BLACK+DECKER 14-Cup Rice Cooker (Model RC514-1) Instruction Manual

Introduction

The BLACK+DECKER 14-Cup Rice Cooker is designed for efficient and convenient meal preparation. This appliance can cook up to 14 cups of cooked rice (7 cups uncooked) and features an automatic 'Keep Warm' function. It also includes a steaming basket for preparing vegetables, fish, and other foods. The non-stick cooking bowl and tempered glass lid are dishwasher-safe for easy cleanup. This manual provides detailed instructions for safe and effective use of your rice cooker.

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:

1. Read all instructions before using the appliance.
2. Do not touch hot surfaces. Use handles or knobs.
3. To protect against electrical shock, do not immerse the appliance base, cord, or plug in water or other liquids.
4. Close supervision is necessary when any appliance is used by or near children.
5. Unplug from outlet when not in use and before cleaning. Allow to cool before putting on or taking off parts, and before cleaning the appliance.
6. 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.
7. The use of accessory attachments not recommended by the appliance manufacturer may cause injuries.
8. Do not use outdoors.
9. Do not let the cord hang over the edge of a table or counter, or touch hot surfaces.
10. Do not place on or near a hot gas or electric burner, or in a heated oven.
11. Extreme caution must be used when moving an appliance containing hot oil or other hot liquids.
12. 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.
13. Do not use appliance for other than intended use.
14. Avoid sudden temperature changes, such as adding cold water to a hot pot.
15. Do not use the appliance for deep-frying.
16. This appliance is for household use only.

Parts and Features

Your BLACK+DECKER 14-Cup Rice Cooker comes with several components designed for ease of use and versatility:

• Cooking Base: The main unit housing the heating element and controls.
• Removable Non-Stick Cooking Bowl: For cooking rice and other foods.
• Tempered Glass Lid: Allows you to monitor cooking progress. Features a handle with a hanger for convenience.
• Steaming Basket: For steaming vegetables, fish, and other items.
• Rice Measuring Cup: For accurate measurement of dry rice.
• Serving Spoon: Designed to prevent scratching the non-stick coating.
• Indicator Lights: 'Cook' (red) and 'Warm' (yellow) lights show the current operational status.

All components of the BLACK+DECKER rice cooker laid out: cooking base, removable cooking bowl, steaming basket, glass lid, serving spoon, and rice measuring cup.

The rice cooker features clear indicator lights for 'Cook' (red) and 'Warm' (yellow) modes, showing the current operational status.

The tempered glass lid includes a convenient hanger feature, allowing it to rest on the cooker's handle for easy serving and to keep countertops clean.

Setup

1. Before first use, wash the removable cooking bowl, tempered glass lid, steaming basket, rice measuring cup, and serving spoon in warm, soapy water. Rinse thoroughly and dry.
2. Wipe the exterior of the cooking base with a damp cloth. Do not immerse the cooking base in water.
3. Place the rice cooker on a stable, level, heat-resistant surface, away from walls and cabinets to allow for proper steam ventilation.

Operating Instructions

Cooking Rice

1. Measure the desired amount of dry rice using the provided rice measuring cup. Note: The rice cup provided is not a standard measuring cup. One rice cup yields approximately two standard cups of cooked rice.
2. Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This helps remove excess starch.
3. Place the rinsed rice into the removable non-stick cooking bowl.
4. Add the appropriate amount of water. A general guideline is two rice cups of water for every one rice cup of dry rice. The cooking bowl has internal markings to assist with water levels.
5. Place the cooking bowl securely into the cooking base.
6. Cover the cooking bowl with the tempered glass lid. Ensure the lid is properly seated.
7. Plug the power cord into a standard electrical outlet. The 'Warm' indicator light will illuminate.
8. Press the 'Cook' switch down. The 'Cook' indicator light will illuminate, and cooking will begin.
9. Once the rice is cooked, the appliance will automatically switch to the 'Warm' setting, and the 'Warm' indicator light will illuminate.
10. For best results, allow the rice to rest in 'Warm' mode for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows for even moisture distribution.
11. Carefully remove the lid and fluff the rice with the included serving spoon.
12. Unplug the appliance from the outlet when serving is complete.

Tip for preventing boil-over: If water bubbles up during cooking, you may lift the lid briefly to stir the rice with the serving spoon. Adding a small amount of butter or cooking oil to the water before cooking can also help reduce bubbling and foaming.

Steaming Food

1. Add approximately 1 to 2 inches of water to the removable non-stick cooking bowl. Ensure the water level is below the bottom of the steaming basket.
2. Place the steaming basket into the cooking bowl.
3. Arrange your desired food (e.g., vegetables, fish) evenly in the steaming basket.
4. Cover with the tempered glass lid.
5. Plug the power cord into a standard electrical outlet. The 'Warm' indicator light will illuminate.
6. Press the 'Cook' switch down. The 'Cook' indicator light will illuminate, and steaming will begin.
7. Steam until the food reaches your desired tenderness. Steaming times vary based on the type and quantity of food.
8. Once steaming is complete, press the 'Cook' switch up to turn off the heating element, or unplug the appliance.
9. Carefully remove the lid, using oven mitts if necessary, to avoid steam burns.
10. Remove the steamed food and serve.

This image illustrates the rice cooker assembled with the steaming basket in place, ready for use.

Cleaning and Maintenance

1. Always unplug the rice cooker and allow it to cool completely before cleaning.
2. The removable non-stick cooking bowl, tempered glass lid, steaming basket, rice measuring cup, and serving spoon are all dishwasher-safe. Alternatively, they can be hand-washed with warm, soapy water. Rinse thoroughly and dry.
3. Wipe the exterior of the cooking base with a damp cloth. Do not use abrasive cleaners or scouring pads, as these can damage the finish.
4. Never immerse the cooking base, power cord, or plug in water or any other liquid.
5. Ensure all parts are completely dry before storing the appliance.

The removable non-stick cooking bowl and tempered glass lid are dishwasher-safe for easy cleaning.

Troubleshooting

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

• Rice is too hard or undercooked: Ensure the correct rice-to-water ratio was used. Some rice types may require slightly more water or a longer resting period in 'Warm' mode.
• Rice is too soft or mushy: Reduce the amount of water slightly for the next batch. Ensure rice is not left in 'Warm' mode for an excessive period after cooking is complete.
• Rice sticks to the bottom of the bowl: Ensure the non-stick coating is not damaged. Use the provided serving spoon to prevent scratching. Adding a small amount of cooking oil or butter before cooking can help.
• Water boils over during cooking: This can occur with starchy rice. Try rinsing the rice more thoroughly. Reduce the amount of water slightly, or add a teaspoon of cooking oil or butter to the water. Briefly lifting the lid to stir can also help.
• Rice cooker does not turn on: Check that the power cord is securely plugged into a working electrical outlet. Ensure the 'Cook' switch is pressed down.
• Rice cooker does not switch to 'Warm' mode: If the appliance does not automatically switch to 'Warm' mode after cooking, unplug it immediately and contact customer service.

Specifications

• Model Number: RC514-1
• Capacity: 14-Cup (cooked rice), 7-Cup (uncooked rice)
• Power Source: Corded Electric
• Voltage: 120 Volts
• Wattage: 500 watts
• Product Dimensions: 11.5 inches (Depth) x 11.5 inches (Width) x 9 inches (Height)
• Material: Plastic, Tempered Glass (Lid)
• Special Features: Automatic Keep Warm, Steaming Function
• UPC: 050875815698

The compact design of the rice cooker measures 11.5 inches in depth, 11.5 inches in width, and 9 inches in height, making it suitable for various kitchen spaces.

Warranty and Support

This BLACK+DECKER appliance typically comes with a 2-year limited warranty. For detailed warranty information, product registration, or customer support, please refer to the documentation included in your product packaging or visit the official BLACK+DECKER website. Keep your purchase receipt as proof of purchase for warranty claims.