Aroma Professional ARC-964SBD 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
ARC-964SBD

Congratulations on your purchase of the Aroma®8-Cup Digital Rice Cooker/Food Steamer. In almost no time, you’ll be making delicious 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®Rice Cooker is ideal for healthy, one-pot meals. 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.
But it doesn’t end there. Your new rice cooker is also great for soups, stews, stocks, gumbos, jambalaya, breakfast frittata, 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®rice cooker, or for product service, recipes and other home appliance solutions, please visit us online at www.AromaCo.com.
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.
www.AromaTestKitchen.com AromaHousewares AromaHousewares AromaHousewares AromaHousewares

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 electrical 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 or 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 burns.
20. Rice should not be left in the inner pot with the “Keep-Warm” function
on for more than 12 hours.
21. To prevent damage or deformation, do not use the inner pot on a
stovetop or burner.
22. To disconnect, turn 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.
DO NOT DRAPE CORD!
KEEP AWAY
FROM CHILDREN!

White
Rice
Brown
Rice
Steam
Quick
Rice
Delay
Timer
Delay Timer
TheDELAY TIMER button allows for rice to be ready
right when it’s needed. Add rice and water in the
morning and come home to delicious rice ready to eat!
White Rice
The WHITE RICE button cooks delicious rice
automatically.
Brown Rice
The BROWN RICE button is ideal for cooking
brown rice and other tough-to-cook whole grains to
perfection.
Steam
The STEAM button 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
Quick Rice
The QUICK RICE button 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.
Power Button/Keep-Warm
ThePOWER button turns the rice cooker on and
food warm and ready to serve. The rice cooker
automatically switches over to “Keep-Warm” once
Digital Controls
Inner Cooking Pot Steam Tray Removable
Inner Lid
Measuring Cup Serving
Spatula
Steam Vent
Lid
Condensation
Collector
Lid Release
Button Handle
Control Panel
PARTS IDENTIFICATION
3

4
BEFORE FIRST USE / TO CLEAN
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 all plastic bags and dispose of properly as they can pose a suocation or choking risk to children.
4. Wash the removable inner lid 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 harsh abrasive cleaners, scouring pads or products that are not considered safe to use on nonstick coatings.
• If washing in the dishwasher, a slight discoloration to the inner pot and accessories may occur. This is cosmetic only and will not aect performance.
• Any other servicing should be performed by Aroma®Housewares.
Detach the removable inner
lid from the rice cooker by
gently pulling it outward.
1
Remove the condensation
collector.
2
Hand wash inner cooking
pot, inner lid and all
accessories or put in the
dishwasher. The Inner
cooking pot and accessories
are top rack dishwasher
safe.
3
Wipe rice cooker body clean
with a damp cloth.
4
Thoroughly dry rice cooker
body and accessories.
Reassemble for next use.
5

5
TO COOK RICE
41 32
Using the provided measuring cup,
add desired amount of 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.
Plug the rice cooker into an available
120V AC outlet.
7 865
Press the POWER button to turn on
the rice cooker.
Press the WHITE RICE or BROWN
RICE button, depending upon the
type of rice being cooked.
Close the lid securely.

6
• 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.
• Before placing the inner cooking pot into the rice cooker, check that the outside is dry and free of debris. Adding the inner cooking pot
when wet may damage the rice cooker.
• Rice should not be left in the rice cooker on “Keep-Warm” for more than 12 hours.
• For better results, stir the rice with the serving spatula to distribute any remaining moisture.
TO COOK RICE (CON'T)
NOTE
9
The rice cooker will begin cooking
and the light will illuminate.
10 12
Whennishedservingrice,turn
thericecookerobypressingthe
POWER button twice and unplug the
power cord.
The digital display will countdown
forthenal12minutesofcooktime.
11
Oncericeisnished,thericecooker
will beep and automatically switch to
“Keep-Warm.”
HELPFUL
HINTS
• 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 8.

7
WHITE RICE
UNCOOKED CUPS*
COOKING TIME WITH
QUICK RICE
FUNCTION
APPROX. TIME SAVINGS
COMPARED TO WHITE
RICE FUNCTION
1 Rice Cooker Cup* 18-24 Min. 11 Min.
2 Rice Cooker Cups* 25-27 Min. 10 Min.
3 Rice Cooker Cups* 27-33 Min. 6 Min.
4 Rice Cooker Cups* 30-34 Min. 10 Min.
10 Rice Cooker Cups* 38-43 Min. 10 Min.
BROWN RICE
UNCOOKED CUPS*
COOKING TIME WITH
QUICK RICE
FUNCTION
APPROX. TIME SAVINGS
COMPARED TO BROWN
RICE FUNCTION
1 Rice Cooker Cup* 35-40 Min. 33 Min.
2 Rice Cooker Cups* 43-49 Min. 34 Min.
3 Rice Cooker Cups* 48-52 Min. 35 Min.
4 Rice Cooker Cups* 48-52 Min. 35 Min.
TO USE QUICK RICE
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.
NOTE
* 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 U.S. Cup

8
RICE/WATER MEASUREMENT TABLE
HELPFUL
HINTS
• Rinse rice prior to cooking 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” for
when rice will be needed that night.
• This chart is only a general measuring guide. As there are many dierent kinds of rice available, rice/water measurements may vary.
1 Rice Cooker Cup = 3/4 U.S. Cup
UNCOOKED RICE RICE WATER LINE
INSIDE POT
APPROX. COOKED
RICE YIELD COOKING TIMES
1 Rice Cooker Cup Line 1 2 Rice Cooker Cups WHITE RICE: 28-35 Min.
BROWN RICE: 63-73 Min.
2 Rice Cooker Cups Line 2 4 Rice Cooker Cups WHITE RICE: 30-37 Min.
BROWN RICE: 73-83 Min.
3 Rice Cooker Cups Line 3 6 Rice Cooker Cups WHITE RICE: 37-39 Min.
BROWN RICE: 77-87 Min.
4 Rice Cooker Cups Line 4 8 Rice Cooker Cups WHITE RICE: 34-44 Min.
BROWN RICE: 77-87 Min.
t

9
TO USE THE DELAY TIMER
118 109
Press the DELAY TIMER button.
Each press increases in one hour
increments. The time may be set
to have rice ready in 1 to 15 hours
for white rice and 2 to 15 hours for
brown rice.
The rice cooker will begin cooking.
The light will illuminate.
The digital display will countdown
from the time selected.
Once the needed time is selected,
press the WHITE RICE or BROWN
RICE button, depending upon the
type of rice being cooked.
Follow steps 1 to 7 of “To Cook
Rice” beginning on page 5.
Whennishedservingrice,turn
thericecookerobypressingthe
POWER button twice and unplug
the power cord.
14
Oncericeisnished,thericecooker
will beep and automatically switch to
“Keep-Warm.”
The digital display will countdown
forthenal12minutesofcooktime.
1312

10
TO STEAM
Using the provided measuring
cup, add 2 cups 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
Plug the power cord into an available
120V AC outlet.
Press the POWER button to turn the
rice cooker on.
7
Press the STEAM button. The digital
displaywillshowa5torepresentve
minutes of steam time.
86
Close the lid securely.
5

11
TO STEAM (CON'T)
Each press of the STEAM button will
increase steaming time by one minute,
up to 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, it will
cyclebacktoveminutes.
9
Once the desired time is selected, the
rice cooker will beep to indicate it is
setting at the displayed time.
10
Once the water reaches a boil, the
digital display will count down in one
minute decrements from the selected
time.
Once the selected time has passed,
the rice cooker will beep and switch to
“Keep-Warm.”
11 12
Turnthericecookerobypressingthe
POWER button twice and unplug the
power cord.
14
Check steamed food for doneness.
Ifnishedsteaming,removefood
immediately to avoid overcooking. Use
protective gloves when removing to
prevent burns.
13
• 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 14.
HELPFUL
HINTS

12
Place food to be steamed onto the
steam tray.
Close the lid securely.Place steam tray into the rice
cooker.
Using caution to avoid escaping
steam, open the lid.
1310 1211
TO STEAM FOOD &
SIMULTANEOUSLY COOK RICE
Follow steps 1 to 9 of “To Cook Rice” beginning on page 5.
NOTE
• Do not attempt to cook more than 2 cups (uncooked)
of rice if steaming and cooking rice simultaneously.
• It is possible to steam at any point during the rice
cooking cycle. However, it is recommended that you
steam during the end of the cycle so that steamed food
does not grow cold or become soggy before the rice is
ready.
• The countdown feature is an excellent way to plan your meal.
Adding the steam tray allows you to ensure rice and steamed food
will nish cooking at the same time.
• Refer to the steaming tables for meats and vegetables on page
14 for hints and approximate steaming times. See the “Rice/Water
Measurement Table” included on page 8 for approximate rice
cooking times.
HELPFUL
HINTS

13
Iffoodisnishedsteaming,remove
steam tray. Use protective gloves
when removing to prevent burns.
Allow the rice cooker to continue
cooking rice.
16
The digital display will countdown
forthenal12minutesofcooktime.
1715
Using caution, open the lid to check
food for doneness.
14
TO STEAM FOOD & SIMULTANEOUSLY COOK RICE (CON'T)
For best results, stir the rice with
the serving spatula to distribute any
remaining moisture.
19
Whennishedservingrice,turn
thericecookerobypressingthe
POWER button twice and unplug the
power cord.
20
Oncericeisnished,thericecooker
will beep and automatically switch to
“Keep-Warm.”
18
NOTE
• Rice should not be left
in the rice cooker on
“Keep-Warm” for more
than 12 hours.

14
STEAMING TABLES
• Altitude, humidity and outside temperature will aect cooking times.
• These steaming charts are for reference only. Actual cooking times
may vary.
NOTE
HELPFUL
HINTS
• Since most vegetables only absorb a small amount of water, there is
no need to increase the amount of water with a larger serving
of vegetables.
• Steaming times vary depending upon the cut of meat being used.
• To ensure meat tastes its best, and to prevent possible illness, check
that meat is completely cooked prior to serving. If it is not, simply
place more water in the inner cooking pot and repeat the cooking
process until the meat is adequately cooked.
MEAT STEAMING TIME SAFE INTERNAL
TEMPERATURE
Fish 25 Min. 140°
Chicken 30 Min. 165°
Pork 30 Min. 160°
Beef
Medium = 25 Min.
Medium-Well = 30 Min.
Well = 33 Min.
160°
Meat Steaming Table
VEGETABLE STEAMING TIME
Asparagus 20 Minutes
Broccoli 15 Minutes
Cabbage 25 Minutes
Carrots 25 Minutes
Cauliower 25 Minutes
Corn 25 Minutes
Eggplant 30 Minutes
Green Beans 15 Minutes
Peas 20 Minutes
Spinach 20 Minutes
Squash 20 Minutes
Zucchini 20 Minutes
Vegetable Steaming Table
When steaming, Aroma®recommends using 2 cups of water with the provided measuring cup.

15
Plug the power cord into an available
120V AC outlet.
4
Add ingredients to the inner cooking
pot.
Close the lid securely.Place the inner cooking pot into the
rice cooker.
1
CAUTION
• The rice cooker will not switch to “Keep-Warm” until all liquid is boiled away. Follow the recipe carefully and do not leave the rice
cooker unattended.
32
TO COOK SOUPS, STEWS OR CHILIS

16
Press the WHITE RICE button to
begin cooking.
The rice cooker will begin cooking.
The light will illuminate.
7
Using caution to avoid escaping
steam, open the lid and stir
occasionally with a long-handled
wooden spoon.
86
Press the POWER button to turn the
rice cooker on.
5
TO COOK SOUPS, STEWS AND CHILIS (CON'T)
Once cooking is complete, press the
KEEP-WARM button to switch the rice
cooker to “Keep-Warm” mode.
9
Whennishedserving,turntherice
cookerobypressingthePOWER
button twice and unplug the power
cord.
10
NOTE
• Food should not be left in the rice cooker on “Keep-Warm” for more
than 12 hours.

17
TROUBLESHOOTING
Because rice varieties may vary in their make-up, results may dier. Below are some troubleshooting tips to help you achieve the
desired consistency.
Rice is too dry/hard after cooking.
If your rice is dry or hard/chewy when the rice cooker switches to “Keep-Warm” mode, additional water and
cooking time will soften the rice. Depending on how dry your rice is, add ½ to 1 cup of water and stir thoroughly.
Close the lid and press WHITE RICE. When rice cooker switches to “Keep-Warm” mode, open the lid and stir the
rice to check the consistency. Repeat as necessary until rice is soft and moist.
Rice is too moist/soggy after cooking.
If your rice is too moist or soggy when the rice cooker switches to “Keep-Warm” mode, use the serving spatula to
stir the rice. This will redistribute the bottom (moistest) part of the rice as well as release excess moisture. Close
the lid and allow to remain on “Keep-Warm” mode for 10-30 minutes as needed, removing the lid and stirring
periodically to release excess moisture.
The bottom layer of rice is browned/
caramelized.
The bottom layer of cooked rice may become slightly browned and/or caramelized during cooking. To reduce
browning, rice should be rinsed before cooking to remove any excess starch. Stirring rice once it switches to
“Keep-Warm” will also help to reduce browning/caramelizing.

18
Aroma Housewares Company warrants its products against defects in material and
workmanship for ve years from provable date of purchase in the United States.
Within this warranty period, Aroma Housewares Company will repair or replace, at
its discretion, defective parts at no charge, provided the product is returned, freight
prepaid with proof of purchase and U.S. $15.00 for shipping and handling charges
payable to Aroma Housewares Company.
Before returning an item, please call the toll free number below for a return
authorization number. Allow 2-4 weeks for return shipping.
This warranty does not apply if the warranty period expired; the product has
been modied by any unauthorized service center or personnel; the defect was
subject to abuse, improper use not conforming to product manual instructions
or environment conditions more severe than those specied in the manual and
specication, neglect of the owner or improper installation; the defect was subject
to Force Majeure such as ood, lightning, earthquake, other natural calamities, war,
vandalism, theft, brownouts or sags (damage due to low voltage disturbances).
This warranty gives you specic legal rights, which may vary from state to state,
and does not cover areas outside the United States.
AROMA HOUSEWARES COMPANY
6469 Flanders Drive
San Diego, California 92121
1-800-276-6286
M-F, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM, Pacic Time
Website: www.AromaCo.com
LIMITED WARRANTY
In the event of a warranty claim, or if service is required for this product,
please contact Aroma®customer service toll-free at:
1-800-276-6286
M-F, 8:30 AM-4:30 PM, Pacic Time
Or we can be reached online at [e-mail].
For your records, we recommend stapling your sales receipt to this page
along with a written record of the following:
Date of Purchase:
Place of Purchase:
SERVICE & SUPPORT
• Proof of purchase is required for all warranty claims.
NOTE