Cuisinart CRC-400 4 Cup Rice Cooker User Manual

Cuisinart CRC-400 4 Cup Rice Cooker

Important Safeguards

1. READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS.
2. Do not touch hot surfaces; use handles or knobs.
3. To protect against risk of electrical shock, do not immerse the Rice Cooker housing in water or any other liquid. If housing falls into liquid, unplug the cord from outlet immediately. DO NOT reach into the liquid.
4. To avoid possible accidental injury, close super-vision is necessary when any appliance is used by or near children.
5. Unplug from outlet when not in use and before cleaning. Allow to cool before putting on or taking off parts.
6. Do not operate any appliance with a damaged cord or plug, or after the appliance has mal-functioned or has been dropped or damaged in any way or is not operating properly. Return the appliance to the nearest Cuisinart Repair Center for examination, repair or mechanical or electrical adjustment.
7. The use of attachments not recommended by Cuisinart may cause fire, electrical shock, or risk of injury.
8. Do not use outdoors or anywhere the cord or motor housing might come into contact with water while in use.
9. Do not use the Rice Cooker for anything other than its intended use.
10. To avoid the possibility of the Rice Cooker being accidentally pulled off work area, which could result in damage to the Rice Cooker or in personal injury, do not let cord hang over edge of table or counter.
11. To avoid damage to cord and possible fire or electrocution hazard, do not let cord contact hot surfaces, including a stove.
12. Extreme caution must be used when moving a Rice Cooker containing hot oil or other hot liquids.
13. Do not place on or near a hot gas or electric burner, or in a heated oven.
14. Do not operate Rice Cooker in water or under running water.
15. To reduce the risk of electric shock, cook only in removable container. Do not immerse in water.

For Household Use Only

Special Cord Set Instructions:

A short power-supply cord is provided to reduce the risks of becoming entangled in or tipping over a longer cord.

Longer extension cords are available and may be used if care is exercised.

If a long extension cord is used, the marked electrical rating of the extension cord should be

at least as great as the electrical rating of the appliance. The 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 tipped over.

Notice:

This appliance has a polarized plug (one prong is wider than the other). As a safety feature, this plug will fit into a polarized outlet only one way. If the plug does not fit fully in the outlet, reverse the plug. If it still does not fit, contact a qualified electrician. Do not attempt to defeat this safety feature.

Introduction

Cuisinart takes the guesswork out of cooking rice. Now all you have to do is add liquid and rice, stir, cover, and press a switch. When rice is perfectly cooked, your Cuisinart™ Rice Cooker automatically reduces the temperature to keep rice warm until you’re ready to eat. A stainless steel steaming tray is included to let you steam your cooked vegetables, fish, poultry, and specialties like dim sum!

As always, cleanup is quick, because all removable parts are dishwasher safe.

1. Glass Lid w/ Stainless Steel Rim and Steam Vent: See-through glass lid allows you to view the rice while the steam vent helps to prevent splattering. Stainless steel rim accents any kitchen.
2. Steaming Tray: Allows you to steam a variety of foods while the rice is cooking.
3. Cooking Pot: Nonstick coating prevents the rice from sticking to the pot.
4. Stainless Steel Housing: Durable stainless steel construction makes cleanup easy.
5. Chrome-plated Handles: Cool touch handles.
6. “Cook” and “Warm” Indicator Switch: LED lights on top of the switch indicate that the unit is in “Cook” or “Warm” mode.
7. Measuring Cup: Calibrated specifically for your Cuisinart™ Rice Cooker; allows you to measure the proper rice to water proportions with ease.
8. Rice Paddle: Allows you to fluff and scoop the rice out of the cooking pot and rice doesn’t stick to the utensil.
9. Retractable Cord Storage (not shown): Convenient retractable cord storage.

Important Guidelines

• This appliance generates steam. Do not operate uncovered.
• Do not use your Rice Cooker under wall hanging cabinets; the escaping steam could cause damage.
• Do not use metal utensils. Metal utensils will damage the nonstick finish on inner Rice Cooking pot.
• Do not plug in the Rice Cooker before rice and water have been added. Because most Rice Cookers do not have an “Off” setting, the unit will automatically be in “Warm” mode immediately after the unit is plugged in.

Tips And Hints

• The Cuisinart™ Rice Cooker is a perfect appliance for a busy lifestyle and limited space. It will cook rices and grains perfectly with minimal fuss, taking up little counter space and leaving all your burners free for other tasks. Cleaning up the nonstick Rice Cooker bowl is quick and easy and there is virtually no maintenance.
• Your Rice Cooker can be used for more than just plain old rice. It is a simple way to cook pilafs. It is also wonderful for preparing risottos, polenta, oatmeal and other breakfast cereals that require constant stirring and attention. Simply turn unit on and walk away – it will automatically switch to “Warm” when ready to serve.
• You can use your Rice Cooker to cook a combi-nation of rice, grains and legumes at the same time. Follow our recipes for ideas and suggested amounts to use – let your imagination be your guide.
• Rinsing/Washing Rice: Generally, the rule is to “wash” or rinse imported rice and not to wash or rinse domestic (grown in U.S.) rices, as they have been vitamin enriched. To wash rice: place in a medium bowl and cover with water, swirl until the water appears chalky/cloudy and drain in a fine mesh strainer. Repeat until water is clear (or nearly clear) when rice is covered and swirled. Rice aficionados will even “wash” domestic rice, as it removes the starches and reduces stickiness. If you follow a well-balanced diet, then the loss of these vitamins will not be detrimental. Do not wash your rice in the Rice Cooker Bowl – if the outside of the bowl is wet when cooking, it may cause damage to your Rice Cooker.
• Some rices may call for a soaking period. This can be done in the Rice Cooker Bowl prior to cooking.
• When cooking rice, boil it until it has absorbed all the liquid. At this time, it is not quite done. Rice benefits from a “boil-steam” method of cooking.
• Allow your rice to rest on the “Warm” Setting for 5 to 10 minutes before serving for best results. Do not remove the cover and peek.
• After rice “rests” for 5 to 10 minutes, open Rice Cooker cover and stir rice gently with rice paddle or a wooden spoon. If rice is not ready to serve, re-cover and let stand on “Warm” until ready.
• The Rice Cooker will switch to the “Warm” cycle when it has finished cooking. At this time, you may stir in chopped raw vegetables such as green onions, slivered snow peas, shredded car-rots, or even grape tomatoes to add texture to the dish – they will warm while the rice is resting, and if served in 5 to 10 minutes will retain their unique texture.
• The Rice Cooker can be used to prepare commercially packaged pilafs, rice and grain mixes. Some packages will come with generic Rice Cooker instructions, or they may be found on the websites of the manufacturers. If the package has a sautéing step, do it right in the Rice Cooker bowl. Turn on, add specified amount of butter or oil, add rice/vegetables/meat and sauté according to package instructions, with the lid on. Add liquid and continue to cook. If the rice is too wet, allow it to remain on “Warm” for 15 to 20 minutes before serving. If it is too chewy, add up to 1/4 cup more liquid and let stay on “Warm” until liquid is absorbed (about 15 to 20 minutes).
• When measuring rice with your Rice Cooker cup, level it off with a table knife or spatula as you would flour for baking.
• If desired, you may spray your Rice Cooker Bowl with nonstick cooking spray, but this step is not necessary, as it has a nonstick coating.
• When rice is placed in the Rice Cooking Bowl, level it off to a flat layer that covers the entire bottom of the bowl, to ensure that it cooks evenly.
• The water you use for cooking rice should be the same water that you drink. If you do not like the taste of your tap water, use bottled or filtered water. The taste of the water will affect the taste of the rice.
• For best results, use cold water. Cooking times will vary depending on the temperature of the water being used.
• Liquids other than water may be used to cook rice. Use low-fat, low-sodium meat or vegetable stocks/broths. Fish stock or clam broth may be used for seafood flavored rice.
• One to two teaspoons of unsalted butter, olive, vegetable or nut oil will help keep grains of rice separate and prevent boiling over.
• If your recipe calls for salt, add and swirl in with the rice paddle or a wooden spoon after adding liquid – then level the rice as evenly as possible.
• The Rice Cooker can be used to steam vegetables, seafood and some meats while cooking the
• When steaming vegetables, clean them and trim to similar size. Follow Vegetable Steaming Guide for steaming vegetables alone. To steam vegetables while preparing rice, use Vegetable Steaming Guide to time when to add vegetables in steaming tray to the Rice Cooker. Most vegetables can be added about 10 minutes before rice has finished cooking.
• When steaming meats such as poultry or sausage, cut all into small, similar sized pieces (such as “finger strips” or 1-inch slices). Arrange in a single layer in the steaming tray that has been sprayed with Cooking Spray.
• When steaming shrimp, scallops and other seafood, arrange in a single layer in the steaming tray that has been sprayed with Cooking Spray.
• When using your Rice Cooker, plug it in and arrange it on the counter away from the wall and not under hanging cabinets to prevent steam damage.
• The steam vent in the cover should always be placed facing the back of the Rice Cooker. Lift the lid from the back to the front to prevent steam burns.
• One cup of uncooked rice makes approximately three cups of cooked rice.
• 1 Rice Cooker Cup (filled to the top) = 3/4 Cup = 12 Tablespoons

Assembly Instructions

To use your Cuisinart™ Rice Cooker:

1. Carefully unpack the Rice Cooker.
2. Rinse the nonstick cooking pot, steaming tray and lid in warm, soapy water. Rinse well and dry thoroughly.
3. Wipe all interior and exterior surfaces of the Rice Cooker base with a soft, damp cloth.
4. Place cooking pot in base of unit.
5. Place steaming tray in cooking pot with open part facing down.
6. Place the lid on top of the cooking pot.
7. Do not plug in unit. Your Rice Cooker is now ready for use.

Operation

Cooking Rice

1. Make sure your Cuisinart™ Rice Cooker is unplugged.
2. Place cooking pot into the stainless steel housing.
3. Measure desired amount of raw rice with the measuring cup provided. Rinse rice if needed. See “Cooking Rice Chart” for rice to water ratios.
4. Choose one of the following ways to add water or stock for cooking:

• Using the measuring cup provided for rice, measure the appropriate amount of water using standard liquid measuring cup. See “Cooking Rice Chart”.
• Using the water line inside the cooking pot, add water to the rice inside the pot up to the proper water line. For example, if you added 2 cups of raw rice, add water to line 2 (white rice only).

5. Cover the cooking pot with lid. Make sure the steam vent is facing toward the back of the unit.
6. Plug in unit.
7. Set to the cook position by pressing the switch down. The “Cook” LED light will be illuminated.
8. Rice Cooker will heat and cook the rice. Cooking time will vary, depending on the amount and type of rice or grain being cooked.
9. Once the rice is cooked, the unit will automatically switch to the “Warm” setting and the “Warm” LED will be illuminated. The unit will stay in “Warm” mode until the unit is unplugged from the outlet.
10. For best texture, allow cooked rice to rest in “Warm” mode for 5 – 10 minutes.
11. Once you are ready to serve the rice, lift the lid away from you.
12. Fluff rice with paddle or utensil suitable for nonstick cookware.
13. Lift and remove cooking pot from Rice Cooker using potholders.

Cooking Rice And Steaming

1. Clean and prepare your vegetables, seafood, fish or poultry.
2. Follow steps 1-8 under the “Cooking Rice” section.
3. Fill the steaming tray with open end facing up.
4. Place the filled steaming tray on top of the cooking pot at the appropriate time for food being steamed. See “Steaming Vegetables Chart” for approximate cooking times.
5. Place lid on top of the steaming tray.
6. When the appropriate cooking time has elapsed, unplug the unit.

Steaming Only

1. Make sure unit is unplugged.
2. Fill cooking pot with the suggested amount of water based on the “Steaming Vegetables Chart”.
3. Fill the steaming tray with open end facing up.
4. Place the filled steaming tray on top of the cooking pot.
5. Place lid on top of the steaming tray.
6. When water is completely evaporated, the unit will automatically switch to the “Warm” setting and the “Warm” LED will be illuminated. The unit will stay in “Warm” mode until the unit is unplugged from the outlet.
7. For best results, unplug unit immediately after the unit switches to “Warm”, to prevent over-cooking.

Reheating Rice

1. Make sure unit is unplugged.
2. To reheat rice, add 1/4 cup (4 Tbsp.) of cold water per cup of cooked rice.
3. Stir to mix.
4. Place lid on top of the cooking pot.
5. Plug in unit and set to the cook position by pressing the switch down. The “Cook” LED light will be illuminated.
6. Once the rice is cooked, the unit will automatically switch to the “Warm” setting and the “Warm” LED will be illuminated. The unit will stay in “Warm” mode until the unit is unplugged from the outlet.

Cleaning And Maintenance

1. Unplug your Cuisinart™ Rice Cooker and allow it to cool before cleaning.
2. Place cooking pot, steaming tray and lid in the dishwasher or wash with warm, soapy water. If food sticks to the surface, fill with warm, soapy water and allow to soak before cleaning.
3. If scouring is necessary, use a nonabrasive cleanser or liquid detergent with a nylon pad or brush.
4. Wipe base of unit with a soft, damp cloth or microfiber towel. NEVER IMMERSE BASE OF UNIT IN WATER.
5. Make sure all parts are cool before storing. Store unit in a clean, dry place.

Cooking Charts

Cooking Rice

Cooking times will vary according to amount and temperature of cooking liquid.

The simplest way to cook long grain (converted) white rice is to place rice in Rice Cooking Bowl and add liquids to appropriate line marking. For example, using the rice measuring cup provided, fill cooking pot with 1 cup rice. Then, add water to the 1 cup water marking inside the pot. If using 2 cups of rice, add water to the 2 cup water marking inside the pot. Do the same when using 3 or 4 cups of rice.

For grains or brown and specialty rices, use the chart provided below. Note that you should not prepare these in amounts larger than stated in the chart.

All rice/grain is measured in the Rice Cooker Cup. All water/liquid is measured in a standard liquid measuring cup.

Rice/Grain	Serves	Amount Rice (in Rice Cooker Cups)	Amount Water/Liquid (in standard liquid measure cups)
Long-Grain White	2	1	1-1/4
Long-Grain White	4	2	2-1/8
Long-Grain White	6	3	3
Long-Grain White	8	4	3-2/3
Medium Grain White	2	1	1-1/4
Medium Grain White	4	2	2
Medium Grain White	6	3	2-3/4
Medium Grain White	8	4	3-1/2
Arborio	4	1	3-1/4
Brown Rice (Med/Long)	2-4	1	1-3/4
Brown Rice (Med/Long)	3-5	1-1/2	2-1/2
Wehani Rice	4	1	1-7/8
Red Rice (Carmargue riz rouge; Bhutanese)	4	1	1-3/4
Wild Pecan	4	7-oz. package	1-3/4
Black Rice (Forbidden)	4	1	1-3/4
Sushi (soak rice for 30 minutes before cooking)	Makes about 5-1/2 C.	3	2-1/4 C. Water + 2 T. Sake
Pearl Couscous (Israeli)	6	1-1/2	3
Polenta (Cornmeal)	4	1	3
Oatmeal (Rolled Oats)	4	2	3
Oatmeal (Irish – soak overnight in total amount of cooking water)	2 to 3	1	3

 

Steaming Vegetables, Poultry, Seafood or Hard Cooked Eggs

Place indicated amount of water into the Rice Cooking Bowl. The amount needed will vary according to the type of food being cooked. Arrange foods in a single layer in the steaming tray. Vegetables should be cut in similar sizes as indicated. Cooking times are approximate and will yield cooked but crisp/tender vegetables. Add more time for more tender/softer vegetables or cut back on time for crispier vegetables to taste.

Rice Cooker must be unplugged immediately after vegetables have finished cooking to prevent overcooking. If cooking vegetables over rice, use chart to determine approximately when to add steaming tray to Rice Cooker. Serve steamed vegetables immediately or plunge into ice water to stop cooking to use in salads and other cold preparations.

Food	Amount	Preparation	Water	Cooking Time (approximate)
Asparagus	4 ozs.	3-inch cut	1 1/2C	9-10 minutes
Broccoli	4 ozs.	1-1/2-2 inch flowerets	1 1/2C	11 minutes
Carrots – Baby	8 ozs.	Whole	1 1/2C	15 minutes
Carrots – sliced	8 ozs.	1/4-inch slice	1 1/2C	15 minutes
Green Beans	4 ozs.	1-1-/2 inch slice	1 1/2C	8-9 minutes
Peas, Snow	4 ozs.	Whole, tipped & topped, strings removed	1 1/2C	11 minutes
Peas, Edible Pod	4 ozs.	Whole, tipped & topped, strings removed	1 1/2C	10 – 11 minutes
Potatoes, New (1-1/2” diameter)	8 ozs.	Quartered	2C	23-24 minutes
Potatoes, Yellow/Gold	12 ozs.	3/4-inch dice	2C	23-24 minutes
Sweet Potatoes	8 ozs.	Peeled, 1/2-inch dice	2C	18-19 minutes
Zucchini/ yellow squash	6 ozs.	Halve lengthwise, 3/4-inch slices	1 1/2C	11 minutes
Chicken/Turkey Fresh	8 ozs. (Maximum)	Cut in pieces, 1/2″ x 1/2″ x 3″ – lightly coat in olive oil	1 1/2C	12-15 minutes
Sausages, Smoked	8-12 ozs.	Cut in 1/2 inch Slices	1 1/2C	12-15 minutes
Shrimp	8 ozs.	Peeled/unpeeled may be seasoned with herbs or prepared seafood seasoning such as Old Bay® (spray steaming tray with cooking spray)	1 1/2C + 1T vinegar	12-15 minutes (will depend on size of shrimp). Stir after 10 min.
Scallops, sea	8 ozs.	Season as desired (spray steaming tray with cooking spray or line with leaf lettuce)	1 1/2C	10-15 minutes
Fin fish (Salmon, Haddock Cod, Sea Bass, etc.)	8 ozs.	Cut in 1-1/2 inch squares arrange on lettuce leaves or parchment rounds in steaming tray	1 1/2C	10-15 minutes
Eggs, Large	4	In shells	1 1/2C	21 minutes (place in ice water immediately to stop cooking)

FAQ’s

What is the capacity of the Cuisinart CRC-400 4 Cup Rice Cooker?

The Cuisinart CRC-400 4 Cup Rice Cooker has a capacity of 4 cups of uncooked rice, which typically yields around 8 cups of cooked rice.

Is the rice cooker suitable for cooking other grains besides rice?

Yes, the Cuisinart CRC-400 Rice Cooker can be used to cook other grains such as quinoa, couscous, or even oatmeal. However, it's important to adjust the cooking time and liquid ratio according to the specific grain being cooked.

Does the Cuisinart CRC-400 have a keep warm function?

Yes, the CRC-400 Rice Cooker has a built-in automatic keep warm function. Once the rice is cooked, the cooker automatically switches to the keep warm mode, keeping the rice warm and ready to serve for an extended period.

Does the rice cooker have a removable inner pot?

Yes, the Cuisinart CRC-400 Rice Cooker features a removable non-stick cooking pot. This makes it easier to clean and allows for convenient serving and storage of the cooked rice.

Can I use the rice cooker to steam vegetables or meat?

Yes, the Cuisinart CRC-400 Rice Cooker includes a steaming tray that can be used for steaming vegetables, fish, or poultry while the rice is cooking. This adds versatility to the rice cooker and allows for a complete meal preparation.

Can the Cuisinart CRC-400 be used to cook small portions of rice?

Yes, the Cuisinart CRC-400 Rice Cooker can be used to cook smaller portions of rice. You can adjust the water-to-rice ratio accordingly to ensure proper cooking.

How long does it take to cook rice in the CRC-400?

The cooking time can vary depending on the type and quantity of rice being cooked. Generally, white rice takes approximately 20-30 minutes to cook in the CRC-400.

Is the inner pot dishwasher-safe?

Yes, the non-stick inner pot of the Cuisinart CRC-400 Rice Cooker is dishwasher-safe. However, it is also easy to hand wash with warm soapy water.

Can I cook rice without the steaming tray?

Yes, you can cook rice in the Cuisinart CRC-400 without using the steaming tray. Simply add the appropriate amount of rice and water to the inner pot, and the rice cooker will handle the cooking process.

Is the CRC-400 Rice Cooker suitable for a small kitchen or limited counter space?

Yes, the Cuisinart CRC-400 Rice Cooker has a compact design, making it suitable for small kitchens or limited counter space. It is designed to be space-efficient and easy to store when not in use.

How do you use a Cuisinart 4 cup rice cooker?

How much rice can a 4 cup rice cooker make?

Properly cooked rice will always double in size. For example, if you pour 4 rice cups inside to start, you'll end up with 8 cups (5-6 servings) when the timer dings.

Video – Product Introduction

Download This PDF Link: Cuisinart CRC-400 4 Cup Rice Cooker User Manual

References

• User Manual