Aroma Housewares ARC-914S 8-Cup Cool Touch Rice Cooker and Food Steamer Instruction Manual

Introduction

This manual provides essential instructions for the safe and efficient operation of your Aroma Housewares ARC-914S 8-Cup Cool Touch Rice Cooker and Food Steamer. Please read all instructions carefully before first use and retain for future reference.

Important Safety Precautions

Always follow basic safety precautions when using electrical appliances to reduce the risk of fire, electric shock, and/or injury to persons.

• Read all instructions before use.
• Do not touch hot surfaces. Use handles or knobs.
• To protect against electrical shock, do not immerse cord, plug, or the appliance 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.
• 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 touch hot surfaces or hang over the edge of a table or counter.
• 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 oil or other hot liquids.
• Do not use the appliance for other than intended use.
• 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.
• The appliance should be operated on a separate electrical circuit from other operating appliances.
• If the supply cord is damaged, it must be replaced by the manufacturer, its service agent or similarly qualified persons in order to avoid a hazard.

Parts and Features

Your Aroma ARC-914S Rice Cooker and Food Steamer includes the following components:

• Main Unit: The primary housing with heating element and control switch.
• Removable Inner Pot: Nonstick cooking pot with water level markings.
• Glass Lid: Transparent lid for monitoring cooking progress.
• Steam Tray: For steaming foods above the rice.
• Rice Measuring Cup: A dedicated cup for accurate rice measurement (1 rice measuring cup = 3/4 U.S. Cup / 180ml).
• Serving Spatula: Non-scratch spatula for serving rice.

Image: Aroma Housewares ARC-914S Rice Cooker, showing the main unit with its simple control panel.

Image: The rice cooker with its nonstick inner pot, serving spatula, and rice measuring cup displayed.

Setup and First Use

1. Unpack: Carefully remove all components from the packaging.
2. Clean: Wash the inner pot, glass lid, steam tray, rice measuring cup, and serving spatula in warm, soapy water. Rinse thoroughly and dry completely.
3. Placement: Place the rice cooker on a dry, level, heat-resistant surface.
4. Insert Inner Pot: Ensure the inner pot is dry on the outside before placing it into the main unit.

Operating Instructions

Cooking Rice

1. Measure Rice: Use the provided rice measuring cup to measure the desired amount of uncooked rice.
2. Rinse Rice: Rinse the rice in a separate bowl until the water runs clear. This helps remove excess starch.
3. Add Rice to Inner Pot: Place the rinsed rice into the removable inner pot.
4. Add Water: Fill the inner pot with water to the corresponding line for the number of rice cups used. For example, if cooking 2 cups of uncooked rice, fill water to the "2" line.
5. Place Inner Pot: Ensure the exterior of the inner pot is clean and dry, then place it into the main unit.
6. Secure Lid: Place the glass lid securely on the rice cooker.
7. Plug In: Plug the power cord into a 120V AC wall outlet.
8. Start Cooking: Press the COOK switch down. The "COOK" indicator light will illuminate.
9. Automatic Keep-Warm: Once cooking is complete, the rice cooker will automatically switch to the "WARM" setting, and the "WARM" indicator light will illuminate.
10. Serve: Use the provided serving spatula to fluff and serve the rice.

Image: Visual guide demonstrating how to measure rice and add water to the appropriate line in the inner pot for 8 cups of cooked rice.

White Rice Cooking Chart

Image: Detailed chart outlining recommended uncooked white rice to water ratios, cook times, and cooked yield.

Steaming Food

The steam tray allows you to steam vegetables, fish, or other foods while your rice cooks below.

1. Prepare rice as instructed in the "Cooking Rice" section (Steps 1-5).
2. Place the desired food into the steam tray.
3. Place the steam tray onto the inner pot.
4. Secure the glass lid and press the COOK switch down.
5. Monitor the food being steamed. Once cooked to your preference, carefully remove the steam tray using oven mitts.
6. Allow the rice to continue cooking until the cooker automatically switches to "WARM".

Image: The rice cooker in use, demonstrating its ability to cook one-pot meals like stew.

Maintenance and Cleaning

Proper maintenance ensures the longevity and optimal performance of your rice cooker.

Cleaning

1. Unplug: Always unplug the rice cooker from the electrical outlet and allow it to cool completely before cleaning.
2. Wash Removable Parts: The inner pot, glass lid, steam tray, rice measuring cup, and serving spatula are dishwasher safe. Alternatively, wash them in warm, soapy water, rinse, and dry thoroughly.
3. Clean Main Unit: Wipe the exterior of the main unit with a damp cloth. Do not immerse the main unit in water or any other liquid.
4. Avoid Abrasives: Do not use abrasive cleaners, scouring pads, or steel wool on any part of the rice cooker.

Image: The nonstick removable inner pot, serving spatula, and rice measuring cup, all designed for easy cleaning.

Troubleshooting

If your rice cooker is not functioning as expected, please check the following common issues before contacting support:

• Rice is too hard/dry: Ensure the correct water-to-rice ratio was used. Rinse rice thoroughly before cooking. Do not lift the lid during cooking.
• Rice is too soft/soggy: Reduce the amount of water slightly for the next batch. Ensure rice is not over-rinsed.
• Rice sticks to the bottom: Ensure the inner pot is clean and the nonstick coating is intact. A small amount of oil can be added to the water before cooking.
• Cooker does not turn on: Check if the power cord is securely plugged into both the appliance and the wall outlet. Ensure the outlet is functioning.
• Steam escaping excessively from lid: Ensure the lid is properly seated and not damaged.

Specifications

• Brand: AROMA
• Model Name: Aroma Housewares
• Model Number: ARC-914S
• Capacity: 2 Quarts (4-Cup Uncooked / 8-Cup Cooked)
• Product Dimensions: 8.63"D x 8.5"W x 9.25"H
• Power Source: Corded Electric
• Wattage: 350 watts
• Voltage: 120 Volts
• Material: Plastic (exterior), Glass (lid)
• Special Feature: Cool-Touch Exterior
• Product Care Instructions: Dishwasher Safe (inner pot, lid, accessories)
• Item Weight: 4.7 Pounds

Product Videos

Warranty and Support

For warranty information or customer support, please refer to the official Aroma Housewares website or contact their customer service directly. Keep your purchase receipt for warranty claims.