Instant Zest Plus Rice & Grain Cooker (20 Cup) user manual

IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS 

WARNING Read this manual carefully and completely, and retain for future reference. _{Failure to adhere to safety instructions may result in serious injury.}

When using your appliance, basic safety precautions should be followed,  including the following: 

1. READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS, SAFEGUARDS, AND WARNINGS  BEFORE OPERATING APPLIANCE. FAILURE TO FOLLOW THESE  SAFEGUARDS AND INSTRUCTIONS MAY RESULT IN INJURY  AND/OR PROPERTY DAMAGE. 

2. Always operate the appliance on a horizontal surface that is level, stable,  and non-combustible. 

3. Do not touch hot surfaces. To avoid spills and burns, do not carry cooker  by the lid handle. To carry, wait until the cooker has cooled to room  temperature, then lift the cooker from the bottom. 

4. CAUTION To protect against the risk of electrical shock, do not immerse  cord, plug or the appliance in water or any other liquid. See Care and  Cleaning instructions for cleaning. Do not rinse the appliance under tap. 

5. To avoid electrical shock, do not put liquid of any kind into the cooker base  as it contains the electrical components. Always use the inner  pot for cooking. 

6. This appliance is NOT to be used by children or by persons with reduced  physical, sensory, or mental capabilities. Close supervision is necessary  when any appliance is used near children and these individuals. Children  should not play with this appliance. 

7. Press Cancel, then unplug from outlet when not in use and before cleaning.  Let appliance cool before putting on or taking off parts and before cleaning  or storing the appliance. To unplug, grasp the plug and pull from the outlet.  Never pull from the power cord. 

8. Do not operate any appliance with a damaged cord or plug or after the  appliance malfunctions, or is dropped or damaged in any manner. For  assistance, contact Customer Care at support@instantappliances.com or 1-800-828-7280. 

9. Do not attempt to repair, replace, alter, or modify components of the  appliance, as this may cause electric shock, fire or injury, and will void  the warranty. 

10. Do not tamper with any of the safety mechanisms. 

11. Do not use any accessories or attachments not authorized by Instant  Brands^™ Inc. The use of attachments not recommended by the  manufacturer may cause a risk of injury, fire or electric shock.  

12. For household countertop use only. Do not use outdoors. Not for  commercial use.  

13. Do not let cord touch hot surfaces or hang over the edge of a counter  or table.  

14. Do not place the appliance on or near a hot gas or electric burner, or a  heated oven; heat from an external source will damage the appliance.  

15. Extreme caution must be used when moving the appliance containing hot  rice or other liquids.  

16. Do not use the appliance for other than its intended use.  

17. Do not touch, cover or obstruct the steam vent on the top of the rice cooker  as it is extremely hot and may cause scalding.  

18. Do not use unit in electric systems other than 120 V / 60 Hz for North  America. Do not use with power converters or adapters. 

19. CAUTION Spilled food can cause serious burns. A short  power-supply cord is provided to reduce the hazards resulting  from grabbing, entanglement and tripping. 

• Keep the appliance and cord away from children.  

• Never drape the power cord over edges of tables or counters. • Never use below-counter power outlets, and never use with   an extension cord. 

20. The rice 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.  

21. Steam vent on top of cooker is extremely hot. To avoid the risk of injury, do  not cover or obstruct steam vent. 

22. Always make sure the outside of the inner cooking pot is dry prior to use. If  the inner pot is returned to the cooker when wet, it may cause damage or  cause the appliance to malfunction.  

23. Use extreme caution when opening the lid during or after cooking. Hot  steam will escape and may cause scalding. Keep hands and face at a safe  distance when opening the cooker. 

24. Rice should not be left in the inner cooking pot with the Keep Warm  function on for more than 12 hours. 

25. To prevent damage or deformation, do not use the inner cooking pot on a  stovetop or burner.  

26. To reduce the risk of electrical shock, cook only in the removable inner  cooking pot provided.  

27. Do not wrap or tie cord around appliance.

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS  

IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS 

WARNING

To avoid injury, read and understand instruction manual before using this machine.

WARNING

Electrical shock hazard. Use grounded outlet only. DO NOT remove ground. DO NOT use an adapter. DO  NOT use an extension cord. Failure to follow instructions can cause electrical shock and/or death.

WARNING

THE FAILURE TO FOLLOW ANY OF THE IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS AND THE IMPORTANT  INSTRUCTIONS FOR SAFE USE IS A MISUSE OF YOUR APPLIANCE THAT CAN VOID YOUR  WARRANTY AND CREATE THE RISK OF SERIOUS INJURY.

Polarized Plug 

This appliance has a polarized plug (one blade is wider than the other). 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. 

Product Specifications

Initial Setup 

• Read all the Important Safeguards before using the appliance. Failure to  read and follow the Important Safeguards may result in damage to the appliance, property damage or personal injury. 

• Remove all packing material from in and around the appliance. 

• Place the appliance on a stable, level surface, away from external  heat sources. 

• Read and follow Care and Cleaning instructions to clean the appliance  before first use. 

• Do not remove safety warnings or rating labels from the appliance.

CAUTION ^{Heat from external sources will damage the appliance. Never use the appliance on a stovetop. Do not place the appliance on or in close proximity to a hot gas or  electric burner or a heated oven}  

Product, Parts and Accessories 

Zest Plus Rice & Grain Cooker  

The Instant Zest Plus automatically perfectly cooks a variety of grains. Before using the Zest Plus, verify that all parts are accounted for.

Illustrations are for reference only and may differ from the actual product. 

Zest Plus Rice & Grain Cooker Accessories

Illustrations are for reference only and may differ from the actual product. 

Control Panel

Your Zest Plus features an intuitive control panel with status indicators and an  LED display to help make cooking quick and easy.

1. Display 

Indicates the cooking time and cooker  status messages. 

2. Status Icons 

3. Smart Programs 

White Rice Brown Rice Oatmeal Quinoa Barley Cous Cous Bulgur Risotto Steam 

Slow Cook Keep Warm Sauté 

Mixed Grains 

4. Smart Program Indicator

Located above each Smart Program  button, the LED illuminates when a  Smart Program is selected or running. 

5. Smart Program Settings 

−/+ buttons 

Keep Warm 

Delay Start 

Cancel 

Start

Smart Program Settings

Standby Mode 

When the rice and grain cooker is plugged in, the display shows OFF to  indicate that it is in Standby mode.  

You may select a Smart Program when in Standby mode. 

Cancel 

Press Cancel to stop a Smart Program at any time. The rice and grain cooker  returns to Standby mode and the display indicates OFF. 

Start 

Press Start when you are ready to begin a Smart Program. 

−/+ Buttons 

Use to increase or decrease the cooking time or Delay Start time of applicable  Smart Programs. 

Smart Programs 

For the cooking time and temperature associated with each Smart Program,  see Smart Programs and Cooking Ratios. 

Adjust and Save Cooking Time 

Select a Smart Program, then use the −/+ buttons to adjust the cooking time.  The adjusted cooking time is saved when the Smart Program begins.  

Only applicable to Oatmeal, Steam and Slow Cook Smart Programs.

Adjust and Save Cooking Temperature 

With the Smart Program selected, press the Smart Program button again to  toggle between HI (High) and LO (Low). The adjusted cooking temperature is  saved when the Smart Program begins.  

Only applicable to Sauté, Slow Cook and Keep Warm Smart Programs.

Keep Warm 

Press Keep Warm to toggle the setting on or off at any time. Keep Warm  has 2 modes: 

• After cooking finishes, the cooker automatically keeps food warm for up to  12 hours.  

• When selected from Standby mode, the Keep Warm Smart Program keeps  any food warm for up to 10 hours. 

Delay Start 

After selecting a Smart Program and adjusting the cooking time and  temperature, press Delay Start to select it. Then, use the −/+ buttons to adjust  the Delay Start time to a maximum of 24 hours. 

Once Delay Start has been selected, there is no way to return to the cooking  settings. To adjust Smart Program settings, press Cancel and enter new  selections. 

Not applicable to the Sauté Smart Program. 

Turn Sound On or Off 

Sound Off: When in Standby mode, press and hold − for 3 seconds. Icon is  illuminated. 

Sound On: When in Standby mode, press and hold + for 3 seconds. Icon is  not illuminated. 

Reset Individual Smart Program 

With the cooker in Standby mode, press and hold the Smart Program button  you wish to reset for 5 seconds. The cooker beeps to indicate that it has been  restored to the factory default settings. 

Reset All Smart Programs 

With the cooker in Standby mode, press and hold Cancel for 5 seconds. The  cooker will beep once to indicate that all Smart Programs have been restored to  the factory default settings.

Status Messages

Smart Programs 

The Zest Plus features Smart Programs for cooking of popular rice and grains.  For best results, follow grain-to-water ratios as described in Smart Programs  and Cooking Ratios.  

These Smart Programs detect the volume of ingredients in the inner pot and  control cooking times and temperatures automatically:  

White Rice Brown Rice Oatmeal Quinoa Mixed Grains Barley Cous Cous Bulgur Risotto* 

1. Press the Smart Program button to select the Smart Program of your choice. 2. Press Start to begin cooking. 

Note: If Delay Start is on, the display indicates the countdown to the delayed start  time. When cooking begins, the rice cooker counts down the remaining cooking  time. 

3. Press Cancel to stop a Smart Program at any time. The cooker returns to  Standby mode and the display indicates OFF. 

* Special Instruction: Follow a trusted risotto recipe and use the Sauté Smart Program to  lightly fry or brown ingredients before using the Risotto Smart Program. 

The Zest Plus also features Smart Programs for other cooking methods:  Steam Sauté Slow Cook 

Cooking times and temperatures for these Smart Programs are adjustable. 

Steam 

The Steam Smart Program uses steam (212°F / 100°C) to cook food.

1. Press Steam to select the Steam Smart Program. 

2. Use the −/+ buttons to adjust the cooking time to a maximum of 1 hour. 

Note: Adjustments to the cooking time are saved to the Smart Program when you  press Start. 

3. Press Start to begin cooking.  

Note: If Delay Start is on, the display shows the countdown to the delayed start time.  When cooking begins, the display counts down the remaining cooking time

Sauté 

The Sauté Smart Program lightly fries/browns foods using a small amount of oil  in the inner pot. 

1. Press Sauté to select the Sauté Smart Program.  

2. Press Sauté again to toggle between HI (High) and LO (Low) temperatures. 3. Use the −/+ buttons to adjust the cooking time to a maximum of 30 minutes. 

Note: Adjustments to the cooking time and temperature are saved to the Smart  Program when you press Start. 

4. Press Start to begin cooking. 

Note: Delay Start and Keep Warm are not available when using the Sauté Smart  Program. 

Slow Cook 

The Slow Cook Smart Program brings the cooker up to temperature slowly and  continues cooking for a maximum of 24 hours. 

1. Press Slow Cook to select the Slow Cook Smart Program.  

2. Press Slow Cook again to toggle between HI (High) and LO (Low)  temperatures. 

3. Use the −/+ buttons to adjust the cooking time to a maximum of 24 hours. 

Note: Adjustments to the cooking time and temperature are saved to the Smart  Program when you press Start. 4. Press Start to begin cooking.

WARNING ^{To ensure that foods are fully cooked, the Slow Cook Smart Program must}  reach the target temperature. DO NOT adjust Slow Cook time to less than 4.5  hours for LO or 2.5 hours for HI.

Keep Warm 

The Zest Plus also offers the Keep Warm Smart Program to keep any food warm  for up to 10 hours. 

1. When in Standby mode, press Keep Warm to select the Keep Warm Smart  Program. 

2. Press Keep Warm again to toggle between HI (High) and LO (Low)  temperatures. 

3. Use the −/+ buttons to adjust the warming time to a maximum of 10 hours.  

Note: Adjustments to the cooking time and temperature are saved to the Smart  Program when you press Start.* 

4. Press Start to begin cooking. 

Delay Start is not available when using the standalone Keep Warm Smart  Program. 

*Adjustments to cooking time and temperature may only be made when using  Keep Warm as a standalone Smart Program. Any adjustments made do not  affect the Keep Warm setting when it is used in conjunction with other Smart  Programs.

Smart Programs and Cooking Ratios 

The cooking times and temperatures for all Smart Programs for Automatic  Cooking are controlled automatically (according to the volume of ingredients to  be cooked) and are not user-adjustable.

Smart  Program	Grain to  Liquid Ratios	Cooking Time	Cooking Time  Adjustment	Cooking Temperature
White Rice	1:1.5	Automatic 25 – 60 min per vol	N/A	212°F / 100°C Not user-adjustable
Brown Rice	1:2	Automatic 40 – 90 min per vol
Quinoa	1:1.5	Automatic 30 – 60 min per vol
Mixed Grains	1:2	Automatic 40 – 90 min per vol
Steam	N/A	Default: 10 min	User-adjustable Range: 5 – 60 min	212°F / 100°C  Not user-adjustable
Sauté	N/A	Default: 30 min	User-adjustable Range: 1 – 30 min	User-adjustable LO: 221°F / 105°C HI: 320°F / 160°C
Oatmeal	1:3	Default: 50 min	User-adjustable Range: 20 – 60  min	212°F / 100°C Not user-adjustable
Barley (Brown)	1:1.5	Automatic 40 – 90 min per vol	N/A	212°F / 100°C  Not user-adjustable
Cous Cous	1:1.5	Automatic 1 – 10 min per vol
Bulgur	1:1.5	Automatic 30 – 60 min per vol
Risotto	1:2	Automatic 30 – 60 min per vol
Slow Cook*	N/A	LO default – 6 hrs	User-adjustable Range: 30 min –  24 hours	User-adjustable  LO: 4.5 hrs to reach  212°F / 100°C  HI: 2.5 hrs to reach 212°F  / 100°C

Smart  Program	Grain to  Liquid Ratios	Cooking Time	Cooking Time  Adjustment	Cooking Temperature
Auto Keep Warm	N/A	Default/Max:12 hrs	N/A	User-adjustable  LO: 149°F / 65°C HI: 176°F / 80°C
Keep Warm	N/A	Default/Max: 10 hrs	User adjustable** Range: 1hr –  10 hrs	User-adjustable  LO: 149°F / 65°C HI: 176°F / 80°C

* To ensure that foods are fully cooked, the Slow Cook Smart Program must reach the target  temperature of 212°F / 100°C. Do not adjust Slow Cook Smart Program cooking time to less than  4.5 hours for LO or 2.5 hours for HI.  

** Keep Warm cooking time is NOT user-adjustable when used in conjunction Smart Programs for  Automatic Cooking.

Initial Test Run 

Follow these steps to familiarize yourself with the Zest Plus, and to ensure your  cooker is operating properly. 

1. Depress the lid release button (located on the lid handle) and lift the lid. 2. Remove the inner pot from the cooker base. 

3. Place the steamer tray on the bottom of the inner pot. 

4. Add 1 cup (8 oz / 250 mL) of clean water to the inner pot. 5. Return the inner pot to the cooker base and close the lid, ensuring it clicks. 6. Plug the power cord into a 120 V outlet. The display indicates OFF. 7. Press Steam to select the Steam Smart Program. 

8. Press Keep Warm to turn the warming setting off. 

9. Press Start to begin. When the Smart Program ends, the cooker beeps and  the display indicates END.  

10. Carefully dispose of the water in the inner pot, then start using your rice and  grain cooker! 

CAUTION The cooker may be hot during and after cooking. Do not touch hot surfaces.

Care and Cleaning 

Clean the cooker after each use. 

Always unplug the cooker and let it cool to room temperature before cleaning.  Never use harsh chemical detergents, scouring pads, or powders to clean any  part of the cooker. 

Allow the cooker to dry completely before further use or storage

Part / Accessory	Instruction	Cleaning Method
Accessories  • Condensation collector • Plastic steamer tray  • Rice measuring cup  • Plastic rice spoon	Empty and rinse the condensation collector after each use. Clean accessories after use.	Dishwasher Safe
Inner Pot	Remove and clean after each use. Ensure all grease and food debris is  fully removed.  Optionally, spray with non-stick cooking  spray before adding food.	Hand Wash
Lid	Always ensure the inner pot is dry on the  outside before inserting into the cooker  base. Wipe with a soft, damp cloth or sponge.
Cooker Base	If wet food or grease enters the cooker  base, wipe clean with a soft, damp cloth  or sponge.  Clean the exterior with a soft, damp  cloth or sponge, and wipe dry to  avoid streaking.

WARNING

Do not immerse the appliance in  water. Do not rinse the appliance  under a tap. Do not wet the  prongs of the power cord.

Without proper cleaning, food  may build up around  the steam release.

If you smell smoke, press Cancel and  unplug the appliance. Once cool, remove  the inner pot and check for foreign objects  between the inner pot and heating element.

Troubleshooting

Register your product today at instantappliances.com/support/register. 

Contact Customer Care: 

1-800-828-7280 

support@instantappliances.com 

instantappliances.com/#Chat 

Any other servicing should be performed by an authorized service representative.  

CAUTION Do not attempt to service the appliance yourself.

Warranty 

Limited Warranty 

This Limited Warranty is effective for one year from the date of original consumer purchase. Proof of original purchase  date and, if requested by an authorized representative of Instant Brands Inc. (“Instant Brands”), return of your  appliance, is required to obtain service under this Limited Warranty. Provided that this appliance is operated and  maintained in accordance with written instructions attached to or furnished with the appliance, Instant Brands will, in  its sole and exclusive discretion, either: (i) repair defects in materials or workmanship; or (ii) replace the appliance. In  the event that your appliance is replaced, the Limited Warranty on the replacement appliance will expire 12 months  from the date of original consumer purchase.  

This Limited Warranty extends only to the original purchaser and use of the appliance in the United States of America and Canada. This warranty does not cover units that are used outside of the United States of America and Canada. 

Any modification or attempted modification to your appliance may interfere with the safe operation of the appliance  and will void this Limited Warranty. This Limited Warranty does not apply in respect of any appliance or any part  thereof that has been altered or modified unless such alterations or modifications were expressly authorized by an  Instant Brands representative.  

Limitation and Exclusions 

The liability of Instant Brands, if any, for any allegedly defective appliance or part shall in no circumstances exceed the  purchase price of a comparable replacement appliance. 

This Limited Warranty does not cover: 

1. Damage resulting from accident, alteration, misuse, abuse, neglect, unreasonable use, use contrary to the  operating instructions, normal wear and tear, commercial use, improper assembly, disassembly, failure to  provide reasonable and necessary maintenance, fire, flood, acts of God or repair by anyone unless directed by  an Instant Brands Representative; 

2. Repairs where your appliance is used for other than normal, personal use or when it is used in a manner that is  contrary to published user or operator instructions; or 

3. Use of unauthorized parts and accessories, or repairs to parts and systems resulting from unauthorized repairs or  modifications made to this appliance. 

The cost of repair or replacement under these excluded circumstances shall be paid by you.

Disclaimer of Implied Warranties 

EXCEPT AS EXPRESSLY PROVIDED HEREIN AND TO THE EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, INSTANT BRANDS MAKES  NO WARRANTIES, CONDITIONS OR REPRESENTATIONS, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, BY STATUTE, USAGE, CUSTOM OF  TRADE OR OTHERWISE WITH RESPECT TO THE APPLIANCES OR PARTS COVERED BY THIS WARRANTY, INCLUDING  BUT NOT LIMITED TO, WARRANTIES, CONDITIONS, OR REPRESENTATIONS OF WORKMANSHIP, MERCHANTABILITY,  MERCHANTABLE QUALITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR DURABILITY.  

Some states or provinces do not allow for the exclusion of implied warranties of merchantability or fitness, so this  limitation may not apply to you. In these states and provinces, you have only the implied warranties that are expressly  required to be provided in accordance with applicable law. 

Limitation of Remedies; Exclusion of Incidental and Consequential Damage 

YOUR SOLE AND EXCLUSIVE REMEDY UNDER THIS LIMITED WARRANTY SHALL BE APPLIANCE REPAIR OR REPLACEMENT  AS PROVIDED HEREIN. INSTANT BRANDS SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL  DAMAGES ARISING OUT OF OR IN CONNECTION WITH THE USE OR PERFORMANCE OF THE APPLIANCE OR  DAMAGES WITH RESPECT TO ANY ECONOMIC LOSS, PERSONAL INJURY, LOSS OF PROPERTY, LOSS OF REVENUES OR  PROFITS, LOSS OF ENJOYMENT OR USE, COSTS OF REMOVAL, INSTALLATION OR OTHER INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL OR  CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES OF ANY NATURE OR KIND. 

Warranty Registration 

Please visit www.instantappliances.com/support/register to register your new Instant Brands™ appliance  and validate your warranty within thirty (30) days of purchase. You will be asked to provide the store name, date of  purchase, model number (found on the back of your appliance) and serial number (found on the bottom of your  appliance) along with your name and email address. The registration will enable us to keep you up to date with  product developments, recipes and contact you in the unlikely event of a product safety notification. By registering,  you acknowledge that you have read and understand the instructions for use, and warnings set forth in the  accompanying instructions. 

Warranty Service 

To obtain service under this warranty, please contact our Customer Service Department  by phone at 1-800-828-7280 or by email to support@instantappliances.com. You can also  create a support ticket online at www.instantappliances.com/support. If we are unable to  resolve the problem, you may be asked to send your appliance to the Service Department  for quality inspection. Instant Brands is not responsible for shipping costs related to warranty  service, save and except for shipping costs associated with the return of your appliance from  Canada or within the 48 contiguous states and the District of Columbia of the United States  of America, as provided herein. When returning your appliance, please include your name,  mailing address, email address, phone number, and proof of the original purchase date as  well as a description of the problem you are encountering with the appliance.

Instant Brands Inc. 

11–300 Earl Grey Dr., Suite 383  Ottawa, Ontario 

K2T 1C1 

Canada 

Register your product today 

instantappliances.com/support/register 

Contact Customer Care 

1-800-828-7280 

support@instantappliances.com instantappliances.com/#Chat 

instantappliances.com 

store.instantappliances.com

You can download the complete PDF version of Instant Zest Plus Rice & Grain Cooker (20 Cup) user manual here.