Aroma ARC-814 User manual

RICE COOKER &
FOOD STEAMER
Instruction Manual
Model: ARC-814 (4-cup)
ARC-818 (8-cup)
ARC-822 (12-cup)
Cool-Touch

Congratulations on your new purchase!
Your new rice cooker/steamer is bound to become one of the most versatile and
exciting appliances in your kitchen.
You can cook perfect rice every time, steam many varieties of foods, make terrific
soups and stews, or use it as a food warmer. The built in one-touch operation system
makes your cooker quick and simple to use.
You’ll find yourself using your new cooker to prepare many of your favorite dishes
and even create new and exciting recipes.
Have fun!!
Published By:
Aroma Housewares Company
6469 Flanders Drive
San Diego, CA 92121
U.S.A.
©2003 Aroma Housewares Company

IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS
1. Read all instructions carefully.
2. Do not touch hot surfaces. Use handles.
3. To prevent electrical hazards, do not immerse cord, plug or
rice cooker heating plate in liquid or water.
4. ADULT SUPERVISION IS NECESSARY WHEN OPERATING ANY APPLIANCE
NEAR CHILDREN.
5. Unplug appliance from the wall outlet when not in use and
before cleaning. Allow the appliance to cool completely before adding or removing
the pot.
6. DO NOT operate the appliance if the cord has been damaged, or if the appliance
malfunctions or is damaged in anyway. Return appliance to the nearest authorized
service facility for examination, repair or adjustment.
7. NEVER put water or any liquid into the outer pot.
8. NEVER plug in the power cord without the inner pot inside the cooker.
9. Always attach the plug to the cooker first, then plug the power cord into the wall
outlet.
10. Any use of accessory attachments not recommended by the manufacturer may
cause hazards.
11. Do not use outdoors.
12. Do not let cord dangle or hang over the edge of table or counter tops, or allow it to
touch hot surfaces.
13. Do not place appliance on or near gas or electric burners, on a stovetop or in an
oven.
14. Use extreme caution when moving or handling appliances containing hot oil or other
hot liquids.
15. Do not use this appliance for any other purpose but its intended use.
16. ALWAYS UNPLUG AFTER USE. Your cookers power will remain ON unless
unplugged.
(CONTINUE)
1

17. This appliance has a polarized plug (one blade is wider than the other). To reduce
the risk of electric shock, this plug is intended to fit into a polarized outlet only one
way. If the plug does not fit fully into the outlet, reverse the plug. If it still does not
fit, contact a qualified electrician. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO MODIFY THE PLUG IN
ANY WAY.
This appliance is intended for HOUSEHOLD use only.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS
2

SHORT CORD INSTRUCTIONS
1. A short detachable power-supply cord is provided to reduce risks resulting from
becoming entangled in or tripping over a longer cord.
2. Longer detachable power-supply cords or extension cords are available and may
be used if care is exercised in their use.
3. If a longer detachable power-supply cord or 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 table top where it can be pulled on by children or tripped over unintentionally,
the extension cord should be a grounding-type 3-wire cord.
POLARIZED CORD
If this appliance has a polarized plug (one blade is wider than the other), follow the
instructions below:
To reduce the risk of electrical shock, this plug is intended to fit into a polarized outlet
only one way. If the plug does not fit fully into the outlet, reverse the plug. If it still
does not fit, contact a qualified electrician. Do not attempt to modify the plug in any
way.
3

PARTS IDENTIFICATION
1. Lid Knob
2. Glass Lid
3. Non-stick inner pot
4. COOK and WARM Indicator Light
5. Power Switch
6. Cooker body
7. Rice paddle
8. Measuring Cup
9. Steam tray
4
2
1
4
6
7
8
5
9
3

OPERATING INSTRUCTION
READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY BEFORE USING THIS RIC COOKER/STEAMER.
1. Only use this product with the correct AC outlet (110/120/).
2. Place the inner pot inside the cooker before operating. The cooker will not turn on unless
the inner pot is in place. Place rinsed rice into the inner pot. Use the water
measurement table in page 6 to add appropriate amount of water in the inner pot.
3. Replace the glass lid. When ready to cook, plug the cord into the cooker first, then into
the wall outlet. Then depress your cooking switch.
4. When your rice is done or food is steamed, the cooker will automatically switch to the
WARM function. Your cookers power will remain ON unless unplugged. * ALWAYS
UNPLUG AFTER USE. Allow cooling before cleaning.
5. Keep the lid in place after serving to prevent your rice from drying out or discoloring.
6. To reheat cold rice, add about ¼ cup (4 tblsp) of cold water per cup of cooked rice, stir to
mix, then press switch to COOK.
Tip: Leftover rice is excellent for making fried rice.
7. Keep the bottom of your inner pot and the surface of the heating plate free from any
foreign matter to prevent operating malfunctions.
8. This appliance is intended for use with standard 110/120V power outlets. Different levels
of wattage in different homes may change approximate cooking times.
CAUTION:
•DO NOT TOUCH, COVER OR OBSTRUCTTHE STEAM VENT ON LID WHEN
COOKING. THE STEAM IS VERY HOT AND MAY CAUSE BURN.
5

WATER MEASUREMENT TABLE
HELPFUL HINTS
1. You may rinse rice to remove excess bran and starch. This will help to reduce
rice browning and sticking to the bottom of your pot after cooking, but it may also
lose some nutrients in the rice.
2. Remember: Place rice to your inner pot first; then add water before cooking.
6
RAW RICE WATER APPROX. COOKED RICE
(with the cup provided) YIELD
1 cups 1 1/2 cup 2 cups
2 cups 2 1/2 cups 4 cups
3 cups 3 1/2 cups 6 cups
4 cups 4 1/2 cups 8 cups
5 cups 5 1/2 cups 10 cups
6 cups 6 1/2 cups 12 cups
7 cups 7 1/2 cups 14 cups
8 cups 8 1/2 cups 16 cups
9 cups 9 1/2 cups 18 cups
10 cups 10 1/2 cups 20 cups
11 cups 11 1/2 cups 22 cups
12 cups 12 1/2 cups 24 cups
MODEL MAX. RAW RICE COOKED RICE
CAPACITY YIELD
ARC-814 4 cups 8 cups
ARC-818 8 cups 16 cups
ARC-822 12 cups 24 cups
Note: The measurements are based on the cup
provided in the package

3. If you have experienced any sticking due to the type of rice you choose, try
adding a light coating of vegetable oil to the bottom of inner pot before placing
rice.
4. When cooking BROWN or WILD rice, add ¾ additional cup of water.
5. As there are many different kinds of rice available, rice/water measurement might
be slightly different by using different kind of rice. Remember to make the
adjustment to get the better result.
7

ABOUT RICE
Rice is a valuable source of complex carbohydrates and nutrition. It has no fat, and is
rich in thiamin, niacin and iron. An interesting note, more than half of the world’s
population eats rice every day.
There are many different varieties of rice available at your market. You may want to try
several to see which types best suit your taste. Here are some of the more common types
and some of their characteristics:
LONG GRAIN RICE
Typically used for recipes calling for loose, non-sticky, individual grains after cooking.
“California” rice is soft, and “Carolina” is a bit firmer. “Jasmine” is the firmest and is very
flavorful and fragrant.
SHORT GRAIN RICE
This variety, while softer and stickier is the rice most commonly used in oriental recipes.
The “California” variety is soft, “Sweet Rice”, often called “pearl” rice, is rounder in shape.
The sweet rice is extra sticky and is often the variety of choice for making rice pudding.
BROWN RICE
Brown rice is often considered the most healthful variety. It offers itself in it’s natural
unbleached, bran rich form. It contains more B-complex vitamins, iron, calcium and fiber
than other varieties.
WILD RICE
Wild rice comes in many delicious varieties and mixes. Often it is mixed with long grain rice
for its firmer texture and rich brown to black color. Wild rice makes a wonderful stuffing for
poultry when cooked with broth and mixed with your favorite dried fruits.
8

STEAMING FOOD
The steaming method is one of the easiest, most healthful and convenient methods
of cooking. It allows you to preserve more flavor, texture, vitamins and nutrients than
other cooking methods do.
How to steam food
1. Measure the desired amount of water into the inner pot with the measuring cup
provided.
2. Place food in the steam tray.
3. Press switch down to COOK. When the steaming time is completed, your
cooker will automatically switch to WARM. We recommend not keeping food in
the cooker on WARM for longer than 5-10 minutes to avoid over cooking.
FRESH VEGETABLE STEAMING CHART
VEGETABLE AMOUNT OF WATER STEAMING TIME
Asparagus
Broccoli
Cabbage
Carrots
Cauliflower
Corn
Eggplant
Green Beans
Peas
Spinach
Squash
Zucchini
½ cup
¼ cup
1 cup
1 cup
1 cup
1 cup
1 ¼ cup
1 cup
½ cup
½ cup
½ cup
½ cup
10 minutes
5 minutes
15 minutes
15 minutes
15 minutes
15 minutes
20 minutes
15 minutes
10 minutes
10 minutes
10 minutes
10 minutes
NOTE: We recommend adding an additional ¼ to ½ cup of water to measurements for
frozen vegetables. The amount of water in chart is for your reference only. Please slightly
adjust the water amount when steaming as needed.
HELP HINTS
1. Since most vegetables only absorb a small amount of water while steaming, it is
not necessary to change the amount of water for steaming different quantities.
9

2. Always keep the lid on the cooker during the entire steaming process. Opening
the lid causes a loss of heat and steam and will slow down your cooking time. If
you find it necessary to open the lid, you may want to add a small amount of
water to help restore the cooking time.
3. To adjust steaming times, add or subtract water amount.
4. Altitude, humidity and outside temperature will affect cooking times.
The steaming times on the Fresh Vegetable Steaming Chart are approximate.
Please monitor your food while steaming and adjust cooking time according to your
preference.
SOUPS AND STEWS
A hearty bowl of soup or stew is always welcome at any table. Be creative and use
various left over meats and vegetables with your favorite stock and create your own
unique recipes. When preparing soup or stew, try to allow extra time for it to
“simmer”. This will allow flavors to blend and meat to be tendered.
HELPFUL HINTS
1. To thicken your stew, mix ¼ cup flour with enough water to form a thin paste.
Gradually add it to the stew, stirring until it thickens.
2. If using fresh parsley or herbs in your recipe, add them in the last few minutes of
cooking to preserve flavor.
3. Save any leftovers for the next day. The flavors increase overnight in your
refrigerator.
4. Canned stewed tomatoes or water with bouillon seasoning and spices added
make great stock starters for soups and stews.
10

MAINTAINING YOUR RICE COOKER
Cleaning
CAUTION: Before cleaning your rice cooker/steamer, always unplug and
allow it to cool first.
1. Remove the inner pot and lid from the rice cooker and wash them in warm,
soapy water with a soft sponge. Rinse completely, then dry with a soft clean
cloth. Do not use any abrasive cleaner or scouring pad to clean the non-
stick inner pot.
2. Clean the outside of your cooker when necessary with a clean damp cloth or with
a mild dish detergent. NEVER use abrasive cleaners. Do not use any metal
tools or steel wool on the outside finish or on cooking pot as they may cause
damage. DO NOT SUBMERGE ANY PART OF THE RICE COOKERS BODY
IN WATER.
3. To clean the heating plate and thermo-control plate, use steel wool to polish or
remove any residue. Then wipe with a damp cloth. Allow to dry completely
before re-using. You must keep the heating plate and thermo-control plate free
from any foreign objects, otherwise the cooker will not operate properly.
4. Any residue of vinegar or salt may cause your inner pot to corrode. Always
cleanse completely after each use.
5. ANY SERVICING OTHER THAN CLEANING SHOULD BE PERFORMED BY
AN AROMA AUTHORIZED SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE.
Quick Cleaning Tip
Add ½ cup of water and a small amount of liquid dish soap or dishwasher detergent
to inner pot. Press the switch to COOK and allow to heat for 10 minutes. Cool.
RINSE WELL AND DRY COMPLETELY BEFORE RE-USING.
11

LIMITED WARRANTY
Aroma Housewares Company warrants this product free from defects in
material and workmanship for one year from provable date of purchase in
continental United States.
Within this warranty period, Aroma Housewares Company will repair or
replace, at its option, defective parts at no charge, provided the product is
returned, freight prepaid with proof of purchase and U.S. $6.00 for shipping
and handling charges to Aroma Housewares Company (Please call the toll
free number below for a return authorization number). Allow 2-4 weeks for
return shipping.
This warranty does not cover improper installation, misuse, abuse or neglect
on part of the owner. Warranty is also invalid in any case that the product is
taken apart or serviced by an unauthorized service station.
This warranty gives you specific legal rights and they may vary from state to
state and does not cover areas outside continental United States.
AROMA HOUSEWARES COMPANY
6469 Flanders Drive
San Diego, California 92121
1-800-276-6286
M-F, 8:30AM-5:00PM, PACIFIC TIME
12