West Bend ELECTRIC STEAMER/RICE COOKER Care And Use Instructions

1

WEST BEND

ELECTRIC STEAMER/RICE COOKER

Care and Use Instructions

TO PREVENT PERSONAL INJURY OR PROPERTY DAMAGE, READ AND FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS AND/OR

WARNINGS IN THIS CARE AND USE INSTRUCTION MANUAL.

IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS

When using electrical appliances, basic safety precautions should always be followed, including the following:

?? Read all instructions
?? Do not touch hot surfaces. Use potholders when removing cover or handling hot containers.
?? To protect against electric shock, do not immerse base, its cord or plug in water or other liquid.
?? Close supervision is necessary when any appliance is used by or near children.
?? Unplug from outlet when not in use and before cleaning. Allow to cool before putting on or taking off parts, and before cleaning

the appliance.

?? Do not operate any appliance with a damaged cord or plug or after the appliance malfunctions, or has been damaged in any

manner.

?? The use of accessory attachments not recommended by the appliance manufacturer may cause injuries.
?? Do not use outdoors.
?? Do not let cord hang over edge of table or counter, or touch hot surfaces.
?? Do not place on or near a hot gas or electric burner, or in a heated oven.
?? Extreme caution must be used when moving an appliance containing hot food, water or other hot liquids.
?? Always have timer set at OFF position, then plug cord into wall outlet. To disconnect set timer to OFF position, then remove

plug from wall outlet.

?? Do not use appliance for other than intended use.

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS

Your food steamer/rice cooker needs no special care other than cleaning. For Household Use Only.
SPECIAL NOTE: this booklet contains instructions for use of two different Steamer/Rice Cookers. One model features a timer and

includes a drip pan the second model features a signal light and does not include a drip pan. Be sure to follow the correct care and use
instructions for the particular model Steamer/Rice Cooker you have.

Electrical Cord and Plug Information

This appliance has a polarized plug (one blade is wider than the other). As a safety feature, this plug will fit into a polarized outlet
only one way. If the plug doesn’t fit fully in the outlet, reverse the plug. If it still does not fit, contact a qualified electrician. Do not
attempt to defeat this safety feature. CAUTION: your food steamer/ricer cooker has a longer cord for convenience. To reduce the
risk of personal injury or property damage, do not allow cord to drape or hang over the edge of countertop or tabletop where it can be
pulled on by children or tripped over accidentally. Do not allow children to be near or use this appliance without close adult
supervision.

2

GENERAL COOKING TIPS:

?? Steaming/cooking times will vary depending on desired doneness, size and quantity of food being cooked. To prevent

overcooking, set timer for the minimum time given in chart. Rest timer if necessary to complete cooking. For model with signal
light, set a separate time to prevent overcooking.

?? To prevent possible damage to cabinets from the steam emitted from appliance, do not place appliance directly under cabinets.
?? To prevent steam burns, always use potholders when removing cover and bowls from appliance. Use long-handled utensils when

checking for doneness of food and avoid reaching over appliance when cooking.

?? Altitude affects the temperature at which water boils. Longer cooking times may be required at higher altitudes.
?? Do not place any part of appliance in a microwave, conventional oven or on any cooking or heating surface.
?? If you wish to stop cooking process before time expires on timer, simply turn timer to OFF position and unplug cord from outlet.

For model with signal light, unplug cord from outlet to stop cooking process.

?? If setting timer for less than 15 minutes, you must first set timer to the 15 -minute mark, and then turn back to the desired minutes.

This must be done to activate the timer and turn appliance on when cooking for less than 15 minutes.

?? Always make sure there is sufficient water in the base for steaming or cooking. Do not allow base to boil dry. Add water to base

if necessary.

?? After steaming or cooking, invert cover and use as a trivet for steam basket or rice bowl.
?? Two water-level markings are featured on inside of base-identified as MIN and MAX. The MIN line represents 2 cups (16 oz.) of

water and the MAX line represents 4 cups (32 oz.). Normally, the MIN amount of water is needed for up to 30 minutes of
cooking. Fill with water to MAX line for longer cooking times, 30 to 60 minutes. Maximum time that can be set on timer is 60
minutes. To hasten cooking, use hot tap water rather than cold.

CLEAN BEFORE USING THE FIRST TIME

1. Wash steam basket, rice bowl, cover and drip pan in hot soapy water, with a dishcloth, rinse and dry. These parts can also be
cleaned in an automatic dishwater, TOP RACK ONLY.

2. Wipe out inside of base with a damp soapy cloth, wipe clean with a damp cloth and dry. Wipe outside of base with a damp cloth

if necessary. CAUTION: To reduce the risk of electric shock, do not immerse base, its cord or plug in water or other liquid.

Your food steamer/rice cooker is now ready to use.

?? HOW TO STEAM FOODS – See Diagram 2 For Parts Used to steam

For model that includes drip pan and timer.

1. Place base on dry, level, heat-resistant surface away from any edge. Pour water into base to the appropriate fill line (MIN or
MAX) for food being cooked, see chart pages 6-10. Only water can be used in base. Do not add salt, seasonings or any other
liquids to base. Position drip an in base making sure it is level.

2. Place food to be steamed in steam basket and place basket into base over drip pan.

3. Cover steamer and plug cord into 120 volt AC electric outlet ONLY. Set timer for recommended cooking time given in chart.

4. When time is up, timer will ring and steamer will automatically turn off. Remove cover with potholders, being careful of
escaping steam. Check doneness of food and remove if done. If not done, cover and reset timer for a few additional minutes.
Remember: When setting timer for less than 15 minutes, you must turn time to 15 minute mark and then back to the number of
minutes you wish to time. This must be done to activate timer and turn appliance on. After cooking, steam basket can be set into
inverted cover if desired. Season foods after steaming.

5. Unplug cord from outlet and allow appli ance to cool completely before removing drip pan, cleaning or removing water from base.

?? HOW TO COOK RICE – See Diagram 3 For Parts Used To Cook Rice For model that includes drip pan and timer.

1. Place base on dry, level, heat-resistant surface away from any edge. Pour water into base to the appropriate fill line (MIN or
MAX). See Rice Cooking chart page 11. Only water can be used in base. Do not add salt, seasonings or any other liquids to
base. Place steam basket into base. (NOTE: Drip Pan Is NOT Used When Cooking Rice).

2. Add recommended amounts of rice and water to rice bowl, see chart on page 11. Place rice bowl into steam basket, making sure
rice bowl is centered in bottom of steam basket.

3. Cover cooker and plug cord into 120 volt AC electric outl et ONLY.
Set timer for recommended cooking time given in chart.

4. When time is up, timer will ring and cooker will automatically turn off. Remove cover with potholders being careful of escaping
steam. Check doneness of rice. Remember: When setting timer for less than 15 minutes, you must first turn timer to 15 minute
mark and then back to the number of minutes you wish to time. This must be done to activate timer and turn appliance on.

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Continue cooking until water is absorbed by rice. When done, remove rice bowl with pot holders and transfer to separate serving
dish. Rice bowl can be set into inverted cover if desired.

5. Unplug cord from outlet after cooking and allow appliance to cool before cleaning or removing water from base.

??HOW TO STEAM FOODS – See Diagram 4 for Parts Used to Steam For model that has a signal light.

1. Place base on dry, level, heat-resistant surface away from any edge. Pour water into base to the appropriate fill line (MIN or
MAX) for food being cooked, see chart pages 6-10. Only water can be used in base. Do not add salt, seasonings or any other
liquids to base.

2. Place food to be steamed in stem basket and place basket into base.

3. Cover steamer and plug cord into 120 volt AC electric outlet ONLY. Signal light will glow when base is plugged in. Set timer
for recommended cooking time given in chart.

4. When time is up, unplug from outlet. Remove cover with potholders, being careful of escaping steam. Check doneness of food
and remove if done. If not done, cover, plug cord into electrical outlet and set timer for a few additional minutes. Unplug from
outlet when cooking is complete. After cooking, steam basket can be set into inverted cover if desired. Season foods after
steaming.

5. Allow appliance to cool completely before cleaning or removing drip pan from base.

?? HOW TO COOK RICE – See Diagram 5 for Parts Used To Cook Rice

For model that has a signal light.

1. Place base on dry, level, heat-resistant surface away from any edge. Pour water into base to the appropriate fill line (MIN or
MAX). See Rice Cooking charge Page 11. Only water can be used in base. Do not add salt, seasonings or any liquid to base.
Place steam basket into base.

2. Add recommended amounts of rice and water to rice bowl, see chart on page 11. Place rice bowl into steam basket, making sure
rice bowl is centered in bottom of steam basket.

3. Cover cooker and plug cord into 120 volt AC electric outlet ONLY. Signal light will glow when base is plugged in. Set a
separate timer for minimum cooking time given in chart.

4. When time is up, unplug cord from outlet. Remove cover with potholders being careful of escaping steam. Check doneness of
rice. If water is not completely absorbed by rice, cover, plug cord into electrical outlet and set timer for a few additional minutes.
Continue cooking until water is absorbed by rice. When done, unplug cord from outlet, remove rice bowl with potholders and
transfer to separate serving dish. Rice bowl can be set into inverted cover if desired.

5. Allow appliance to cool before cleaning or removing water from base.

CARE AND CLEANING:
?? Clean After Every Use

Unplug and allow to cool before cleaning. Follow “Clean Before Using The First Time” instructions on page 3.

?? Special Cleaning Instructions To Remove Mineral Deposit

After frequent use (15-20 uses), white mineral deposits and food stains will form on the inside of base, which is normal. Follow these
instructions to remove. It is important to remove mineral deposits as these can cause pitting of the metal heating unit.

1. Pour 1 cup of white distilled vinegar and 2 cups of tap water into base. Plug cord into outlet and set timer on base or set separate
timer for 20 minutes. NOTE: No other parts of appliance are needed when cleaning base.

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2. When time is up, unplug cord from outlet and allow base to cool. Pour liquid out of base and wipe inside with a damp soapy
cloth, wipe clean with a damp cloth and dry. DO NOT use abrasive scouring pads, cleansers or household bleach to clean inside
of base.

FRESH VEGETABLE STEAMING CHART

?? Weight specified in chart is purchased weight of the food.
?? Select uniform foods or cut pieces uniformly for best results.
?? Season vegetables after steaming.

Fresh
Vegetables

Asparagus,
spears

Beans,
green/wax

Broccoli,
spears

Brussels
sprouts

Cabbage 1-1/2 lbs

Carrots, sliced 1/2-lb

Cauliflower,
whole head

One-half head

Corn on cob up to 6 ears No Yes MIN 25-30 Break ears into

Parsnips 1 lb No Yes MIN 19-21 Peel, cut into

Peas 1-1/2 lbs in

Peppers, green
or red

Potatoes 1 lb

Spinach 1 lb No Yes MIN 12-15 Remove stems,

Squash,
summer
yellow and
zucchini

Weight or

Number of

Pieces

1/2-1 lb No Yes MIN 15-20 Place spears

1/2-lb

1 lb

1/2-lb

1 lb

1 lb No Yes MIN 20-25 Trim stem,

(1/2 of large

head)

1 lb

2 lbs

1 lb

pod

5 medium

(1-1/4 lbs)

2 lbs

1/2-lb

1 lb

Use

Rice

Bowl

No
No

No
No

No Yes MIN 20-25 Trim stem,

No
No
No

No

No Yes MIN 15-20 Shell peas.

No Yes MIN 13-15 Cut top off,

No
No

No
No

Use

Drip

Pan*

Yes
Yes

Yes
Yes

Yes
Yes
Yes

Yes

Yes
Yes

Yes
Yes

Water

Level in

Base

MIN
MIN

MIN
MIN

MIN
MIN
MIN

MIN

MIN
MIN

MIN
MIN

Cooking

Times

(Minutes)

20-25
25-30

18-20
20-25

15-20
25-30
25-30

18-20

20-25
30-35

12-15
15-17

Tips

evenly in steam

basket.
Arrange evenly
in steam basket.
Stir halfway
through
cooking time.
Arrange evenly
in steam basket.

remove loose
outer leaves.
Place larger
sprouts to outer
edge of steam
basket

remove outer
leaves, cut in
¼-inch slices.
Place in single
layer in steam
basket
Cut into ¼-inch
slices
Trim, place in
center of steam
basket.

Broken into
flowerettes.

3-inch lengths,
arrange
vertically in
steam basket.

½-inch cubes or
strips.

Wash. Stir peas
halfway
through
cooking time.

remove
membrane and
seeds. Place
open side down
in steam ba sket.
Cut in quarters.
Cut in 1-inch
pieces.

place loosely in
steam basket.
Trim. Wash and
cut into ¼-inch
slices.

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* If included

CHICKEN, FRANKFURTERS, SAUSAGES STEAMING CHART

?? When steaming chicken, trim off fat and remove skin. Arrange in single layer with larger pieces toward outer edge of steam

basket. Steam until well done and juices run clear.

?? To steam pre-cooked frankfurters and sausages, pierce skin with fork several times to prevent splitting.

Chicken,
Frankfurters
Sausage

Chicken, breast
boneless

Breast, split (with
bone)

Drumsticks and
thighs (with
bone)
Frankfurters 1 lb No Yes MIN 17-19 Place in single layer,

Sausage, fully
cooked

Weight or

Number of

Pieces

1 lb

2 pieces

(1-1/14 lbs)

1 lb

1 lb No Yes MIN 20-22 Place in single layer.

Use

Rice

Bowl

No

No

No

Use

Drip

Pan*

Yes

Yes

Yes

Water

Level in

Base

MAX

MAX

MAX

Cooking

Times

(Minutes)

35-40

40-45

35-40

Tips

Steam until well
done and juices run
clear.
Place flesh side
down, with thickest
part toward outer
edge.
Place thickest part
toward outer edge.

Pierce skin before
steaming.

Pierce skin before
steaming.

* If included

FROZEN VEGETABLE STEAMING CHART

?? Place vegetables into steamer basket. Do not thaw before steaming.
?? If vegetables are very icy, stir halfway through cooking time using a long-handled spoon or fork.
?? Frozen vegetabl es in a sauce or mashed vegetables (squash) MUST BE PUT IN RICE BOWL TO RETAIN SAUCE/LIQUID.

Add vegetable to rice bowl, cover bowl with aluminum foil and place into steamer basket. Cover steamer basket.

?? Season vegetables after steaming.

Frozen
Vegetables

Package

Weight

Use

Rice

Bowl

Use

Drip

Pan*

Water

Level in

Base

Cooking

Times

(Minutes)

Tips

Asparagus,

spears

Beans, green/wax

cut or whole;

lima

Broccoli chopped

Spears

Brussels spro uts 10 ounces

Carrot, sliced
Whole, baby

Cauliflower 8 ounces

Corn, cut

Mixed
Vegetables

In sauce

8 ounces No Yes MIN 14-16 Arrange evenly in

10 ounces
16 ounces

10 ounces

10 ounces
16 ounces

16 ounces
10 ounces
16 ounces
10 ounces

16 ounces
10 ounces
20 ounces

10 ounces
16 ounces

10 ounces

No
No

No

No
No

No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No

No
No

Yes

Yes
Yes

Yes

Yes
Yes

Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes

Yes
Yes

No

MIN
MIN

MIN

MIN
MIN

MIN
MIN
MIN
MIN
MIN
MIN
MIN
MIN
MIN

MIN
MIN

MIN

15-17
20-22

20-22

17-19
20-22

17-19
20-22
13-15
17-19
18-20
16-18
20-22
12-14
17-19

15-17
19-22

25-30

steam basket.
Stir halfway
through cooking
time.
Separate and stir
halfway through
cooking time
Arrange evenly in
steam basket.

Arrange evenly in
steam basket.
Arrange evenly in
steam basket.

Arrange evenly in
steam basket.
Arrange evenly;
stir halfway
through cooking
time.
Arrange evenly;
stir halfway
through cooking
time.
Cover rice bowl
with aluminum
foil.

6

Peas, green 10 ounces

Spinach 10 ounces Yes No MIN 25-30 Cover rice bowl

Squash, winter.
mashed

16 ounces

12 ounces Yes No MAX 45-50 Cover rice bowl

No
No

Yes
Yes

MIN
MIN

12-14
17-19

Arrange evenly;
stir halfway
through cooking
time.

with aluminum
foil. Stir after 20
minutes.

with aluminum
foil. Stir after 30
minutes.

* If included

SEAFOOD AND FISH STEAMING CHART

??Always rinse seafood and fish with water before cooking to prevent possible foaming or boil over of water in base.
??Seafood and fish should be placed in single layer with larger pieces toward outer edge of steam basket.
??Season seafood or fish after steaming
??Fish fillets may be steamed in rice bowl. Follow procedure for poaching fillets.

Type of
Seafood or
Fish

Clams, fresh, in
shell

Crab, legs, claws
cooked, frozen
thawed and
rinsed
Lobster, tails
uncooked, frozen,
thawed and
rinsed

Scallops, frozen,
thawed and
rinsed

Shrimp, medium
in shell, rinsed

Fillets, fresh or
frozen, thawed
and rinsed
Poached fillets 1/2-1lb

Steaks, fresh or
frozen, thawed
and rinsed.

Amount

1/2-lb

1 lb

1 lb

(6 pieces)

1-2

(1/2-1lb)

1 lb No Yes MIN 15-18 Thaw and rinse

1 lb No Yes MIN 15-20 Steam until flesh

1 lb No Yes MIN 15-20 Arrange in single

(1/3 inch

thick

fillets)

1 lb

(1/4 -to 1

inch

thick)

Use

Rice

Bowl

No
No

No Yes MIN 20-25 Steam until hot,

No Yes MIN 23-25 Remove underside

Yes No MIN 19-21 Place fillets in rice

No Yes MIN 20-25 Arrange in single

Use

Drip

Pan*

Yes
Yes

Water

Level in

Base

MIN
MIN

Cooking

Times

(Minutes)

15-17
17-20

Tips

Clean, soak shells.
Cook until shells
are opened.

remove with tongs

of shell with
kitchen shears;
Crack upper shell
with mallet to
reduce curling.
Place in steam
basket, shell side
down. Steam until
flesh is opaque;
shell will be
reddish.

scallops. Arrange
in single layer in
steam basket.
Steam until
opaque. Some
foaming may
occur during
steaming.

is opaque and shell
is reddish.

layer. Steam until
fish flakes easily.

bowl, drizzle with
1 tablespoon
melted butter and
1 teaspoon lemon
juice. Cover rice
bowl with
aluminum foil.

layer in steam
basket. Steam
until opaque and
fish flakes easily

7

* If included

RICE COOKING CHART

??When steaming rice, follow the rice chart for amounts of water and rice to use. Do not follow directions on package.
??Place rice and water into rice bowl, stir. Water must be added to rice bowl in order to cook rice. Position rice bowl into steaming basket for

steaming. Drip pan is not used when steaming rice.

??Check doneness of rice at minimum time specified. Stir rice. If additional steaming is required, remove moisture from cover before replacing on

steam basket.

??For flavored rice, beef or chicken bouillon/broth may be substituted for the amount of water in the rice bowl.
??When rice is done, carefully remove rice bowl using potholders, as the handles on the rice bowl will be hot and wet.

Amt.

Rice

1/2 cup

1 cup

2 cups

1/2 cup

1 cup

2 cups

1/2 cup

1 cup

2 cups

1/2 cup

1 cup

2 cups

1/2 cup

1 cup

2 cups

mix

mix

Combine in

Rice Bowl

Amt.

Water

1 cup

1-2/3 cup

3 cups
1/2 cup
1/4 cup

1-1/2 cups

1 cup
1-2/3 cups
2-1/2 cups

1 cup
1-2/3 cups

3 cups
1/2 cup
1/4 cup

1-1/4 cups

1/2 cup

less than

package

recommends

1/2 cup

less than

package

recommends

chicken broth

and ½ cup

water

Use

Drip

Pan*

No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No

No

No

No MAX 40-45 In rice bowl,

Water

Level in

Base

MAX
MAX
MAX

MIN
MIN
MIN

MIN
MAX
MAX
MAX
MAX
MAX

MIN

MIN

MIN

MAX

MIN

Cooking

Times

(Minutes

57-60
57-60
57-60
18-20
18-20
18-20
27-30
37-40
42-45
42-45
42-45
52-55
15-18
15-18
18-20

47-50

22-25

Tips

Yield 1-1/2 cups
Yield 3 cups
Yield 6-1/2 cups
Yield 1 cup
Yield 2-1/4 cups
Yield 3-1/4 cups
Yield 1-1/4 cups
Yield 3-1/4 cups
Yield 6-1/4 cups
Yield 1-1/4 cups
Yield 3-1/4 cups
Yield 6-1/2 cups
Yield 1 cup
Yield 1-1/4 cups
Yield 3-1/2 cups

Let stand 3-5
minutes after
steaming

Let stand 3-5
minutes after
steaming

combine rice,
broth, water, 10
mushrooms sliced,
3 green onions
chopped, ½ tsp.
salt, steam until
rice is tender.
Yield 4-1/2 cups

Type of Rice

Brown (regular,
long or short
grain)
Instant

White (regular
extra long, long,
medium grain)
White, parboiled
(regular or long
grain)

Packaged Rice
Mixes – Regular

Fast cooking

Rice Pilaf 1-1/2 cups 1 10 -1/2 oz. can

* If included