Introduction

The Zojirushi Rice Cooker & Warmer NP-HCC18 is a high-end, multi-purpose kitchen device that cooks and keeps rice heated for lengthy periods of time. It has innovative fuzzy logic technology that adjusts cooking times and temperatures for best results, making it an excellent choice for people who want precisely cooked rice every time. With a release date of late 2021, this rice cooker is a worthwhile investment for any home cook.

PARTS NAMES AND FUNCTIONS

ACCESSORIES

How to attach the Spatula Holder

• Press the two stabilizers against the body of the Rice Cooker (1) and push the middle hook of the holder into the slot (2).

How to detach the Spatula Holder

• Twist the Spatula Holder to one side to detach.

  

CONTROL PANEL

• Press buttons down firmly.
• The raised dot and dash ( ••-) in the center of the START and CANCEL buttons and the Sound Signals are provided for individuals with visual impairment.

HOW TO MAINTAIN THE INNER COOKING PAN IN GOOD CONDITION

The nonstick coating can peel off if damaged. Please take special care to prevent damage and follow these precautions:

During Preparation

• Remove foreign matters (such as stones) from the rice before cleaning.
• Do not use utensils such as whisks to clean the rice.
• Do not place a metallic strainer in the Inner Cooking Pan when cleaning rice.
• Use the Inner Cooking Pan only for this Rice Cooker.

When Cooking Completes

• Do not pour vinegar into the Inner Cooking Pan (when making sushi rice).
• Do not use a metal ladle (when serving porridge, etc.).

• Do not hit the Inner Cooking Pan hard (when serving).

  

When Cleaning

• Do not place spoons or bowls inside the Inner Cooking Pan.
• Clean the Inner Cooking Pan immediately after using any seasonings.
• Only use soft materials such as a sponge when cleaning.
• Do not use such items as thinner, benzine, abrasive cleaners, bleach, scrubbing brushes (nylon, metal, etc.), melamine sponges, or sponges with a nylon surface.

REMARKS: The nonstick coating may wear out with use.

• The nonstick coating may eventually discolor or peel off. This will not affect the cooking/Keep Warm performances or sanitary properties, and is harmless to your health.
• If concerned with the peeling of the nonstick coating or if the Inner Cooking Pan deforms, please replace it by purchasing a new one.

Description

The Zojirushi Rice Cooker & Warmer NP-HCC18 holds 10 cups of uncooked rice, making it ideal for big families or celebrations. The triple heater system enables uniform heating and exceptional rice texture, while the induction heating technology allows for exact temperature control. The rice cooker also has several cooking options, including white rice, brown rice, sushi rice, oatmeal, and rapid cooking. Its clean and sophisticated appearance complements any kitchen surface.

TIPS TO COOKING GREAT-TASTING RICE

HOW TO COOK GREAT-TASTING RICE

Measure rice accurately: Be sure to use the Measuring Cup provided, as other measuring cups may differ. Level the rice off at the top of the cup to maintain accuracy.

Clean rice quickly: Prepare a bowl to pool water.

1. Rinse rice: First, pour plenty of water into the Inner Cooking Pan from the bowl and stir the rice loosely by hand. Drain the water immediately afterward. Repeat twice.
2. Wash rice: Wash by stirring the rice by hand 30 times, pour plenty of water from the bowl and stir the rice loosely again. Drain the water immediately. Repeat this washing process 2-4 times.

3. Rinse rice: Lastly, pour plenty of water from the bowl and rinse the rice. Repeat twice. (Complete steps 1-3 within 10 minutes.)

   

Warning! Do not clean the rice or adjust the amount of water using hot water (95°F/35°C or above). Doing so will cause the rice to be cooked improperly.

Adjust the amount of water accordingly

• Type of Rice: White rice with germ
  Water Adjustment: Normal scale level
• Type of Rice: New crop
  Water Adjustment: Reduce water slightly from the normal level

• Type of Rice: Old crop
  Water Adjustment: Add a little water to the normal level

  

To avoid boil-over, use the SOFTER menu setting when adding water above the normal scale level.

• Do not use strongly alkalized ionic water. Do not use alkalized ionic water that is over pH 9. Rice cooked with strongly alkalized ionic water may appear yellow or become too glutinous.
• Stir and loosen rice immediately after cooking has completed. Doing so releases excess moisture, resulting in rice that is perfectly cooked with a fluffy texture. Loosen the rice within 10 minutes after cooking completes. Not loosening the rice may cause it to clump, become too glutinous, or burn.

HOW TO USE THE KEEP WARM MODE

• When keeping rice in the Inner Cooking Pan for later consumption, use the Keep Warm mode.
• The rice may develop a foul odor if the Keep Warm mode is canceled or if left in an unplugged Rice Cooker.

• To prevent the rice from becoming dry, wet, developing an odor, or turning yellow, do not use the Keep Warm mode for the following:

  

  • Keeping a small amount of rice warm for long hours.
  • Keeping rice warm for more than 12 hours in Regular Keep Warm mode (24 hours in Extended Keep Warm mode).
  • Adding rice.
  • Reheating cold rice.
  • Keeping rice warm when it contains additional ingredients and seasonings (mixed rice or sweet rice).
  • Keeping foods other than rice warm such as croquette or miso soup.
  • Keeping rice warm with the Spatula left inside the Rice Cooker.
• When keeping a small amount of rice warm, gather the rice toward the center of the Inner Cooking Pan. As the amount of rice kept warm decreases, the rice may dry or become wet. To minimize this, gather the rice toward the center of the Inner Cooking Pan while keeping warm.

HOW TO SET THE CLOCK

The clock is displayed in 24 hours (military time). Although the clock is set before shipment from the factory, certain conditions such as room temperature may cause it to display an inaccurate time. If the clock is inaccurate, set the correct time as shown below.

• If the clock is inaccurate, the cooking will not be completed at the time you set for the Timer.
• The clock cannot be changed during Cooking, Regular Keep Warm, Extended Keep Warm, or Timer Cooking.

Example: If the current time is 15:01 but displays 14:56.

1. Set the Inner Cooking Pan and plug in the Power Cord.
2. Press the Time Setting ▲ or ▼ button to initiate the Time Setting and adjust the clock to the current time.
   • ▲ button: Each press advances the time in 1-minute increments.
   • ▼ button: Each press moves the clock in reverse by 1 minute.
3. The time display will stop blinking after 3 seconds, indicating the Time Setting is completed.

   • If the time display still does not show the current time, repeat Step 2 to readjust the time.

     

SOUND SIGNALS AND HOW TO CHANGE THEM

This product is equipped with a Sound Signal function, which will inform you when the Rice Cooker begins cooking, when the Timer is set, or when cooking has completed. You can choose the Sound Signals from the following:

Types of Sound SignaL

HOW TO CHANGE THE SOUND SIGNAL

1. Set the Inner Cooking Pan and plug in the Power Cord.
2. Hold the TIMER button for more than 3 seconds.
3. The setting is completed when the desired Sound Signal is heard.

You cannot change the Sound Signal during Cooking, Regular Keep Warm, Extended Keep Warm, or Timer Cooking. If you find it difficult to change/select the Sound Signal, please start over from Step 1.

WHEN CHANGING THE SOUND SIGNAL

Each time the TIMER button is held for more than 3 seconds, the Sound Signal will change. 

The selected Sound Signal is stored and will remain even if the Rice Cooker is unplugged.

USING THE TIMER

This function sets the Rice Cooker to automatically finish cooking by a specific time. Once set, the timer settings are stored in (Timer 1) and (Timer 2).

The initial settings are 6:00 for Timer 1, 18:00 for Timer 2.

SETTING A SPECIFIC TIME

1. Press the menu button to select the desired Menu.
   • The Timer function is not available in the QUICK, MIXED, and SWEET menu settings.
2. Press the timer button to select (Timer 1) or (Timer 2).
   • The preset time for Timer 1 and the START light will blink.
   • Press the button again and the preset time for Timer 2 will appear.

3. Press the Time Setting ▲ or ▼ button to set a specific time to finish cooking.

   

   • ▲ button: Each press advances the time in 10-minute increments.
   • ▼ button: Each press reverses the time in 10-minute increments.
   • Press and hold the button to quickly adjust the time in 10-minute increments.

   • You do not need to set the time again when using the same settings.

     

4. Press the START button.
   • The START light will turn off, the set time will be displayed, and the TIMER light will turn on with a melody/beep sound.

   • The START button must be pressed to set the TIMER.

     

Suggested Lengths for the Timer Setting

• Do not use the Timer function if you are adding ingredients and/or seasonings to the rice. Ingredients may spoil or seasonings may settle to the bottom of the Inner Cooking Pan and your results may not be satisfactory.
• To cancel the Timer setting, press the CANCEL button.
• Press the Time Setting ▲ or ▼ button to check the current time during Timer cooking.
• The rice may be softer in texture when cooking with the Timer function.
• The remaining time until cooking completion will not be displayed when the Timer is set.
• If the Timer is set for less than the suggested length above, a beep will sound and the Rice Cooker will start cooking immediately.
• Be sure to set the Timer for less than 13 hours, especially during summer, to prevent the soaked rice from spoiling due to the higher room temperature.
• Do not use the Timer when cooking Germinated Brown Rice as it tends to absorb too much water and your results may not be satisfactory.
• Cooking may not complete at the set time if the temperature of the room or water is too low. In addition, the cooking time may be affected by the amount of water or voltage.

Setup Guide

To use the Zojirushi Rice Cooker & Warmer NP-HCC18, follow these steps:

1. Measure the amount of rice and water needed for your recipe.
2. Rinse the rice in a fine mesh strainer until the water runs clear.
3. Add the rice and water to the inner cooking pan.
4. Close the lid and plug in the rice cooker.
5. Select the desired cooking function and press start.
6. Wait for the rice to cook and keep warm until ready to serve.

CLEANING AND MAINTENANCE

• Clean the Rice Cooker thoroughly after every use.
• Be sure to unplug the Power Cord and allow the Main Body and the Inner Cooking Pan to cool down.
• Do not use such items as thinner, benzine, abrasive cleaners, bleach, scrubbing brushes (nylon, metal, etc.), melamine sponges or sponges with a nylon surface. Doing so may damage the surface, causing discoloration, scratches, degradation in quality, or corrosion.
• Do not use a dishwasher or dish-dryer. Doing so may cause scratches, deformation, or discoloration.
• Be sure to reattach the Inner Lid Set, Steam Vent Set, and Spatula Holder correctly.

HOW TO CLEAN THE EXTERIOR

Main Body: Wipe clean with a well-wrung soft cloth.

If using a cloth that is chemically treated, use sparingly to avoid transferring the chemical smell and do not scrub the Rice Cooker forcefully. Doing so may damage the surface, causing discoloration, scratches, degradation in quality, or corrosion.

HOW TO CLEAN ACCESSORIES AND THE INNER COOKING PAN

Wash with a soft sponge. To wash thoroughly, use a mild kitchen detergent.

IF THERE IS AN ODOR

1. Fill the Inner Cooking Pan with water up to water level 1 for WHITE for 1.0L model, and water level 2 for 1.8L model.
   • Do not put other matter such as kitchen detergents in the Inner Cooking Pan.
2. Close the Outer Lid and press the button to select the QUICK menu setting.
3. Press the START button.
4. When the Rice Cooker completes cooking and switches to Keep Warm mode, press the CANCEL button.
5. Wait until the Main Body cools down, discard the water and clean accordingly.
   • Open the Outer Lid and dry the Rice Cooker in a well-ventilated place.

HOW TO CLEAN THE INTERIOR

HOW TO DETACH AND ATTACH THE INNER LID SET

• How to detach the Inner Lid Set
  • Hold the Inner Lid Knob (1) and push up the Inner Lid Set Holder (2) to detach.

  • Do not pull the Inner Lid Knobs toward you without pressing the Inner Lid Set Holder. (May cause the Inner Lid Set and Outer Lid to break.)

    

• How to attach the Inner Lid Set

  • Insert the fixtures found at the bottom sides of the Inner Lid Set into the Outer Lid and push it toward the Outer Lid until you hear it click into place.

    

HOW TO CLEAN THE STEAM VENT SET

• Please allow the Rice Cooker to cool down before cleaning.
• Wash the Steam Vent Case, Steam Vent Cap, and Steam Vent Gasket under running water and wipe with a soft cloth.

How to disassemble the Steam Vent Set

1. Press in the Holding Part (1) and pull upward (2) to open.
2. Release the Steam Vent Case at an upper oblique angle (3).

3. Remove the Steam Vent Gasket.

   

How to assemble the Steam Vent Set

1. Match the projected part of the Steam Vent Gasket with the Releasing Gap to attach.

   

2. Insert the Axis of the Steam Vent Case (2 parts) into the Hollows of the Steam Vent Cap (2 parts). Then close the case until you hear the click sound from the Holding Part.

   

IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS

BASIC SAFETY PRECAUTIONS SHOULD ALWAYS BE FOLLOWED WHEN USING ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES, INCLUDING THE FOLLOWING:

1. Read all instructions thoroughly.
2. Avoid touching hot surfaces and do not close or clog the steam vent opening under any circumstances. The handles and knobs are provided for your safety and protection.
3. To prevent hazardous operation or electric shock, do not immerse power cord, power plug, or rice cooker (except inner cooking pan) in water or other liquids.
4. Close supervision is necessary when the appliance is used by or near children.
5. Unplug from outlet when not in use and before cleaning. Allow the appliance to cool before adding or removing parts, and before cleaning the appliance. Make sure appliance is OFF when not in use, before putting on or taking off parts, and before cleaning.
6. Do not use or operate the appliance with a damaged cord or plug. If the appliance malfunctions or has been damaged in any manner, unplug the appliance and return it to the nearest authorized service facility or dealer for examination, repair or adjustment.
7. The use of accessories or attachments not recommended by the appliance manufacturer may be hazardous or may cause malfunction.
8. Do not use outdoors.
9. Keep the power cord away from hot surfaces and do not let the cord hang over the edge of tables or counters.
10. Do not place the appliance on or near a heated surface such as a gas or electric stove, or in a heated oven.
11. Always use extreme caution when moving appliances containing hot contents or liquids.
12. Plug the cord into a household electrical outlet. To disconnect, turn the power control to OFF, then remove plug from wall outlet.
13. Do not use the appliance for other than intended or specified purposes.
14. To reduce the risk of electric shock, use only the supplied inner cooking pan.

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS

THIS APPLIANCE IS FOR HOUSEHOLD USE ONLY.

This appliance is supplied with a short power cord to reduce the risk of becoming entangled in or tripping over. Extension cords may be used if care is exercised in their use. If an extension cord is used, the marked electrical rating of the cord should be at least as great as the electrical rating of the appliance, and a longer cord should be arranged so that it will not drape over the countertop or tabletop where it can be pulled on by children or tripped over unintentionally.

This appliance has a polarized plug (one blade is wider than the other). To reduce the risk of electric shock, this plug was designed to fit into a polarized outlet in only one direction. If the plug does not fit fully into the outlet, do not attempt to force it or modify it in any way. Simply reverse the plug and insert. If it still does not fit, contact a qualified electrician.

These WARNINGS and CAUTIONS are intended to prevent property damage or personal injury to you and others. The degree of danger or damage by the misuse of this product is indicated as follows:

WARNING: Indicates risk of serious injury or death.

CAUTION: Indicates risk of injury, household or property damage if mishandled.

Prohibited or required actions are indicated as follows:

WARNING: Indicates a prohibited operation.

CAUTION: Indicates a requirement or instruction that must be followed.

WARNINGS

• Do not modify the Rice Cooker. Only a repair technician should disassemble or repair this unit. Attempting to do so may cause fire, electric shock, or injury. Make any repair inquiries to Zojirushi Customer Service.
• Do not touch the Steam Vent. Doing so may cause burns or scalding. Take special precautions with children and infants.
• Do not drop metal objects such as pins or wires into the Air Intake Duct or Exhaust Duct. 
  Doing so may cause electric shock or malfunction, resulting in injury.

• Do not allow children to use the Rice Cooker unsupervised. Keep it out of the reach of infants. Children are at risk of burns, electric shock, or injury.

  

• Do not open the Outer Lid or move the Rice Cooker during cooking. Doing so may cause burns.
• This Rice Cooker is for cooking rice and keeping rice warm only. Do not use for other than intended purposes. Always follow the Operating Instructions, and never cook the following:
  • Foods packaged in plastic bags.

  • Dishes that use paper towels or other lids to cover the food or steaming dishes. Doing so may clog the steam exhaust route.

    

• Do not plug or unplug the Power Cord if your hands are wet. Doing so may cause electric shock or injury.
• Do not immerse the Rice Cooker in water or splash it with water. Do not pour water directly into the Rice Cooker. Doing so may cause short circuit or electric shock.
• Do not use the Rice Cooker if the Power Plug or Power Cord is damaged or if the Power Plug is loosely inserted into the electrical outlet. Doing so may cause electric shock, short circuit, or fire.
• Do not damage the Power Cord. Do not bend, pull, twist, bundle, or attempt to modify the Power Cord. Do not place it on or near high-temperature surfaces or appliances, under heavy items, or between objects. A damaged Power Cord can cause fire or electric shock.
• Do not use a power source other than 120V AC. Use of any other power supply voltage may cause fire or electric shock.
• Do not allow the Power Plug to come into contact with steam. Allowing the Power Plug to come into contact with steam after inserting it into the electrical outlet may cause short circuit or fire. When using on a slide-out table or shelf, place the Rice Cooker in a position where the Power Plug does not come into contact with steam.

The illustrations used in these Operating Instructions may vary from the actual product you have purchased.

Zojirushi Rice Cooker & Warmer NP-HCC18 Troubleshooting

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Advanced fuzzy logic technology for optimal cooking results.
• Triple heater system for even heating and superior rice texture.
• Induction heating technology for precise temperature control.
• Variety of cooking functions for different rice types and dishes.
• Keep warm function for extended periods.

Cons

• Higher price range compared to other rice cookers.
• Inner cooking pan may be difficult to clean due to its non-stick surface.
• May take up significant countertop space due to its larger size.

Customer Reviews

Customers have praised the Zojirushi Rice Cooker & Warmer NP-HCC18 for its consistent performance and superior rice quality. However, some have noted that the inner cooking pan can be difficult to clean, and the rice cooker may take up significant countertop space. Common complaints include issues with the rice cooker's heating elements and malfunctioning control panels.