AROMA ARC-966BD Rice and Grain Multicooker Instruction Manual

AROMA ARC-966BD Rice and Grain Multicooker

Here at Aroma we strive to make a difference— to design and distribute products that enhance and enrich people’s lives. Aroma offers an array of exceptional products to make cooking simple and satisfying. Discover other countertop appliances and cookware from our current product lineup to complement your kitchen.

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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 heatresistant surface.
4. To protect against fire, electrical shock and injury to persons, do not immerse the power 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 the wall outlet when not in use and before cleaning. Allow the unit to completely cool before putting on or removing parts and before cleaning the appliance.
7. Do not operate any appliance with a damaged power 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. Use extreme caution when opening the lid during or after cooking. Hot steam will escape and may cause scalding.
11. Do not allow the power cord to touchhot surfaces or hang over the edge of a counter or table.
12. Do not place on or near a hot gas or electric burner or in a heated oven.
13. Do not use the appliance for anything other than its intended use.
14. Extreme caution must be used when moving the appliance containing hot food, oil or other liquids.
15. Do not touch, cover or obstruct the steam vent on the top of the cooker as it is extremely hot and may cause scalding.
16. Use only with a 120V AC power outlet.
17. Always unplug from the plug gripping area. Never pull on the cord.
18. The 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.
19. Always make sure the exterior 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.
20. Use extreme caution when opening the lid during or after cooking. Hot steam will escape and may cause scalding.
21. Food should not be left in the cooker on Keep Warm mode for more than 12 hours.
22. To prevent damage or deformation, do not use the inner pot on a stovetop or burner.
23. To turn off the unit, press the ( )/Keep Warm button then safely remove the plug from the wall outlet.
24. To reduce the risk of electrical shock, cook only in the removable inner pot provided.
25. Do not wrap or tie the power cord around the appliance.
26. Intended for countertop use only.
27. To avoid spills an burns, do not carry the cooker by the lid handle.

Short Cord Instructions

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.
   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.

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.
THIS APPLIANCE IS FOR HOUSEHOLD USE ONLY.

Parts Identification

Controls/Functions

• Keep Warm
  Powers the cooker on and off or manually sets the cooker to Keep Warm mode, perfect for keeping foods at ready-to-serve temperatures.

• Delay Timer
  Allows for food to be ready right when it’s needed with preparation up to 15 hours in advance.

• (-)/(+)
  Adjusts the amount of steam time for Steam, the delay time for Delay Timer, or the cook time for Soup/Broth and Slow Cook.

• Rice
  Cooks fluffy, delicious white rice automatically.

• Multigrain
  Ideal for cooking a variety of grains including brown rice, quinoa, barley, and bulgur with ease

• Steam
  Using the included steam tray, steaming healthy sides and main courses has never been easier.

• Sauté
  Sautés food at high heat–great for stir-fry, searing meats and vegetables, and so much more!

• Soup/Broth
  Simmers your favorite hot and hearty soups with an adjustable cook time of 2 to 8 hours.

• Slow Cook
  Prepare homemade roasts, stews and other slow cooked favorites with an adjustable cook time of 2 to 10 hours.

• Oatmeal
  Prepares a quick and healthy breakfast with no need to stir or monitor.

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 clean with warm, soapy water. Rinse and dry thoroughly before returning to the cooker.

5. Wash all accessories in warm, soapy water. Rinse and dry thoroughly.

6. Wipe the cooker’s 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.
   • 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.
   • To remove the condensation collector, squeeze both sides and pull out towards you.
   • Any other servicing should be performed by Aroma® Housewares.

To Clean

1. Remove the inner pot when the cooker has completely cooled
2. Hand wash the inner pot and all accessories using warm, soapy water or place on the top rack of the dishwasher.
3. Remove the condensation collector and hand wash using warm, soapy water.
4. Wipe the cooker’s body clean with a damp cloth.
5. Thoroughly dry the cooker’s body and all accessories. Reassemble for next use.
   Helpful Hints:
   The provided rice measuring cup is equivalent to a 3/4 standard U.S. cup.

Troubleshooting

Rice is too dry/hard after cooking.
Depending on how dry your rice is, add ½ to 1 cup of water and stir thoroughly. Close the lid and select the Rice function once more. When the cooker switches to Keep Warm, 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.
Use the serving spatula to stir the rice to redistribute the bottom (moist) part of the rice as well as release excess moisture. Close the lid and allow the cooker to remain on Keep Warm for 10-30 minutes as needed, opening the lid and stirring periodically to release excess moisture.

Error Code Chart
If an error shows on the digital display, the following chart will help explain the next course of action.

Display Code| __

Meaning

| __

Action

---|---|---
E1| Bottom sensor open circuit| Contact Customer Service at 1-800-276-6286.
__

E2

| __

Sensor short circuit

| Contact Customer Service at 1-800-276-6286.
__

E3

| __

Bottom sensor short circuit/overheating

| Turn off the cooker and allow it to cool for 2-5 minutes then restart. If the problem persists, contact Customer Service at

1-800-276-6286.

Caution:
Before placing the inner pot into the cooker, check that it is dry and free of debris. Adding the inner pot when wet may damage the cooker.
Note:
Because rice varieties may vary in their make-up, results may differ. Food should not be left in the cooker on Keep Warm for more than 12 hours.

Rice & Grain

1. Using the provided rice measuring cup, add rice or grain to the inner pot.

2. Rinse to remove excess starch. Drain.

3. For white or brown rice, fill the inner pot with water to the line that matches the number of cups of uncooked rice added. For other grains, see the “Grain & Water Measurement Table” on page 15.

4. Place the inner pot into the cooker and close the lid securely.

5. Plug the power cord into an available 120V AC wall outlet.

6. Press ( )/Keep Warm to turn the cooker on.

7. Press Rice or Multigrain, depending on the type of grain being cooked. The indicator light will illuminate and the digital display will show a chasing pattern as the cooker begins heating.

8. The digital display will count down the final 10 minutes of cook time.

9. Once the cycle has completed, the cooker will beep and automatically switch to Keep Warm.

10. For best results, stir the grain with the serving spatula to distribute any remaining moisture.

11. When finished serving, turn the cooker off by pressing ( )/Keep Warm and unplug the power cord.
    Helpful Hints:

    • If you misplace the rice measuring cup, a ¾ standard U.S. cup is an exact replacement.
    • To add more flavor to rice, try substituting water for 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 grain cooking times and suggested grain/water ratios, see the “Rice/Grain & Water Measurement Tables” on pages 14-15.

Delay Timer

1. Using the provided rice measuring cup, add rice or grain to the inner pot.

2. Rinse to remove excess starch. Drain.

3. For white or brown rice, fill the inner pot with water to the line that matches the number of cups of uncooked rice added. For other grains, see the “Grain & Water Measurement Table” on page 15.

4. Place the inner pot into the cooker and close the lid securely.

5. Plug the power cord into an available 120V AC wall outlet.

6. Press ( )/Keep Warm to turn the cooker on.

7. Press Delay Timer.

8. Use (+) or (-) to increase or decrease the delay time by one hour increments. It may be set to have grains ready in 1 to 15 hours for Rice and 2 to 15 hours for Multigrain.

9. Once the desired time is selected, press the Rice or Multigrain button, depending on the type of grain being cooked

10. The digital display will count down from the input delay time.

11. Once the delay time has elapsed, a chasing pattern will appear in the digital display signifying that the cooking cycle has begun.

12. The digital display will count down the final 10 minutes of cook time.

13. Once the cycle has completed, the cooker will beep and automatically switch to Keep Warm.

14. When finished serving, turn the cooker off by pressing ( )/Keep Warm and unplug the power cord.
    Note:

    • Because rice varieties may vary in their make-up, results may differ.
    • Food should not be left in the cooker on Keep Warm for more than 12 hours.

Oatmeal

1. Using the provided rice measuring cup, add oatmeal to the inner pot.

2. Fill the inner pot with water according to packaging instructions. When an oatmeal/water ratio is not available, use a 1:2.5 oatmeal to water ratio.

3. Place the inner pot into the cooker and close the lid securely.
   Caution: Do not attempt to cook more than 3 cups of oatmeal in this appliance at a time.

4. Plug the power cord into an available 120V AC outlet.

5. Press ( )/Keep Warm to turn the cooker on.

6. Press Oatmeal. The indicator light will illuminate and the digital display will show a chasing pattern as the cooker begins heating.

7. Once the cycle has completed, the cooker will beep and automatically switch to Keep Warm.

8. When finished serving, turn the cooker off by pressing ( )/Keep Warm and unplug the power cord.

Soup/Broth

1. Add desired ingredients to the inner pot.
2. Place the inner pot into the cooker and close the lid securely.
3. Plug the power cord into an available 120V AC wall outlet.
4. Press ( )/Keep Warm to turn the cooker on.
5. Press Soup/Broth. The digital display will show a flashing “2” to represent 2 hours of cook time.
6. Use (+) or (-) to increase or decrease time by 1 hour increments, up to 8 hours.
7. Once the time has been input, the cooker will beep and the digital display will stop flashing to indicate that the time has been successfully set.
8. The cooker will now begin heating. The digital display will count down in one minute increments from the input cook time.
9. Using caution, open the lid occasionally and stir the ingredients with a long-handled wooden or heat-safe utensil if desired.
10. Once the time has elapsed, the cooker will beep and automatically switch to Keep Warm.
11. When finished serving, turn the cooker off by pressing ( )/Keep Warm and unplug the power cord.
    Caution: The cooker will not switch to Keep Warm mode until all liquid has evaporated. Follow your recipe carefully and do not leave the rice cooker unattended. Do not use the provided serving spatula to stir soup, chili or stew. It is not intended to be used in contact with high temperatures. Instead, use a long-handled wooden or heat-safe utensil to stir while cooking.

Sauté

1. Place the inner pot into the cooker.
2. Plug the power cord into an available 120V AC wall outlet.
3. Press ( )/Keep Warm to turn the cooker on.
4. Press Sauté. The indicator light will illuminate as the cooker begins heating.
5. Add oil if desired for sautéing then close the lid securely and allow the inner pot to preheat for 2–4 minutes.
6. Once preheated, add in ingredients to sauté.
7. Stir occasionally with a long-handled wooden or heat-safe utensil until the ingredients are fully cooked.
8. When finished serving, turn the cooker off by pressing ( )/Keep Warm and unplug the power cord.
   Caution : Do not use the provided serving spatula to stir ingredients while using the Sauté or Slow Cook functions. It is not intended to be used in contact with high temperatures. Instead, use a long-handled wooden or heat- safe utensil to stir while cooking.

Slow Cook

1. Add desired ingredients to the inner pot.
2. Place the inner pot into the cooker and close the lid securely.
3. Plug the power cord into an available 120V AC wall outlet.
4. Press ( )/Keep Warm to turn the cooker on.
5. Press Slow Cook. The digital display will show a flashing “2” to represent 2 hours of slow cook time.
6. Use (+) or (-) to increase or decrease slow cook time by one hour increments, up to 10 hours.
7. Once the time has been input, the cooker will beep and the digital display will stop flashing to indicate that the time has been successfully set.
8. The cooker will now begin heating. The digital display will count down in one hour increments from the input slow cook time.
9. Using caution, open the lid occasionally and stir the ingredients with a long-handled wooden or heat-safe utensil if desired.
10. Once the time has elapsed, the cooker will beep and automatically switch to Keep Warm.
11. When finished serving, turn the cooker off by pressing ( )/Keep Warm and unplug the power cord.
    Note: Slow cooking requires a small amount of liquid. Without liquid, the cooker will automatically switch to Keep Warm.
    Helpful Hints: If you misplace the rice measuring cup, a ¾ standard U.S. cup is an exact replacement.

Steam

1. Using the provided rice measuring cup, add 3 cups of water to the inner pot.
2. Place the inner pot into the cooker.
3. Place desired food into the provided steam tray, lower the tray into the cooker, then close the lid securely.
4. Plug the power cord into an available 120V AC outlet.
5. Press ( )/Keep Warm to turn the cooker on.
6. Press Steam. The digital display will show a flashing “5” to represent five minutes of steam time.
7. Use (+) or (-) to increase or decrease steaming time by one minute increments, up to 30 minutes. For suggested steaming times for meat and vegetables, see “Meat & Vegetable Steaming Tables” on page 13.
8. Once the water reaches a boil, the digital display will begin to count down from the input steam time.
9. After the selected steam time has elapsed, the cooker will beep and automatically switch to Keep Warm.
10. Using caution, check to see that the steamed food is cooked. If finished steaming, carefully remove the food to prevent overcooking. Wear a protective heat-resistant glove to prevent injury as the steam tray will be hot.
11. When finished steaming, turn the cooker off by pressing ( )/Keep Warm and unplug the power cord.
    Helpful Hints: For suggested steaming times and water amounts, see the “Meat & Vegetable Steaming Tables” on page 13. Parchment paper or aluminum foil may also be used while steaming. Place the paper/foil in the center of the steam tray and ensure it does not create a seal along the bottom of the tray.

Steam & Cook

1. Using the provided rice measuring cup, add rice or grain to the inner pot.
2. Rinse to remove excess starch. Drain.
3. For white or brown rice, fill the inner pot with water to the line that matches the number of cups of uncooked rice added. For other grains, see the “Grain & Water Measurement Table” on page 15.
4. Place the inner pot into the cooker and close the lid securely.
5. Plug the power cord into an available 120V AC wall outlet.
6. Press ( )/Keep Warm to turn the cooker on.
7. Press Rice or Multigrain, depending on the type of grain being cooked. The indicator light will illuminate and the digital display will show a chasing pattern as the cooker begins heating.
8. Place desired food into the provided steam tray, lower the tray into the cooker then close the lid securely.
9. Cook food according to the “Meat & Vegetable Steaming Tables” on page 13
10. After the suggested amount of time has elapsed, open the lid to check steamed food for doneness. Use caution when opening the lid as hot steam will escape
11. If food is finished steaming, remove the steam tray. Wear a protective heat-resistant glove to prevent injury as the steam tray will be hot.
12. Close the lid securely and allow the cooking cycle to continue.
13. Once the cycle has completed, the cooker will beep and automatically switch to Keep Warm mode.
14. When finished serving, turn the cooker off by pressing ( )/Keep Warm and unplug the power cord.
    Caution: Do not attempt to cook more than 3 cups of uncooked rice when steaming and cooking simultaneously. Before placing the inner pot into the cooker, check that it is dry and free of debris. Adding the inner pot when wet may damage the cooker
    Helpful Hints: We recommend beginning to steam your foods towards the end of the rice cooking cycle. This will allow steamed food and cooked grains to be ready around the same time. See the “Rice/Grain & Water Measurement Tables” on pages 10-11 for approximate cooking times.

Meat and Vegetable Steaming table

 | Meat| Steaming Time| Safe Internal Temperature|
---|---|---|---|---
 | Fish| 25 Min.| 140°F|
 | Chicken| 30 Min.| 165°F|
 | Pork| 30 Min.| 160°F|
 |

Beef

| Medium = 25 Min. Medium-Well = 30 Min. Well = 33 Min.|

160°F

|
 |

Vegetable

|

Steaming T

|

ime

|
 | Asparagus| 15-20 Minut| es|
 | Broccoli| 10-15 Minut| es|
 | Cabbage| 10-15 Minut| es|
 | Carrots| 15-20 Minut| es|
 | Cauliflower| 10-15 Minut| es|
 | Corn on the| Cob                20-25 Minut| es|
 | Green Beans| 15-20 Minut| es|
 | Peas| 15-20 Minut| es|
 | Spinach| 5-10 Minutes|  |
 | Squash| 15-20 Minut| es|
 | Zucchini| 15-20 Minut| es|
 | Potatoes| 25-30 Minut| es|
 | *When steam of water wi| ing, Aroma® recommen th the provided rice mea| ds using 3 cups suring cup.|

*When steaming, Aroma® recommends using 3 cups of water with the provided rice measuring cup.
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. To ensure meat tastes its best and to prevent food-borne illness, check that the meat is completely cooked prior to serving. If the meat is still uncooked, simply add more water to the inner pot and repeat the steaming process until the meat is adequately cooked.

Note:

• Altitude, humidity and outside temperature will affect cooking times.
• These steaming charts are for reference only. Actual cooking times may vary.
• Food should not be left in the rice cooker on Keep Warm for more than 12 hours.

Rice & Water Measurement Table

 | Uncooked **Rice*| Water:**

Using the Water Line (inside pot)

| Water:

Using the

Rice Measuring Cup*

| **Approx. Cooked Rice Yield***|

Cooking Times

2 Cups| White Rice: Line 2

Brown Rice: Line 2

| White Rice: 21/2 Cups

Brown Rice: 21/2 Cups

| 4 Cups| White Rice: 27-32 Min.

Brown Rice: 65-70 Min.

3 Cups| White Rice: Line 3

Brown Rice: Line 3

| White Rice: 31/2 Cups

Brown Rice: 31/2 Cups

| 6 Cups| White Rice: 31-36 Min.

Brown Rice: 70-75 Min.

4 Cups| White Rice: Line 4

Brown Rice: Line 4

| White Rice: 41/2 Cups

Brown Rice: 41/2 Cups

| 8 Cups| White Rice: 34-39 Min.

Brown Rice: 74-79 Min.

5 Cups| White Rice: Line 5

Brown Rice: Line 5

| White Rice: 51/2 Cups

Brown Rice: 51/2 Cups

| 10 Cups| White Rice: 37-42 Min.

Brown Rice: 78-83 Min.

6 Cups| White Rice: Line 6

Brown Rice: Line 6

| White Rice: 61/2 Cups

Brown Rice: 61/2 Cups

| 12 Cups| White Rice: 40-45 Min.

Brown Rice: 82-87 Min.

*Cups referenced are with the included rice measuring cup. (1 Rice Measuring Cup = ¾ U.S. Cup)

Grain & Water Measurement Table

 |

Grain

| Uncooked Grain|

Liquid

| Approx. Cooked Grain Yield| **Max. Uncooked Grain***|

Function

|

Cooking Times

Quinoa| 1 Part| 11/2 Parts| 21/2 Parts| 6 Cups| Rice| 32-48 Min.
Arborio| 1 Part| 2 Parts| 2 Parts| 3 Cups| Steam| 12-17 Min.
Barley| 1 Part| 2 Parts| 21/2 Parts| 1 Cup| Delay Timer & Multigrain| 5 Hours
Bulgur| 1 Part| 2 Parts| 21/2 Parts| 3 Cups| Multigrain| 35-50 Min.
Couscous| 1 Part| 1 Part| 2 Parts| 6 Cups| Rice| 29-60 Min.
Oatmeal| 1 Part| 21/2 Parts| 2 Parts| 3 Cups| Oatmeal| 22-40 Min.

*Cups referenced are with the included rice measuring cup. (1 Rice Measuring Cup = ¾ U.S. Cup)

Note :

• When cooking barley, it is recommended to use the Delay Timer for 4 hours in combination with the Multigrain function. The additional soaking time will ensure optimal flavor and texture.
• For best results when cooking barley or bulgur, let both grains sit on Keep Warm for 10 minutes before serving.
• If softer grains are desired, add an additional 1/2 cup of water or liquid.

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. $20.00 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 modified by any unauthorized service center or personnel; the defect was subject to abuse, improper use not conforming to product manual instructions, or environmental 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 of 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:
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

Note: Proof of purchase is required for all warranty claims.

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

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