Aroma ARC-900SB User Manual

10-Cup Cool-Touch
Rice Cooker &
Food Steamer

Instruction Manual

www.AromaCo.com

ARC-900SB

Congratulations on your purchase of the 10-Cup Rice Cooker and
Food Steamer!

At Aroma we've mastered the art of cooking perfect, fluffy rice at the touch of
a button, so you don't have to. In the Aroma rice cooker, cooking
terminates automatically and switches to the convenient "Keep-Warm" mode,
so you don't have to watch the clock or worry about overcooking your rice. This
versatile appliance also steams vegetables, meats and fish and it will even cook
soups or stock.

Ideal for preparing nutritious, well-balanced meals, steaming locks in food’s
natural flavor, moisture and nutrients without the use of added oils or fat.
Because we believe that healthy meals should also be convenient, this rice
cooker cooks entire meals in one simple step - steaming meat or vegetables as
rice cooks- saving time and energy.

This manual contains instructions on using your new rice cooker as well as some
additional information about rice. For recipe suggestions or for new home
appliance ideas, 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

© 2008 Aroma Housewares Company All rights reserved.

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 cord, plug or the
appliance in water or any other
liquid.

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 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 the
appliance manufacturer may result
in fire, 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
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
hot water or other liquids.

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 cooking pot is returned to
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
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 any control to
“Off”, then remove plug from wall
outlet.

23. To reduce the risk of electrical shock,
cook only in the removable
container provided.

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS

1

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:
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

countertop 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.

2

PARTS IDENTIFICATION

3

2

1

4

5

6

10

9

7

8

1. Lid

2. Handle

3. Steam Vent

4. Condensation Collector

5. Indicator Lights

6. Power Switch

7. Nonstick Inner Pot

8. Measuring Cup

9. Rice Paddle

10. Steam Tray

3

HOW TO USE

Before First Use:

1. Read all instructions and important safeguards.

2. Remove all packaging materials and make sure items are received in good
condition.

3. Tear up all plastic bags as they can pose a risk to children.

4. Wash lid and accessories in warm, soapy water. Rinse and dry thoroughly.

5. Remove inner 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.

• Do not use abrasive cleaners or scouring pads.

• Do not immerse the rice cooker base, cord or plug in water at any time.

To Cook Rice:

1. Using the measuring cup provided, measure out the desired amount of rice. One

full, level cup of uncooked rice will yield 2 cups of cooked rice. The measuring cup

provided adheres to rice industry standards (180mL) and is equal to roughly ¾ of a
standard U.S. cup (240mL).

2. Rinse rice in a separate container until the water becomes relatively clear.

3. Place rinsed rice in the inner pot.

4. Using the measuring cup provided or the water measurement lines located inside
the inner pot, add the appropriate amount of water. For added convenience, a
“Rice/Water Measurement” chart is located on page 7 of this instruction manual.

5. For softer rice, allow rice to soak for 10-20 minutes.

6. Making sure that the exterior of the inner pot is clean, dry and free of debris, set the
inner pot in the rice cooker. Place the lid over the top and plug the power cord
into a wall outlet.

NOTE:

To avoid loss of steam and longer cooking times, do not open the lid at any
point during the cooking process.

7. Press down on the power switch. The “Cook” light will illuminate. When the rice is
finished, the unit will automatically switch to “Keep-Warm” mode and the “Warm”
light will illuminate.

8. After cooking, allow rice to stand for 5-10 minutes without removing lid. This will
ensure that rice is cooked thoroughly.

9. The rice cooker will remain in “Keep-Warm” mode until it is unplugged. Be sure to
unplug the cord from the wall outlet when not in use.

CAUTION:

It is important that the outside surface of the inner pot is completely clean and
dry before it is placed into the rice cooker. Water, food or other
substances on the pot will come into contact with the heating element and may
cause damage to the cooker

.

4

HOW TO USE

To Cook Soups and Stews:

1. Add ingredients to inner pot and place pot in rice cooker.

2. Press down on the power switch. The “Cook” light will illuminate.

3. Allow soup to cook until ready, stirring often.

4. When soup is finished cooking, lift up the power switch to use the “Keep­Warm” mode. The “Warm” light will illuminate.

5. Rice cooker will remain in “Keep-Warm” mode until it is unplugged. Be sure
to unplug the unit from the wall outlet when it is not in use.

To Steam Food:

1. When steaming only, add the appropriate amount of water to the inner pot
according to the food to be cooked. Convenient steaming guides have
been provided on page 8 and 9 for reference.

2. Place food into the steam tray. Smaller foods may be placed in a heat-proof
dish and then placed into the steam tray.

3. Making sure that the outside surface of the inner pot is completely clean and
dry, set the inner pot into the body of the rice cooker then place the steam
tray on to the inner pot. Place the lid over the top and plug the power cord
into a wall outlet.

4. Press down on the power switch. The “Cook” light will illuminate.

5. When steaming is complete, the unit will automatically switch to “Keep-Warm”
mode. We recommend keeping food on “Keep-Warm” mode no longer than
5-10 minutes to avoid over cooking.

6. The rice cooker will remain on “Keep-Warm” mode until it is unplugged. Be
sure to unplug the cord from the wall outlet when not in use.

HELPFUL HINTS:

1. Rinse rice before placing into the inner pot to remove excess bran and
starch. This will help reduce browning and sticking to the bottom of the
pot.

2. If you have experienced any sticking with the type of rice you are using, try
adding a light coating of vegetable oil or nonstick spray to the bottom of
the inner pot before adding rice.

3. The chart on page 7 is only a general measuring guide. As there are many
different kinds of rice available (see “About Rice” on page 12), rice/water
measurements may vary slightly.

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HOW TO USE

To Steam Food And Cook Rice Simultaneously:

One of the most convenient features of this rice cooker is the ability to both
cook rice and steam food simultaneously, ideal for creating delicious all-in-one
meals.

1. Place the desired amount of rice and appropriate amount of water into the

inner pot. See “To Cook Rice” on page 4 for details. Do not attempt to cook

more than 5 cups (uncooked) of rice if trying to use the steam tray
simultaneously. The steam tray will not fit properly once rice cooks.

2. Place the inner pot into the unit and begin to cook the rice.

3. Refer to the steaming guides for vegetables (page 8) or meat (page 9) for

hints and approximate steaming times. It is best to insert the food to be
steamed toward the end of the rice cooking cycle so that your meal is fresh
and warm all at once.

4. Place your choice of vegetables or meat into the steam tray. Open the lid,

using caution as steam escaping will be extremely hot, and place the steam
tray into the rice cooker.

5. Close the lid and allow the cooker to resume cooking.

6. Once food has been steamed for the appropriate time open the lid. Use
caution when opening lid as steam escaping will be extremely hot. Remove
the steam tray and check food to be sure it has been thoroughly cooked.
Exercise caution when removing the steam tray, as it will be hot.

7. Close the lid of the rice cooker and allow rice to continue to cook until done.
When the rice is ready it will automatically switch to “Keep-Warm” mode.

8. The rice cooker will remain on “Keep-Warm” mode until it is unplugged. Be

sure to unplug the cord from the wall outlet when not in use.

NOTE:

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.

CAUTION:

• Open the lid only when necessary.

• If cooking pot is returned to cooker when wet it will damage this product,
causing it to malfunction.

6

COOKING GUIDE

White Rice/Water Measurement Chart:

WHITE RICE

UNCOOKED

RICE

2 Cups 2-1/2 Cups Line 2 4 Cups
3 Cups 3-1/2 Cups Line 3 6 Cups
4 Cups 4-1/2 Cups Line 4 8 Cups

5 Cups 5-1/2 Cups Line 5 10 Cups
6 Cups 6-1/2 Cups Line 6 12 Cups
7 Cups 7-1/2 Cups Line 7 14 Cups
8 Cups 8-1/2 Cups Line 8 16 Cups
9 Cups 9-1/2 Cups Line 9 18 Cups

10 Cups 10-1/2 Cups Line 10 20 Cups

WATER WITH MEAS-

URING CUP

WHITE RICE

WATERLINE
INSIDE POT

Brown Rice/Water Measurement Chart:

BROWN RICE

UNCOOKED

RICE

2 Cups
3 Cups
4 Cups

5 Cups
6 Cups
7 Cups
8 Cups

WATER WITH MEASURING

CUP

3 Cups
4-1/4 Cups
5-1/2 Cups
6-3/4 Cups

8 Cups
9-1/4 Cups

10-1/2 Cups

APPROX COOKED RICE YIELD

APPROX COOKED

RICE YIELD

4 Cups
6 Cups
8 Cups

10 Cups
12 Cups
14 Cups
16 Cups

* Due to the extra water needed to cook brown rice, the maximum amount

of brown rice that may be cooked at one time is 8 cups.

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS:

• 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.

• The measuring cup included adheres to rice industry standards (180mL)
and is not equal to one U.S. cup. The chart above refers to cups of
rice/water according to the measuring cup provided.

• Do not place more than 10 cups of uncooked rice (8 cups if brown rice)
into this appliance at one time. The maximum capacity of this unit is 10
cups of uncooked rice (8 cups if brown rice) which yields 20 cups of
cooked rice (16 cups brown rice).

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COOKING GUIDE

VEGETABLE STEAMING CHART:

VEGETABLE AMOUNT OF WATER STEAMING TIME

Asparagus 1/2 Cup 10 Minutes

Broccoli 1/4 Cup 5 Minutes

Cabbage 1 Cup 15 Minutes

Carrots 1 Cup 15 Minutes

Cauliflower 1 Cup 15 Minutes

Corn 1 Cup 15 Minutes

Eggplant 1-1/4 Cup 20 Minutes

Green Beans 1 Cup 15 Minutes

Peas 1/2 Cup 10 Minutes

Spinach 1/2 Cup 10 Minutes

Squash 1/2 Cup 10 Minutes

Zucchini 1/2 Cup 10 Minutes

NOTE:

The times above are cooking times once water has reached a boil. Time
needed to reach boiling will vary depending upon the amount of water
used.

HELPFUL HINTS:

1. 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.

2. Whenever possible, keep the lid closed during the entire steaming process.
Opening the lid causes a loss of heat and steam, resulting in a slower
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. Altitude, humidity and outside temperature will affect cooking times.

4. The steaming chart is for reference only. Actual cooking time may vary.

8

COOKING GUIDE

MEAT STEAMING CHART:

Meat Amount of Water Steaming Time Safe Temperature

Fish 2 Cups 15 Min. 140º

Chicken 2-1/2 Cups 20 Min. 165º

Pork 2-1/2 Cups 20 Min. 160º

Medium = 15 Min.

Beef 2-1/2 Cups

NOTE:

The times above are cooking times once water has reached a boil. Time
needed to reach boiling will vary depending upon the amount of water
used.

Medium-Well = 20 Min.

Well = 23 Min.

160º

HELPFUL HINTS:

1. Steaming times may vary depending upon the cut of meat being used.

2. 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 pot and repeat the cooking process until the meat is
adequately cooked.

9

HOW TO CLEAN

Always unplug unit and allow to cool

completely before cleaning.

To Clean Exterior Body and Inner Rice Pot:

1. Remove the inner cooking pot. Wash it in warm, soapy water using a nylon
sponge or dishcloth.

2. Rinse and dry thoroughly.

3. Wipe the body of the rice cooker clean with a damp cloth.

To Clean the Underside of the Lid: (See Diagram 1)

The underside of the lid should be cleaned after every use.

1. Detach the inner lid from the shaft by gently
tugging it outward. Soak briefly.

2. Wipe the underside of the lid with a warm,
damp cloth.

3. Dry with a soft, dry cloth.

4. Install the inner lid to the outer lid by pressing the
inner lid over the inner lid shaft. After installing the
inner lid, the small side of the inner lid seal should
face you with the outer lid open. If the inner lid is
inserted improperly, the outer lid will not close.

CAUTION:

Never clean the appliance while the cooker is still hot.

To Clean Heating Plate: (See Diagram 2)

The heating plate should be cleaned after every use.

1. Wipe the heating plate with a warm, damp cloth.

2. Dry with a soft, dry cloth.

3. Rice grains or other dried materials may stick to the
heating plate. Repeat Steps 1 and 2 until the heat­ing plate is completely clean to ensure full contact
between the inner pot and the heating plate.
Otherwise, the appliance will not close properly and
may overheat.

Diagram 1

Diagram 2

• Do not use harsh abrasive cleaners or products that are not considered safe
to use on non-stick coatings.

• This appliance is NOT

dishwasher safe.

• Always make sure the outside of the inner pot is dry prior to use. If inner cook­ing pot is returned when wet, it may damage this product, causing it to mal­function.

dishwasher safe. Inner pot and accessories are NOT

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TROUBLESHOOTING

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

depending upon the type of rice being used (see About Rice on page

12). Below are some troubleshooting tips to help you achieve the
desired consistency.

PROBLEM SOLUTION

Rice is too dry/hard

after cooking.

Rice is too moist/soggy

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 through.
Close the lid and press down the power
switch to “Cook” mode. When the 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.

If your rice is still too wet or soggy when the
rice cooker switches to “Keep-Warm” mode,
use the rice paddle 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, opening
the lid and stirring periodically to release
excess moisture.

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ABOUT RICE Courtesy of the USA Rice Federations

For recipes and rice information visit the USA Rice Federation online at
www.usarice.com/consumer.

Rice is the perfect foundation for today’s healthier eating. It is a nutrient-dense
complex carbohydrate that supplies energy, fiber, essential vitamins and miner­als and beneficial antioxidants. Rice combines well with other healthy foods
such as vegetables, fruits, meat, seafood, poultry, beans and soy foods.

Nearly 88% of rice consumed in the U.S. is grown in the U.S. Arkansas, California,
Louisiana, Texas, Mississippi and Missouri produce high-quality varieties of short,
medium and long grain rice as well as specialty rices including jasmine, basmati,
arborio, red aromatic and black japonica, among others.

There are many different varieties of rice available in the market. Your Aroma
Rice Cooker can cook any type perfectly every time. The following are the com­monly available varieties of rice and their characteristics:

Long Grain Rice

This rice has a long, slender kernel
three to four times longer than its
width. Due to its starch composition,
cooked grains are more separate, light
and fluffy compared to medium or
short grain rice. The majority of white
rice is enriched to restore nutrients lost
during processing. Great for entrees
and side dishes – rice bowls, stir-fries,
salads and pilafs.

Medium Grain Rice

When compared to long grain rice,
medium grain rice has a shorter, wider
kernel that is two to three times longer
than its width. Cooked grains are
more moist and tender than long
grain, and have a greater tendency to
cling together. Great for entrees,
sushi, risotto and rice puddings.

Short Grain Rice

Short grain rice has a short, plump,
almost round kernel. Cooked grains
are soft and cling together, yet remain
separate and are somewhat chewy,
with a slight springiness to the bite.
Great for sushi, Asian dishes and
desserts.

Brown Rice

Brown rice is a 100% whole grain food
that fits the U.S. Dietary Guidelines for
Americans recommendation to
increase daily intake of whole grains.
Brown rice contains the nutrient-dense
bran and inner germ layer where
many beneficial compounds are
found. Brown rice is available in short,
medium and long grain varieties and
can be used interchangeably with
enriched white rice.

Wild Rice

Wild rice is an aquatic grass grown in
Minnesota and California and is a fre­quent addition to long grain rice pilafs
and rice mixes. Its unique flavor, tex­ture and rich dark color provide a deli­cious accent to rice dishes. Wild rice
also makes a wonderful stuffing for
poultry when cooked with broth and
mixed with your favorite dried fruits.

®

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ABOUT RICE Courtesy of the USA Rice Federations

For recipes and rice information visit the USA Rice Federation online at
www.usarice.com/consumer.

Did You Know?

• Rice is the primary dietary staple for more than half of the world’s population.

• U.S. grown rice is the standard for excellence and accounts for nearly 88% of
the rice consumed in America. It is grown and harvested by local farmers in
five south-central states and California.

• Rice contains no sodium, cholesterol, trans fats or gluten, and has only a trace
of fat. One half-cup of rice contains about 100 calories.

• Research shows that people who eat rice have healthier diets than non-rice
eaters and eat more like the U.S. Dietary Guidelines for Americans
recommendations.

• Whole grains like brown rice help reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as
heart disease, diabetes and certain cancers, and aid in weight management.

• Brown rice is a 100% whole grain. One cup of whole grain brown rice provides
two of the three recommended daily servings of whole grains.

• Eating rice triggers the production of serotonin in the brain, a chemical that
helps regulate and improve mood.

• September is National Rice Month- promoting awareness of the versatility and
the value of U.S. grown rice.

13

MORE TIPS FROM AROMA

• For chicken or beef flavored rice, add 2 cubes of chicken or beef bouillon to
the water for before beginning the cooking process.

• Remember that old rice loses moisture and requires more water to cook, so

always use fresh rice…it makes a difference!

• Leftover rice doesn't have to be thrown away - it works great for fried rice,
soups or broths.

• Remember to let rice cool before storing it in the refrigerator. This will help to
eliminate excess condensation.

• When reheating rice, add 2 tablespoons of water for each cup of rice and
reheat using your Aroma rice cooker.

• When cooking rice, remember not to open the lid as a lot of the necessary
moisture will escape and slow down the cooking process.

• Raw brown rice should be stored it in the refrigerator to keep it fresh - it
requires a temperature of 55º or less.

• For white rice and other varieties, store in an airtight container in a cool, dry
place to keep fresh for longer.

For more tips, recipe ideas, product information and more, visit us online at
www.Aromaco.com.

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LIMITED WARRANTY

Aroma Housewares Company warrants this product free from defects in
material and workmanship for one year from provable date of purchase
in the 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.
$12.00 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 cover improper installation, misuse, abuse or
neglect on the 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, 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 - 5:00 PM, Pacific Time

Website: www.aromaco.com

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