Introduction
The West Bend RCWB2LBK13 Programmable Rice and Grain Cooker is designed for convenient preparation of various grains. This appliance features multiple preset functions, a delayed start option, and a keep warm setting to simplify your cooking process.
Key features include:
- Up to 12-cup cooked capacity (6 cups uncooked).
- 7 preset functions: White Rice, Brown Rice, Multigrain Rice, Quinoa, Oatmeal, Keep Warm, and Delay Start.
- Easy-to-read LED display.
- 24-hour programmable delay timer.
- Easy-view glass window on the lid.
- Removable, dishwasher-safe cooking pot, steamer basket, rice spoon, and measuring cup.
Important Safeguards
When using electrical appliances, basic safety precautions should always be followed to reduce the risk of fire, electric shock, and injury to persons, including the following:
- Read all instructions before using this appliance.
- Do not touch hot surfaces. Use handles or knobs.
- To protect against electrical shock, do not immerse cord, plugs, or the 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.
Product Components
Familiarize yourself with the parts of your West Bend Rice and Grain Cooker.
Image: Front view of the West Bend Programmable Rice and Grain Cooker, showing the main unit and control panel.
Image: The rice cooker with its lid open, revealing the inner cooking pot. Cooked grains are visible inside, with prepared dishes on the side.
- Main Unit: Houses the heating element and control panel.
- Removable Cooking Pot: Non-stick inner pot for cooking.
- Glass Lid: Features an easy-view window to monitor cooking progress.
- Control Panel: LED display and buttons for various functions.
- Steam Basket: For steaming vegetables or other foods.
- Rice Spoon: For serving cooked grains.
- Measuring Cup: For accurate measurement of grains and water.
- Detachable Power Cord: For easy storage.
Setup
- Unpack: Carefully remove all packaging materials and components from the box.
- Clean: Wash the removable cooking pot, glass lid, steam basket, rice spoon, and measuring cup in warm, soapy water. Rinse thoroughly and dry completely. Wipe the exterior of the main unit with a damp cloth.
- Placement: Place the rice cooker on a stable, flat, heat-resistant surface, away from walls and cabinets to allow for proper ventilation.
- Connect Power: Insert the detachable power cord into the appliance, then plug it into a standard 120V AC electrical outlet.
Operating Instructions
The West Bend Rice and Grain Cooker features an intuitive control panel for easy operation.
Image: Detailed view of the control panel with its LED display and function buttons.
General Cooking Steps:
- Measure your desired amount of grains using the provided measuring cup. Rinse grains if necessary.
- Place the rinsed grains into the removable cooking pot.
- Add the appropriate amount of water according to the grain type and desired consistency. Refer to the water ratio guidelines in your recipe or the cooker's internal markings.
- Place the cooking pot into the main unit and close the glass lid securely.
- Press the Menu button repeatedly to select the desired grain type (White Rice, Brown Rice, Multigrain, Quinoa, Oatmeal). The indicator light for the selected function will illuminate.
- Press the Start/Cancel button to begin cooking. The cooker will automatically adjust cooking time.
- Once cooking is complete, the cooker will automatically switch to the Keep Warm function.
- To cancel a cooking cycle or the Keep Warm function, press the Start/Cancel button.
Using the Delay Start Function:
The Delay Start function allows you to program the cooker to start cooking at a later time, up to 24 hours in advance.
- Prepare grains and water in the cooking pot as described in the general cooking steps.
- Press the Delay Start button. The display will show a default delay time.
- Use the Time button to adjust the delay time in hourly increments.
- Press the Menu button to select your desired grain type.
- Press the Start/Cancel button to confirm the delay start setting. The cooker will begin counting down the delay time and will automatically start cooking when the timer reaches zero.
Keep Warm Function:
After cooking, the appliance automatically switches to the Keep Warm function to maintain the temperature of your food. This function can also be manually selected by pressing the Menu button until Keep Warm is selected, then pressing Start/Cancel.
Cleaning and Maintenance
Proper cleaning ensures the longevity and performance of your rice cooker.
- Unplug: Always unplug the appliance from the power outlet and allow it to cool completely before cleaning.
- Removable Parts: The removable cooking pot, glass lid, steam basket, rice spoon, and measuring cup are dishwasher safe for easy cleaning. Alternatively, wash them in warm, soapy water, rinse, and dry thoroughly.
- Main Unit: Wipe the exterior of the main unit with a soft, damp cloth. Do not immerse the main unit in water or any other liquid.
- Avoid Abrasives: Do not use abrasive cleaners, scouring pads, or steel wool, as these can damage surfaces.
- Storage: Ensure all parts are clean and dry before storing the appliance. Store the cooker in a cool, dry place. The detachable power cord can be removed for compact storage.
Troubleshooting
If you encounter issues with your rice cooker, refer to the following common problems and solutions:
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Cooker does not turn on. | Not plugged in; power outage; faulty outlet. | Ensure power cord is securely plugged into both the cooker and a working electrical outlet. Check household circuit breaker. |
| Rice is too dry or hard. | Insufficient water; lid not properly sealed. | Add more water next time (e.g., 1/4 cup per cup of rice). Ensure lid is closed tightly during cooking. |
| Rice is too mushy or sticky. | Too much water; grains not rinsed (for some types). | Reduce water next time (e.g., 1/4 cup per cup of rice). Rinse grains thoroughly before cooking. |
| Food sticks to the bottom of the pot. | Not enough water; pot not properly cleaned; non-stick coating wear. | Ensure correct water-to-grain ratio. Clean pot thoroughly after each use. Avoid using metal utensils. |
| Delay Start function not working. | Incorrect setting sequence; not confirmed. | Ensure you select the grain type and press Start/Cancel after setting the delay time. |
Specifications
Detailed specifications for the West Bend Programmable Rice and Grain Cooker.
Image: Dimensions of the West Bend Rice and Grain Cooker.
- Brand: WEST BEND
- Model Number: RCWB2LBK13
- Capacity: 12 Cups (cooked rice), 6 Cups (uncooked rice)
- Power / Wattage: 600 watts
- Voltage: 120 Volts
- Material: Glass (lid), Non-stick (inner pot)
- Color: Black/White
- Product Dimensions: 28.2D x 24.8W x 21.7H centimeters (approx. 11.1D x 9.75W x 8.54H inches)
- Item Weight: 2.74 Kilograms (approx. 6.04 Pounds)
- Special Features: Programmable, Timer, Keep Warm
- Care Instructions: Dishwasher Safe (removable parts)
Warranty and Support
For warranty information or technical support, please refer to the warranty card included with your product or visit the official West Bend website. Do not attempt to repair the appliance yourself.
