AROMA 5Qt. 2-Tier Food Steamer Instruction Manual

Important Safeguards

When using electrical appliances, basic safety precautions should always be followed, including the following:

• Read all instructions thoroughly before use.
• Do not touch hot surfaces. Use handles or knobs.
• To protect against electrical shock, do not immerse the cord, plug, or the heating base in water or any other liquid.
• Close supervision is necessary when the appliance is used by or near children.
• Unplug the steamer from the outlet when not in use and before cleaning. Allow it to cool completely before adding or removing parts.
• 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 support for assistance.
• The use of accessory attachments not recommended by the appliance manufacturer may cause injuries.
• Do not use the appliance outdoors.
• Do not let the power cord hang over the edge of a table or counter, or touch hot surfaces.
• Do not place the appliance 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.
• Do not use the appliance for purposes other than its intended use.
• Always attach the plug to the appliance first, then plug the cord into the wall outlet. To disconnect, turn any control to "off", then remove the plug from the wall outlet.
• A short power-supply cord is provided to reduce the hazards resulting from entanglement or tripping over a longer cord.
• Extension cords may be used if care is exercised in their use. If an extension cord is used, ensure its marked electrical rating is at least as great as the appliance's rating, and arrange the longer cord so it will not drape over the countertop or tabletop where it can be pulled on by children or tripped over unintentionally.

Parts Identification

Familiarize yourself with the components of your AROMA 5Qt. 2-Tier Food Steamer:

• Base Unit: Contains the heating element and water reservoir.
• Drip Tray: Collects condensation and food juices.
• Lower Steam Tray: For steaming larger items or the first tier of food.
• Upper Steam Tray: For steaming additional items, creating a second tier.
• Lid: Transparent lid to cover the steam trays during operation.
• Timer Dial: Used to set the desired steaming duration.
• Water Level Indicator: A window on the base unit to monitor water levels.

Image: The AROMA 5Qt. 2-Tier Food Steamer fully assembled on a kitchen countertop, ready for use.

Before First Use

1. Unpack all components from the packaging.
2. Wash the lid, steam trays, and drip tray in warm, soapy water. Rinse thoroughly and dry. These parts are also dishwasher safe.
3. Wipe the exterior of the heating base with a damp cloth. Do not immerse the heating base in water.
4. Ensure all parts are completely dry before assembly and use.

Setup

1. Place the steamer base unit on a stable, flat, and heat-resistant surface.
2. Ensure the drip tray is correctly seated within the base unit.
3. Fill the water reservoir with cold water up to the MAX line indicated on the water level indicator. Do not overfill.
4. Place the lower steam tray onto the drip tray.
5. If using two tiers, place the upper steam tray securely onto the lower steam tray.
6. Place the lid on top of the uppermost steam tray.

Operating Instructions

Follow these steps to steam your food:

1. Prepare your food (e.g., chop vegetables, season fish) and arrange it evenly in the steam trays. Avoid overcrowding to allow for proper steam circulation.
2. Place the filled steam trays onto the drip tray, then cover securely with the lid.
3. Plug the power cord into a standard 120V AC electrical outlet.
4. Turn the timer dial clockwise to your desired steaming time. The steamer will immediately begin to heat and produce steam.
5. Monitor the water level using the water level indicator. If the water level becomes too low during operation, unplug the unit, carefully remove the lid and steam trays using oven mitts, and refill the reservoir with cold water. Then, reassemble and continue steaming.
6. The steamer will automatically shut off and a bell will sound once the set time has elapsed or if the water reservoir becomes empty.
7. Carefully remove the lid, steam trays, and food using oven mitts to prevent steam burns.

Image: Illustration of steam circulating through the two tiers of the steamer, cooking vegetables like carrots, corn, broccoli, and cauliflower.

Image: Two separate steam trays, one filled with asparagus and carrots, and the other with broccoli and cauliflower, showcasing the steamer's 5-quart capacity for simultaneous cooking.

Image: A close-up view of the steamer's timer dial, which can be set for up to 60 minutes, with various food steaming times listed around it.

Steaming Guide (Approximate Times)

The following table provides approximate steaming times. Adjust times based on food quantity, size, and desired doneness.

Cleaning and Maintenance

Proper cleaning ensures the longevity and performance of your steamer.

1. Always unplug the steamer from the electrical outlet and allow it to cool completely before cleaning.
2. Remove the lid, upper steam tray, lower steam tray, and drip tray from the base unit.
3. These removable parts are dishwasher safe (top rack recommended) or can be washed by hand with warm, soapy water. Rinse thoroughly and dry completely before storing or reassembling.
4. Wipe the exterior of the heating base with a damp cloth. Do not immerse the heating base in water or any other liquid.
5. Descaling the Heating Element: Over time, mineral deposits from water may accumulate on the heating element. To remove these, fill the water reservoir with a mixture of 2 parts water and 1 part white vinegar. Run the steamer for approximately 20-30 minutes. Unplug the unit, let it cool, then drain the solution and rinse the reservoir thoroughly with clean water. Repeat if necessary for stubborn deposits.

Image: The AROMA 2-Tier Food Steamer disassembled, showing the base, drip tray, and steam trays nested together for compact storage and easy cleaning.

Troubleshooting

Refer to this section for common issues and their solutions:

• Steamer does not turn on:
  • Ensure the power cord is securely plugged into a functional electrical outlet.
  • Verify that the timer dial is set to a desired cooking time. The unit will not operate if the timer is at 'OFF' or '0'.
• Food is not steaming or taking too long:
  • Check that the water reservoir is filled to the appropriate level (between MIN and MAX).
  • Ensure the lid is properly seated on the steam trays to prevent steam from escaping.
  • Avoid overfilling the steam trays; allow sufficient space for steam to circulate around the food.
• Water leakage from the unit:
  • Confirm that the drip tray is correctly positioned and fully seated within the base unit.
  • Verify that the steam trays are properly stacked and securely seated on the drip tray.
  • Do not overfill the water reservoir beyond the MAX line, as this can cause water to overflow during heating.

Specifications

Warranty

The AROMA 5Qt. 2-Tier Food Steamer (Model AFS-188) is covered by a 1-Year Limited Warranty from the date of original purchase. This warranty covers defects in material and workmanship under normal household use. Please retain your proof of purchase for warranty claims. For full terms and conditions, refer to the warranty information provided with your product packaging or contact AROMA customer support.

Customer Support

For any questions, technical assistance, or warranty inquiries regarding your AROMA 5Qt. 2-Tier Food Steamer, please contact AROMA customer support. You can typically find contact information, including phone numbers and website details, on the product packaging or by visiting the official AROMA Housewares website.