WEST BEND
4 – QUART SLOW COOKER
Register this and other West Bend® products through our website: www.westbend.com
To prevent personal injury or property damage, read and follow the instructions and warnings in this care and use instruction manual.
CARE AND USE INSTRUCTIONS
IMPORTANT SAFEGARDS
Use electricity safely and wisely! Observe safety precautions when using your West Bend® Slow Cooker, including the following:
•Read all instructions before using
•Always attach cord to electric heating base first, then plug cord into wall outlet. Let heating base cool completely before removing cord. Do not leave cooker plugged in when not being used.
•Cooker should always be unplugged before cleaning.
•Do not let cord touch hot surfaces or hang over the edge of a counter, table, or other surface area.
•The electric heating base, its cord, and plugs should not be used outdoors, immersed in liquid, placed near a hot gas or electric burner or placed in a heated oven.
•Do not touch slow cooker pot, cover or electric heating base when they are hot. Use oven mitts on handles when lifting or carrying. Be very careful when moving cooker if it contains hot liquid. Let cool before pouring out.
•Supervise closely when cooker is being used by or near children.
•Use your cooker for only the cooking tasks described in this booklet. Do not use attachments with your cooker unless recommended by The West Bend Company.
•Do not use your cooker if it or its cord have been damaged or if it is not working properly. If your West Bend slow cooker is within the warranty period return it to The West Bend Company for examination and/or repair.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS
Your slow cooker needs no special care other than cleaning. If servicing becomes necessary and your cooker is within the warranty period, return to The West Bend Company. See Warranty section in this booklet for service details. Do not attempt to repair it yourself.
For Household Use Only.
Warning: To prevent personal injury or property damage caused by fire, always unplug this and other appliances when not in use.
Electric Cord Statement:
Caution: Your Slow cooker has a short cord as a safety precaution to prevent personal injury or property damage resulting from pulling, tripping or becoming entangled with the cord. Do not allow children to be near or use this Slow Cooker without close adult supervision. If you must use a longer cordset or an extension cord when using this Slow Cooker, the cord must be arranged so it will not drape or hang over the edge of a countertop, tabletop, or surface area where it can be pulled on by children or tripped over. To prevent electric shock, personal injury or fire, the electrical rating of the extension cord you use must be the same or more wattage of the Slow Cooker (wattage is stamped on the underside of the base).
SPECIAL SAVEGURARDS FOR GLASS COVER
Failure to follow these instructions may cause immediate or later breakage of the glass cover, which may result in personal injury or property damage. Carefully read and follow the safeguards below:
CAUTION: Glass cover can shatter from direct heat.
•DO NOT place cover under broiler, microwave browning element or toaster oven
•DO NOT set glass cover on hot burner or on oven heat vent.
•DO NOT use cover if it has been used in the above manners even if it does not look damaged. See Warranty section in this booklet on how to obtain a replacement cover.
CAUTION: Glass covers can shatter if cooled suddenly. Avoid severe temperature change.
•DO NOT take cover directly from freezer to oven.
•DO NOT set hot glass cover on cold or wet surface; let cool before placing in water.
•ALWAYS handle hot cover with dry oven mitts; do not use wet cloths.
•ALWAYS set hot glass cover on dry heat protective surface for gradual cooling.
CAUTION: Chips, cracks or deep scratches weaken the glass cover. Weakened glass can shatter during use.
•DO NOT use cover if chipped, cracked or scratched. Discard immediately. See Warranty section in this booklet on how to order a replacement cover.
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•ALWAYS follow care and use instructions in this booklet to avoid chips, cracks and scratches due to hitting rims using metal utensils, using abrasive scouring pads or cleansers or from accidental impact.
CAUTION: To prevent personal injury when removing cover from pot:
•ALWAYS use oven mitts when removing cover from pot.
•ALWAYS tilt cover toward you to prevent steam burns. See diagram.
CARE AND USE
•Clean Before Using The First Time
Wash slow cooker pot and cover in hot soapy water with a dishcloth or sponge, rinse and dry. If roasting rack is included, wash in same manner as cooking pot and cover. Wipe non-stick finish of slow cooker heating base with a damp cloth and dry with a soft cloth.
CAUTION: To prevent personal injury or electric shock, do not immerse slow cooker heating base its cord or plugs in water or other liquid.
•Condition Inside of Cooking Pot
After initial cleaning, wipe the non-stick finish on inside of cooking pot with a teaspoon of vegetable oil, using a paper towel. This will condition the non-stick finish to prevent sticking. Do not use shortening, or butter to condition the finish. Leave a light film of oil on finish. The cooker is now ready to use.
The non-stick finish will need to be reconditioned after each time the cooking pan is 1) cleaned in an automatic dishwasher, 2) the finish is treated with a special cleaner, 3) the finish is cleaned with lemon juice or white distilled vinegar to remove a mineral film, or 4) when sticking becomes a problem during use.
DO NOT CONDITION NON-STICK SURFACE OF SLOW COOKER HEATING BASE BEFORE USING AS A SLOW COOKER.
Non-stick finish of heating base should only be conditioned when it is used as a grill. See that section in this care and use instruction booklet.
•Using Slow Cooker
1.Place heating base on a dry, level, heat-resistant surface away from any edge.
2.Place foods into slow cooker pot, cover and place cooking pot onto heating base. (If you wish to brown or precook any foods before slow cooking, place slow cooker pot directly on range-top unit over medium heat. After foods are browned or cooked, transfer pot to heating base.) See additional tips for slow cooking later in this booklet.
3.Attach cord to base, then plug cord into 120 volt AC electrical outlet ONLY.
CAUTION: To prevent personal injury or property damage, inspect cordset for damage or wear before each use. Do not use your product if it or its cord has been damaged of if it is not working properly.
4.There are five numbered heat settings on the heating base, 1 to 5. Heat setting # 1 should only be used to warm dinner rolls, muffins, etc. Heat setting # 2 should only be used to keep warm cooked foods for serving, whereas Heat Settings #3, #4 and #5 are to be used for actual cooking of foods. Set the dial directly at the numbered heat setting or midway between the numbered heat settings for complete temperature control. DO NOT USE A HEAT SETTING BELOW # 3 FOR ACTUAL COOKING OF
RAW FOODS AS SLOW COOKER DOES NOT GET HOT ENOUGH TO COOK FOODS AT SETTING #1 OR #2.
Set heat setting and cook food for recommended time as given in recipe. As a general guideline, most meat and vegetable combinations need 7 to 10 hours of cooking at Setting #3 (low), 4 to 6 hours of cooking at Setting #4 (medium) or 2 to 3 hours of cooking at Setting #5 (high). Meats will become the most tender when cooked for the longer time at the lower heat setting. Avoid removing cover when slow cooking as cooking time will be increased due to loss of temperature. Remove cover only when needed to stir occasionally or when adding ingredients.
CAUTION: To prevent personal injury, always use oven mitts when handling cover and cooking pot as handles become hot. Also be careful when removing cover to avoid steam burns.
5.After food is cooked, reduce heat to Setting # 2 for serving OR unplug cord from outlet to turn cooker off. Slow cooker must be unplugged from outlet to turn off. Allow slow cooker to cool before cleaning.
•Using Cooking Pot on Top of Range
The slow cooker pot (without heating base) can be used for range top cooking. Place pot on large range unit. Use medium to low heat. The use of low to moderate heat will prevent foods from overcooking, reduce spattering and help retain natural juices. Do not use high heat except for bringing liquids to a boil. If cooking on a gas range, do not let flames extend up the side of the pot. ALWAYS USE
OVEN MITTS WHEN USING POT AND COVER ON RANGE UNIT.
When cooking meats, preheat empty cooking pot over medium to medium-low heat for 2 to 3 minutes or until a drop of water sizzles in pot. To prevent sticking of lean meats, you may wish to add a small amount of cooking oil. Add meat and brown as desired. Cover pot and reduce heat to low for cooking on range top OR transfer cooking pot to heating base and cook at setting #3, #4 or #5.
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•Using Cooking Pot in Oven
The slow cooker pot (without heating base) can be used in an conventional or convection oven to preheated temperatures of 400° F. If cooking pot is covered, use only glass cover in oven; do not use plastic cover as damage will occur. Cooking pot may be covered with aluminum foil for oven use. ALWAYS USE OVEN MITTS WHEN USING POT IN OVEN.
DO NOT USE METAL COOKING POT IN MICROWAVE OVEN, OVER A CAMPFIRE OR UNDER AN OVEN BROILER UNIT TO PREVENT DAMAGE TO THE COOKING POT OR OVEN.
•Using Cooking Tools on Non-Stick Finish
The following types of cooking tools may be used on the non-stick finish: plastic, rubber and wooden. Smooth-edged metal spoons and spatulas may be used with care. Do not use sharp-edged metal cooking tools (forks, knives, and mashers) as these could scratch the non-stick finish. Minor scratching will not harm the non-stick finish or the food cooked in the pot.
•Using Glass Casserole Cover as a Casserole Dish
Your slow cooker is equipped with a glass casserole cover that when inverted can be used as a 1 ½ quart casserole dish. The casserole cover may be used in a conventional or convection oven up to 400° F; or in a microwave oven. Do not use cover under a broiler or browning unit in a toaster oven.
CAUTION: To prevent damage to cover, property damage, or personal injury, do not use glass cover on a range top unit as it could shatter due to sudden temperature change. If casserole should be covered during baking in oven, use aluminum foil in conventional ovens and plastic wrap in a microwave oven. ALWAYS USE OVEN MITTS WHEN USING COVER IN ANY OVEN
•Using Roasting Rack (if included)
Your slow cooker may include a small wire roasting rack for use in roasting meat and poultry. If a rack was not included with your particular model, you may order one. See Warranty section for details.
To use rack, simply place in bottom of slow cooker pot and place roast, chicken or ham onto rack. Add a small amount of liquid to pot before cooking. If you wish, the meat can be browned in cooking pot on the top of the range before roasting. After browning, place rack underneath meat for roasting. See recipe instructions.
The rack can also be used for steaming fresh vegetables such as broccoli and corn-on-the-cob. Add 1 cup of water to cooking pot to steam vegetables. Cook on top of the range over medium to medium-low heat or on heating base at Setting #5 to desired doneness.
•Using Electric Base with Other Utensils
The slow cooker base may be used as a warming and cooking unit for heatproof utensils other than the slow cooker pot, such as a rectangular heatproof casserole dish. DO NOT USE PLASTIC COOKING OR SERVING DISHES ON THE BASE. To ensure safe use make certain dish rests securely on base before using it to cook or warm.
CARE AND CLEANING
•Cleaning Slow Cooker Pot
Wash slow cooker pot in hot soapy water using a nylon scouring pad as recommended for non-stick surfaces. To remove food or heat stains from outside of the pot, also use a non-abrasive cleaner such as Bon Ami®, Do not use abrasive scouring pads or cleaners on slow cooker pot as damage can occur.
After washing pot, rinse with hot water and dry.
•Cleaning Cover
Wash slow cooker cover in hot soapy water using a dishcloth or sponge. Rinse and dry. Be careful not to drop cover or hit it sharply with cooking utensils.
CAUTION: Do not use abrasive scouring pads or cleaners on glass cover as scratching can occur. Scratching can weaken glass and cause breakage while being used.
•Cleaning Rack (if included)
Wash roasting rack in hot soapy water using a dishcloth or sponge. Rinse and dry. Do not use abrasive scouring pads or cleaners on rack as damage to chrome plating can occur.
•Dishwasher Cleaning
The slow cooker pot, glass cover and rack (if included) can be washed in an automatic dishwasher. To prevent scratching, place pieces into dishwasher rack so they do not touch on another or other objects being cleaned. The non-stick surface must be reconditioned with cooking oil after it is cleaned in a dishwasher to restore non-stick properties.
•Cleaning Electric Slow Cooker Base
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Always unplug cord from electric outlet and allow base to cool before cleaning. Wipe base with damp cloth and dry with a soft cloth.
CAUTION: To prevent personal injury or electric shock, do not immerse slow cooker base, its cord or plugs in water or other liquid.
•Special Care For Non-Stick Finish or Slow Cooker Pot
1.A spotted white film may form on non-stick finish. This is a buildup of minerals from water and is not a defect in the finish. To remove, soak a soft cloth in lemon juice or white distilled vinegar and rub on finish. Wash non-stick finish thoroughly, rinse and dry. Recondition non-stick finish with cooking oil before using.
2.Staining of the non-stick finish may result from improper cleaning or overheating. To remove stains, use a commercial cleaner such as Dip-It® coffee pot destainer. Follow package directions for non-stick cookware.
After cleaning, wash non-stick finish thoroughly with hot soapy water, rinse and dry. Recondition non-stick finish with cooking oil before using. Do not use bleach to clean non-stick finish; it will permanently fade the color. Dip-It® coffeepot destainer can be found in most grocery or hardware stores.
TIPS FOR ADAPTING RECIPES TO SLOW COOKING
Many of your favorite oven and range top recipes can be adapted to slow cooking with a few minor changes. Here are some important points to remember.
Amount of Liquid:
Because little moisture evaporates during slow cooking, reduce amount of liquid in your recipe by one-half (1 cup of liquid is enough for most recipes). For soup recipes, add all ingredients except water or broth to the pot; add only enough liquid to cover ingredients.
Amount of Seasoning:
Reduce amount of seasoning in proportion with reduced amount of liquid. Use whole or leaf herbs and spices rather than crushed or ground forms.
Slow Cooking Meats:
Less tender, expensive cuts of meat are better suited to slow cooking than expensive cuts of meat. Remove excess fat before slow cooking if desired. Meat can be browned in the slow cooker pot on top of the range before slow cooking. Insert meat thermometer into meat when necessary to ensure meat is cooked to desired or recommended doneness.
Slow Cooking Vegetables:
Add partially frozen vegetables, Chinese vegetables, and fresh mushrooms during last hour of cooking. Strong flavored vegetables such as spinach, eggplant, okra and collard greens should be precooked before adding to the cooker. The amount of onion normally used in your recipe should be reduced because its flavor will get stronger during cooking. In most cases, fresh vegetables take longer to cook than meats because liquid simmers rather than boils. Always cut fresh vegetables into bit-sized pieces to ensure doneness.
Slow Cooking Raw Meats and Vegetables:
Most raw meat and vegetable combinations need at least 7 to 10 hours of cooking at #3, or 4 to 6 hours at setting #4 (medium) or 2 to 3 hours on setting #5 (high).
Slow Cooking Fish and Seafood:
Fresh or thawed seafood and fish fall apart during long hours of cooking. Add these ingredients an hour before serving and cook at setting #5.
Slow Cooking Milk, Sweet or Sour Cream and Cheese:
Because milk, sour or sweet cream and cheese break down during long hours of cooking, add these ingredients just before serving or substitute undiluted condensed canned soups or evaporated milk. Processed cheese tends to give better results than aged cheese.
Rice and Pasta:
Rice and pasta may either be cooked separately or added uncooked during the last hour of cooking time. If added uncooked, make sure there is at least 1 to 1½ cups of liquid in the pot and heat is set at Setting # 3 or higher.
Dumplings:
Dumplings may be cooked in broth or gravy at Setting # 5. Drop by spoonfuls on simmering broth or gravy. Cook, covered, for 30 minutes.
Thickening Juices for Gravies and Sauces:
To thicken juices for gravies and sauces, add 2 to 3 tablespoons of quick cooking tapioca to start, or thicken by adding a smooth paste of 2 to 4 tablespoons cornstarch or flour and ¼ cup cold water. Bring to a boil at Setting # 5. (Solid foods may be removed first)
Don’t remove cover During Cooking: To retain heat, moisture and food flavor, don’t remove cover during cooking unless necessary for adding additional ingredients.
GRILLING ON ELECTRIC SLOW COOKER BASE
Small quantities of food can be cooked on the non-stick coated surface of the slow cooker heating base. Follow the guidelines below. Due to the low wattage of the base, cooking time will be longer than using a larger griddle or skillet.
•Cleaning Before Using
Before grilling, wipe non-stick surface of base with a damp soapy cloth, then wipe several times to remove soap residue. Wipe dry with a soft cloth.
CAUTION: To prevent personal injury or electric shock, do not immerse slow cooker base, its cord or plugs in water or other liquid.
•Condition Non-Stick Finish
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Just before using base as a grill, condition the non-stick finish with a teaspoon of cooking oil. Wipe oil evenly over finish, leaving a light film of oil. Do Not use shortening or butter to condition finish.
•Grilling Instructions
Follow recommended heat setting and cooking times for specific foods as listed in Grilling Chart later in this booklet. Always preheat grill for 5 minutes as recommended in chart. A small amount of butter or margarine may be used while grilling food to add flavor and aid in browning if desired. Always use plastic, rubber or wooden cook tools on non-stick finish to prevent scratching. Unplug cord from electric outlet to turn off base.
•Clean After Grilling
Always unplug cord from electric outlet and allow base to cool before cleaning. With a spoon or baster, remove any fat or grease that has collected on the grill surface. Wipe oil residue from base with paper toweling.
Wipe non-stick finish with a damp, soapy dishcloth or nylon scouring pad recommended for non-stick finishes such as Dobie®. Clean finish thoroughly. Wipe base several times with a clean damp cloth to remove soap residue, then dry with a soft cloth.
CAUTION: To prevent personal injury or electric shock, do not immerse slow cooker base, its cord or plugs in water or other liquid.
If tacky oil film forms on non-stick finish of base, wipe with a dry cloth to remove. If this residue is not removed, it will adhere to the finish. When reheated and become impossible to remove.
Grilling Food and Temperature Guide
Preheat Grill Base at Setting # 4 for 5 minutes
Food |
Setting |
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Time |
Comments |
Eggs, fried (up to 3) |
#4 |
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3 minutes/side |
Fry with or without cooking oil or butter. However, their use |
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enhances flavor and tenderness. |
Eggs, scrambled (up to 4) |
#4 |
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5 minutes |
In mixing bowl, combine 4 eggs, ¼ cup milk, ¼ teaspoon salt |
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and dash pepper. Pour onto preheated base and stir until egg - |
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mixture is cooked. |
Frankfurters (up to 10) |
#4 |
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12 minutes |
Place on ungreased grill, turn with tongs to prevent bursting |
Hamburgers, 2 at a time |
#4 |
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Medium-Well: |
Place on ungreased grill. Remove excess fat with spoon or baster. |
( ¼ pound each) |
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7 minutes/side |
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French toast (2 slices at one time) |
#4 |
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3 minutes /side |
Dip bread in egg-milk mixture (for 6 slices, combine 1 beaten |
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egg, 1 cup milk, and 1 teaspoon salt). Place bread on ungreased |
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grill or sauté in butter or margarine |
Pancakes, 2 at one time |
#4 |
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1 minute/side |
Add 2 tablespoons melted butter, margarine or cooking oil to |
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packaged mix batter. Bake until batter until bubbles appear, turn |
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and bake second side |
Pork Chops, 2 center-cut chops |
#4 |
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10 minutes/side |
Place on ungreased grill. Pork should be served well done. |
( ½ inch thick) |
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Sandwiches, 2 at one time |
#4 |
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5 minutes/side |
Place filling between slices of bread. Spread outside of bread |
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with softened butter or margarine, or dip in French toast batter. |
Sausage Links, up to 10 |
#4 |
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20 minutes |
Turn every 5 minutes for even browning. Remove fat as it |
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collects with spoon or baster |
Smoked Sausage Links, up to 10 |
#4 |
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5 minutes |
Turn at 2 ½ minutes |
regular or 20 cocktail size |
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Keep warm for serving |
#2 |
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Place hot hors d’ oeuvres or canapés on grill to keep warm for |
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serving. To keep grilled foods warm for serving, reduce heat |
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setting to # 2 when cooking is complete |
Place Food on Cold Grill Base ---No Preheat: |
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Bacon (up to 7 slices) |
#4 |
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6 to 7 minutes/side |
Turn and separate slices as bacon cooks. Remove excess fat with |
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spoon or baster. |
NOTE: Watch carefully when frying fatty foods so that grease does not run off the grilling surface down the sides of the base; if grease overflows, it could damage the electrical part inside of base.
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