BLACK+DECKER 16-Cup Rice Cooker Instruction Manual

Introduction

Thank you for choosing the BLACK+DECKER 16-Cup Rice Cooker. This appliance is designed to simplify your cooking process, allowing you to prepare perfectly cooked rice, steamed vegetables, and other dishes with ease. Its generous capacity makes it ideal for family meals and entertaining. Please read this manual thoroughly before first use to ensure safe and optimal operation.

Front view of the BLACK+DECKER 16-Cup Rice Cooker, showing the Cook and Warm indicator lights.

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 the 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.
• 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.
• Avoid sudden temperature changes, such as adding cold water to a hot pot.
• Do not use metal utensils with the nonstick cooking bowl as they may scratch the surface.

Parts and Features

Familiarize yourself with the components of your BLACK+DECKER Rice Cooker:

• Cooking Base: The main unit housing the heating element and controls.
• Removable Nonstick Cooking Bowl: The inner pot where rice and other foods are cooked. Features measurement markings.
• Tempered Glass Lid: Transparent lid with a steam vent and a hanger for convenient placement.
• Steaming Basket: A perforated basket for steaming vegetables, fish, and more.
• Measuring Cup: Specifically designed for accurate rice and water measurements for this cooker.
• Rice Paddle: A non-scratching utensil for stirring and serving rice.
• Cook Indicator Light: Illuminates when the cooker is actively cooking.
• Warm Indicator Light: Illuminates when the cooker is in 'Keep Warm' mode.

The complete set of components included with your rice cooker.

An exploded view illustrating how the steaming basket fits above the cooking bowl.

Key features of the rice cooker, including its capacity and automatic functions.

Setup

1. Unpack: Carefully remove all parts from the packaging.
2. Initial Cleaning: Wash the removable nonstick cooking bowl, tempered glass lid, steaming basket, measuring cup, and rice paddle in warm, soapy water. Rinse thoroughly and dry completely. The cooking bowl, lid, and accessories are dishwasher-safe.
3. Placement: Place the cooking base on a stable, level, heat-resistant surface, away from walls or cabinets to allow for proper ventilation.

Operating Instructions

Cooking Rice

1. Measure Rice: Use the provided measuring cup to measure the desired amount of uncooked rice. For optimal results, refer to the rice-to-water ratio chart in the full user guide. The cooker can prepare up to 8 cups of uncooked rice, yielding up to 16 cups of cooked rice.
2. Rinse Rice (Optional): Rinse rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This helps remove excess starch.
3. Add Rice and Water: Place the rinsed rice into the removable nonstick cooking bowl. Add the appropriate amount of water according to the rice-to-water ratio.
4. Place Bowl: Insert the cooking bowl into the cooking base, ensuring it is seated properly.
5. Close Lid: Place the tempered glass lid securely on the cooking bowl.
6. Plug In: Plug the power cord into a standard electrical outlet. The 'Warm' indicator light will illuminate.
7. Start Cooking: Press the control lever down to the 'Cook' position. The 'Cook' indicator light will illuminate.
8. Automatic Keep Warm: Once the rice is cooked, the cooker will automatically switch to the 'Warm' setting, and the 'Warm' indicator light will illuminate.
9. Rest and Serve: Allow the rice to rest on 'Warm' for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the rice to fully absorb moisture. Use the provided rice paddle to fluff and serve.

Adding rice to the cooking bowl before adding water and starting the cooking process.

The Cook (red) and Warm (yellow) indicator lights clearly show the current operating mode.

Steaming Food

1. Add Water: Pour 1 to 2 cups of water into the removable nonstick cooking bowl.
2. Prepare Food: Place vegetables, fish, or other foods into the steaming basket.
3. Assemble: Place the steaming basket onto the rim of the cooking bowl.
4. Close Lid: Place the tempered glass lid securely on the steaming basket.
5. Start Steaming: Plug in the cooker and press the control lever down to the 'Cook' position.
6. Monitor: Steam until food reaches desired tenderness. Cooking times vary based on food type and quantity.
7. Finish: Once steaming is complete, unplug the cooker. Carefully remove the lid and steaming basket, as steam is very hot.

Keep Warm Function

The rice cooker automatically switches to the 'Keep Warm' function once cooking is complete. This feature maintains the ideal serving temperature of your rice without overcooking it. The 'Warm' indicator light will remain illuminated during this cycle. Do not leave rice on 'Warm' for extended periods (more than 30 minutes) to prevent drying out or changes in texture.

Cleaning and Maintenance

Proper cleaning ensures the longevity and performance of your rice cooker.

1. Unplug and Cool: Always unplug the rice cooker from the outlet and allow it to cool completely before cleaning.
2. Dishwasher Safe Parts: The removable nonstick cooking bowl, tempered glass lid, steaming basket, measuring cup, and rice paddle are all dishwasher-safe for convenient cleaning.
3. Hand Washing: For hand washing, use warm, soapy water and a non-abrasive sponge or cloth. Rinse thoroughly and dry completely.
4. Cleaning the Base: Wipe the exterior of the cooking base with a damp cloth. Do not immerse the cooking base in water or any other liquid.
5. Avoid Abrasives: Do not use abrasive cleaners, scouring pads, or steel wool on any part of the appliance, especially the nonstick cooking bowl, as this can damage the finish.

The removable cooking bowl and lid are dishwasher-safe for easy cleanup.

Troubleshooting

If you encounter any issues with your rice cooker, refer to the following common problems and solutions:

Specifications

• Model: RC516X
• Capacity: 16 Cups (cooked rice) / 8 Cups (uncooked rice)
• Power: 500 Watts
• Voltage: 120 Volts
• Product Dimensions: 11.5"D x 11.5"W x 9.2"H
• Material: Plastic (base), Non-stick (bowl), Glass (lid)
• Included Components: Measuring Cup, Steamer Basket, Rice Paddle

Approximate dimensions of the BLACK+DECKER 16-Cup Rice Cooker.

Warranty and Support

For detailed warranty information, product registration, or further assistance, please refer to the official user guide or contact BLACK+DECKER customer support.

Additional Resources:

• Download Full User Guide (PDF)