West Bend L5551E User Manual

AUTOMATIC RICE COOKER

Instruction Manual

www.focuselectrics.com

Important Safeguards...............................................................................................2

Operating Precautions..............................................................................................3

Using Your Rice Cooker...........................................................................................4

Cooking Tips ............................................................................................................ 7

Cleaning Your Rice Cooker......................................................................................7

Warranty...................................................................................................................8

SAVE THIS INSTRUCTION MANUAL FOR FUTURE REFERENCE

www.focuselectrics.com

IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS

To prevent personal injury or property damage, read and follow all instructions and warnings.

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

• Read all instructions, including these important safeguards and the care and use

instructions in this manual.

• Do not touch hot surfaces. Use handles or knobs.

• To protect against electric shock, do not immerse cord, plugs, or other electric

parts in water or other liquids.

• Close supervision is necessary when this appliance is used by or near children.

• Unplug the appliance from outlet when not in use and before cleaning. Allow to

cool before putting on or taking off parts and before cleaning.

• Do not operate this appliance with a damaged cord or plug, after the appliance

malfunctions or if the appliance is dropped or damaged in any manner. If you experience any problems with your machine, unplug it immediatel y from the electrical outlet. For service information see warranty page.

• The use of accessory attachments not recommended by Focus Electrics may

cause injuries.

• Do not use this appliance 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 a heated oven.

• Extreme caution must be used when moving an appliance or vessel containing

hot liquids or hot foods.

• Always attach plug to appliance first, then plug cord into the wall outlet. To

disconnect, turn any control to “OFF”, then remove plug from wall outlet.

• Do not use appliance for other than intended use.

• Do not preheat the heating base.

• This appliance has a polarized plug (one blade is wider than the other). 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.

• For household use only.

To prevent burns, personal injury or property damage, read and follow all instructions and warnings.

OPERATING PRECAUTIONS

• Do not use glass cover if chipped, cracked or has deep scratches as weakened

glass can shatter during use. Discard immediately. See Replacement Part section in this booklet on how to obtain a replacement part.

• Do not attempt to repair this appliance yourself.

• Use hot pads or oven mitts if you lift or carry the rice cooker base, rice pot,

steam basket, or cover when it is hot.

• Lift cover slowly, directing steam away from you.

• Set rice pot, steam basket and cover on hot pad, trivet, or other heat protective

surface. Do not set hot rice pot, steam basket, or cover directly on the counter, table or other surface.

• Do not use the rice pot, steam basket or cover on the stove top, under the

broiler, in the freezer, in the microwave or in the oven.

• Do not run cold water over hot cover, as it may crack or shatter if cooled

suddenly.

• Never put liquid into the outer heating base. Add liquid only into the inner rice

pot.

• Never plug rice cooker in without the inner rice cooker pot inside the heating

base.

• Always keep the space between the inner rice pot and the heating plate of base

clean and free from any foreign particles.

• A short power-supply cord is provided to reduce risks resulting from becoming

entangled in or tripping over a longer cord.

• Longer, detachable power-supply cords or extension cords are available and

may be used if care is exercised in their use. While use of an extension cord is not recommended, if you must use one, the marked electrical rating of the detachable power-supply cord or extension cord should be at least as great as the electrical rating of the appliance. If the appliance is of the grounded type, the extension cord should be a grounding-type 3-wire cord. The 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.

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS

USING YOUR RICE COOKER

Glass Cover with Vent

Steaming Basket

Rice Cooking Pot

Heating Base Warm Light Rice Measuring Cup

Serving Spoon

HOW TO COOK RICE

SPECIAL NOTE: The rice-measuring cup included with the rice cooker is based on

5½ ounces (160ml) rather than a standard 8 ounce (240ml) measuring cup. Dependent on the model of rice cooker you have, your rice cooker can cook either 10 or 12 measures of rice. Do not exceed the maximum capacity of the rice cooker as this can result in a boil over. Typically, each measure of raw rice will yield about 2 cups of cooked rice. A ¼ teaspoon of added salt will help reduce spitting that may occur.

**If you are only cooking rice, remove the steam basket during cooking.

1. Place the heating base on dry, level, heat-resistant surface away from any edge.

2. Before placing the rice cooking pot into the heating base, make sure the heating plate in the base and outside of the rice pot are clean and dry. Do not let loose rice or particles fall into the base as this will affect the cooking.

3. Using the rice-measuring cup, add the desired number of cups of rice to the rice pot first. Add cold water to the corresponding cup level mark on the rice pot. For instance, if 4 measures of rice are added, fill the rice pot with water to the 4cup mark. This is the amount of water needed to cook this amount of rice. Do not exceed the maximum marking on the rice pot to prevent boil over.

4. Twist the rice pot back and forth to make sure it is in contact with the heating plate. Place the cover on the pot.

5. Attach the cord to the heating base and plug into a 120-volt AC electric outlet only.

Cook Light

Cord

Switch Lever

6. When plugged in, press the switch lever down. A red “COOK” light will glow indicating the rice cooker is on. See the cooking chart for approximate cooking times for different amounts of rice. Brown rice will take longer to cook than white rice, which is normal. As the rice cooks, steam will come out of the vent, therefore do not put the rice cooker directly under a cabinet to prevent possible damage. Some water may also spit from the cover onto the counter, which is normal.

7. When done, the rice cooker will automatically switch to the “WARM” setting and the yellow light will glow. The red “COOK” light will go out and the yellow “WARM” light will go on. Keep the lid closed for 15 minutes to ensure thorough cooking. Carefully remove the cover with oven mitts to prevent a steam burn. Stir the rice with a plastic or wooden spoon before serving. The rice will be kept warm between 140°F-176°F (60°C-80°C) for serving. The red “COOK” light will cycle on and off to maintain this temperature. Keep covered as much as possible to prevent the rice from drying out. If the rice is to be served immediately, unplug cord from outlet. When less than two cups of rice remain, turn the unit off by unplugging the cord from the outlet. Use oven mitts to remove the rice pot. Allow the rice cooker and all parts to cool before cleaning.

RICE COOKING CHART

RICE MEASURES WATER APPROXIMATE COOK TIME

2 To 2 cup level 20-30 minutes 4 To 4 cup level 25-35 minutes 6 To 6 cup level 30-40 minutes

8 To 8 cup level 30-40 minutes 10 To 10 cup level 30-40 minutes 12 To 12 cup level 35-45 minutes

• Do not cook less than 2 measures of rice in the rice cooker.

• It is not recommended to cook instant rice or wild rice in the rice cooker.

• A ¼ teaspoon of added salt will help reduce spitting that may occur.

SPECIAL NOTE

1 measure of dry rice with 1 measure of water = 2 cups of cooked rice. Capacity:

12 Cup Rice Cooker = 24 cups of cooked rice 10 Cup Rice Cooker = 20 cups of cooked rice.

HOW TO STEAM VEGETABLES

1. Clean and prepare your vegetables.

2. Place the heating base on a dry, level, heat-resistant surface away from any edge.

3. Before placing the rice cooking pot into the heating base, make sure the heating plate in the base and outside of the rice bowl are clean and dry. Do not let loose rice or particles fall into the base as this will affect cooking.

4. Place the rice pot into the heating base unit.

5. Add the desired number of water measures according to the length of time the vegetables are to cook. Use the “Vegetable Steaming Chart” as a general guideline. As you cook with this appliance, adapt the times and measurements to your own personal tastes.

6. Place the steaming basket into the rice pot.

7. Add the vegetables and put the glass cover onto the appliance.

8. Attach the cord to the heating base, then plug cord into a 120 volt AC electric outlet only. Press the switch lever down. The red “COOK” light will glow indicating the rice cooker is on. Set a separate timer for appropriate cook time as shown in the “Vegetable Steaming Chart.”

9. When the vegetables are done, use a hot pad or oven mitt to remove the cover from the steaming basket. Remove the vegetables to a serving container. Unplug the cord from the outlet. Allow the appliance to cool completely before cleaning.

VEGETABLE STEAMING CHART

VEGETABLE WATER

MEASURES

Acorn Squash, halved 3 28-30 minutes Asparagus, 1” spears 2 15-17 minutes Beans: green, wax 2 18-20 minutes Broccoli, spears 2 13-16 minutes Brussel Sprouts 2 16-18 minutes Cabbage, wedges 3 26-30 minutes Carrots, 1/2” pieces 2 15-18 minutes Cauliflower, flowerettes 2 18-20 minutes Celery, 1” pieces 2 15-18 minutes Mushrooms, fresh sliced 2 10-13 minutes Pea Pods 2 10-14 minutes Potatoes, (2) halved, quartered in 2-3” pieces Spinach, 1/2 lb bag 2 10-15 minutes Zucchini, 1/2” pieces 2 10-13 minutes

• Approx. Cook Time based on 1lb. of vegetables unless otherwise noted.

• 1lb. = ½ Kilogram.

3 24-26 minutes

APPROX COOK TIME

COOKING TIPS

• If rice is not completely cooked, allow to stand covered for 10 to 15 minutes to

finish cooking.

• Use only water to cook the rice. Other liquids can create a boil over.

• Doneness of the rice can vary depending on quality and type. For firmer rice

use slightly less water, for softer rice, use slightly more water.

• A thin crust will form on the bottom of the cooked rice, which is normal. This

crust may be eaten if desired.

• Use the plastic serving spoon or a wooden spoon to stir and serve the rice. Do

not use metal spoons or utensils as damage may occur.

• Leftover rice can be refrigerated in a separate, covered container for a few days

if desired Altitude affects the temperature at which water boils, therefore affecting the

•

cooking time. It’s especially true at high altitudes where longer cooking times are necessary. Test for the desired consistency when the cooking times indicated have been reached. As you cook with this appliance, adapt times and measurements to your own personal tastes.

• Cut food into uniform pieces and arrange evenly in the steam basket.

• Do not thaw frozen vegetables before steaming.

• Stir frozen vegetables halfway through the cooking time for best results.

• Season the vegetables after steaming.

• Steaming time is subject to your own personal tastes; whether you prefer

crunchy steamed vegetables or softer vegetables. Adapt steaming times and measurements to your own personal tastes.

CLEANING YOUR RICE COOKER

1. Unplug the cord from the outlet and allow to cool before cleaning.

2. Wash the rice pot, glass cover, steam basket, cup, and spoon using warm, soapy water. Rinse thoroughly and dry. The rice pot and cover may need to be soaked to loosen the starch residue. Washing these items in a dishwasher is not recommended.

3. Wipe surfaces of the heating base with a damp cloth and dry thoroughly.

4. Store the rice measuring cup and spoon inside the covered cooker for the next use.

PRODUCT WARRANTY

Appliance 1 Year Limited Warranty

Focus Electrics, LLC (“Focus Electrics”) warrants this appliance from failures in the material and workmanship for one (1) year from the date of original purchase with proof of purchase, provided the appliance is operated and maintained in conformity with the provided Instruction Manual. Any failed part of the appliance will be repaired or replaced without charge at Focus Electrics’ discretion. This warranty applies to indoor household use only.

This warranty does not cover any damage, including discoloration, to any non-stick surface of the appliance. This warranty is null and void, as determined solely by Focus Electrics if the appliance is damaged through accident, misuse, abuse, negligence, scratching, or if the appliance is altered in any way.

THIS WARRANTY IS IN LIEU OF ALL IMPLIED WARRANTIES, INCLUDING WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, PERFORMANCE, OR OTHERWISE, WHICH ARE HEREBY EXCLUDED. IN NO EVENT SHALL FOCUS ELECTRIC BE LIABLE FOR ANY DAMAGES, WHETHER DIRECT, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, FORSEEABLE, CONSEQUENTIAL, OR SPECIAL, ARISING OUT OF OR IN CONNECTION WITH THIS APPLIANCE.

If you think the appliance has failed or requires service within its warranty period, please contact the Focus Electrics Customer Service Department at (866) 290 –1851 or e-mail us at service@focuselectrics.com original purchase date will be required for all warranty claims. Hand-written receipts are not accepted. Focus Electrics is not responsible for returns lost in transit.

. Return shipping fees are non-refundable. A receipt proving

Valid only in USA and Canada

REPLACEMENT PARTS

Replacement parts, if available, may be ordered directly from Focus Electrics online at www.focuselectrics.com, o address listed above, or by writing to us at:

Focus Electrics, LLC Attn: Customer Service P. O. Box 2780 West Bend, WI 53095

Be sure to include the catalog/model number of your appliance (located on the bottom/back of the unit) and a description and quantity of the part you wish to order. Along with this include your name, mailing address, Visa/MasterCard number, expiration date and the name as it appears on the card. Checks can be made payable to Focus Electrics, LLC. Call Customer Service to obtain purchase amount. Your state’s sales tax and a shipping/processing fee will be added to your total charge. Please allow two (2) weeks for delivery.

This manual contains important and helpful information regarding the safe use and care of your new Focus Electrics product. For future reference, attach dated sales receipt for warranty proof of purchase and record the following information:

Date purchased or received as gift: _______________________________________________ Where purchased and price, if known: _____________________________________________ Item number and Date Code (shown bottom/back of product) ___________________________

r you may call or e-mail the service department at the number/e-mail

L5551E 05/08 West Bend®, a Brand of Focus Electrics, LLC. Printed in China

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