Panasonic SR-HL151 Electronic Rice Cooker

Introduction

Thank you for purchasing the Panasonic product. This appliance is intended for household and similar applications. Please read these Operating Instructions carefully for safe and proper use.

Pay special attention to the [Safety Precautions] section (pages 2-3). Ensure the warranty card is completed with the date of purchase and dealer's name, and keep it with these instructions.

Contents

• Safety Precautions (pages 2-3)
• Instructions for Use (page 4)
• Parts Identification (page 5)
  • Main body
  • Control panel
• Preparation
  • Wash rice and add water (page 6)
  • Function selecting/Setting cooking time/Tips to cook delicious rice (page 7)
• Menu functions
  • Cook Rice, Brown Rice/Keep Warm (page 8)
  • Reheat/Cooking (page 9)
  • Timer (page 10)
  • Cleaning and Maintenance (pages 10-11)
  • Recipes (page 12)
• Trouble Shooting (pages 13-15)
• When you want to improve (optimize) (page 16)
• Specifications (page 17)
• Warranty (pages 18-19)

Safety Precautions

To prevent personal injury, injury to others, and property damage, follow these instructions. The following symbols indicate the level of harm from incorrect operation:

• WARNING: Indicates a potential hazard that could result in death or serious injury.
• CAUTION: Indicates a potential hazard that could result in injury or damage to property.

Symbols used:

• [Prohibited Symbol]: Indicates an action that is prohibited.
• [Required Symbol]: Indicates an action that must be followed.

Power Supply, Power Cord, Power Plug

• WARNING: Do not use if the power cord or plug is damaged or loose. If the power cord is damaged, it must be replaced by an authorized service center.
• Do not damage the power cord or plug. Prohibited actions include: damaging, processing, bending, twisting, pulling, hanging on corners, placing heavy objects on it, tying into bundles, or sandwiching it.
• Do not connect or disconnect the plug with wet hands. Ensure hands are dry.
• Do not let anyone lick the instrument plug. Pay extra attention to infants.
• Do not spill water or liquid on the connector.
• Use a 230V-240V, 10A power socket. Do not overload the outlet. Use a power strip rated at least 10 amperes.
• Ensure the power plug and instrument plug are fully inserted.
• Use a single-phase bipolar grounded power outlet for reliable grounding.
• Clean the power plug regularly to prevent fire hazards from poor insulation due to moisture and foreign matter. Disconnect the plug and wipe with a dry cloth.

Main Body

• Do not insert anything into the intake port, exhaust port, or gaps, especially metal objects.
• Do not place items that may clog the heating plate into the pan (e.g., cooking cases where ingredients are in a plastic bag). This prevents burns from steam or ejected food.
• Do not modify, disassemble, or repair the appliance. Contact an authorized service center for repairs.
• Use the appliance only as described in these instructions. Panasonic is not responsible for improper use.
• Do not immerse the appliance in water or splash it with water. Contact a service center if water enters the appliance.

Usage Precautions

• WARNING: When in use or after cooking, keep face and hands away from the steam vent, especially for infants, to avoid burns.
• Do not open the lid or move the main body during cooking to avoid burns from steam or ejected food.
• This appliance is not intended for use by persons with reduced physical, sensory, or mental capabilities, or lack of experience, unless supervised. Supervise children to ensure they do not play with the appliance.
• Keep the appliance out of reach of small children to prevent burns, injury, or electric shock.
• If an exception or malfunction occurs, stop use immediately and unplug the power plug.
• Abnormalities/Malfunctions: If the power plug/cord becomes hot, the cord is damaged, the main body is deformed or hot, emits smoke or a burning smell, is broken, loose, makes abnormal noise, or the fan does not rotate, contact an authorized service center immediately.

Before Use Precautions

• CAUTION: Do not use a non-dedicated or deformed pan.
• Do not use in places with high heat or humidity, on uneven surfaces, near walls/furniture, or on aluminum/electronic mats.
• Do not touch the hook button when moving the product to avoid injury from the lid opening.
• Do not touch hot surfaces during or after use. The main body and metal parts like the heating plate and pan can be very hot.
• Use only the specified power cord for this appliance.
• Do not expose the power plug to steam.
• This appliance is intended for household use in staff kitchens, farm houses, hotels, motels, and bed and breakfast environments.
• Do not let the appliance operate empty.
• Do not connect to an external timing device or remote control system.
• When unplugging, hold the plug itself, not the cord.
• Turn off the power and unplug when removing the pan or not in use.
• Wait for the main body to cool down before cleaning.
• Ensure steam can emit outward when used in enclosed spaces like cupboards.
• Consult a physician before use if you have an implantable cardiac pacemaker.
• In case of a power outage during use, return to standby mode.

Instructions for Use

About the Main Body

• If placed on a sliding table, ensure the table can support over 12.5 kg.
• Do not cover the outer lid with cloth or other objects during use, as this can block steam, causing deformation or malfunction.
• Periodically check and clean the intake and exhaust ports at the bottom of the rice cooker to remove dust.
• Clean rice and foreign objects from the main body, including sensors, the bottom of the pan, and the pan support rubber, to prevent errors or poor cooking results.
• Do not place the product near devices susceptible to electromagnetic interference (e.g., radios, televisions, hearing aids) to avoid noise or reduced volume.
• Do not place magnets near the product to avoid abnormal operation.
• Do not use the product on an induction cooker.
• Do not use the product outdoors, as unstable power supply may cause failure.
• Avoid using the product under direct sunlight to prevent color change.
• Do not use the rice cooker where the bottom (intake/exhaust ports) may be clogged (e.g., on carpet, plastic bags, aluminum foil, or fabric).
• Use this product in areas below 2000 meters above sea level for optimal cooking performance.

About the Inner Pan

• Do not use the pan outside the rice cooker, or on a gas stove, induction cooker, or microwave.
• Do not impact the pan with hard objects to avoid scratches or dents.
• Before cooking: Do not let metal sieves contact the pan's coating.
• After cooking: Do not put vinegar in the pan (for sushi). Do not use a metal spoon (for congee). Do not touch or strike the pan.
• During cleaning: Do not use the pan as a washing container. Do not place spoons or utensils in the pan. Do not leave food in the pan after cooking with seasoning. Clear food and clean the pan promptly.
• Do not use bowl dryers, dishwashers, or other utensils for drying the pan.
• Do not use abrasive powder, metal brushes, nylon brushes, or scouring pads. Clean the pan with a soft sponge.

Notes: Minor superficial scratches, small dents, or collisions on the outer surface, and slight flaking of the inner coating, do not affect performance or health. If the pan is deformed, purchase a new one.

Parts Identification

Before first use, clean the pan, moisturizing cap, sugar steamer, and accessories. Remove the protective film from the control panel.

Main Body Components

• Control panel
• Sugar steamer
• Pan seal ring
• Heating plate
• Pan
• Bottom sensor
• Hook button
• Body
• Outer lid
• Moisturizing cap
• Power cord

Accessories

• Rice scoop (1)
• Congee [Soup] scoop (1)
• Measuring cup (1) (Approx. 180 mL)

Control Panel Functions

• [Start]: Press to start cooking or set timer.
• [Off/Cancel]: Cancel operation or turn off keep warm.
• [Timer]: Set the timer function.
• [Keep Warm]: Keep food warm.
• [Time]: Set cooking time.
• [<] / [>]: Select functions, set preset time, or cooking time. Press and hold to adjust time quickly.

Notes: The [Off/Cancel] key may take longer to respond when the product is working. The product enters sleep mode after 30 seconds of inactivity.

Preparation: Wash Rice and Add Water

Before Use for the First Time

1. Boil water in a pan and drain it.
2. Add water to the "SHORT GRAIN" waterline (e.g., '6'), close the outer lid.
3. Select "Steam" function and set cooking time to 15 minutes.
4. After the buzzer sounds, remove the pan and pour out the water. Use a towel to handle the hot pan.

Measuring and Washing Rice

1. Measure rice using the provided measuring cup. Refer to Specifications (page 17) for maximum quantity.
2. Wash rice quickly with plenty of water, changing water until it turns relatively clear. Avoid scratching the pan's non-stick coating by washing rice in the pan. Thorough washing prevents rice crust and improves taste.
3. Place washed rice in the pan and add water up to the corresponding waterline (refer to page 7). Flatten the rice surface before measuring water.

Water Quantity Table:

Water quantities can be adjusted based on preference. Adding too much water may cause overflow.

Example: For 4 cups of short grain rice, add water to the "4" waterline of "SHORT GRAIN".

Placing the Pan and Connecting

1. Place the pan into the main body diagonally and close the outer lid until it clicks. Ensure the moisturizing cap is in place.
2. Connect the instrument plug, then the power plug, ensuring both are securely connected.

Notes: Maximum cooking capacity for steaming is 2 cups.

Function Selecting, Setting Cooking Time, and Tips

Function Selecting

Refer to Table 2 for categories of food, menu selection, waterlines, cooking times, and keep warm options.

Notes: Cooking times are approximate and can vary based on rice type, water, temperature, and voltage. Functions marked with '❌' are not recommended for keep warm. Timer functions are not available for Cake and Rice Reheat.

Setting Cooking Time

Table 3 details setting cooking time ranges, increments, initial values, and time display memory for various food categories.

Note: Settings reset after power off.

Tips to Cook Delicious Rice

• Measure rice and water correctly.
• Wash rice gently and quickly; do not use a sieve to avoid rice fragmentation or sticking.
• Add water to the pan on a flat surface.
• Do not use hot water or alkaline water (pH > 9).

Menu Functions: Cook Rice, Brown Rice/Keep Warm

Healthy Low Sugar Function

Preparation: Wash rice, place in sugar steamer, add water to steamer waterline, dry pan exterior. Complete preparation steps 4-5.

1. Select "Healthy Low Sugar" using [ ]/[ ].
2. Press [Time], then [ ]/[ ] to set cooking time (37, 40, or 43 minutes).
3. Press [Start] to begin cooking. The [Start] indicator lights up, and remaining time counts down.
4. After cooking, loosen the rice to prevent sticking. The unit automatically switches to keep warm.

Kind Reminder: Adjust water or cooking time for different white rice varieties to achieve desired texture.

White Rice Function

1. Select "White Rice" using [ ]/[ ].
2. Press [Start] to begin cooking. The [Start] indicator flashes. Remaining time decreases in 1-minute increments. Note that "Quick/Quinoa" and "Brown Rice" display remaining time differently.
3. After cooking, loosen the rice. For Brown Rice, mixed rice, and glutinous rice, press [Off/Cancel] promptly to preserve taste.

Kind Reminder:

• Avoid "Quick/Quinoa" for glutinous or mixed rice.
• "Quick/Quinoa" may result in harder rice or rice crust; soaking rice beforehand can help.
• "Enhanced Taste" can make rice softer and more delicious.
• Do not mix brown rice with white rice.

Keep Warm

Keep warm time displays total hours. After 24 hours, it shows "--". If kept warm for over 96 hours, it stops automatically (U14 error). Press [Off/Cancel] to continue. Consume rice within 5 hours of keeping warm for best quality. Droplets may appear at the pan edge. Leaving the rice scoop in the pan may affect taste.

Menu Functions: Reheat/Cooking

Reheating Cooled Rice

Preparation: Stir cooled rice evenly. Refer to Table 4 for water amounts.

Maximum cooled rice for reheating: 4 cups (Short Grain or Long Grain).

1. Select "Reheat" using [ ]/[ ].
2. Press [Start] to reheat. Heating time is approximately 15 minutes, regardless of rice quantity.
3. After cooking, loosen the rice for better taste. The unit switches to keep warm.

Kind Reminder: Do not exceed maximum cooled rice quantity. Reheat only once. Do not reheat mixed or glutinous rice.

Cooking Congee (1.5 hours)

1. Select "Congee/Soup" using [ ]/[ ].
2. Press [Time], then [ ]/[ ] to set cooking time (refer to Table 3, page 7).
3. Press [Start] to begin. Remaining time counts down.
4. After cooking, press [Off/Cancel] as keep warm may affect taste.

Kind Reminder:

• Opening the lid during cooking increases condensation.
• Incorrect water/rice quantity may cause overflow.
• Congee kept warm for too long will thicken.
• Stewing soup above the "CONGEE" waterline may cause spillage.
• Rinse the moisturizing cap after each use.
• For steam times over 40 minutes, add 3 measuring cups of water.
• Steam function display shows remaining time after water boils.
• Maximum cake batter weight is 700g. Set cooking time to 1 hour for maximum weight to avoid under-baking.

Timer/Cleaning and Maintenance

Using the Timer Function

1. Select a function (pages 8-9).
2. Press [Timer]. For congee, set cooking time first (page 9, step 2), then press [Timer].
3. Use [ ]/[ ] to set the preset time.
4. Press [Start]. The [Start] indicator turns off, and the [Timer] indicator lights up.

Kind Reminder: Do not use timer for glutinous or mixed rice to avoid deterioration. In summer, set preset time to under 8 hours.

Cleaning and Maintenance

• Attentions: Always unplug the power plug and allow the unit to cool before cleaning. Do not immerse the main body in water. Do not use thinner, gasoline, alcohol, cleaning powder, or hard brushes. Do not use a dishwasher or dish dryer.
• Heating plate/Pan seal ring: Wipe with a wrung-out wet towel. Wash promptly after use, especially with seasonings. Do not pull the pan seal ring.
• Moisturizing cap: Wipe with a wrung-out wet towel. Rinse after each use to prevent odor.
• Upper frame/Support rubber of pan (3 places): Wipe with a wrung-out wet towel. Do not pour water to wash.
• Periodic inspection: Inspect and wash the bottom of the rice cooker (intake/exhaust ports) monthly. Use a vacuum cleaner for dust and foreign objects.
• Bottom sensor/Lid sensor: Wipe with a wrung-out wet towel. Use a little neutral detergent and a nylon brush for stubborn dirt. Failure to clean these sensors can lead to burnt or badly cooked rice.
• Sugar steamer: Wash with diluted dish cleaner, sponge, and water. Do not use as a cleaning container.
• Pan: Clean with diluted detergent, soft sponge, and water. Wipe the exterior dry. Do not use as a cleaning container. Color changes or stripes on the coating are normal and do not affect function. Hand wash the pan only.
• Accessories: Clean with diluted detergent and soft sponge.

Recipes

Attentions: Scorched rice may occur with different ingredients. For thick soups like white fungus soup, use "Congee/Soup" and do not exceed the "CONGEE" waterline.

1 cup (measuring cup) is approximately 150 g.

Tomato Chicken Wings

• Ingredients: Chicken wings (8), Shiitake mushrooms (100g), Tomato (2)
• Seasonings: Tomato ketchup (10mL), Soy sauce (15mL), Oyster sauce (10mL), Rice wine (10mL), Sugar (5g), Salt (2.5g), Water (50mL)
• Steps: Score wings, dice tomatoes, wash mushrooms. Combine all ingredients and seasoning in the pan. Select "Steam", set time to 25 minutes, and press [Start].

Red Bean and Purple Rice Congee with Coconut Milk

• Ingredients: Red beans (100g), Purple rice (100g), Crystal sugar (30g), Coconut milk (300mL)
• Steps: Wash beans and rice, soak overnight. Combine soaked ingredients and sugar in the pan, add water to "CONGEE" waterline. Select "Multigrain", set time to 1 hour 30 minutes, and press [Start]. Add coconut milk after cooking. Increase cooking time if not soaking beans/rice.

Simple and Easy Braised Rice

• Ingredients: Corn kernels and peas (20g), Chinese sausages (several slices), Potatoes (200g), Shiitake mushrooms (100g), Tomatoes (1), White rice (2 cups)
• Seasonings: Soy sauce (10mL), Salt (2g), Oyster sauce (10mL), Chicken essence (2g), Oil (a few drops)
• Steps: Wash and dice mushrooms, cut potatoes, wash starch off. Wash rice, add water to "SHORT GRAIN" 1.5 waterline, add oil. Add all ingredients, place tomatoes on top. Select "White Rice" and press [Start].

Mushroom Soup

• Ingredients: White beech mushroom (70g), Mushroom with crab taste (70g), King oyster mushroom (60g), Ribs (300g), Ginger (several pieces), Chopped scallion (right amount)
• Seasonings: Cooking wine (10mL), Salt (5g), White pepper (a little)
• Steps: Soak mushrooms in salted water, blanch ribs. Wash mushrooms, cut roots. Cut king oyster mushroom. Place ribs, mushrooms, and ginger in the pan. Add cooking wine and water to "CONGEE" waterline. Select "Congee/Soup", set time to 1 hour 30 minutes, and press [Start]. Season with salt, white pepper, and scallion after cooking.

Trouble Shooting

Check the following before requesting repair:

To be known: If water/rice is put into the main body without the pan, consult Panasonic service center.

Troubleshooting Table

• Glutinous (soft): Check rice/water quantity, broken rice, soaking time, hot water use, loosening after cooking, or too much water added.
• Dry (hard): Check rice/water quantity, or if "Quick/Quinoa" was used.
• Congee is mushy: Check soaking time, keep warm duration, broken rice quantity.
• Rice is scorched: Check rice washing, foreign objects, timer setting, broken rice, added spices. Yellowish paste is normal; refer to "To improve scorched rice" (P16) if issue persists.
• Condensation Odor / Rice is yellow: Check loosening after cooking, keep warm duration, cooled rice addition, rice washing, rice scoop placement. Yellowish color may be due to rice type or water quality. Clean pan, heating plate, moisturizing cap.
• Rice is dry: Check keep warm duration, reheating frequency, moisturizing cap installation.
• Rice sticks onto the pan: Check pan seal ring, pan deformation, rice type (soft/glutinous rice may stick).
• A thin film is formed: May be due to dry starch dissolution (harmless) or unclean rice.
• Cooked rice has bumpy surface: Ensure rice surface was smooth before cooking. IH heating can cause this. Uneven surface can also result from insufficient washing, broken rice, or rough washing.

Error Codes Indication

If the rice cooker is still not normal after checks, contact the Panasonic authorized service center.

When You Want to Improve (Optimize)

Change Keep Warm Temperature

Adjust to "76" for odor, or "72" for color change/drying (default is "74"). Sequence: Press [Keep Warm] twice, then [Time] for 1 sec, then [Start].

To Improve Scorched Rice

Sequence: Press [Time] twice, then [Start], then [Off/Cancel] twice. (Setting is automatic after 10 seconds).

To Eliminate Beep During Cooking/Reheat

Press and hold [Time] and [Keep Warm] for about 5 seconds. Repeat to turn beep back ON.

Specifications

*¹ Indicates cooking capacity at "CONGEE" waterline. *² Indicates product height when outer lid is open.

Warranty

Panasonic Australia

Small Kitchen Appliances 12 Month Warranty from Date of Purchase. Covers Microwave Oven, Rice Cooker, Bread Maker, Benchtop Oven, and Stick Blenders.

This warranty does not exclude statutory rights. Service is free for faulty products within the warranty period, provided it's used normally and serviced by an authorized center with proof of purchase. It does not cover damage from misuse, accidents, incorrect installation, natural disasters, or improper maintenance. Specific exclusions include cabinet parts, normal noise/vibration, user-replaceable batteries, and certain accessories.

For warranty claims or inquiries, contact Panasonic Customer Care Centre on 132 600 or visit www.panasonic.com.au. Keep your warranty card and purchase docket.

Panasonic New Zealand

Home Appliance 12 Month Warranty. Similar terms apply as for Australia, covering products purchased and serviced in New Zealand. Exclusions are similar, including misuse, accidents, and improper maintenance. For claims or inquiries, contact Panasonic New Zealand Customer Care Centre on 09 2720178 or visit www.panasonic.co.nz. Keep your warranty card and purchase docket.

Panasonic Australia Pty. Limited, 1 Innovation Road, Macquarie Park NSW 2113, www.panasonic.com.au

Panasonic New Zealand Customer Care Centre, Phone: 09 2720178, Email: customerservice@nz.panasonic.com, Website: www.panasonic.co.nz/support