Tesco RC16 Rice Cooker User Guide

Introduction

This user guide provides comprehensive instructions for operating and maintaining your Tesco RC16 Rice Cooker. It covers safety precautions, cooking procedures, care, specifications, and warranty information.

The appliance features a glass lid, carry handle, control panel with 'Cook' and 'Warm' indicator lights, a removable rice pot, and a main cooker body housing the hot plate and spring thermostat.

Safety Guide

Please follow all safety precautions to reduce the risk of injury or electrical shock. Read all instructions carefully and keep them for future reference.

• Unplug the appliance from the mains supply when not in use or before cleaning.
• Allow the appliance to cool fully before cleaning.
• This appliance is for household use only. Do not use outdoors or in damp/wet conditions.
• Do not immerse the cooker body, electrical cord, or plug in liquids.
• Do not use near a heat source or on an unstable surface.
• Never use the cooker pot in an oven or on direct heat.
• Ensure the power cord does not touch hot surfaces or overhang work surfaces.
• When unplugging, hold the plug top, not the cord.
• Do not use attachments not recommended by the manufacturer.
• Store away from direct sunlight and out of reach of children.
• Use oven gloves to remove the lid or pot during or immediately after use.
• RISK OF BURNS: Burns can occur from touching hot metal parts, hot water, or steam. Exercise care when handling!
• No user-serviceable parts; unauthorized dismantling voids warranty.
• Do not operate with a damaged cord, plug, or component. Seek expert assistance.
• Use only as specified in this manual.
• Exercise extreme care when moving an appliance containing hot food or liquids.
• Children aged 8+ and persons with reduced capabilities can use the appliance under supervision and if they understand the hazards.
• Children shall not play with the appliance. Cleaning and user maintenance by children require supervision and they must be older than 8.
• Keep the appliance and cord out of reach of children less than 8 years.

Electrical Information

Ensure your electricity supply voltage matches the rating plate. This appliance must be earthed.

Unpacking

Remove all packaging. Retain packaging for disposal according to recycling regulations.

The packing includes:

• The rice cooker appliance
• Rice cooking pot and glass lid
• Spoon and Measuring cup

If items are missing or damaged, contact your nearest Tesco store.

Important: The inner rice pot must not be used in an oven or on direct heat to avoid deforming the pot, which could lead to appliance damage and malfunction. The rice pot should only be used with this appliance.

Using Your Rice Cooker

First Time Use: The appliance may emit a slight odour on first use, which is normal and will disperse.

• Wash the rice pot, spoon, measuring cup, and glass lid in hot soapy water. Rinse and dry carefully.
• Wipe the cooker body with a damp cloth containing a trace of dilute detergent, then remove detergent with a clean damp cloth and dry thoroughly.

Before Using:

• Ensure the appliance is stable and well-supported.
• Check the lid for cracks or damage.
• Ensure there are no objects inside the rice cooker.

Rice Cooking Procedure

Measuring Rice: Use the supplied measuring cup (approx. 150g or 0.18 litre per cup).

Rinsing Rice: Rinse rice in a separate bowl several times until the water is relatively clear. Do not rinse rice in the cooking pot, as this can deform the bottom and affect heat conduction.

Preparation:

• Ensure the heating plate and the bottom of the rice pot are clean and free from particles.
• Place the rice pot in the cooker.
• Drain the rice well in a colander.
• Spoon the rice into the pot using a non-metallic spoon. Add salt to taste.
• Optional: Add one teaspoon of vegetable oil per cup of rice for Basmati and Long Grain Rice to keep grains separate.

Adding Water (Absorption Method)

The rice is cooked by absorbing a measured amount of water. Trapped steam finishes the cooking. Experiment to find your preferred consistency.

• General Rule: 1 cup rice to 1.25 cups water for long-grain white rice.
• More water yields softer, stickier rice. Less water yields firmer rice.
• Brown rice requires more water; shorter-grain rice requires less.
• Warning: Insufficient water can result in burned rice and damage.
• Warning: Too much water can cause overspill.

Use the guide below for rice:water ratios. Adjust as needed for rice brands and personal taste.

Do not add water higher than the maximum line in the rice pot (8 x 180ml measuring cups, 1.5 litres).

Before cooking, stir the rice lightly with a non-metallic spoon to distribute salt and oil.

Cooking the Rice

The "Cook" light indicates cooking is in progress. The "Warm" light indicates the appliance is keeping the rice warm.

1. Wipe off any spilt water from outside the cooking pot.
2. Place the glass lid on the pot and check it is firmly seated.
3. Plug the appliance into the mains. The "Warm" light will come on.
4. Press the switch down to start cooking. If the switch is not pressed, the cooker remains in "Warm" state.
5. Do NOT open the lid while the rice is cooking!
6. When cooking is finished, the switch will pop up and a click will be heard. The rice cooker reverts to "Warm" status.
7. Allow the rice to "rest" for 10 minutes with the lid closed. This allows steam to permeate the rice, making it fluffy and improving taste.
8. Open the lid and stir the rice gently but thoroughly with the supplied spoon or a suitable alternative to prevent sticking. NEVER use a metal spoon as it will damage the non-stick surface.
9. The rice may now be served or left to keep warm.

Serving the Rice

• When the rice is ready, disconnect the appliance from the mains.
• Serve directly from the cooker or remove the rice pot using oven gloves. If removed, stand it on a flat heatproof surface.
• Use the provided spoon or a non-metallic spoon and ensure all grains are removed from it. NEVER use a metal spoon as it will damage the non-stick surface.

Care and Maintenance

After Use:

• Unplug the appliance from the mains.
• Allow the appliance and pot to cool.
• Wash the rice pot and lid in warm soapy water. Residual food can be removed with a rubber spatula, cleaning sponge, or cloth. Soak stubborn deposits before cleaning.
• Do not use abrasives or abrasive cleaning compounds on the pot or appliance body.
• For water spots and stains on the body, use a non-abrasive cleaner or vinegar.
• Wipe the cooker body with a damp cloth containing a trace of dilute detergent. Remove all detergent traces with a clean damp cloth and dry thoroughly.
• Store the assembled cooker away from heat, moisture, and out of reach of children and pets.

Maintenance:

The cooker operates by contact between the rice pot bottom and the Hot Plate. Deformation or foreign material affects heat transfer and can lead to undercooked rice.

• If the hot plate or pot underside is dirty or discoloured, lightly rub with a damp plastic scouring pad and dry thoroughly.
• Ensure the rice pot base and cooking plate are completely dry before operating.

Spring Thermostat:

The thermostat allows the switch to move to the "cook" position when the pot is placed in the cooker. It reverts to "warm" when cooking ends or the pot is removed.

• Cooker operation depends on free thermostat movement. If movement is impeded, brush the cavity around the thermostat with a suitable brush to free it.

Specifications

• Mains Voltage: 220-240V AC, 50Hz
• Mains Power: 420-500 Watts
• Capacity: 1.5 Litres
• Net Weight: 1.93 kg

THIS APPLIANCE MUST BE EARTHED

Warranty

Your appliance is covered by a warranty for 12 months from the date of purchase.

If a fault develops during this period, return the unit to your nearest Tesco store with the original receipt as proof of purchase. This warranty does not affect your consumer rights.

Environmental Disposal

UK: Waste electrical products should not be disposed of with household waste. Separate disposal facilities exist. See www.recycle-more.co.uk or in-store for details.

ROI: Produced after 13th August 2005. Waste electrical products should not be disposed of with household waste. Please recycle where facilities exist. Check with your Local Authority or retailer for recycling advice.