Zojirushi NL-AAC18 Micom Rice Cooker and Warmer Instruction Manual

Introduction

The Zojirushi NL-AAC18 Micom Rice Cooker & Warmer utilizes advanced micro-computerized fuzzy logic technology to ensure perfectly cooked rice every time. Beyond its primary function, it also includes a steaming basket, allowing it to serve as a versatile steamer. This 10-cup capacity unit (1.8-liters uncooked rice) can produce up to 20 cups of cooked rice and offers a range of cooking functions, including White Rice/Sushi, Mixed Rice, Porridge, Sweet Rice, Brown Rice, Steam, and Quick Cooking. It features a thick black inner cooking pan for even heat distribution, an interchangeable melody and beep signal for cooking cycle completion, a detachable and washable inner lid, an easy-to-read LCD control panel, automatic Keep Warm, Extended Keep Warm, and Reheating cycles, and a two-setting Delay Timer. For convenience, it also has a detachable power cord and a dent-resistant, easy-to-clean plastic body. Accessories provided include a spatula, spatula holder, and a rice-measuring cup. The appliance measures 11-7/8 by 15-3/4 by 10 inches and operates at 820 watts.

Image: The Zojirushi NL-AAC18 Micom Rice Cooker and Warmer, a 10-cup capacity appliance, displayed alongside various rice and sushi preparations.

Setup and First Use

1. Unpacking: Carefully remove all packaging materials and accessories from the rice cooker.
2. Initial Cleaning: Before first use, wash the inner cooking pan, inner lid, steaming basket, rice measuring cup, and spatula with warm, soapy water. Rinse thoroughly and dry. Wipe the exterior of the main unit with a damp cloth.
   

   Image: Detachable inner lid being rinsed under running water.
3. Placement: Place the rice cooker on a stable, flat, and heat-resistant surface, away from direct sunlight or heat sources. Ensure adequate ventilation around the unit.
4. Power Connection: Plug the detachable power cord into the rice cooker and then into a standard 110V electrical outlet.

Operating Instructions

1. Cooking Rice

1. Measure Rice: Use the provided rice measuring cup to measure the desired amount of uncooked rice. Note that this cup measures slightly less than a standard US cup (approximately 180ml).
2. Rinse Rice (Optional but Recommended): Rinse the rice in a separate bowl until the water runs clear. This helps remove excess starch.
3. Add Rice to Inner Pan: Place the rinsed rice into the inner cooking pan.
   

   Image: The inner cooking pan, showing its non-stick surface.
4. Add Water: Fill water up to the corresponding water level line inside the inner pan. The lines are marked for different rice types (White/Sushi, Brown, Mixed) and cup amounts. For example, if cooking 2 cups of white rice, fill water to the "2" line under "WHITE RICE".
5. Place Inner Pan: Ensure the exterior of the inner pan is dry, then place it securely into the main body of the rice cooker. Close the outer lid firmly.
6. Select Menu Setting: Press the MENU button repeatedly until the desired cooking function (e.g., WHITE/SUSHI, MIXED, PORRIDGE, SWEET, BROWN, QUICK COOKING) is selected on the LCD display.

   Video: An overview of the Zojirushi Micom Rice Cooker's features, including menu selection and operation. This video demonstrates the NL-AAC10 model, which shares similar functionalities with the NL-AAC18.

7. Start Cooking: Press the START/REHEAT button. The cooking indicator light will illuminate, and a melody or beep will sound to confirm the start of the cooking cycle. The display will show the estimated cooking time.
8. Keep Warm: Once cooking is complete, the rice cooker will automatically switch to the KEEP WARM setting. A different melody or beep will sound. The rice can be kept warm for several hours. You can select EXTENDED KEEP WARM for longer periods if needed.
9. Delay Timer: To use the delay timer, select your desired menu setting, then press the TIMER button. Use the arrow buttons to adjust the desired completion time. Press START/REHEAT to activate the timer.

2. Steaming Food

1. Prepare Steaming Basket: Place the food to be steamed (e.g., vegetables, fish) into the steaming basket.
   

   Image: The steaming basket accessory.

2. Add Water to Inner Pan: Pour water into the inner cooking pan (refer to the manual for specific water amounts for steaming).
3. Place Steaming Basket: Carefully place the steaming basket into the inner cooking pan.
4. Select Steam Setting: Close the outer lid and select the STEAM menu setting. Adjust the steaming time using the arrow buttons if necessary.
5. Start Steaming: Press the START/REHEAT button.

Maintenance and Cleaning

• Always Unplug: Before cleaning, always unplug the rice cooker from the power outlet and allow it to cool completely.
• Inner Cooking Pan: The non-stick inner cooking pan should be washed by hand with warm, soapy water and a soft sponge. Avoid abrasive cleaners or metal scouring pads to prevent damage to the non-stick coating.
• Detachable Inner Lid: The inner lid is detachable for easy cleaning. Wash it with warm, soapy water, rinse, and dry thoroughly.
• Steaming Basket & Accessories: Wash the steaming basket, rice measuring cup, and spatula with warm, soapy water.
• Main Body: Wipe the exterior of the rice cooker with a soft, damp cloth. Do not immerse the main unit in water or any other liquid.
• Storage: Ensure all parts are completely dry before reassembling and storing the rice cooker. Store in a cool, dry place.

Troubleshooting

For specific troubleshooting issues, please refer to the comprehensive troubleshooting guide in your printed Zojirushi NL-AAC18 user manual. Common issues often relate to incorrect water-to-rice ratios or improper selection of cooking modes. Ensure the inner pot is correctly seated and the lid is fully closed before starting a cooking cycle.

Specifications

Warranty Information

The Zojirushi NL-AAC18 Micom Rice Cooker and Warmer typically comes with a manufacturer's warranty. Please refer to the warranty card included with your product packaging for specific terms, conditions, and duration of coverage. Retain your proof of purchase for warranty claims.

Customer Support

For further assistance, product inquiries, or technical support, please contact Zojirushi customer service. Detailed contact information can be found on the official Zojirushi website or in your product's documentation.