8-Cup Digital Rice
Cooker & Food Steamer
Instruction Manual
For ARC-978, ARC-978B, ARC-978S & ARC-978SB
www.AromaCo.com
ARC-978
Congratulations on your purchase of the Aroma 8-Cup Digital Rice
Cooker. In no time at all, you’ll be making fantastic, restaurant-quality rice at the
touch of a button! Whether long, medium, or short grain, this machine is specially
calibrated to cook all varieties of rice, including tough-to-cook brown rice, to
fluffy perfection.
In addition to rice, your new Aroma Rice Cooker is ideal for healthy, onepot meals for the whole family. 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 flavor and nutrients (which
are often lost with other methods of cooking) 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 frittatas, dips, and even desserts!
This manual contains instructions for using your rice cooker and its
convenient pre-programmed digital settings, as well as all of the accessories
included. Also included are helpful measurement charts for cooking rice and
steaming. For more information on your digital rice cooker, or for product service,
recipes, and other home appliance solutions, please visit us online at
www.AromaCo.com.
Please read all the instructions before first use.
Published By:
Aroma Housewares Co.
6469 Flanders Drive
San Diego, CA 92121
U.S.A.
1-800-276-6286
www.aromaco.com
© 2007 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 allinstructions
carefullybeforefirst use.
2. Do not touch hot surfaces. Use
handles or knobs
3. Useonlyon a level,dry,andheatresistantsurface.
4. To protect againstelectricalshock,
do not immerse cord,plugor the
appliancein wateroranyother
liquid.
5. Close supervisionis necessary when
theapplianceisusedby ornear
children.
6. Unplugfromoutletwhennot inuse
andbefore cleaning. Allowunitto
cool beforeputting on ortaking off
parts,and before cleaningthe
appliance.
7. Do not operate anyappliancewith
a damaged cord orplugorafter
theappliancemalfunctions orhas
been damaged inany manner.
Returnthe appliance tothe nearest
authorized service facilityfor
examination,repairor adjustment.
8. Theuse ofaccessoryattachments
notrecommended bythe
appliancemanufacturermay result
in fire,electric shockor injury.
9. Do not useoutdoors.
10. Do not letcordtouch hotsurfaces
or hang over the edge ofacounter
or table.
11. Do not place onor near a hot
burneror in a heated oven.
12. Do not usethe appliance for other
than itsintended use.
13. Extreme caution must beusedwhen
movingthe appliance containing
hotoilsor otherliquids.
14. Do not touch,cover orobstruct the
steam valveon thetopoftherice
cookeras it isextremelyhot and
maycause scalding.
15. Useonlywitha120VAC power
outlet.
16. Alwaysunplugfromthe base ofthe
wall outlet. Neverpullon thecord.
17. Thericecookershould beoperated
on a separateelectrical circuit from
other operating appliances. If the
electric circuitisoverloaded with
other appliances, this appliance
maynot operateproperly.
18. Alwaysmakesuretheoutsideof the
inner cookingpot isdry priorto use.
If cooking pot isreturned to cooker
when wet, it may damageor cause
theproductto malfunction.
19. Useextremecaution when opening
thelid during oraftercooking. Hot
steam will escape andcould cause
burns.
20. Thericeshouldnot beleftin therice
powiththe keepwarmfunction on
formorethan24 hours.
21. To prevent damage ordeformation,
do not usethe innerpotona
stovetop orburner.
22. To disconnect,turnanycontrolto
"off",thenremoveplugfromwall
outlet.
23. Do not useappliancefor otherthan
intended use.
24. To reduce theriskof electricshock,
cook only in removable container.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS
1
SHORT CORD INSTRUCTIONS
1. A short power-supply cord is provided to reduce risk 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.
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 or its
service agent or a similarly qualified person in order to avoid a hazard.
This appliance is for household use only.
2
PARTS IDENTIFICATION
2
1
3
14
13
12
4
5
6
7
11
10
1. Lid Release Button
2. Handle
3. Steam Vent
4. Lid
5. Condensation Collector
6. Digital Control Panel
7. Inner Pot
8. Brown Rice Button
8
9
9. White Rice Button
10. Steam Button
11. Warm/Off Button
12. Steam Tray
13. Measuring Cup
14. Rice Paddle
3
USING YOUR RICE COOKER
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 cup refers to one full, level cup.
2. Rinse rice in a mesh strainer or other separate container (do not rinse rice in the
inner pot)until thewater becomesrelativelyclear. Place rinsed riceintothe inner
pot.
3. Using the measuring cup provided or the measurement lines inside the inner pot
add the appropriate amount of water to the inner pot. A helpful rice/water
measurement guide is included on page 7 of this manual for reference. For
brown rice, add an additional
cooked. Smooth over the top of the rice with the rice paddle so that rice
surface is level to ensure even cooking.
TIP: For softer rice, allow the rice to soak for 10-20 minutes prior to
beginning the cooking cycle.
4. Place the inner pot in the rice cooker. Close the lid, making surethatitlocksinto
place, and plug power cord into a wall outlet. The “Warm/Off” light will flash.
5. To begin cooking, press the "White Rice" or "Brown Rice" button depending on
the type of rice to be cooked. The cooking mode indicator light will illuminate.
Once cooking is complete, the rice cooker will automatically switch to keep
warm mode. (See note below about Brown Rice.)
TIP: If you wish to cancel your selection at any time, press the “OFF”
button and reset by pressing the appropriate cooking button.
1/4 cup of water for each cup of rice to be
,
* 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 product.
4
USING YOUR RICE COOKER
6. After cooking,open the lid and use the rice paddle to stir the rice. Thiswill release
excess moisture and give the rice a fluffier texture. Then, close the lid and allow
the unit to remain on warm mode for 5-10 minutes. This will ensure optimal rice
texture and moisture level.
7. Press the "OFF" button to turn off the rice cooker. If the “OFF” button is not
pressed, the rice cooker will remain in “keep warm” mode. It is not
recommended to leave rice on “keep warm” mode for more than 12 hours.
NOTE
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.
To Steam Food:
1. Add the desired amount of water to the inner pot. A convenient steaming
guide has been included on page 9 of this manual for reference.
2. Place steam tray inside rice cooker.
3. Place food on steam tray and close the lid.
4. Press Steam button.
5. When steaming is complete, the rice cooker will automatically switch to
OFF.
6. Remove food immediately after cooking process has completed. Leaving
it in rice cooker may cause food to overcook.
* When using the steam tray, the maximum amount of rice that can be
cooked simultaneously is approximately 4 cups(uncooked). This ensures
that both the cooked rice and the steam tray will fit properly into the inner
pot.
CAUTION:
• Do not open lid when in use.
• If cooking pot is returned to cooker when wet it will damage this
product, causing it to malfunction.
5
HOW TO CLEAN
Always unplug unit and allow to cool completely
before cleaning.
To Clean Inner Pot and Accessories
1. Remove the inner cooking pot. Wash it in warm, soapy water using a nylon
sponge or dishcloth. Do not use abrasive cleaners or scouring pads, as they
may damage the finish or create a risk of electric shock.
2. If rice is stuck to the bottom of the inner pot, soak in warm soapy water before
scrubbing to avoid damage to the nonstick coating.
3. Rinse and dry thoroughly.
4. Repeat process with steam tray and other provided accessories.
5. Empty out condensation collector into sink after each use. Remove by
pressing on the arrow marked “Push”. Attach before next use.
To Clean Rice Cooker Exterior
1. Wipe the body of the rice cooker clean with a damp cloth.
2. Dry with a soft cloth.
To Clean the Underside of the Lid
The underside of the lid should be cleaned after every use.
1. Wipe the underside of the lid with a warm, damp cloth.
2. Dry with a soft cloth.
To Clean Steam Valve
Steam Valve should be cleaned after every use.
1. Pull out the steam valve as shown
in Diagram 1 (below).
2. Empty and wash the steam valve
in warm, soapy water. Rinse
thoroughly.
3. Dry the steam valve with a soft
cloth.
4. Reinsert the steam valve for next use.
IMPORTANT
• Do not use harsh or abrasive cleaners.
• This appliance and the inner pot are NOT dishwasher safe.
6
Diagram 1
COOKING GUIDE
Rice/Water Measurement Chart:
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
WATER WITH
MEASURING CUP
WATERLINE
INSIDE POT
APPROX COOKED
RICE YIELD
NOTE
• Brown rice takes longer to cook than white rice due to the extra bran
layers on the grains. When cooking brown rice, add an ADDITIONAL
1/4 cup of water for every cup of uncooked rice.
• Wild rice and rice medleys vary in their contents. Some rice mixes
will require longer cooking times and/or additional water. Refer to
the package instructions for cooking suggestions.
• The measuring cup included adheres to rice industry standards 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 8 cups of uncooked rice into this appliance at
one time. The maximum capacity of this unit is 8 cups (uncooked)
which yields 16 cups of cooked rice.
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 non-stick 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 9),
rice/water measurements may vary slightly.
7
COOKING TIME GUIDE
WHITE RICE
UNCOOKED CUPS
2 Cups 30-35 Min 2 Cups 1:40-45 Min
3 Cups 32-37 Min 3 Cups 1:42-47 Min
4 Cups 34-39 Min 4 Cups 1:50-55 Min
5 Cups 38-43 Min 5 Cups 1:54-59 Min
6 Cups 40-45 Min 6 Cups 1:56-2:01Min
7 Cups 41-46 Min 7 Cups 1:58-2:03 Min
8 Cups 43-48 Min 8 Cups 2:00-05 Min
Cooking times are approximate. This table is for reference only.
Possible variations in cooking times may be caused by one or more of the
following factors:
• Variations in the type of rice being cooked
• Variations in the amount of rice and/or water in the inner pot
• If you are making a second batch of rice shortly after the first batch, cooking
times may be reduced because the heating element will already be warm.
• Opening the lid during the cycle causes a loss of heat and steam. Cooking
time may be prolonged if the lid is opened before the rice is finished.
COOKING TIME
BROWN RICE
UNCOOKED CUPS
COOKING TIME
*Brown rice requires an additional 1/4 cup of water per cup of uncooked rice.
8
STEAMING GUIDE
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
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. Always 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.
9
ABOUT RICE
Rice is a valuable source of low fat, complex carbohydrates and is
abundant in thiamin, niacin and iron. It is an essential ingredient for a
healthy diet.
There are many different varieties of rice available in the market. Your
Aroma Rice Cooker can cook any type perfectly every time. Following
are the commonly available varieties of rice and their characteristics:
Long Grain Rice
Typically this rice is not starchy and
has loose, individual grains after
cooking. "Carolina" is firm, and
"Jasmine" is the firmest of the long
grain variety and is flavorful and
aromatic.
Short Grain Rice
Short grain is characteristically
soft, sticky and chewy. This is the
rice used to make sushi.
"California Rice" is soft; "Sweet
Rice", often called "pearl" rice for
its round shape, is extra sticky and
is excellent for making rice
pudding.
Brown Rice
Brown rice is often considered the
most healthy variety. It has bran
layers on the rice grains and
contains more B-complex
vitamins, iron, calcium, and fiber
than polished (white) rice. The
most popular brown rice is long
grain and has a chewy texture.
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
wonderful stuffing for poultry when
cooked with broth and mixed with
your favorite dried fruits.
10
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 and 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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