Important Safeguards
When using electrical appliances, basic safety precautions should always be followed to reduce the risk of fire, electric shock, and/or injury, including the following:
- Read all instructions before using this appliance.
- Do not touch hot surfaces. Use handles or knobs.
- To protect against electrical shock, do not immerse cord, plugs, or 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. Contact customer service for examination, repair, or adjustment.
- 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 oil or other hot liquids.
- 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.
- This appliance is for household use only.
Product Overview
The BLACK+DECKER RC436 Rice Cooker is designed to prepare up to 7 cups of uncooked rice, yielding up to 16 cups of cooked rice. It features a removable non-stick cooking bowl, a see-through glass lid, and an automatic keep-warm function for convenience.
Components
- Rice Cooker Base
- Removable Non-Stick Cooking Bowl
- See-Through Glass Lid
- Measuring Cup
- Rice Scoop
- Steaming Basket (for steaming vegetables or seafood)
Image: The BLACK+DECKER RC436 Rice Cooker shown with its removable non-stick cooking bowl, glass lid, measuring cup, and rice scoop.
Image: Front view of the rice cooker, highlighting the 'Warm' and 'Cook' indicator lights and the simple control switch.
Before First Use
- Remove all packing materials, stickers, and plastic bands from the appliance.
- Wash the removable non-stick cooking bowl, glass lid, measuring cup, and rice scoop in warm, soapy water. Rinse and dry thoroughly.
- Wipe the exterior of the rice cooker base with a damp cloth. Do not immerse the base in water.
- Ensure the cooking bowl is properly placed and centered into the rice cooker base for optimal cooking performance.
Operating Instructions
Cooking Rice
- Using the provided measuring cup, measure the desired amount of rice. Note: The included measuring cup is not a standard U.S. cup. Always use the provided cup for accurate measurements.
- Rinse rice thoroughly under cold water until the water runs clear. This helps remove excess starch.
- Place the rinsed rice into the non-stick cooking bowl.
- Add the appropriate amount of water according to the cooking guide below. For best results, add a small amount of cooking oil or butter to minimize scorching.
- Place the cooking bowl into the rice cooker base and cover with the glass lid. Ensure the lid is seated properly.
- Plug the rice cooker into a 120V AC electrical outlet. The 'Warm' indicator light will illuminate.
- Press the control switch down to the 'Cook' position. The 'Cook' indicator light will illuminate, and cooking will begin.
- Once the rice is cooked, the control switch will automatically flip up to the 'Warm' position, and the 'Warm' indicator light will illuminate.
- Allow the rice to rest on 'Warm' for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the rice to fully absorb moisture and become fluffier.
- Unplug the rice cooker when serving is complete or if the 'Keep Warm' function is not desired for extended periods. Leaving rice on 'Warm' for too long (e.g., over 30 minutes) may cause it to scorch or brown at the bottom.
Image: A close-up view of the rice cooker's control panel, showing the 'Warm' and 'Cook' indicator lights and the simple toggle switch.
Cooking Guide
Use the provided measuring cup for all measurements. Adjust water levels slightly based on desired rice texture and type.
| Uncooked Rice (using provided cup) | Water (using provided cup) | Yield (Cooked Rice) | Approx. Cooking Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 cups | 4 cups | 4 cups | 15-20 min |
| 4 cups | 8 cups | 8 cups | 20-25 min |
| 7 cups | 14 cups | 16 cups | 25-30 min |
For brown rice or other grain types, consult specific package instructions, as water ratios and cooking times may vary. You may need to adjust the water slightly for different rice varieties to achieve your preferred consistency.
Steaming Function
The included steaming basket allows for steaming vegetables or seafood while rice cooks below. Place the steaming basket on top of the cooking bowl after adding rice and water. Ensure the lid is securely in place. Cooking times for steamed items will vary based on the food type and quantity.
Image: The steaming basket in use, containing salmon fillets and fresh vegetables, demonstrating its functionality.
Image: A chart comparing various BLACK+DECKER rice cooker models, including the RC436, by their uncooked and cooked rice capacities.
Care and Cleaning
Proper care and cleaning will ensure the longevity and performance of your rice cooker.
- Always unplug the rice cooker from the power outlet and allow it to cool completely before cleaning.
- Removable Cooking Bowl, Glass Lid, Measuring Cup, and Rice Scoop: These parts are dishwasher-safe. Alternatively, wash them in warm, soapy water, rinse thoroughly, and dry. Do not use abrasive cleaners or scouring pads on the non-stick surface of the cooking bowl.
- Rice Cooker Base: Wipe the exterior of the base with a damp cloth. Do not immerse the base in water or any other liquid. Ensure no water enters the electrical components.
- Clean the condensation catcher regularly to prevent buildup.
- Store the rice cooker in a dry place when not in use.
Troubleshooting
If you encounter issues with your rice cooker, refer to the following common solutions:
- Rice is too hard or undercooked: Ensure the correct water-to-rice ratio was used. Make sure the lid was securely in place during cooking. Do not lift the lid frequently during cooking.
- Rice is too soft or mushy: Reduce the amount of water slightly for the next batch. Ensure rice was rinsed to remove excess starch.
- Rice scorches or browns at the bottom: This can occur if rice is left on the 'Warm' setting for an extended period (e.g., over 30 minutes). Unplug the unit or remove the cooking pot once cooking is complete if you do not wish to use the 'Warm' function. Adding a small amount of oil or butter to the rice before cooking can also help minimize scorching.
- Water boils over or leaks from the lid: Ensure the correct water-to-rice ratio is used. Overfilling the cooking bowl can cause boil-overs. Ensure the lid is properly seated.
- Rice cooker does not turn on: Check if the power cord is securely plugged into both the appliance and a working electrical outlet.
Specifications
- Model: RC436
- Brand: BLACK+DECKER
- Capacity: 7 Cups (Uncooked) / 16 Cups (Cooked)
- Product Dimensions: 10"D x 10"W x 9"H
- Power Source: Corded Electric
- Voltage: 120 Volts
- Material: Metal (body), Glass (lid)
- Special Features: Automatic Keep Warm, Non-Stick Removable Bowl, See-Through Lid
- Included Components: Rice Cooker, See-through glass lid, Measuring cup, Rice scoop
Warranty and Support
This BLACK+DECKER RC436 Rice Cooker comes with a 1-year limited warranty from the date of purchase. This warranty covers defects in material or workmanship. It does not cover damage from misuse, accident, or unauthorized modifications.
For warranty claims, technical support, or service inquiries, please refer to the contact information provided with your product packaging or visit the official BLACK+DECKER website.