Sakura Advanced Fuzzy Logic Multifunction Rice Cooker

Introduction

Thank you for choosing the Sakura Advanced Multi-Function Rice Cooker by Yum Asia. This appliance combines quality manufacturing and years of experience to deliver a high-performance cooker designed for cooking great rice. It is backed by a comprehensive warranty service.

For warranty details, visit: www.yum-asia.com/uk/warranty (UK) or www.yum-asia.com/eu/warranty (EU).

For questions or advice, contact: hello@yum-asia.com.

ATTENTION! Before using the appliance, read these instructions carefully for important safety information and recommendations on proper use and maintenance.

1. Important Safeguards

These warnings and cautions are intended to prevent property damage or personal injury.

• ? Do not modify this rice cooker; only a repair technician may disassemble or repair it.
• ⚠️ Do not touch the steam vent; doing so may cause scalding or burns. Take special care with children.
• ? Do not plug or unplug the power cord with wet hands, as this may cause electric shocks or injury.
• ? Do not immerse the rice cooker in water or splash with water, as this may cause a short circuit or electric shocks.
• ? Do not put any metal objects in the air vents; doing so may cause electric shocks or malfunction.
• ✅ Insert the power plug completely and securely into the electrical socket.
• This device may be used by children aged 8 years and older, and by persons with reduced physical, sensory or mental capabilities if they have received supervision or instructions concerning safe use and understand the hazards involved.
• Cleaning and maintenance by the user should not be carried out by unsupervised children.
• Children must not play with the appliance.
• ? Do not open the lid or move the rice cooker during the cooking cycle, as steam is very hot and can cause burns.
• This rice cooker is for cooking rice and other dishes detailed in this manual. Do not use for unintended purposes.
• ? Never cook foods packed in plastic or use paper towels or other lids to cover food, as this may cause the steam vent to clog.
• A loosely inserted power plug may cause fire, electric shocks, short circuit, or smoke. Use only an electrical outlet rated at 15 amperes minimum.
• If the power cord is damaged, it must be replaced by a qualified technician using a cord of similar rating (250V, 13A).
• If the plug blades are dirty, wipe them clean. Debris on the blades can cause fire.
• ? This appliance is intended for household use only. Commercial use will void the warranty.
• ? Do not use if the power cord or plug is damaged or loosely inserted.
• ? Do not bend, twist, bundle, or attempt to modify the power cord. Keep the cord away from high-temperature surfaces or appliances.
• ? Do not use any other parts than those supplied with this rice cooker.
• ? Do not use this rice cooker where it may come into contact with water or other heat sources.
• ✅ Unplug the power cord from the electrical socket when not in use.
• Allow adequate space next to walls, furniture, and under shelves for steam to escape.
• ⚠️ Do not touch hot surfaces during or immediately after use. Be careful of steam when opening the lid. Do not touch the inner bowl while stirring. Hot surfaces and metal parts can cause burns.
• ? Do not place or use the rice cooker on an uneven or heat-vulnerable surface.
• ? Do not use on a slide-out table or shelf with insufficient load capacity (must support at least 18kg).
• ⚠️ Allow the rice cooker to cool down before cleaning. Hot parts can cause burns.
• ✅ Always unplug by holding the power plug, not the cord.
• ? Do not cover the main body or steam vent while cooking.
• ? Do not damage the inner bowl or lid; deformation can cause uneven cooking.
• Ensure the heating element and outside of the bowl are clean.
• ? Do not splash water on the rice cooker; this can cause breakdown, fire, or electric shock.
• ? Do not use the rice cooker in direct sunlight, as it may cause discolouration.
• ? Do not use where steam may contact other appliances.
• ? Do not use on a surface where air vents can be blocked (e.g., paper, carpet, plastic).
• ? Do not cook when the inner bowl is empty.
• Stop using immediately if the power plug/cord is hot, the cord is damaged, the cooker body is deformed or unusually hot, smoke is present, or any part is cracked/loose.

2. Appliance Description

The Sakura advanced fuzzy logic rice cooker is a modern, multi-function appliance designed for quality, functionality, and ease of use. It offers specialized rice cooking along with porridge, soup, steam, slow cook, crust, cake baking, and yoghurt making functions.

2.1 Appliance Design

The Sakura rice cooker includes:

• Rice spatula
• Soup ladle
• 180ml measuring cup
• Steam basket
• Spatula holder

Key parts include:

• Lid
• Steam release
• Gasket
• Removable inner lid
• Handle
• Inner bowl
• Outer body
• Control panel

2.2 Control Panel Display

The control panel features a touch-sensitive display with the following buttons:

• [START]: Press and hold for 2 seconds to begin cooking.
• [CANCEL]: Press and hold for 2 seconds to cancel a programme and return to standby. Holding longer than 2 seconds in standby turns the unit off.
• [MENU]: Press to cycle through 7 non-rice cooking programmes.
• [RICE]: Use after selecting 'RICE' on the menu to choose between Long Grain, Short Grain, and Brown Rice.
• [KEEP WARM]: Press and hold for 2 seconds in standby to activate Keep Warm mode. A count-up clock will display. Stays lit.
• [PRESET]: Allows setting a timer for delayed cooking (up to 24 hours).
• [Hr] / [Min]: Adjust cooking times for non-rice settings and the preset function.

3. Appliance Operation

3.1 Before Use

1. Unpack and remove all packaging materials.
2. Remove promotional stickers. Wipe the appliance case with a damp cloth.
3. Wash the inner bowl and lid in warm, soapy water with a soft sponge; dry thoroughly.
4. Perform an initial cooking cycle: cook 1/2 cup of rice with water (fill to the 1/2 mark) and discard.

3.2 Navigating the Controls

The touch panel is intuitive. Remember that [START], [KEEP WARM], and [CANCEL] require a 2-second press and hold to activate.

The unit can be turned off by pressing and holding [CANCEL] for 2 seconds when no programme is selected. To turn on, press [CANCEL].

3.3 How to Use the Rice Cooker Functions

Capacity: Max 8 cups (180ml cup) for WHITE rice, 6 cups (180ml cup) for BROWN rice.

The cooker uses 7 distinct phases for optimal rice cooking: Preheat, Absorb water, Heating, Boiling, Braising, Absorb water, Keep warm.

Rice Options:

• REGULAR: For normal rice.
• FAST COOK: For quicker cooking.
• RICE Submenu: Access via [MENU] then [RICE] for refined cooking.
• LONG GRAIN: For basmati, jasmine, Thai fragrant rice.
• SHORT GRAIN: For pearl or sushi rice.
• BROWN RICE: For any type of brown rice.

Approximate Cooking Times:

Inner bowl markings indicate water levels for different rice types.

Cooking Sticky or Glutinous Rice: Requires more water. Use the short grain setting and follow the water guidance below:

Cooking Rice Steps:

1. Measure rice accurately (1 full cup = 180ml).
2. Rinse rice if needed (see 4.1). Place in inner bowl and fill to the correct water line for the rice type.
3. Close lid and select the rice setting.
4. Press and hold [START] to begin. A chasing lines pattern indicates cooking; a countdown appears in the last 10 minutes.

For 1 cup of rice, use 1 measuring cup of water for white rice and 1.5 cups for brown rice.

3.4 How to Use the Keep Warm Function

The appliance automatically switches to ‘KEEP WARM’ after most cooking cycles (except Yoghurt). You can also activate it manually by pressing and holding [KEEP WARM] for 2 seconds. The function can be used for up to 24 hours, though rice quality may decline after 15 hours.

To cancel 'KEEP WARM', press and hold [CANCEL] for 2 seconds.

3.5 How to Use the Other Cooking Functions

• PORRIDGE: Default 1 hour, adjustable up to 2 hours. Switches to KEEP WARM.
• SOUP: Default 1 hour, adjustable up to 4 hours. Switches to KEEP WARM.
• STEAM: Default 10 minutes, adjustable up to 1 hour. Use steaming basket. Fill water to 2-3 level mark for standalone steaming.
• SLOW COOK: Default 2 hours, adjustable up to 8 hours. Ideal for stews, curries, dhal. Cooks faster than conventional slow cookers due to efficient sealing.
• CRUST: Default 1.5 hours, adjustable 1-2 hours. Beeps to allow adding ingredients. Switches to KEEP WARM.
• CAKE: Default 50 minutes, adjustable 30-60 minutes. Switches to KEEP WARM.
• YOGHURT: Maintains 38-40°C. Default 8 hours, adjustable 6-12 hours. Does not switch to KEEP WARM; unit switches to standby.

3.6 Cancelling Programmes

Press and hold the [CANCEL] button for 2 seconds to stop any active programme.

3.7 How to Use the Delayed Start (Preset) Function

Set a timer for your food to be ready at a specific time:

1. Press [MENU] to select a programme.
2. Press [PRESET].
3. Use [Hr] and [Min] buttons to set the desired ready time.
4. Press and hold [START] to confirm. The cooker will display the set time and begin countdown.

Suggested Timings for the PRESET Function:

Note: Be aware that perishable foods should not be left for long periods.

The preset start time is approximate as the cooker assesses contents for accurate cooking time.

4. Tips for Cooking Great Tasting Rice

4.1 How to Cook Perfect Rice

• Measure Accurately: Use the provided measuring cup (1 full cup = 180ml).
• Rinse the Rice: Rinse in a sieve or bowl with cold water 2-3 times until water runs clear.
• Be Accurate with Water: Water level greatly affects texture. Fill to the underside of the line for perfect rice. Softer rice requires filling to the top of the line; harder rice requires filling 2-3mm below the line.
• Stir and Loosen: Once cooking is complete and the unit is in KEEP WARM, stir and loosen the rice with the spatula to release moisture and achieve fluffy rice.

4.2 Our Tips for Rice Cooking and Getting Perfect Results

• Choose rice with fewer broken grains to avoid sogginess.
• Rice batches can vary in water absorption; adjust water accordingly. Newer rice may need less water.
• Some rice varieties may not require rinsing.
• If rice is too soft, reduce water by 3-4mm next time. If too hard, add 3-4mm more water.
• ? Do not use quick cook, partially cooked, or parboiled rice.

5. How to Use the Steam Function

Use the appliance as a standalone steamer or steam food while cooking rice. For combined cooking, add the steaming basket above the rice.

Estimated Cooking Times for Steaming:

IMPORTANT: Do not steam food over 3.5cm thick. For combined rice and steaming, limit rice to 3 cups. Carefully open the lid to add steaming basket partway through cooking.

6. How to Bake Cake

1. Grease the inner bowl.
2. Prepare cake batter (avoid excessive baking powder/soda). Max ingredient weight is 600g.
3. Tap the bowl gently to release air bubbles.
4. Place inner bowl in the cooker, select 'CAKE' setting, adjust time (default 50 mins, adjustable 30-60 mins). Press and hold [START].
5. After cooking, check cake with a skewer. If not done, cancel KEEP WARM and re-select CAKE setting.

See section 7.1 for cake recipes.

7. Recipes

For more recipes, visit www.greedypanda.co.uk.

7.1 Cakes

Banana Cake

Ingredients: 3 eggs, 110g sugar, 110g melted butter, 200g ripe bananas, 160g plain flour, ¼ tsp baking powder, ¼ tsp baking soda, pinch salt, butter for greasing.

Fudge Cheesecake

Ingredients: 200g cream cheese, 50g sugar, 30g sugar (for whites), 3 eggs, 30g flour, 30ml cream, 4 tsp lemon juice, vanilla extract, 20g butter.

7.2 Yoghurt

Basic Dairy Yoghurt

Ingredients: 110g plain live yoghurt (starter), 400ml UHT full-fat milk.

Directions: Combine yoghurt and milk in the inner bowl. Select YOGHURT setting (default 8 hours, adjustable 6-12 hours). After cooking, allow to cool and decant. Yoghurt lasts 7 days.

Note: Do not use milk to cook oats; it can cause boil-over. Use water for oats.

8. Cooking with Other Grains/Pulses in Sakura

• QUINOA: Rinse well. Use 1:1 ratio quinoa to water (1:1.25 for black quinoa). Use quick cook setting.
• COUS COUS: Use packet water levels and quick cook setting.
• MILLET: ¼ cup millet to 1 cup water per portion. Use Porridge cycle.
• LENTILS and BEANS: Use Slow Cook or Porridge setting. Follow pack water levels.
• PEARL BARLEY: Use Slow Cook setting. Follow pack water levels.

9. Cleaning and Maintenance

• Clean immediately after use.
• ? Do not use metal brushes, harsh chemicals, or solvents. Pre-soak stubborn residue.
• ? Do not immerse the appliance in water. Use a damp sponge or soft cloth for the outer case.
• ? Do not wash rice in the inner bowl, as it may scratch the coating.
• IMPORTANT: Never put the inner bowl or inner lid into a dishwasher.
• Inner Lid Care: Removable. Wash with soapy water. Reassemble by aligning tabs and pressing release locks.
• Inner Bowl Care: Use only plastic, wooden, or silicone accessories. Never use metal for stirring. Pre-soak if needed. Do not pour vinegar into the bowl. The outside of the bowl may discolour; this is normal.
• Steam Cap Care: Removable. Wash regularly. Can be disassembled for thorough cleaning.
• Condensation Collector Care: Remove, empty, wash, dry, and reinstall.

10. Replacement Parts

Contact Yum Asia via website or email for spare parts. Available parts include Ceramic coated inner bowl (IB-EN15), Detachable stainless steel inner lid (ILSS-EN15), and Steaming basket (SB-EN15).

11. Troubleshooting Guide

12. Specifications and Cooking Times

Cooking Times:

13. Certification and Warranty

The appliance includes a comprehensive warranty. For details, visit www.yum-asia.com/uk/warranty (UK) and www.yum-asia.com/eu/warranty (EU).

This cooker is designed for DOMESTIC USE ONLY. Commercial use invalidates the warranty.

If you encounter a problem, consult the Troubleshooting Guide (page 20). For further assistance, email hello@yum-asia.com with order details and a description of the problem.

The appliance is made with recyclable materials. ♻️ Dispose of electrical and electronic equipment separately at your local community waste/recycling centre.

RoHS compliant: This appliance complies with the Restriction Of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) directive.

CE certified: This appliance is certified for compliance for distribution and use in the EEA.

UK CA certified: This appliance is certified for compliance for distribution and use in the UK.

IMPORTANT! Mains power cord wires are coloured:

• Green and yellow = Earth
• Brown or Red = Live
• Blue or Black = Neutral

Connect wires to the corresponding terminals in the plug (Earth symbol E, N for Neutral, L for Live). The appliance must be protected by a 13A fuse if using a BS1363 plug.

Yum Asia Offices

UK OFFICE: Yum Asia, Horizon International Cargo Limited, Unit 14, 5 Mills Road, Aylesford, Kent ME20 7NA.

EU OFFICE: Yum Asia, SCAN GLOBAL LOGISTICS BV, Amsterdam warehouse, Kaapstadweg 36A, 1047HG Amsterdam, Netherlands.