AROMA ARC-904SB Rice and Grain Cooker Instruction Manual

AROMA ARC-904SB Rice and Grain Cooker

Parts Identification

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IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS

Basic safety precautions should always be followed when using electrical appliances, including the following.

1. Important: Read all instructions carefully before first 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, do not immerse the cord, plug or 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 the unit to cool before putting on or taking off 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 fire, electrical shock or injury.
9. Do not use outdoors.
10. Do not let the 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 anything other than its intended use.
13. Use only with a 120V AC power outlet.
14. Extreme caution must be used when moving the appliance containing rice or liquids.
15. 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.
16. Always unplug from the plug gripping area. 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 rice cooker may not operate properly.
18. Always make sure the outside of the inner 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. Food should not be left in the inner pot with the Warm function on for more than 12 hours.
21. To prevent damage or deformation, never use the inner pot on a stovetop or burner.
22. To disconnect, flip the cook switch to Warm then remove the plug from the wall outlet.
23. To reduce the risk of electrical shock, cook only in the removable inner pot provided.
24. Intended for countertop use only.
25. To avoid spills and burns, do not carry the cooker by the lid handle.
26. Do not wrap or tie the power cord around the appliance.

IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS

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.
4. The marked electrical rating of the extension cord should be at least as great as the electrical rating of the appliance.
5. 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.

DO NOT DRAPE CORD! KEEP AWAY FROM CHILDREN!

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 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. If the supply cord is damaged, it must be replaced by the manufacturer, its service agent or a similarly qualified person in order to avoid a hazard.

Controls/Functions

Warm
Automatically switches to Warm at the end of the cooking cycle; perfect for keeping food at a ready-to-serve temperature.
Cook
Simply press the cook switch down to begin cooking food.
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 all plastic bags and dispose of them properly as they can pose a risk to children.
4. Remove the inner pot from the cooker and wash with warm, soapy water. Rinse and dry thoroughly before returning to the cooker.
5. Wash all other accessories in warm, soapy water. Rinse and dry thoroughly.
6. Wipe the cooker’s body clean with a damp cloth.

To Clean

1. Remove the inner pot when the cooker has completely cooled.
2. Hand wash all accessories or place them on the top rack of the dishwasher.
3. Wipe the cooker’s body clean with a damp cloth.
4. Thoroughly dry the cooker’s body, inner lid and all accessories. Reassemble for next use.

Note:

• Do not use harsh abrasive cleaners, scouring pads or products that are not considered safe to use on nonstick coatings.
• We recommend hand washing the inner pot with warm, soapy water to lengthen its lifespan and avoid damage over time. If washing in a dishwasher, a slight discoloration to the inner pot may occur. This is cosmetic and will not negatively affect performance.
• Any other servicing should be performed by Aroma® Housewares.

Cleaning The Inner Lid

We recommend removing and cleaning the inner lid after every use.

1. To remove the inner lid, press down on the white silicone support pin in the center of the inner lid using your thumb while pulling the sides of the inner lid out towards you.
2. Hand wash the inner lid with warm, soapy water.
3. Wipe the inner surface of the lid with a damp cloth.
4. Thoroughly dry the surface then replace the inner lid.

Helpful Hints:
The provided rice measuring cup is equivalent to a ¾ standard U.S. cup.

Troubleshooting

Rice is too dry/hard after cooking.
If your rice is dry or hard/chewy when the cooker switches to Warm, 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 the cook switch down. When the cooker switches to 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 still too moist or soggy when the cooker switches to Warm, use the serving spatula to stir the rice. This will redistribute the bottom (moist) part of the rice as well as release excess moisture. Close the lid and allow the cooker to remain on Warm mode for 10-30 minutes as needed, removing the lid and stirring periodically to release excess moisture.

Cooking Rice & Grain

1. Using the provided measuring cup, add rice or grain to the inner pot.
2. Rinse to remove excess starch. Drain.
3. For white rice, fill the inner pot with water to the line that matches the number of cups of uncooked rice added. For brown rice or grain, see the “Rice/Grain & Water Measurement Tables” on page 10.
4. Place the inner pot into the cooker then close the lid securely.
5. Plug the power cord into an available 120V AC wall outlet.
6. Press the cook switch down. The cook indicator light will illuminate as the cooker begins heating.
7. When rice or grain is ready, the cook switch will automatically flip up and switch to Warm mode.
8. For best results, stir the rice or grain with the included serving spatula to distribute any remaining moisture.
9. When finished serving, unplug the power cord to turn the rice cooker off.

Note:

Because rice varieties may vary in their make-up, results may differ.

Caution:
The rice cooker will not switch to Warm mode until all liquid has evaporated. Follow your recipe carefully and do not leave the rice cooker unattended.
Note:

• Before placing the inner pot into the cooker, check that the inner pot is dry and free of debris. Adding the inner pot when wet may damage the cooker.
• Food should not be left in the cooker on Warm mode for more than 12 hours.

Cooking Soup, Chili, or Stew

1. Add ingredients to the inner pot.
2. Place the inner pot into the rice cooker then close the lid securely.
3. Plug the power cord into an available 120V AC wall outlet.
4. Press the cook switch down. The cook indicator light will illuminate as the cooker begins heating.
5. Using caution to avoid escaping steam, remove the lid and stir occasionally with a long-handled wooden spoon.
6. Once food is fully cooked, push the cook switch up to switch the rice cooker to Warm mode.
7. When finished serving, turn the rice cooker off by unplugging the power cord.

Steaming Foods

1. Using the provided measuring cup, add 2 cups of water to the inner pot.
2. Place the inner pot into the rice cooker.
3. Place the food to be steamed in the included steam tray then place the tray on top of the inner pot. Close the lid securely.
4. Plug the power cord into an available 120V AC outlet.
5. Press the cook switch down. The cook indicator light will illuminate as the cooker begins heating. For suggested steaming times for meat and vegetables, see “Meat & Vegetable Steaming Tables” on page 11.
6. Once the suggested amount of time has passed, carefully open the lid and check food for doneness.
7. To prevent overcooking, remove steamed food immediately once it is cooked. Wear protective, heat-resistant gloves to prevent injury as the steam tray will be hot.
8. When finished serving, turn the rice cooker off by unplugging the power cord.

Caution:
Do not use the provided serving spatula to stir hot soup, chili, or stew. 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.
Note:

Before placing the inner pot into the cooker, check that the inner pot is dry and free of debris. Adding the inner pot when wet may damage the cooker.

Steaming Food & Cooking Rice

1. Using the provided measuring cup, add rice or grain to the inner pot.
2. Rinse to remove excess starch. Drain.
3. For white rice, fill the inner pot with water to the line that matches the number of cups of uncooked rice added. For brown rice or grain, see the “Rice/Grain & Water Measurement Tables” on page 10.
4. Place the inner pot into the cooker then close the lid securely.
5. Plug the power cord into an available 120V AC wall outlet.
6. Press the cook switch down. The cook indicator light will illuminate as the cooker begins heating.
7. Open the lid using caution as built-up steam may escape.
8. Place the food to be steamed in the included steam tray then place the tray on top of the inner pot. Close the lid securely.
9. Cook food according to the “Meat & Vegetable Steaming Tables” on page 11.
10. Using caution to avoid escaping steam, open the lid to check steamed food for doneness. If food is finished steaming, remove the steam tray. Wear protective, heat-resistant gloves to prevent injury as the steam tray will be hot.
11. Close the lid securely and allow the cooker to continue its cooking cycle.
12. When rice is ready, the cook switch will automatically flip up and switch to Warm mode.
13. When finished serving, turn the rice cooker off by unplugging the power cord.

Note:

• Food can be steamed at any time while rice cooks. However, for best results, food should be steamed towards the end of the rice cooking cycle. This will allow for rice and steamed food to be ready at the same time. See the “Rice/Grain & Water Measurement Tables” on page 10.
• Food should not be left in the cooker on Warm for more than 12 hours.

Helpful
Hints:
Smaller foods may be placed on a heat-resistant 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. The provided rice measuring cup is the equivalent to a ¾ standard U.S. cup.

Rice/Grain & Water Measurement Tables

Grain| Uncooked Grain| Liquid| Approx. Cooked Grain Yield| **Max Uncooked Grain*| Cooking Times
---|---|---|---|---|---
Arborio| 1 Part| 2 Parts| 2½ Parts| 2 Cups| 12-17 Minutes
Barley| 1 Part| 2 Parts| 2½ Parts| 1 Cup| 55-64 Minutes
Bulgur| 1 Part| 2 Parts| 2 Parts| 2 Cups| 50-65 Minutes
Couscous| 1 Part| 1 Part| 2½ Parts| 4 Cups| 22-26 Minutes
Quinoa**| 1 Part| 1½ Parts| 2 Parts| 4 Cups| 30-46 Minutes

Meat & Vegetable Steaming Tables

Vegetable

|

Steaming Time

---|---
Asparagus| 20 Minutes
Broccoli| 15 Minutes
Cabbage| 25 Minutes
Carrots| 25 Minutes
Cauliflower| 25 Minutes
Corn on the Cob| 25 Minutes
Green Beans| 15 Minutes
Peas| 20 Minutes
Spinach| 20 Minutes
Squash| 20 Minutes
Zucchini| 20 Minutes

Note:

• To add more flavor 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.
  Brown rice takes longer to cook and requires more water than white rice due to the extra bran layers on the grains. The water lines in the inner pot are meant for white rice only. Please see the charts above for brown rice and grain water ratios.

• Brown rice, wild rice and rice mixes vary in their make-up. Some variations may require longer cooking times and/or additional water in order to achieve optimum results. Refer to the individual package instructions for cooking suggestions.

• Do not place more than 4 cups of uncooked rice (3 cups of brown rice) into this appliance at one time. The maximum capacity of this unit is 4 cups of uncooked rice (3 cups of brown rice) which yields 8 cups of cooked rice (6 cups of brown rice).

• These steaming charts are for reference only. Actual cooking times may vary depending on the cut of meat being used.

• Altitude, humidity and outside temperature will affect steaming times.

• Since most vegetables only absorb a small amount of water, there is no need to increase the amount of water when steaming a large serving of vegetables.

• To ensure meat tastes its best, and to prevent foodborne illness, check that meat is completely cooked prior to serving. If it is not, simply place more water in the inner pot and repeat the cooking process until the meat is cooked.

Recipes

Place the onion, oil and garlic in the inner pot. Press the cook switch down and sauté for 3 minutes, stirring occasionally with a long-handled wooden spoon as the onion and garlic cook. Add the chili, salsa, olives, cream cheese and cheddar cheese. Stir to combine all of the ingredients, then close the lid securely onto the rice cooker. Cook for 4 minutes. Carefully open the lid, keeping hands and face away to avoid steam, and stir the dip. Cook again for 3 minutes. Open the lid and stir again. Continue cooking until the dip is warm throughout and the cheeses are melted. When done, serve in a large bowl and use the tortilla chips for dipping. SERVES 3-6.

Jambalaya

Cut the smoked sausage in half, lengthwise, then into ¼” half circles. Add all ingredients to the inner pot and mix well. Place the inner pot into the rice cooker, close the lid securely on top then press the cook switch down. Allow rice to cook until the rice cooker switches to Warm. Stir and serve immediately. SERVES 4.

Classic Mushroom Pilaf

Add butter into the inner pot and press the cook switch down. Allow the butter to melt then add the sliced onion and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes while stirring with a long-handled wooden spoon. Add mushrooms and sauté an additional 5 to 6 minutes. Add garlic and rice and sauté until rice is well coated. Add cardamom, broth and salt. Cover and allow to come to a boil. Stir in peas. Re- cover and allow to simmer until the rice cooker completes its cooking cycle. Once the rice cooker switches to Warm, allow to stand 5 minutes, then fluff grains gently with the serving spatula. Serve immediately. SERVES 4.

Ham & Swiss Frittata

Combine all ingredients except the cheese in a large bowl, ensuring they are evenly mixed. Pour the mixed ingredients into the inner pot then top with an even layer of cheese. Press the cook switch down and cook for 12 to 14 minutes. When the eggs are set, slide the frittata onto a serving plate. Cut into wedges to serve. SERVES 4.

Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal

Pour juice and water into the inner pot. Press the cook switch down. Stir in oats, fruit, brown sugar, butter (if using), cinnamon, nutmeg and salt. Allow the oats to cook for 25 to 30 minutes. Stir in lemon juice then ladle into cereal bowls with milk and more sugar, if desired. SERVES 6.
Pineapple Rice Pudding

Limited Warranty

Aroma Housewares Company warrants its products against defects in material and workmanship for one year 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 products has been modified 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 specified in the manual and specification, neglect of the owner or improper installation; the defect was subject to Force Majeure such as flood, lightning, earthquake, other natural calamities, war, vandalism, theft, brownouts or sags (damage due to low voltage disturbances).
This warranty gives you specific legal rights, which may vary from state to state, and does not cover areas outside the United States.

Service & Support

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, 8:30am-4:30pm, Pacific Time Or we can be reached online at: CustomerService@AromaCo.com

Aroma Housewares Company 6469 Flanders Drive, San Diego, CA 92121, U.S.A. 1- 800-276-6286 | www.AromaCo.com

M- F, 8:30am – 4:30pm, Pacific Time

References

• Product Registration - Register My Product - Aroma Housewares
• Kitchen Countertop Cooking Products - Aroma Housewares
• FAQs - Kitchen Appliance FAQs - Aroma Housewares

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