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Instant Pot ZEST™ Rice & Grain Cookers User Manual

Welcome to the world of Instant cooking

Thank you for welcoming us into your kitchen.

Having families ourselves, we developed the Instant™ Zest™ to allow busy families and professionals alike to cook healthy, delicious meals more easily and in less time.

We have partnered with chefs, authors and bloggers to compile a collection of recipes that we hope you enjoy!

Happy cooking,

Robert J. WangFounder and Chief Innovation Officer

Download the FREE Instant Pot App

Original Recipes
New User Tips
Getting Started Videos

Find helpful how-to videos, download the app, or visit our recipe site.

IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS

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

READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS, SAFEGUARDS, AND WARNINGS BEFORE OPERATING APPLIANCE. FAILURE TO FOLLOW THESE SAFEGUARDS AND INSTRUCTIONS MAY RESULT IN INJURY AND/OR PROPERTY DAMAGE.
Always operate the appliance on a horizontal surface that is level, stable, and non-combustible.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 [email protected] or 1-800-828-7280.
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.
Do not tamper with any of the safety mechanisms.
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.
For household countertop use only. Do not use outdoors. Not for commercial use.
Do not let cord touch hot surfaces or hang over the edge of a counter or table.
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.
Extreme caution must be used when moving the appliance containing hot rice or other liquids.
Do not use the appliance for other than its intended use.
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.
Do not use unit in electric systems other than 120 V / 60 Hz for North America. Do not use with power converters or adapters.
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.
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.
Steam vent on top of cooker is extremely hot. To avoid the risk of injury, do not cover or obstruct steam vent.
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.
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.
Rice should not be left in the inner cooking pot with the Keep Warm function on for more than 12 hours.
To prevent damage or deformation, do not use the inner cooking pot on a stovetop or burner.
To reduce the risk of electrical shock, cook only in the removable inner cooking pot provided.
Do not wrap or tie cord around appliance.

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

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS

WARNING

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

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.

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


Zest 8C	8 Cups2 Litres	450 W	120 V / 60 Hz	2 kg 4.41 lbs.	in: 8.54 L × 8.78 W × 8.94 H cm: 21.7 L × 22.3 W × 22.7 H
Zest 20C	20 Cups5 Litres	860 W	120 V / 60 Hz	3 kg 6.61 lbs.	in: 11.42 L × 11.26 W × 11.42 H cm: 29 L × 28.6 W × 29 H

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.

Product, Parts and Accessories

The Instant Zest automatically perfectly cooks a variety of grains.

Before using the Zest, verify that all parts are accounted for.

Zest Rice & Grain Cooker

Zest Rice & Grain Cooker Accessories

Control Panel

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

DisplayIndicates the cooking time and cooker status messages.
One-Touch Smart ProgramsWhite Rice Brown RiceOatmeal QuinoaSteam Sauté (Zest 20 Cup)Mixed Grains (Zest 20 Cup)
Smart Program IndicatorLocated above each Smart Program button, the LED illuminates when a Smart Program is selected or running
Smart Program SettingsKeep Warm Delay StartCancel − / + buttons

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.

−/+ Buttons

Use to increase or decrease the cooking time or Delay Start time.

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 in increments of 10 minutes . The adjusted cooking time is saved when the Smart Program begins.

Only applicable to Oatmeal and Steam 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 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, then use the −/+ buttons to adjust the Delay Start time in increments of 10 minutes to a maximum of 24 hours.

Not applicable to the Sauté Smart Program

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

Indicates that no Smart Program is running and the cooker is in Standby mode.

Indicates that a Smart Program has been selected but not yet started.

Indicates that a Smart Program is running. Display reads On when the White Rice, Brown Rice, Quinoa, and Mixed Grains Smart Programs are running.Display changes to MM:SS when less than 10 minutes of cooking time remains.

Indicates the time remaining in the Delay Start cycle, or Smart Program cooking time remaining when using the Oatmeal, Steam or Sauté Smart Programs.Display changes to MM:SS when less than 1 hour remains until Delay Start or Smart Program completion.

Indicates that the selected Smart Program is set to LO (Low).

Indicates that the selected Smart Program is set to HI (High).

Indicates that the Smart Program has ended.

Smart Programs

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

The Zest features Smart Programs for one-touch 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 OatmealQuinoa Mixed Grains (Zest 20 only)

Press the Smart Program button to select the Smart Program of your choice. The Smart Program begins automatically after 10 seconds.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.
Press Cancel to stop a Smart Program at any time. The cooker returns to Standby mode and the display indicates OFF.

The Zest also features Smart Programs for other cooking methods:

Steam Sauté

Cooking times and temperatures for these Smart Programs are adjustable.

Steam

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

Press Steam to select the Steam Smart Program.
Use the −/+ buttons to adjust the cooking time to a maximum of 1 hour. The Smart Program begins automatically after 10 seconds.

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 (Zest 20C only)

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

Press Sauté to select the Sauté Smart Program.
Press Sauté again to toggle between HI (High) and LO (Low) temperatures.
Use the −/+ buttons to adjust the cooking time to a maximum of 30 minutes. The Smart Program cooking begins automatically after 10 seconds.

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

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

Keep Warm

When in Standby mode, press Keep Warm to select the Keep Warm Smart Program.
Press Keep Warm again to toggle between HI (High) and LO (Low)temperatures.
Use the −/+ buttons to adjust the warming time to a maximum of 10 hours. Smart Program cooking begins automatically after 10 seconds.

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 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 3 –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: HI, 30 min	User-adjustableRange: 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
Auto Keep Warm	N/A	Default/Max:12 hrs	N/A	User-adjustableLO: 149°F / 65°CHI: 176°F / 80°C
Keep Warm	N/A	Default/Max: 10 hrs	User-adjustableRange: 1hr–10 hrs	User-adjustableLO: 149°F / 65°C HI: 176°F / 80°C

Zest 20 Cup model ONLY.Keep Warm cooking time is NOT user-adjustable when used in conjunction with Smart Programs for Automatic Cooking.

Initial Test Run

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

Depress the lid release button (located on the lid handle) and lift the lid.
Remove the inner pot from the cooker base.
Place the steam rack on the bottom of the inner pot.
Add 1 cup (8 oz / 250 mL) of clean water to the inner pot.
Return the inner pot to the cooker base and close the lid, ensuring it clicks.
Plug the power cord into a 120 V outlet. The display indicates OFF.
Press Steam to select the Steam Smart Program.
Press Keep Warm to turn the warming setting off. The Smart Program cooking begins automatically after 10 seconds. When the Smart Program ends, the cooker beeps and the display indicates END.
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	Empty and rinse the condensation
• Plastic steamer tray	collector after each use.	Dishwasher Safe
• Rice measuring cup	Clean accessories after use.
• Plastic rice spoon
Inner Pot	Always ensure the inner pot is dry on the outside before inserting into the cooker base. Ensure all grease and food debris is fully removed. Optionally, spray with non-stick cooking spray before adding food.	Hand Wash
Lid	Clean after each use. 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.

How-to Videos and Recipes available online at instantappliances.com

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

Contact Customer Care: 1-800-828-7280

[email protected]instantappliances.com/#Chat

Problem	Possible Reason	Try This
Display remains blank after connecting the power cord.	Bad power connection or no power.	Inspect power cord for damage. Do not use if the power cord is damaged in any manner. Check outlet to ensure it is powered.
Cooker’s electrical fuse has blown.	Contact Customer Care.
Difficulty opening the lid.	Lid release	Press down the lid release button on the lid handle, then lift up to one side. The lid is not removable.
Rice or grain is chewy, too hard, or undercooked.	Lid was opened too early.	After cooking completes, open the cooker and quickly fluff the rice or grains, then close the lid and let the cooker sit for an additional 5–10 minutes.
Not enough water or liquid.	Add ½ to 1 cup water, mix, and run the cooking program again.
Rice or grain requires a longer cooking time.	Run the cooking program a second time.
Rice or grain is too soft, or overcooked.	Too much water or liquid.	Stir the rice or grain to redistribute the cooking liquid. Close the lid and run Keep Warm for 10-30 minutes as required, stirring occasionally.
Rice or grain was cooked for too long.	Refer to recipe instructions.
Error code appears on display, cooker beeps and lights flash continuously.	E1	Faulty sensor detected.	Contact Customer Care.
E3	Faulty sensor detected.	Contact Customer Care.

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:

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;
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
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 MAKESNO 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 [email protected]. 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.

Contact Customer Care

1-800-828-7280[email protected]instantappliances.com/#Chat