Cuisinart CRC-400 User Manual 2
INSTRUCTION &
RECIPE BOOKLET
Rice Cooker/Steamer
For your safety and continued enjoyment of this product, always read the instruction book carefully before using.
CRC-400
IMPORTANT
SAVE THESE
SAFEGUARDS
When using an electrical appliance, basic safety
precautions should always be followed, including
the following:
1. READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS.
2. Do not touch hot surfaces; use handles
or knobs.
3. To protect against risk of electrical shock, do
not immerse the Rice Cooker/Steamer housing
in water or any other liquid. If housing falls into
liquid, unplug the cord from outlet immediately.
DO NOT reach into the liquid.
4. To avoid possible accidental injury, this
appliance should not be used by or near children or individuals with certain disabilities.
5. Unplug from outlet when not in use and before
cleaning. Allow to cool before putting on or
taking off parts.
6. Do not operate any appliance with a
damaged cord or plug, or after the
appliance has malfunctioned or has been
dropped or damaged in any way or is not
operating properly. Return the appliance to
the nearest Cuisinart Repair Center for
examination, repair or mechanical or
electrical adjustment.
7. The use of attachments not recommended by
Cuisinart may cause fire, electrical shock, or
risk of injury.
8. Do not use outdoors or anywhere the cord or
motor housing might come into contact with
water while in use.
9. Do not use the Rice Cooker/Steamer for
anything other than its intended use.
10. To avoid the possibility of the Rice Cooker/
Steamer being accidentally pulled off work
area, which could result in damage to it or in
personal injury, do not let cord hang over edge
of table or counter.
11. To avoid damage to cord and possible fire or
electrocution hazard, do not let cord contact
hot surfaces, including a stove.
12. Extreme caution must be used when moving
any appliance containing hot oil or other hot
liquids.
13. Do not place on or near a hot gas or
electric burner, or in a heated oven.
14. Do not operate Rice Cooker/Steamer in water
or under running water.
15. To reduce the risk of electric shock, cook only
in removable container. Do not immerse the
container in water.
INSTRUCTIONS
FOR HOUSEHOLD USE
ONLY
SPECIAL CORD SET
INSTRUCTIONS
A short power-supply cord is provided to reduce
the risks of becoming entangled in or tripping over
a longer cord.
Longer extension cords are available and may be
used if care is exercised.
If a long extension cord is used, 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 countertop or
tabletop where it can be pulled on by children or
tripped over.
NOTICE
This appliance has a polarized plug (one blade
is wider than the other). To reduce the risk of
electric shock, this plug will fit in a polarized
outlet only one way. If the plug does not fit fully
in the outlet, reverse the plug. If it still does not fit,
contact a qualified electrician. Do not modify the
plug in any way.
CONTENTS
Important Safeguards. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Parts and Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Important Guidelines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Tips and Hints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Assembly Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Operation
Cooking Rice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Cooking Rice and Steaming . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Steaming Only . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Reheating Rice. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Cleaning and Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Guide for Cooking Rice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Guide for Steaming Vegetables, Poultry,
Seafood and Hard-Cooked Eggs. . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Recipes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
2
PARTS AND FEATURES
1. Glass Lid with Steam Vent: See-through glass
lid allows you to view the rice while the steam
vent helps to prevent splattering.
2. Steaming Tray: Allows you to steam a variety
of foods while the rice is cooking.
3. Cooking Bowl: Nonstick coating prevents the
rice from sticking to the bowl.
4. Stainless Steel Housing: Durable stainless
steel construction makes cleanup easy.
5. Chrome-plated Handles: Cool touch handles.
6. “Cook” and “Warm” Indicator Switch: LED
lights on top of the switch indicate that the unit
is in Cook or Warm mode.
7. Measuring Cup: Calibrated specifically for
your Cuisinart
you to measure the proper rice to water
proportions with ease.
8. Rice Paddle: Allows you to fluff and scoop the
rice out of the cooking bowl.
9. BPA-Free (not shown): All parts that come in
contact with food are BPA-Free.
®
Rice Cooker/Steamer; allows
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
IMPORTANT GUIDELINES
• This appliance generates steam. Do not operate it
without the lid in place.
• Do not use your Rice Cooker/Steamer under
hanging wall cabinets; the escaping steam could
cause damage.
• Do not use metal utensils. Metal utensils will damage the nonstick finish on inner cooking bowl.
• Add rice and water before plugging in the cooker.
Because the Rice Cooker/Steamer does not have
an Off setting, the unit will automatically be in
Warm mode immediately after the unit is plugged
in.
TIPS AND HINTS
• The Cuisinart® Rice Cooker/Steamer is a perfect
appliance for a busy lifestyle and limited space.
It will cook rice and grains perfectly with minimal
fuss, taking up little counter space and leaving all
your burners free for other tasks. Cleaning up the
nonstick bowl is quick and easy and there is
virtually no maintenance.
• Your rice cooker can be used for more than just
rice. It is a simple way to cook pilafs. Simply turn
the unit on and walk away — it will
automatically switch to Warm when ready to serve.
• You can use your rice cooker to cook a combination of rice, grains and legumes at the same
time. Follow our recipes for ideas and suggested
amounts to use — let your imagination be
your guide.
• Rinsing/washing rice: Generally the rule is to
wash or rinse imported rice and not to wash or
rinse domestic (grown in U.S.) rice, as it has been
enriched with vitamins. To wash rice: place in a
medium bowl and cover with water, swirl until
the water appears chalky/cloudy, and drain in a
fine mesh strainer. Repeat until water is clear (or
nearly clear) when rice is covered and swirled.
Rice aficionados will even wash domestic rice, as
it removes the starches and reduces stickiness.
If you follow a well-balanced diet, then the loss
of these vitamins will not be detrimental. Do not
wash your rice in the rice cooker bowl – if the
outside of the bowl is wet when cooking, it may
cause damage to your rice cooker.
• Some varieties of rice may call for a soaking
period. This can be done in the rice cooker bowl
prior to cooking.
• When cooking rice, boil it until it has absorbed all
the liquid. At this time it is not quite done. Rice
benefits from a “boil-steam” method of cooking.
Allow your rice to rest on the Warm setting for 5
to 10 minutes before serving for best results. Do
not remove the cover and peek.
• After rice rests for 5 to 10 minutes, open rice
cooker cover and stir rice gently with rice paddle
or a wooden spoon. If rice is not ready to serve,
re-cover and let stand on Warm until ready.
3
• The rice cooker will switch to the Warm cycle
when it has finished cooking. At this time, you
may stir in chopped raw vegetables such as green
onions, slivered snow peas, shredded carrots, or
even grape tomatoes to add texture to the dish
– they will warm while the rice is resting, and if
served in 5 to 10 minutes will retain their unique
texture.
• The rice cooker can be used to prepare commercially packaged pilafs, rice and grain mixes.
Some packages will come with generic rice
cooker instructions, or they may be found on the
websites of the manufacturers. If the package
has a sautéing step, do it right in the rice cooker
bowl. Turn on, add specified amount of butter or
oil, add rice/vegetables/meat and sauté according to package instructions, with the lid on. Add
liquid and continue to cook. If the rice is too wet,
allow it to remain on Warm for 15 to 20 minutes
before serving. If it is too chewy, add up to ¼ cup
more liquid and let stay on Warm until liquid is
absorbed (about 15 to 20 minutes).
• When measuring rice with your rice cooker cup,
level it off with a table knife or spatula as you
would flour for baking.
• If desired, you may spray your cooking bowl with
nonstick cooking spray, but this step is not necessary, as it has a nonstick coating.
• When rice is placed in the cooking bowl, level it
off to a flat layer that covers the entire bottom of
the bowl, to ensure that it cooks evenly.
• The water you use for cooking rice should be
the same water that you drink. If you do not like
the taste of your tap water, use bottled or filtered
water. The taste of the water will affect the taste
of the rice.
• For best results, use cold water. Cooking times
will vary depending on the temperature of the
water being used.
• Liquids other than water may be used to cook
rice. Use low-fat, low-sodium meat or vegetable
stocks/broths. Fish stock or clam broth may be
used for seafood-flavored rice.
• One to two teaspoons of unsalted butter, olive,
vegetable or nut oil will help keep grains of rice
separate and prevent boiling over.
• If your recipe calls for salt, add and swirl in with
the rice paddle or a wooden spoon after adding
liquid — then level the rice as evenly as possible.
• The rice cooker can be used to steam vegetables,
seafood and some meats while cooking the rice.
Use our recipes as a guide, then create your
own combinations.
• When steaming vegetables, clean them and
trim to similar size. Follow Steaming Guide (page
7) for steaming vegetables alone. To steam vegetables while preparing rice, use Steaming Guide
to time when to add vegetables to steaming tray.
• When steaming meats such as poultry or sau-
• When steaming shrimp, scallops and other sea-
• When using your rice cooker, plug it in and
• The steam vent in the cover should always be
• One cup of uncooked rice makes approximately
• 1 rice cooker cup (filled to the top) = ¾ cup =
ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS
To use your Cuisinart® Rice Cooker/Steamer:
1. Carefully unpack the cooker.
2. Rinse the nonstick cooking bowl, steaming tray
3. Wipe all interior and exterior surfaces of the rice
4. Place cooking bowl in base of unit.
5. Place steaming tray in cooking bowl with open
6. Place the lid on top of the cooking bowl.
7. Do not plug in unit. Your rice cooker is now
OPERATION
Cooking Rice
1. Make sure your Cuisinart® Rice Cooker/Steamer
2. Place cooking pot in the stainless steel housing.
3. Measure desired amount of raw rice with the
4. Choose one of the following ways to add water
a. Measure the appropriate amount of water
b. Using the water line inside the cooking bowl
Most vegetables can be added about 10 minutes
before rice has finished cooking.
sage, cut all into small, similar sized pieces (such
as “finger strips” or 1-inch slices). Arrange in a
single layer in the steaming tray, which has been
sprayed with cooking spray.
food, arrange in a single layer in the steaming tray,
which has been sprayed with cooking spray.
arrange it on the counter away from the wall
and not under hanging cabinets, to prevent
steam damage.
placed facing the back of the rice cooker. Lift
the lid from the back to the front to prevent
steam burns.
three cups of cooked rice.
12 tablespoons
and lid in warm, soapy water. Rinse well and
dry thoroughly.
cooker base with a soft, damp cloth.
part facing down.
ready for use.
is unplugged.
measuring cup provided. Rinse rice if needed.
See Guide for Cooking Rice (page 6) for
rice-to-water ratios.
or stock for cooking:
using standard liquid measuring cup.
See Guide for Cooking Rice.
add water to the rice inside the bowl up to
the proper water line. For example, if you
4
added 2 cups of raw rice, add water to line 2
(white rice only).
5. Cover the cooking bowl with lid. Make sure the
steam vent is facing toward the back of the unit.
6. Plug in unit.
7. Set to the cook position by pressing the switch
down. The Cook LED light will be illuminated.
8. Rice cooker will heat and cook the rice.
Cooking time will vary, depending on the
amount and type of rice or grain being cooked.
9. Once the rice is cooked, the unit will automati-
cally switch to the Warm setting and the Warm
LED will be illuminated. The unit will stay in
Warm mode until the unit is unplugged from
the outlet.
10. For best texture, allow cooked rice to rest in
Warm mode for 5 to 10 minutes.
11. Once you are ready to serve the rice, lift the lid
away from you.
12. Fluff rice with paddle or utensil suitable for
nonstick cookware.
13. Lift and remove cooking bowl from rice cooker
using potholders.
Cooking Rice and Steaming
1. Clean and prepare your vegetables, seafood, fish
or poultry.
2. Follow steps 1 to 8 under the Cooking Rice
section (page 4).
3. Fill the steaming tray with open end facing up.
4. Place the filled steaming tray on top of the
cooking bowl at the appropriate time for food
being steamed. See Steaming Guide (page 7), for
approximate cooking times.
5. Place lid on top of the steaming tray.
6. When the appropriate cooking time has elapsed,
unplug the unit.
Reheating Rice
1. Make sure unit is unplugged.
2. To reheat rice, add ¼ cup (4 tablespoons) of cold
water per cup of cooked rice.
3. Stir to mix.
4. Place lid on top of the cooking bowl.
5. Plug in unit and set to the cook position by
pressing the switch down. The Cook LED light
will be illuminated.
6. Once the rice is cooked, the unit will automatically switch to the Warm setting and the Warm
LED will be illuminated. The unit will stay in Warm
mode until the unit is unplugged from the outlet.
CLEANING AND CARE
1. Unplug your Cuisinart® Rice Cooker/Steamer and
allow it to cool before cleaning.
2. Place cooking bowl, steaming tray and lid in the
dishwasher or wash with warm, soapy water. If
food sticks to the surface, fill with warm, soapy
water and allow to soak before cleaning.
3. If scouring is necessary, use a nonabrasive
cleanser or liquid detergent with a nylon pad
or brush.
4. Wipe base of unit with a soft, damp cloth or
microfiber towel. NEVER IMMERSE BASE OF
UNIT IN WATER.
5. Make sure all parts are cool before storing. Store
unit in a clean, dry place.
Steaming Only
1. Make sure unit is unplugged.
2. Fill cooking bowl with the suggested amount of
water based on the Steaming Guide.
3. Fill the steaming tray with open end facing up.
4. Place the filled steaming tray on top of the
cooking bowl.
5. Place lid on top of the steaming tray.
6. When water is completely evaporated, the unit
will automatically switch to the Warm setting and
the Warm LED will be illuminated. The unit will
stay in Warm mode until the unit is unplugged
from the outlet. Do not allow bowl to boil dry.
7. For best results, unplug unit immediately
after the unit switches to Warm, to prevent
over-cooking.
5
Guide for Cooking Rice
Cooking times will vary according to amount and temperature of cooking liquid.
The simplest way to cook long grain (converted) white rice is to place rice in cooking bowl and add liquid to
appropriate line marking. For example, using the rice measuring cup provided, fill cooking bowl with 2 cups
rice. Then, add water to the 2 cup water marking inside the bowl. If using 3 cups of rice, add water to the 3
cup water marking inside the bowl. Do the same when using 4 to 8 cups of rice. Please note that preparing
less than 2 cups of rice is not recommended.
For grains or brown and specialty rice, use the chart provided below. Note that you should not prepare
these in amounts smaller or larger than stated in the chart.
All rice/grain is measured in the rice cooker cup. All water/liquid is measured in a standard liquid
measuring cup.
Rice/Grain Serves
Amount Rice
(in Rice Cooker Cups)
Amount Water/Liquid
(in standard liquid measure cups)
Long Grain White 2 1 1¼
Long Grain White 4 2 2⁄
Long Grain White 6 3 3
Long Grain White 8 4
2
3
Medium Grain White 2 1 1¼
Medium Grain White 4 2 2
Medium Grain White 6 3 2¾
Medium Grain White 8 4 3½
Arborio 4 1 3¼
Brown Rice (med/long) 2-4 1 1¾
Brown Rice (med/long) 3-5 1½ 2½
Wehani Rice 4 1
7
1
Red Rice
(Carmargue riz rouge;
41 1¾
Bhutanese)
Wild Pecan 4 7-oz. package 1¾
Black Rice (Forbidden) 4 1 1¾
Sushi
(soak rice for 30 minutes
before cooking)
makes
about 5½
cups
3 2¼ cups water + 2 tablespoons Sake
Pearl Couscous (Israeli) 6 1½ 3
Polenta (Cornmeal) 4 1 3
Oatmeal (Rolled Oats) 4 2 3
Oatmeal (Irish – soak
overnight in the amount
2 to 3 1 3
of cooking water)
* One rice cooker cup equals ¾ cup standard dry measure.
8
⁄
3
⁄
8
6
Guide for Steaming Vegetables, Poultry, Seafood and Hard-Cooked Eggs
Place indicated amount of water into the cooking bowl. The amount needed will vary according to the type
of food being cooked. Arrange foods in a single layer in the steaming tray. Vegetables should be cut in
similar sizes as indicated. Begin timing when unit is turned on. Cooking times are approximate and will yield
cooked but crisp/tender vegetables. Add more time for more tender/softer vegetables or cut back on time
for crispier vegetables to taste.
The rice cooker must be unplugged immediately after vegetables have finished cooking to prevent overcooking. If cooking vegetables over rice, use chart to determine approximately when to add steaming tray to rice
cooker. Serve steamed vegetables immediately or plunge into ice water to stop cooking to use in salads and
other cold preparations.
Food Amount Preparation Water
Cooking Time
(approximate)
Asparagus 4 ounces 3-inch cut 1½ cups 9-10 minutes
Broccoli 4 ounces 1½-2" flowerets 1½ cups 11 minutes
Carrots – baby 8 ounces Whole 1½ cups 15 minutes
Carrots – sliced 8 ounces ¼-inch slices 1½ cups 15 minutes
Green beans 4 ounces 1 to 1½" slices 1½ cups 8-9 minutes
Peas, snow 4 ounces
Peas, edible 4 ounces
Potatoes, new
(1½" diameter)
Potatoes
yellow/gold
4 ounces Quartered 2 cups 23-24 minutes
12 ounces ¾-inch dice 2 cups 18-19 minutes
Whole, tipped and
topped, strings removed
Whole, tipped and
topped, strings removed
1½ cups 11 minutes
1½ cups 10-11 minutes
Sweet potatoes 8 ounces Peeled, ½-inch dice 1½ cups 18-19 minutes
Zucchini/
yellow squash
Chicken/turkey
fresh
Sausage, smoked
6 ounces
8 ounces
(maximum)
8-12
ounces
Shrimp 8 ounces
Halve lengthwise,
¾-inch slices
1½ cups 11 minutes
Cut into ½-inch slices 1½ cups 12-15 minutes
Cut into ½-inch slices 1½ cups 12-15 minutes
Peeled/unpeeled, may be
seasoned with herbs or prepared
seafood seasoning such as Old
®
Bay
(spray steaming tray with
cooking spray)
1½ cups
+ 1 table-
spoon
vinegar
12-15 minutes
(will depend on size
of shrimp). Stir after
10 minutes
Season as desired (spray steaming
Scallops, sea 8 ounces
tray with cooking spray or line with
1½ cups 10-15 minutes
leaf lettuce)
Fin fish (salmon,
haddock, cod, sea
bass, etc.)
8 ounces
Cut into 1½-inch squares, arrange
on lettuce leaves or parchment
rounds in steaming tray
1½ cups 10-15 minutes
21 minutes (place
Eggs, large 4 In shells 1½ cups
in ice water
immediately to
stop cooking)
7
Loading...