Aroma rice cookers are lovely kitchen appliances. They cook rice, veggies, and meat to perfection. However, like any appliance, sometimes they malfunction or wear out.
If your Aroma rice cooker isn’t working, it is often one of two problems. Either the machine won’t turn on, or it won’t cook properly. Other common issues include the unit boiling over or keys not working. Learn how to troubleshoot common problems below.
Basic Troubleshooting Guide
If my Aroma cooker won’t turn on or isn’t cooking, I check these first. Sometimes, the fix is simple:
- Check all connections to make sure all parts are attached correctly.
- Make sure the rice cooker is free of fat and dust.
- Make sure nothing is blocking the air or steam vent.
- Press the power button firmly to turn it on. If you press it lightly, the machine may not respond.
Make sure you measure your rice and water correctly. If you add too much rice or water, your device won’t cook.
6 In-Depth Troubleshooting Methods
If your Aroma rice cooker still isn’t working after checking all of the above, the issue may be one of the following problems:
Power Supply
An issue with the power supply is usually easy to diagnose. First, check that your outlet works by plugging another device into it and ensuring it powers on. I plug my rice cooker into the same outlet as my coffee maker. I know that outlet works if I can see the clock on my coffee maker.
If your outlet works, the issue may be with the power supply on the Aroma rice cooker. Check that the electric cord is firmly attached to the machine. Then, make sure the power cord is completely plugged into the wall.
If you still have issues with the power supply, the power cord is likely damaged or faulty. Contact a local hardware store to see if they can help you. You can also contact the Aroma company to see if they’ll send you a replacement cord.
If a new power cord doesn’t solve your problem, there’s a chance that something could be wrong with the internal circuitry in your machine. If so, take it to a repair shop.
The Battery
If your rice cooker doesn’t turn on, it could be that the battery is dying. If you see the code 0000, that means your battery is dead. Rice cookers usually contain a lithium battery. Here’s how to replace the battery in your Aroma rice cooker:
- Turn off your cooker and make sure it is unplugged.
- Use a screwdriver to unscrew the battery compartment underneath the machine. There may be a hidden screw behind the label.
- Take out the old lithium battery and note the number or code it has.
- Place the battery in a bag and bring it to your nearest hardware store for a replacement. You can also order a replacement battery online.
- Place the new battery in the cooker and reattach the battery compartment.
Broken Heating Element
The heating element heats the inner pot so that your rice cooks. If it’s damaged or broken, your rice will not cook. You’ll need to remove the bottom of your cooker and move aside other parts until you can access the heating element for replacement. Here is a step-by-step guide for removing the heating element.
Leaking Steam Gasket
If steam leaks from your rice cooker, it may have a faulty gasket. The gasket is made of rubber or silicone and seals the lid of your rice cooker.
Look closely at the gasket and notice any tears, marks, or other imperfections. Take the gasket out and wash it with soapy water. Let it dry completely before reinstalling it. Test the gasket to see if it is still leaking. If so, replace the gasket.
Burnt-Out Lightbulb
Rice cookers have lightbulbs that work with the cooking mechanisms. If these lightbulbs break, the display panel will not work, and your machine will not cook your rice correctly. You can access the lightbulb by disassembling your rice cooker entirely until you find the LED lights. Get an exact replacement from your hardware store and replace them in your machine.
Blown-Out Thermal Fuse
The thermal fuse is what keeps the Aroma rice cooker from overheating. If the thermal fuse is broken, your machine may not turn on or may turn off unexpectedly. Unscrew the bottom of your rice cooker as described above. If you see burned or melted wires, you may have a damaged thermal fuse.
The only option here is to replace the fuse. But first, you’ll need a multimeter to check if the fuse is faulty.
Aroma Rice Cooker Error Codes and What They Mean
What if you turn on your cooker and it flashes an error code? Here are some error codes and how to fix them.
E1 or E3: Turn your rice cooker off for 5 minutes and then restart.
E2: The rice is too hard, soggy, or wet.
E4: Indicates an electronic malfunction–contact the Aroma help center.
E5: The cooker’s temperature is too high. Ensure the steam valve is free of any blockages so it can properly ventilate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Is The Timer Not Working?
If your timer is working, it wasn’t set correctly, or there’s an issue with the power supply. Try resetting your rice cooker:
- Plug in your machine.
- Press the Cancel button for 5 seconds.
- Make sure all lights turn off.
- Press the Start button. The cooker should now be reset.
Why is My Aroma Rice Cooker Not Heating Up?
If your cooker isn’t heating up, it’s likely because of a faulty heating coil. The heating coil works with the thermal fuse and limiting resistor to heat your machine. Contact an electrician or get a new rice cooker.
Why Does My Aroma Rice Cooker Keep Circling?
Every Aroma model is slightly different. My model rotates while it is cooking. When the rice cooker has 10 minutes left on the cycle, it begins to count down the minutes. Other models may spin while the cooker is on the “keep warm” setting. Check your manual for how your specific machine works.
Why Does My Aroma Rice Cooker Stop Cooking Early?
Aroma rice cookers work by sensing the heat inside the pot with the spring element below the inner pot. Make sure the spring isn’t blocked or catching. Also, ensure the steam vent isn’t blocked and steam releases from the pot while it cooks.
Final Thoughts
Check the easy fixes if your Aroma rice cooker isn’t working. Make sure all the parts are attached correctly and your outlet works. If that doesn’t solve the problem, take it to a repair shop or work on it yourself using the suggestions above.
