
The Soup function is great for preparing savory soups and delicious stews.
The Cake function “bakes” cakes and other treats.
Aroma’s Sauté-Then-Simmer™ (STS™) Technology will sauté foods at a high
heat and automatically switch over to its simmer mode once liquid is added.
The Brown function is ideal for cooking brown rice and other tough-to-cook
whole grains to perfection.
The Slow Cook function sets to slow cook from 2 to 10 hours and is great
for homemade roasts and stews.
POWER/KEEP-WARM
The POWER/KEEP WARM button serves two purposes. One press of the
POWER/KEEP WARM button will turn the rice cooker on. A second press will
set the rice cooker to its Keep-Warm setting.

4
BEFORE FIRST USE
1. Read all instructions and important safeguards.
2. Remove all packaging materials and check that all items have been received in good condition.
3. Tear up and properly dipsose all plastic bags as they can pose a risk to children.
4. Wash steam vent and all other accessories in warm, soapy water. Rinse and dry thoroughly.
5. Remove the inner cooking pot from rice cooker and clean with warm, soapy water. Rinse and dry thoroughly before returning to cooker.
6. Wipe body clean with a damp cloth.
NOTE
• Do not use abrasive cleaners or scouring pads.
• Do not immerse the rice cooker base, cord or plug in water at any time.
The provided rice cooker
cup is the equivalent to
a ¾ standard US cup.
3/4
US cups
HELPFUL
HINTS

5
41 32
TO COOK RICE
Using the provided measuring cup,
add rice to the inner cooking pot.
Place the inner cooking pot into the
rice cooker.
Fill with water to the line which
matches the number of cups of rice
being cooked.
Rinse rice to remove excess starch.
Drain. (Optional)
HELPFUL
HINTS
NOTE
• If you misplace the measuring cup, a ¾ standard US cup is an exact
replacement.
• To add more avor to rice, try substituting a favorite meat or vegetable
broth or stock. The ratio of broth/stock to rice will be the same as
water to rice.
• For approximate rice cooking times and suggested rice/water ratios,
see the “Rice/Water Measurement Table” on page 7.
• Before placing the inner cooking pot into the rice cooker, check that it
is dry and free of debris. Adding the inner cooking pot when wet may
damage the rice cooker.
Connect the power cord to the rice
cooker and plug into an available
120V AC outlet.
65
Close the lid securely.

6
9 10
The rice cooker will now begin
cooking. The cooking indicator light
will illuminate.
The rice cooker will countdown the
nal12minutes(WhiteRice)and25
minutes (Brown Rice) of cook time.
13
Whennishedservingrice,turn
thericecookerobypressingthe
POWER/KEEP WARM button twice
and unplug the power cord.
1211
For better results, stir the rice with
the serving spatula to distribute any
remaining moisture.
Oncericeisnished,thericecooker
will beep and automatically switch to
Keep-Warm.
TO COOK RICE (CONT.)
7 8
Press the POWER/KEEP WARM
button to turn on the rice cooker.
Press MENU to navigate to the
White Rice or Brown Rice function,
depending upon the type of rice
being cooked.
NOTE
• Brown rice requires a much
longer cooking cycle than other
rice varieties due to the extra
bran layers on the grains. The
Brown Rice function on this
rice cooker allows extra time
and adjusted heat settings in
order to cook the rice properly.
If it appears the rice cooker is
not heating up immediately on
the Brown Rice setting, this is
due to a low-heat soak cycle
that preceeds the cooking
cycle to produce better brown
rice results.
• Rice should not be left in the
rice cooker on Keep-Warm for
more than 12 hours.

7
HELPFUL
HINTS
RICE/WATER MEASUREMENT TABLE
• Rinse rice before placing it into the inner pot to remove excess bran and starch. This will help reduce browning and sticking to the bottom of the pot.
• Want perfect brown rice without the wait? Use the Delay Timer. Simply add rice and water in the morning and set the Delay Timer to the number of
hours when rice will be needed. See “To Use Delay Timer” on page 10 for instructions.
• This chart is only a general measuring guide. As there are many dierent kinds of rice available, rice/water measurements may vary.
* Cups referrenced are with the included measuring cup. The measuring cup included adheres to rice cooker industry standards and is not equal to a standard
U.S. measuring cup. The included measuring cup is equal to a standard ¾ US cup.
*1 Rice Cooker Cup = ¾ US Cups
UNCOOKED RICE RICE WATER LINE INSIDE POT APPROX. COOKED RICE YIELD COOKING TIMES
2 Rice Cooker Cups* Line 2 4 Rice Cooker Cups* WHITE RICE: 30-35 Min.
BROWN RICE: 65-70 Min.
3 Rice Cooker Cups* Line 3 6 Rice Cooker Cups* WHITE RICE: 33-38 Min.
BROWN RICE: 75-80 Min.
4 Rice Cooker Cups* Line 4 8 Rice Cooker Cups* WHITE RICE: 38-43 Min.
BROWN RICE: 80-85 Min.
5 Rice Cooker Cups* Line 5 10 Rice Cooker Cups* WHITE RICE: 40-45 Min.
BROWN RICE: 85-90 Min.
6 Rice Cooker Cups* Line 6 12 Rice Cooker Cups* WHITE RICE: 43-48 Min.
BROWN RICE: 88-93 Min.
7 Rice Cooker Cups* Line 7 14 Rice Cooker Cups* WHITE RICE: 45-50 Min.
BROWN RICE: 90-95 Min.
8 Rice Cooker Cups* Line 8 16 Rice Cooker Cups* WHITE RICE: 47-52 Min.
BROWN RICE: 92-97 Min.
9 Rice Cooker Cups* Line 9 18 Rice Cooker Cups* WHITE RICE: 49-54 Min.
BROWN RICE: 92-97 Min.
10 Rice Cooker Cups* Line 10 20 Rice Cooker Cups* WHITE RICE: 51-56 Min.
BROWN RICE: 96-101 Min.

8
TO USE QUICK RICE
NOTE
To use the Quick Rice function, follow the steps for “To Cook Rice” beginning on page 5. Rather than
pressing one of the standard rice function buttons, press the QUICK RICE button.
If cooking brown rice, add an additional 1½ cups water, using the provided measuring cup, to
compensate for the lack of soaking time. The included measuring cup is equal to a standard ¾ US cup.
• Cooking times are approximate. Altitude, humidity and outside temperature will aect cooking time.
• Opening the lid during the cooking cycle causes a loss of heat and steam. Cooking time may be prolonged if the lid is opened before the rice is nished.
* Cups referrenced are with the included measuring cup. The measuring cup included adheres to rice cooker industry standards and is not equal to a standard
U.S. measuring cup. If cooking brown rice, add an additional 1½ cups water, using the provided measuring cup, to compensate for the lack of soaking time.
The included measuring cup is equal to a standard ¾ US cup.
*1 Rice Cooker Cup = ¾ US Cups
WHITE RICE
UNCOOKED CUPS*
COOKING TIME WITH
QUICK RICE
FUNCTION
APPROX. TIME SAVINGS
COMPARED TO WHITE
RICE FUNCTION
2 Rice Cooker Cups* 17-22 Min. 15 Min.
4 Rice Cooker Cups* 22-27 Min. 15 Min.
6 Rice Cooker Cups* 27-32 Min. 15 Min.
8 Rice Cooker Cups* 30-35 Min. 10 Min.
10 Rice Cooker Cups* 33-38 Min. 10 Min
BROWN RICE
UNCOOKED CUPS*
COOKING TIME WITH
QUICK RICE
FUNCTION
APPROX. TIME SAVINGS
COMPARED TO BROWN
RICE FUNCTION
2 Rice Cooker Cups* 33-43 Min. 25 Min.
4 Rice Cooker Cups* 44-49 Min. 35 Min.
6 Rice Cooker Cups* 46-51 Min. 40 Min.
8 Rice Cooker Cups* 52-57 Min. 40 Min.
10 Rice Cooker Cups* 52-63 Min. 40 Min

9
TO USE THE DELAY TIMER
118 109
Follow steps 1 to 7 of “To Cook Rice” beginning on page 5.
Press the DELAY TIMER button.
Each press increases in half an hour
increments. It may be set to have
rice ready in 1 to 15 hours. The time
selected will indicate when cooking
will be complete.
Once rice begins cooking, the
cooking indicator light will
illuminate.
The digital display will countdown
from the time selected.
Once the needed time is selected,
press the MENU button to select
White Rice or Brown Rice functions
depending on the rice being cooked.
• Due to the longer cooking time needed, brown rice may
only be delayed for 2 hours or more.
NOTE
• If you misplace the measuring cup, a ¾ standard US cup is an
exact replacement.
• To add more avor to rice, try substituting a favorite meat or
vegetable broth or stock. The ratio of broth/stock to rice will be the
same as water to rice.
HELPFUL
HINTS

10
For better results, stir the rice with
the serving spatula to distribute any
remaining moisture.
Whennishedservingrice,turn
thericecookerobypressingthe
POWER/KEEP WARM button twice
and unplug the power cord.
1514
Oncericeisnished,thericecooker
will beep and automatically switch to
Keep-Warm.
13
TO USE THE DELAY TIMER (CONT.)
• Rice should not be left in the rice cooker on Keep-Warm for more than 12 hours.
NOTE
12
The rice cooker will countdown the
nal12minutesofcooktime.

11
TO SLOW COOK
41 32
Add food to be slow cooked to the
inner cooking pot.
Connect the power cord to the rice
cooker and plug into an available
120V AC outlet.
Close the lid securely.Place the inner cooking pot into the
rice cooker.
NOTE
• The Slow Cook function operates as a traditional “High”
Slow Cook function.
• Before placing the inner cooking pot into the rice cooker,
check that the cooking pot is dry and free of debris.
Adding the inner cooking pot when wet may damage
the rice cooker.
• If recipe calls for ingredients to be seared or browned
use Saute-Then-Simmer™to sear meat then switch to
Slow Cook to nish cooking.
65
Press the MENU button to select
the Slow Cook function. The digital
displaywillshowaashing2:00to
represent two hours of slow cook
time.
Press the POWER/KEEP WARM
button to turn the rice cooker on.

12
Open the lid to check food for
doneness. If fully cooked, remove
food for serving.
11
Whennishedserving,turntherice
cookerobypressingthePOWER/
KEEP WARM button and unplug the
power cord.
12
The rice cooker will begin to
slow cook. The digital display will
countdown from the selected time.
9
Once the selected time has passed,
the rice cooker will beep and
automatically switch to Keep-Warm.
10
Once the needed cooking time is
selected, the rice cooker will beep to
indicate it is setting at the displayed
time. It will beep once more and the
displaywillstopashingtoindicate
it has set.
8
Use the UP + or DOWN - buttons
to set the time. These buttons will
adjust slow cook time by 30 minutes,
up to 10 hours.
7
TO SLOW COOK (CONT.)

13
•Do not use the provided serving spatula to sauté. It is not intended to be used in contact with high
temperatures. Use a long-handled wooden or heat-safe spoon to stir food while sautéing.
CAUTION
X
Place the inner cooking pot into the
rice cooker and close the lid.
Press the MENU button to select the
Sauté-Then-Simmer™function to
begin sautéing and allow the cooker
to preheat for 5 minutes.
Press the POWER/KEEP WARM
button to turn on the rice cooker.
Connect the power cord to the rice
cooker and plug into an available
120V AC outlet.
41 32
TO USE SAUTÉ-THEN-SIMMER™

14
Whennishedserving,turntherice
cookerobypressingthePOWER/
KEEP WARM button twice and
unplug the power cord.
Once the meal has cooked, the rice
cooker will beep and automatically
switch over to Keep-Warm.
TO USE SAUTÉ-THEN-SIMMER™ (CONT.)
Using a long-handled wooden
spoon, stir ingredients until sautéed/
browned to the desired level. DO NOT
use included serving spatula while
sautéing.
9 10
Add other called for ingredients and
liquid to the inner cooking pot.
7
Close the lid securely and allow the
rice cooker to cook.
86
Add ingredients to be sautéed/
browned to the inner cooking pot.
5
CAUTION X
•Do not use the provided serving spatula to sauté. It is not intended to
be used in contact with high temperatures. Use a long-handled wooden
or heat-safe spoon to stir food while sautéing.

15
TO SAUTÉ ONLY
Add ingredients to be sautéed/
browned to the inner cooking pot.
Press the POWER/KEEP WARM
button to turn on the rice cooker.
Connect the power cord to the rice
cooker and plug into an available
120V AC outlet.
Place the inner cooking pot into the
rice cooker and close the lid.
41 32
•Do not use the provided serving spatula to sauté. It is not intended to be used in contact with high
temperatures. Use a long-handled wooden or heat-safe spoon to stir food while sautéing.
CAUTION
X

16
TO SAUTÉ ONLY (CONT.)
Using a long-handled wooden
spoon, stir ingredients until sautéed/
browned to the desired level.
Whennishedsautéing,turntherice
cookerobypressingthePOWER/
KEEP WARM button twice and
unplug the power cord.
76
Press the MENU button to select the
Sauté-Then-Simmer™function to
begin sautéing and allow the cooker
to preheat for 5 minutes.
5

17
TO STEAM
Using the provided measuring cup,
add 3 rice cooker cups of water to
the inner cooking pot.
Place the steam tray into the rice
cooker.
Place food to be steamed onto the
steam tray.
Place the inner cooking pot into the
rice cooker.
41 32
HELPFUL
HINTS
• Smaller foods may be placed
on a heat-proof dish and then
placed onto the steam tray.
Parchment paper or aluminum
foil may be used as well.
Place the paper/foil in the
center of the steam tray and
ensure it does not create a
seal along the bottom of the
steam tray. For best results, it
is recommended to puncture
small holes in the paper/foil.
• For suggested steaming times
and water amounts, see the
meat and vegetable steaming
tables on page 21.
Connect the power cord to the rice
cooker and plug into an available
120V AC outlet.
Press the POWER/KEEP WARM
button to turn on the rice cooker.
76
Close the lid securely.
5

18
TO STEAM (CONT.)
Press the MENU button to select the
Steam function. The digital display
willshowaashing0:05torepresent
5 minutes of steam time.
89
Use the UP + or DOWN - buttons
to set the time. These buttons will
adjust steam time by 1 minute, up to
60 minutes.
Once the needed time is selected, the
rice cooker will beep to indicate it is
setting at the displayed time.
10
The steam indicator light will
illuminate to indicate it has begun
steaming.
11
Once the water reaches a boil, the
digital display will countdown in one
minute increments from the selected
time.
12
Once the selected time has passed,
the rice cooker will beep and switch
to Keep-Warm.
13
Check steamed food for doneness.
Ifnishedsteaming,useahot
pad or oven mitt and remove food
immediately to avoid overcooking.
14
Whennishedsteaming,turnthe
ricecookerobypressingthe
POWER/KEEP WARM button twice
and unplug the power cord.
15