Aroma Food Steamer ARC-150SB

Introducing the Aroma Food Steamer ARC-150SB is a versatile and easy-to-use kitchen appliance that allows you to cook healthy and delicious meals with minimal effort. With a capacity of 150 cups, this food steamer is perfect for large families or for those who like to cook in bulk. It is estimated to be priced around $70 to $80 and is now available in the market.

Detailed Specifications

The Aroma Food Steamer ARC-150SB comes with the following key features:

• 150-cup capacity
• Digital controls with a delay timer and keep warm function
• Stay-cool handles and base
• BPA-free components
• Dishwasher-safe parts
• Includes a rice bowl, steam tray, and rice paddle
• Measures 10.8 x 13.2 x 15.2 inches

PARTS IDENTIFICATION

Do not use the provided serving spatula to slow cook. It is not intended to be used in contact with high temperatures. Use a CAUTION long-handled wooden or heat-safe spoon to stir food while slow cooking.

Digital Controls

• white rice: Cooks fluffy, delicious rice automatically.
• keep warm: Perfect for keeping food warm and ready to serve. The cooker automatically switches over to keep warm once rice is finished cooking.
• delay timer: Allows for rice to be ready right when it’s needed. Add rice and water in the morning and come home to delicious rice ready to eat!
• - / +: Lets you adjust times for smart steam, delay timer, and slow cook.
• flash rice: A great time-saving option for rice in a pinch.
• power: Turns the cooker on and off.
• brown rice: Ideal for cooking brown rice and other tough-to-cook whole grains to perfection.
• steam: Great for healthy sides and main courses. Set the time food needs to steam, it will begin to countdown once water reaches a boil and shut off once time has elapsed.
• slow cook: Sets to slow cook from 2 to 10 hours and is great for homemade roasts and stews.

Detailed Description

The Aroma Food Steamer ARC-150SB is a high-quality and durable kitchen appliance that is designed to make cooking healthy and convenient. Its digital controls allow you to set a delay timer, so you can have your food ready when you want it. The keep warm function ensures that your food stays at the perfect temperature until you're ready to serve it. The stay-cool handles and base ensure that you can safely and easily move the steamer around your kitchen. The BPA-free components and dishwasher-safe parts make cleaning a breeze. The rice bowl, steam tray, and rice paddle are included, so you have everything you need to get started. The steamer measures 10.8 x 13.2 x 15.2 inches, making it a compact and convenient addition to your kitchen.

BEFORE FIRST USE / TO CLEAN

• Read all instructions and important safeguards.
• Remove all packaging materials and check that all items have been received in good condition.
• Tear up all plastic bags and dispose of properly as they can pose a risk to children.
• Wash the steam vent and all other accessories in warm, soapy water. Rinse and dry thoroughly.
• Remove the inner pot from the cooker and clean with warm, soapy water. Rinse and dry thoroughly before returning to the cooker.
• Wipe the body clean with a damp cloth.

1. Remove the steam vent and condensation collector. 
2. Soak the inner pot and all accessories or wash them in the top rack of the dishwasher. 
3. Wipe the cooker body clean with a damp cloth. Thoroughly dry the cooker body and all accessories. 

4. Reassemble for the next use.

   

Note: Do not use harsh abrasive cleaners, scouring pads, or products that are not considered safe to use on nonstick coatings.

• If washing in the dishwasher, a slight discoloration to the inner pot and accessories may occur. This is cosmetic only and will not affect performance.
• Any other servicing should be performed by Aroma® Housewares.
• Do not use abrasive cleaners or scouring pads.
• Do not immerse the cooker base, cord, or plug in water at any time.

TO COOK RICE

1. Using the provided measuring cup, add rice to the inner pot.
2. Rinse rice to remove excess starch. Drain.
3. Fill with water to the line which matches the number of cups of rice being cooked.

4. Place the inner pot into the cooker.

   

5. Close the lid securely.
6. Plug the cooker into an available 120V AC outlet.
7. Press the button to turn on the cooker.

8. Press WHITE RICE or BROWN RICE, depending upon the type of rice being cooked.

   

9. The cooker will begin cooking. The COOKING INDICATOR LIGHT will illuminate and a chasing pattern will be in the display. A countdown will be in the display the final 10 minutes of cooking time.
10. Once the rice is finished, the cooker will beep and automatically switch to KEEP WARM. The digital display will show a “0” and will display the number of hours it has been on KEEP WARM.
11. For better results, stir the rice with the serving spatula to distribute any remaining moisture.

12. When finished serving rice, turn the cooker off by pressing the button twice and unplug the power cord.

    

Helpful hints

• If you misplace the measuring cup, a ¾ standard US cup is an exact replacement.
• To add more flavor to the rice, try substituting a favorite meat or vegetable broth or stock. The ratio of broth/stock to rice will be the same as water to rice.
• For approximate rice cooking times and suggested rice/water ratios, see the “Rice/Water Measurement Table” on page 7.

NOTE

Brown rice requires a much longer cooking cycle than other rice varieties due to the extra bran layers on the grains. The “Brown Rice” function on this cooker allows extra time and adjusted heat settings in order to cook the rice properly. If it appears the cooker is not heating up immediately on the “Brown Rice” setting, this is due to a low-heat soak cycle that precedes the cooking cycle to produce better brown rice results.

• Before placing the inner pot into the cooker, check that it is dry and free of debris. Adding the inner pot when wet may damage the cooker.
• Rice should not be left in the cooker on KEEP WARM for more than 12 hours.

RICE/WATER MEASUREMENT TABLE

HELPFUL HINTS

• Rinse rice before placing it into the inner pot to remove excess bran and starch. This will help reduce browning and sticking to the bottom of the pot.
• Want perfect brown rice without the wait? Use the “Delay Timer.” Simply add rice and water in the morning and set the “Delay Timer” for when rice will be needed that night.

TO USE FLASH RICE

To use the Flash Rice function, follow the steps for “To Cook Rice” beginning on page 5. Rather than pressing one of the standard rice function buttons, press FLASH RICE.

If cooking brown rice, add an additional 1½ cups water, using the provided measuring cup, to compensate for the lack of soaking time. The included measuring cup is equal to a standard ¾ US cup.

NOTE

*1 Cup = ¾ US Cups

Cooking times are approximate. Altitude, humidity, and outside temperature will affect cooking time.

• Opening the lid during the cooking cycle causes a loss of heat and steam. Cooking time may be prolonged if the lid is opened before the rice is finished.

TO USE THE DELAY TIMER

• Press DELAY TIMER. Each press increases in one-hour increments. It may be set to have rice ready in 1 to 15 hours for white rice and 2 to 15 hours for brown. Once the needed time is selected, press WHITE RICE or BROWN RICE, depending upon the type of rice being cooked.
• The digital display will countdown from the time selected. Once rice begins cooking, the COOKING INDICATOR LIGHT will illuminate and a chasing pattern will be in the display.
• Once rice is finished, the cooker will beep and automatically switch to KEEP WARM. The digital display will show a “0” and will display the number of hours it has been on KEEP WARM. For better results, stir the rice with the serving spatula to distribute any remaining moisture.

• When finished serving rice, turn the cooker off by pressing twice and unplug the power cord.

  

NOTE

• Delay timer is set for white and brown rice only.
• Due to the longer cooking time needed, brown rice may only be delayed for 2 hours or more.
• Rice should not be left in the cooker on KEEP WARM for more than 12 hours.

TO STEAM

1. Add water to the inner pot. Place the inner pot into the cooker. Place food to be steamed onto the steam tray. 
2. Place the steam tray into the cooker. 
3. Close the lid securely. Plug the power cord into an available 120V AC outlet. 

4. Press to turn the cooker on. Press STEAM. The digital display will show a flashing “5” to represent five minutes of steam time. 

   

5. Press + or - to increase steaming time by one minute, up to 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, it will cycle back to five minutes. 
6. Once the needed time is selected, the cooker will beep to indicate it is setting at the displayed time. It will beep once more and the display will stop flashing to indicate it has set. 
7. The COOKING INDICATOR LIGHT will illuminate to indicate it has begun steaming. 

8. Once the water reaches a boil, the digital display will countdown in one-minute increments from the selected time. 

   

9. Once the selected time has passed, the cooker will beep and switch to KEEP WARM mode. The digital display will show a “0” and will display the number of hours it has been on KEEP WARM. 
10. Check steamed food for doneness. If finished steaming, remove food immediately to avoid overcooking. 

11. Turn the cooker off by pressing the button twice and unplug the power cord.

    

HELPFUL HINTS

Smaller foods may be placed on a heat-proof dish and then placed onto the steam tray. Parchment paper or aluminum foil may be used as well. Place the paper/foil in the center of the steam tray and ensure it does not create a seal along the bottom of the steam tray. For best results, it is recommended to puncture small holes in the paper/foil.

TO STEAM FOOD & SIMULTANEOUSLY COOK RICE

1. Place food to be steamed onto the steam tray. 
2. Using caution to avoid escaping steam, open the lid. 
3. Place steam tray into the cooker. 

4. Close the lid securely.

   

   NOTE: Do not attempt to cook more than 8 cups (uncooked) of rice if steaming and cooking rice simultaneously. It is possible to steam at any point during the rice cooking cycle. However, it is recommended that you steam during the end of the cycle so that steamed food does not grow cold or become soggy before the rice is ready.

5. Using caution, open the lid to check food for doneness. 
6. If food is finished steaming, remove the steam tray. 
7. Allow the cooker to continue cooking rice. 

8. Once the rice has finished, the cooker will beep and switch to KEEP WARM mode. The digital display will show a “0” and will display the number of hours it has been on KEEP WARM. 

   

9. For best results, stir the rice with the serving spatula to distribute any remaining moisture. 

10. When finished serving rice, turn the cooker off by pressing the button twice and unplug the power cord.

    

NOTE: Rice should not be left in the cooker on KEEP WARM for more than 12 hours.

STEAMING TABLES

Meat Steaming Table

Vegetable Steaming Table

HELPFUL HINTS

• Since most vegetables only absorb a small amount of water, there is no need to increase the amount of water with a larger serving of vegetables.
• Steaming times may vary depending upon the cut of meat being used.
• To ensure meat tastes its best, and to prevent possible illness, check that meat is completely cooked prior to serving. If it is not, simply place more water in the inner pot and repeat the cooking process until the meat is adequately cooked.

NOTE Altitude, humidity, and outside temperature will affect cooking times. These steaming charts are for reference only. Actual cooking times may vary.

TO SLOW COOK

1. Add ingredients to the inner pot. Place the inner pot into the cooker. Close the lid securely. 
2. Plug the power cord into an available 120V AC outlet. 
3. Press the button to turn the cooker on. Press SLOW COOK. Press + to increase slow cook time by 1-hour increments. The slow cook time can be set to 2-10 hours and the default heat setting is high. 

4. The COOKING INDICATOR LIGHT will illuminate. Using caution to avoid escaping steam, open the lid and stir occasionally with a long-handled wooden spoon. 

   

5. Once cooking is complete, press KEEP-WARM to switch to KEEP WARM mode. The digital display will show a “0” and will display the number of hours it has been on “Keep-Warm.” 

6. When finished serving, turn the cooker off by pressing the button twice and unplug the power cord.

   

CAUTION The cooker will not switch to KEEP WARM mode until all liquid is boiled away. Follow the recipe carefully and do not leave the cooker unattended.

Setup Guide

To use the Aroma Food Steamer ARC-150SB, follow these steps:

1. Wash all the parts with warm soapy water before using them for the first time.
2. Place the rice bowl and steam tray in the steamer.
3. Add water to the steamer - the water level should be below the max fill line.
4. Place the food you want to steam in the rice bowl or steam tray.
5. Close the lid and plug in the steamer.
6. Select the cooking time using the digital controls.
7. The steamer will turn off automatically when the cooking time is up.

RECIPES

Green Chile Chicken and Rice

Ingredients

• 1½ cups rice
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 2 tbsp. diced minced onion
• ½ tsp. salt
• 1 10-oz. can chicken breast chunks, with liquid
• 1 4-oz. can diced green chiles, with liquid

Place all ingredients in the inner pot and stir. Place the inner pot into the cooker, cover. Press the button to turn on the cooker. Press WHITE RICE. Allow to cook until the cooker switches to KEEP WARM mode. Add salt to taste. Stir and serve immediately as a main course. Serves 4.

Ingredients

• 1 cup rice
• 1 jar (12 oz.) fresh salsa, mild or hot
• 1 tbsp. vegetable oil
• 1 cup fresh or canned corn kernels
• ½ tsp. ground cumin
• ½ tsp. salt
• 1¼ cups water
• Fresh ground pepper, to taste
• Fresh minced cilantro, for garnish

Add all ingredients except cilantro to the inner pot, stir, close the lid. Press the button to turn on the cooker. Press the WHITE RICE button. When the cooker switches to KEEP WARM mode, open the lid, quickly stir and close the lid. Allow to stand for 8-10 minutes before serving. Spoon onto a serving dish, garnish with fresh cilantro and serve. Makes a flavorful supper or side dish for grilled chicken or fish. Serves 3-4.

IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS

Basic safety precautions should always be followed when using electrical appliances, including the following:

1. Important: Read all instructions carefully before first use.
2. Do not touch hot surfaces. Use the handles or knobs.
3. Use only on a level, dry, and heat-resistant surface.
4. To protect against fire, electric shock, and injury to persons, do not immerse the cord, plug, or the appliance in water or any other liquid. See instructions for cleaning.
5. Close supervision is necessary when the appliance is used by or near children.
6. Unplug from the outlet when not in use and before cleaning. Allow the unit to cool before putting on or taking off parts and before cleaning the appliance.
7. Do not operate any appliance with a damaged cord or plug or after the appliance malfunctions or has been damaged in any manner. Contact Aroma® customer service for examination, repair, or adjustment.
8. The use of accessory attachments not recommended by Aroma® Housewares may result in fire, electrical shock, or injury.
9. Do not use outdoors.
10. Do not let the cord touch hot surfaces or hang over the edge of a counter or table.
11. Do not place on or near a hot gas or electric burner or in a heated oven.
12. Do not use the appliance for other than its intended use.
13. Extreme caution must be used when moving the appliance containing rice, hot oil, or other liquids.
14. Do not touch, cover, or obstruct the steam vent on the top of the cooker as it is extremely hot and may cause scalding.
15. Use only with a 120V AC power outlet.
16. Always unplug from the base of the wall outlet. Never pull on the cord.
17. The cooker should be operated on a separate electrical circuit from other operating appliances. If the electrical circuit is overloaded with other appliances, the appliance may not operate properly.
18. Always make sure the outside of the inner pot is dry prior to use. If the inner pot is returned to the cooker when wet, it may damage or cause the product to malfunction.
19. Use extreme caution when opening the lid during or after cooking. Hot steam will escape and may cause scalding.
20. Rice should not be left in the inner pot with the KEEP WARM function on for more than 12 hours.
21. To prevent damage or deformation, do not use the inner pot on a stovetop or burner.
22. To disconnect, turn any control to OFF, then remove the plug from the wall outlet.
23. To reduce the risk of electrical shock, cook only in the removable inner pot provided.
24. To avoid spills and burns, do not carry the cooker by the lid handle.
25. Do not wrap or tie the cord around the appliance.
26. WARNING: Spilled food can cause serious burns. Keep the appliance and cord away from children. Never drape the cord over the edge of the counter, never use an outlet below the counter, and never use with an extension cord.
27. Intended for countertop use only.

Polarized Plug

This appliance has a polarized plug (one blade is wider than the other); follow the instructions below: To reduce the risk of electric shock, this plug is intended to fit into a polarized outlet only one way. If the plug does not fit fully into the outlet, reverse the plug. If it still does not fit, contact a qualified electrician. Do not attempt to modify the plug in any way. If the supply cord is damaged, it must be replaced by the manufacturer, its service agent, or a similarly qualified person in order to avoid a hazard. THIS APPLIANCE IS FOR HOUSEHOLD USE ONLY.

TROUBLESHOOTING

Because rice varieties may vary in their make-up, results may differ. Below are some troubleshooting tips to help you achieve the desired consistency.

Rice is too dry/hard after cooking. If your rice is dry or hard/chewy when the cooker switches to KEEP WARM mode, additional water and cooking time will soften the rice. Depending on how dry your rice is, add ½ to 1 cup of water and stir through. Close the lid and press WHITE RICE. When the cooker switches to KEEP WARM mode, open the lid and stir the rice to check the consistency. Repeat as necessary until rice is soft and moist.

Rice is too moist/soggy after cooking. If your rice is too moist or soggy when the cooker switches to KEEP WARM mode, use the serving spatula to stir the rice. This will redistribute the bottom (moistest) part of the rice as well as release excess moisture. Close the lid and allow it to remain on KEEP WARM mode for 10-30 minutes as needed, opening the lid and stirring periodically to release excess moisture.

WARRANTY

Aroma Housewares Company warrants this product free from defects in material and workmanship for two years from the provable date of purchase in the continental United States.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Large capacity
• Digital controls with a delay timer and keep warm function
• Stay-cool handles and base
• BPA-free components
• Dishwasher-safe parts

Cons

• May take up a lot of counter space
• The digital controls may be difficult for some users to navigate

Customer Reviews about Aroma Food Steamer ARC-150SB

Customers love the Aroma Food Steamer ARC-150SB for its large capacity and convenient digital controls. The keep warm function is a favorite feature, as it ensures that food stays hot and ready to serve. Some customers have noted that the digital controls can be difficult to navigate, but overall, the steamer is easy to use and clean. The most common complaint is that the steamer takes up a lot of counter space, but most customers find that the convenience and versatility of the steamer are worth the trade-off.