Zojirushi NP-HJH18 Pressure IH Rice Cooker Instruction Manual

1. Introduction

Thank you for purchasing the Zojirushi NP-HJH18 Pressure IH Rice Cooker. This appliance is designed to cook a variety of rice types perfectly using advanced Induction Heating (IH) and pressure technology. This manual provides essential information for safe operation, setup, cooking, maintenance, and troubleshooting to ensure optimal performance and longevity of your rice cooker. Please read this manual thoroughly before use and keep it for future reference.

This model is designed for overseas use, operating on 220V power with an SE plug type.

2. Safety Precautions

To prevent injury, electric shock, fire, and damage to the appliance, always observe the following safety precautions:

• Voltage Compatibility: Ensure your power supply is 220V. Do not use with incompatible voltage.
• Power Plug: Use only with an SE type power outlet. Do not use adapters or extension cords unless absolutely necessary and rated for the appliance's wattage.
• Water and Moisture: Do not immerse the rice cooker body in water or other liquids. Do not operate with wet hands.
• Placement: Place the rice cooker on a stable, flat, heat-resistant surface, away from walls or other appliances to allow proper steam ventilation.
• Steam Vent: Do not block the steam vent during operation. Keep hands and face away from the steam vent to avoid burns.
• Children: Keep out of reach of children. Close supervision is necessary when the appliance is used near children.
• Damage: Do not operate if the power cord or plug is damaged, or if the appliance malfunctions or has been dropped. Contact customer support for repair.
• Cleaning: Always unplug the rice cooker before cleaning.

3. Product Overview

Familiarize yourself with the components of your Zojirushi NP-HJH18 rice cooker.

Image 3.1: The Zojirushi NP-HJH18 Pressure IH Rice Cooker, showcasing its sleek silver exterior and control panel.

Image 3.2: A detailed view of the control panel, showing buttons for menu selection, texture adjustment, timer, and start/cancel functions.

Image 3.3: The inner cooking pot, featuring a platinum-infused nonstick coating and water level markings for precise cooking.

Main Components:

• Main Unit: The exterior body of the rice cooker.
• Inner Cooking Pot: The removable pot where rice is cooked. Features water level markings.
• Inner Lid: Detachable lid inside the main lid for easy cleaning.
• Steam Vent: Located on top of the main lid, releases steam during cooking.
• Control Panel: Features an LCD display and various buttons for selecting cooking functions and settings.
• Measuring Cup: Standard rice measuring cup (approximately 180ml).
• Rice Spatula: For serving cooked rice.

4. Setup

1. Unpack: Carefully remove the rice cooker and all accessories from the packaging. Retain packaging for future transport if needed.
2. Remove Protective Materials: Ensure all protective films, stickers, and packing materials are removed from the unit, especially from the inner pot and control panel.
3. Initial Cleaning: Wash the inner cooking pot, inner lid, measuring cup, and rice spatula with warm water and mild dish soap. Rinse thoroughly and dry completely. Wipe the exterior of the main unit with a damp cloth.
4. Placement: Place the rice cooker on a stable, level, and heat-resistant surface. Ensure there is adequate space around the unit for proper ventilation, especially around the steam vent.
5. Connect Power: Plug the power cord firmly into a 220V SE type electrical outlet. The display will illuminate.

5. Operating Instructions

Basic Rice Cooking (White Rice)

1. Measure Rice: Use the provided measuring cup to measure the desired amount of rice. For example, 3 cups of rice.
2. Wash Rice (Optional): Gently wash the rice in a separate bowl until the water runs clear. Drain well.
3. Add Rice to Inner Pot: Place the washed rice into the inner cooking pot.
4. Add Water: Add water up to the corresponding water level mark inside the inner pot. For 3 cups of white rice, fill to the 'White Rice 3' line. Adjust water slightly for desired softness.
5. Place Inner Pot: Ensure the inner pot is clean and dry on the outside, then place it securely into the main unit.
6. Close Lid: Close the outer lid firmly until it clicks.
7. Select Menu: Press the 'Menu' button to select 'White Rice'. You may also adjust the texture (Softer, Regular, Harder) if available for white rice.
8. Start Cooking: Press the 'Start' button. The cooking indicator will light up, and the remaining cooking time will be displayed.
9. Completion: Once cooking is complete, the rice cooker will play a melody and automatically switch to the 'Keep Warm' function. Fluff the rice with the spatula and serve.

Other Cooking Functions:

Your rice cooker offers a variety of cooking settings. Use the 'Menu' button to cycle through options such as:

• White Rice: Standard setting for white rice.
• Brown Rice: Optimized for cooking brown rice.
• Sushi Rice: For perfectly textured sushi rice.
• Congee (Porridge): For cooking rice porridge, often with options for 'Thicker' or 'Thinner' consistency.
• Sweet Rice: For glutinous or sweet rice varieties.
• Mixed Rice: For cooking rice with other ingredients.
• Quick Cooking: For faster cooking when time is limited (may result in slightly different texture).

Keep Warm Function:

The rice cooker automatically switches to 'Keep Warm' after cooking. This function maintains the rice at an optimal serving temperature. An 'Extended Keep Warm' option may also be available for longer periods.

Timer Function:

The 'Timer' function allows you to set a delayed cooking start time. Prepare rice and water, set the desired completion time, and the rice cooker will start cooking automatically to have fresh rice ready when you need it.

6. Maintenance and Cleaning

Regular cleaning ensures hygiene and extends the life of your rice cooker.

1. Unplug: Always unplug the power cord from the outlet before cleaning.
2. Cool Down: Allow the rice cooker to cool completely before disassembling or cleaning.
3. Inner Pot: Wash the inner cooking pot with warm water and a soft sponge. Do not use abrasive cleaners or metal scrubbers, as they can damage the nonstick coating.
4. Inner Lid: Detach the inner lid from the main lid. Wash it with warm water and mild dish soap. Rinse thoroughly and dry. Ensure it is properly reattached before next use.
5. Steam Vent: Remove the steam vent cap and wash it. Clean any rice residue from the steam vent opening on the main lid.
6. Main Unit Exterior: Wipe the exterior of the main unit with a soft, damp cloth. Do not use harsh chemicals or immerse the main unit in water.
7. Storage: Ensure all parts are completely dry before reassembling and storing the rice cooker.

7. Troubleshooting

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

For issues not listed here, or if troubleshooting steps do not resolve the problem, please contact Zojirushi customer support.

8. Specifications

9. Warranty and Support

For warranty information, service, or technical support, please refer to the warranty card included with your product or visit the official Zojirushi website for your region. Keep your purchase receipt as proof of purchase.

For further assistance, you may contact Zojirushi customer service directly.