AROMA Professional Digital Rice Cooker Multicooker ARC-954SBD Instruction Manual

Introduction

This manual provides comprehensive instructions for the safe and efficient operation of your AROMA Professional Digital Rice Cooker Multicooker, Model ARC-954SBD. Please read all instructions carefully before first use and retain this manual for future reference.

Image: Front view of the AROMA Professional Digital Rice Cooker Multicooker ARC-954SBD, showcasing its stainless steel exterior and digital control panel.

Important Safeguards

Always follow basic safety precautions when using electrical appliances to reduce the risk of fire, electric shock, and/or injury.

• Read all instructions before use.
• Do not touch hot surfaces. Use handles or knobs.
• Use only on a level, dry, and heat-resistant surface.
• To protect against electrical shock, do not immerse cord, plug, or the appliance in water or other liquid.
• Close supervision is necessary when the 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, and before cleaning the appliance.
• Do not operate any appliance with a damaged cord or plug, or after the appliance malfunctions or has been damaged in any manner. Contact AROMA customer service for examination, repair, or adjustment.
• The use of accessory attachments not recommended by the appliance manufacturer may result in fire, electric shock, or injury.
• Do not use outdoors.
• Do not let cord touch hot surfaces or hang over the edge of a counter or table.
• Do not place on or near a hot gas or electric burner, or in a heated oven.
• Do not use the appliance for other than its intended use.
• 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.
• The appliance should be operated on a separate electrical circuit from other operating appliances. If the electrical circuit is overloaded with other appliances, this appliance may not operate properly.
• Always make sure the outside of the inner cooking pot is dry before use. If the inner pot is returned to the cooker when wet, it may damage or cause the product to malfunction.
• Use extreme caution when opening the lid during or after cooking. Hot steam will escape and may cause scalding.
• Food that should not be immersed in water, such as whole eggs, should not be cooked in this appliance.
• Do not use the inner pot on a stovetop or other heating element.
• This appliance is for household use only.

Parts Identification

Familiarize yourself with the components of your AROMA Multicooker.

Image: Exploded view of the AROMA ARC-954SBD showing the main unit, nonstick inner pot, serving spatula, rice measuring cup, and removable steam tray.

• Main Unit: The primary housing of the multicooker with the control panel.
• Inner Cooking Pot: Nonstick pot for cooking rice, grains, and other dishes.
• Steam Tray: For steaming vegetables, meats, and other foods.
• Rice Measuring Cup: Standard cup for measuring uncooked rice (approximately 3/4 U.S. cup).
• Serving Spatula: Designed for serving cooked rice without damaging the nonstick coating.
• Lid: Seals the cooking pot to retain heat and moisture.
• Control Panel: Features digital display and function buttons.

Before First Use

Before using your AROMA Multicooker for the first time, please follow these steps:

1. Remove all packaging materials, stickers, and tags from the appliance.
2. Wash the inner cooking pot, steam tray, rice measuring cup, and serving spatula in warm, soapy water. Rinse thoroughly and dry completely.
3. Wipe the exterior of the cooker body with a damp cloth. Do not immerse the cooker body in water.
4. Ensure all parts are dry before assembly and use.

Setup

To set up your multicooker for operation:

1. Place the multicooker on a dry, level, heat-resistant surface.
2. Ensure the inner cooking pot is clean and dry, then place it inside the main unit.
3. Close the lid securely.
4. Plug the power cord into a 120V AC wall outlet. The cooker will beep and the display will show four dashes (----).

Operating Instructions

Your AROMA Multicooker features multiple cooking functions for various dishes.

General Operation

• Power On/Off: Press the "Keep Warm/Off" button to turn the unit on or off.
• Function Selection: Press the desired function button (e.g., "White Rice", "Brown Rice", "Steam", "Slow Cook", "Sauté-Then-Simmer", "Oatmeal", "Quinoa", "Quick Rice").
• Timer Adjustment: Use the "+" and "-" buttons to adjust cooking times for functions like Steam, Slow Cook, or Delay Timer.
• Automatic Keep Warm: After most cooking cycles, the unit will automatically switch to "Keep Warm" mode.

Cooking Rice (White & Brown)

1. Using the provided measuring cup, measure the desired amount of rice. Rinse rice thoroughly until the water runs clear.
2. Place the rinsed rice into the inner cooking pot.
3. Add water to the inner pot according to the water line markings corresponding to the number of cups of uncooked rice. For example, for 2 cups of uncooked white rice, fill water to the "2" line for white rice.
4. Close the lid securely.
5. Press the "White Rice" or "Brown Rice" button. The cooker will automatically adjust cooking time.
6. Once cooking is complete, the cooker will beep and switch to "Keep Warm". For best results, allow rice to rest on "Keep Warm" for 10-15 minutes before serving.

Image: A chart detailing water-to-rice ratios, cook times, and cooked yields for white rice using the included measuring cup.

Note: The included rice measuring cup is approximately 3/4 U.S. cup (180ml). Always use this cup for accurate measurements.

Steaming

1. Add approximately 1.5 cups of water to the inner cooking pot.
2. Place the steam tray into the inner pot.
3. Arrange food evenly on the steam tray.
4. Close the lid securely.
5. Press the "Steam" button. The display will show "0:00".
6. Use the "+" or "-" buttons to adjust the steaming time. The time will increase/decrease in 1-minute increments up to 30 minutes.
7. Once the desired time is set, the cooker will begin steaming.
8. When the timer expires, the cooker will beep and switch to "Keep Warm".

Simultaneous Cooking: You can steam food while cooking rice. Add rice and water to the inner pot as usual, then place the steam tray with food on top. Select the appropriate rice function. The steaming will occur during the rice cooking cycle.

Slow Cook

1. Add ingredients to the inner cooking pot.
2. Close the lid securely.
3. Press the "Slow Cook" button. The display will show "2:00" (default 2 hours).
4. Use the "+" or "-" buttons to adjust the slow cooking time (from 2 to 10 hours).
5. Once the desired time is set, the cooker will begin slow cooking.
6. When the timer expires, the cooker will beep and switch to "Keep Warm".

Sauté-Then-Simmer™ (STS)

The Sauté-Then-Simmer™ function allows you to sauté ingredients at high heat and then automatically switch to a simmer once liquid is added. This is ideal for dishes like risotto, pilaf, or chili.

Image: Visual explanation of the Sauté-Then-Simmer function: sautéing at high heat, automatic switch to simmer upon liquid addition, and automatic keep warm when done.

1. Add a small amount of oil to the inner cooking pot.
2. Press the "Sauté-Then-Simmer" button. The cooker will begin heating.
3. Add ingredients for sautéing (e.g., onions, garlic, meat). Stir occasionally.
4. Once ingredients are sautéed to your preference, add liquid (e.g., broth, water, sauce). The cooker will automatically switch to simmer mode.
5. Add remaining ingredients (e.g., rice, pasta).
6. Close the lid securely. The cooker will continue to cook until the liquid is absorbed, then switch to "Keep Warm".

Oatmeal & Quinoa

These functions are optimized for cooking oatmeal and quinoa. Follow package instructions for specific water-to-grain ratios.

1. Add desired amount of oatmeal or quinoa and water to the inner cooking pot.
2. Close the lid securely.
3. Press the "Oatmeal" or "Quinoa" button. The cooker will begin cooking.
4. Once cooking is complete, the cooker will beep and switch to "Keep Warm".

Quick Rice

The "Quick Rice" function reduces cooking time for white rice by up to 50%.

1. Measure and rinse white rice. Place in the inner cooking pot with the appropriate amount of water.
2. Close the lid securely.
3. Press the "Quick Rice" button. The cooker will begin cooking.
4. Once cooking is complete, the cooker will beep and switch to "Keep Warm".

Delay Timer

The "Delay Timer" allows you to program the cooker to start cooking at a later time, with a delay of up to 15 hours.

1. Add rice and water to the inner cooking pot.
2. Close the lid securely.
3. Press the "Delay Timer" button. The display will show "2:00" (default 2 hours).
4. Use the "+" or "-" buttons to adjust the desired delay time (from 2 to 15 hours).
5. After setting the delay time, press the desired cooking function button (e.g., "White Rice", "Brown Rice", "Oatmeal", "Quinoa"). The timer will count down, and then the cooker will automatically begin the selected cooking cycle.

Maintenance and Cleaning

Proper cleaning and maintenance will ensure the longevity and optimal performance of your multicooker.

Cleaning the Inner Pot and Accessories

• Always unplug the cooker and allow it to cool completely before cleaning.
• Wash the inner cooking pot, steam tray, rice measuring cup, and serving spatula in warm, soapy water. Rinse thoroughly.
• For stubborn food residue, fill the inner pot with warm, soapy water and let it soak for 10-15 minutes before cleaning.
• The inner pot and accessories are dishwasher safe (top rack recommended).
• Do not use abrasive cleaners or metal scouring pads, as these can damage the nonstick coating.

Cleaning the Cooker Body

• Wipe the exterior of the cooker body with a damp cloth.
• Never immerse the cooker body in water or any other liquid.
• Ensure the heating plate and control panel are clean and dry.

Storage

• Ensure all parts are clean and dry before storing.
• Store the multicooker in a cool, dry place.
• Do not wrap the power cord tightly around the appliance.

Troubleshooting

If your multicooker is not functioning as expected, please consult the following table before contacting customer support.

Specifications

Warranty and Support

AROMA Housewares products are backed by a limited warranty. For specific warranty details, product registration, or technical support, please visit the official AROMA Housewares website or contact their customer service.

Customer Service: Refer to the official AROMA Housewares website for the most current contact information.