Cuisinart MSC-400 Cook Central 3-in-1 Multicooker Manual

IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS

When using an electrical appliance, basic safety precautions should always be followed:

1. READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS.
2. Unplug from outlet when not in use and before cleaning. Allow to cool before putting on or taking off parts.
3. Do not touch hot surfaces; use handles. Always use oven mitts when handling hot material.
4. To protect against risk of electrical shock, do not immerse the multicooker housing in water or any other liquid. If housing falls into liquid, unplug the cord from outlet immediately. DO NOT reach into the liquid.
5. To avoid possible accidental injury, close supervision is necessary when any appliance is used by or near children.
6. Do not operate any appliance with a damaged cord or plug or after the appliance has malfunctioned or has been dropped or damaged in any way or is not operating properly. Return the appliance to the Customer Service Center (see Warranty for details) 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 unit housing might come into contact with water while in use.
9. Do not use the multicooker for anything other than its intended use.
10. This unit is not a deep fryer.
11. To avoid the possibility of the multicooker being accidentally pulled off work area, which could result in or damage to the cook personal injury, do not let cord hang over edge of table or counter.
12. 
    To avoid damage to cord and possible fire or electrocution hazard, do not let cord come into contact with hot surfaces, including a stove.
13. Extreme caution must be used when moving the multicooker containing hot oil or other hot liquids.
14. Do not place on or near a hot gas or electric burner, or in a heated oven.
15. Do not operate multicooker in water or under running water.
16. Avoid sudden temperature changes, such as adding refrigerated foods to a heated pot.
17. 
    TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK, COOK ONLY IN THE POT PROVIDED OR IN CONTAINERS PLACED ON THE COOKING RACK IN THE PROVIDED POT.
18. 
    A heated pot may damage countertops or tables. When removing the hot cooking pot from the multicooker, DO NOT place it directly on any unprotected surface. Always set the hot pot on a trivet or a rack.
19. To disconnect, turn any control to off, then remove plug from wall outlet.
20. Do not operate your appliance in an appliance garage or under a wall cabinet. When storing in an appliance garage always unplug the unit from the electrical outlet. Not doing so could create a risk of fire, especially if the appliance touches the walls of the garage or the door touches the unit as it closes.

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS

FOR HOUSEHOLD USE ONLY

SPECIAL CORD SET INSTRUCTIONS

A short power supply cord is provided to reduce the risks of becoming entangled in or tripping over a longer cord. Extension cords may be used if care is exercised.

If an 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 tripped over unintentionally.

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.

FEATURES AND BENEFITS

1. Glass Lid with Handle
   Check the progress of a dish without releasing heat.
2. Steaming Rack
   Elevates ingredients for steaming
3. Nonstick Aluminum Cooking Pot
   Spreads heat evenly to perfectly brown and sauté ingredients right in unit 4-qt capacity.
4. Control Panel
   See next page for more detail.
5. BPA Free (not shown)
   All parts that come into contact with food are BPA free.

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CONTROL PANEL

1. Cooking Function Buttons
   Use to select SLOW COOK, BROWN/SAUTÉ or STEAM.
2. Time Directionals
   Use to set cooking time. Press and hold to scroll quickly; press and release to advance more slowly.
3. Temperature Directionals
   Use to set cooking temperatures.
   Press and hold to scroll quickly;
   press and release to advance more slowly.
4. Start/Stop Button
   Starts and stops cooking function.
5. Blue Backlit LCD Display
   Side-by-side display shows cooking time and temperature.

OPERATION

Cooking is simple with the Cook Central^® 3-in-1 Multicooker.

1. Select cooking function.
2. Set desired cooking time and temperature.
3. Press START/STOP to begin cooking.
4. To turn off the unit at any time during cooking, press START/STOP.

NOTE: The unit is hot. Always use pot holders during and after cooking, and always lift the lid away from you.

CHANGING SETTINGS

Switching functions during cooking is easy. Press the desired new cooking function button and the unit will adjust to the default settings for your selection. Set your desired time and temperature as needed.

You can also adjust cooking time or temperature at any point with the Time/ Temperature Directionals.

Do not press START/STOP to select new settings. The unit is already on and cooking. Pressing START/STOP will turn the unit off.

COOKING WITHOUT A TIMER

If you do not wish to program a time, the unit will cook at the selected temperature until you manually turn the unit off (Note: Steam function requires a cooking time).
The heater will also turn off automatically after the maximum allowable time for the selected function has been reached.

SLEEP MODE

The multicooker is equipped with a power- saving Sleep mode that will turn off the LED if the multicooker is not being used. The unit will also enter sleep mode if you manually stop cooking.

Press any button, except Start/Stop, to"wake up" the unit and operate as normal.

PROGRAMMING

BROWN & SAUTÉ

1. Press BROWN/SAUTÉ. A preset temperature of 350°F will flash, as this is a commonly used Brown/Sauté temperature.
2. Press Temperature Directionals to select a different temperature (from 150°F to 400°F).
3. Press the START/STOP button to begin preheating. Selected temperature will flash during heat-up.
4. When selected temperature is reached, two beeps will sound. Add ingredients to cooking pot—for best results, do not crowd pot.
5. Once cooking is complete, press START/STOP to stop cooking, or if you've browned ingredients as a first step, switch to the SLOW COOK function now. There is no need to press START/STOP again, as the unit is already cooking.

NOTE: Though browning is usually a hands-on task, you can set a cooking time with the Time Directionals. Countdown will start when selected temperature is reached and unit will automatically shut off when countdown is complete.

SLOW COOK

1. Fill cooking pot with ingredients and cover with lid.
2. Press SLOW COOK. A preset temperature setting of LOW will flash, as this is the most commonly used Slow Cook setting.
3. Press Temperature Directionals to select High, Low, Simmer or Warm.
4. Set desired cooking time (up to 24 hours) with Time Directionals.
5. Press the START/STOP button to begin cooking. Selected time and temperature setting (High, Low, Simmer or Warm) will be displayed.
   NOTE: If you browned ingredients before switching to Slow Cook, the unit is already on, so pressing Start/Stop is not necessary.
6. When slow cooking on High, Low or Simmer, the unit will beep five times at the end of the cooking time and will automatically switch to the Keep Warm setting for 8 hours.
7. When Warm time elapses, one beep will sound and heater will turn off.
8. To turn the heater off manually at any time, press the START/STOP button.

STEAM

1. Place no more than 1 quart of water or other liquid in cooking pot and insert steaming rack as shown below; cover with lid.
   
2. Press STEAM. Steaming temperature cannot be changed.
3. Set desired cooking time (up to 1½ hours) by pressing Time Directionals.
4. Press the START/STOP button to start preheating. Selected time and temperature will flash as unit heats up.
5. When steaming temperature is reached, the unit will beep two times and the timer will begin counting down cooking time.
6. Carefully lift lid away from you and place food on rack, starting in the middle and working your way out. Be sure to cover pot with lid again.
7. When cooking time is complete, the unit will beep five times and the heater will turn off automatically.
8. Carefully remove food from pot with spoon, fork or tongs.
9. To turn the heater off manually at any time, press the START/STOP button.

NOTE: If all water has boiled away, the unit will shut off, so be sure to add enough for the desired steaming task.

COOKING GUIDELINES

SLOW COOKING

Slow cooking is perfect for foods that require long, slow simmering, such as soups, stocks, stews, and dried beans. Slow cooking is also ideal for tougher and less expensive cuts of meat like shoulder and pot roast.

The Simmer and Low settings are usually used for recipes that cook longer. When starting a dish later in the day, select the High setting to ensure that food is cooked, warm, and ready when you'd like to eat.

To reheat foods, use Brown/Sauté at 350°F and stir until all ingredients are warmed through. Then switch to Warm on the Slow Cook function until ready to serve.

*Results may vary

Suggested Cuts of Meat for Slow Cooking

STEAMING

Steaming is one of the healthiest methods of cooking. No butter or oil is required and fewer nutrients are lost in the steaming process. Four cups/one quart of water is used for basic steaming.

Steaming Chart

BROWN/SAUTÉ

Use Brown/Sauté as you would a skillet or sauté pan on the stovetop for a variety of recipes. Prepare a quickly sautéed skillet dish, or brown food right in the pot as the first step in many braised or slow-cooked family favorites.

To reheat foods, use Brown/Sauté at 350°F and stir until all ingredients are warmed through. Then switch to Warm on the Slow Cook function until ready to serve.

TIPS & HINTS

HEATUP TIMES may vary based on a number of factors. Approximate times are:

• Brown/Sauté (350°F, empty pot) – 6 minutes
• Steam (1 quart of water) – 10 minutes

THE COOKING POT is designed specifically for use in the multicooker. Do not use in oven or on stovetop. Take it right to the table to serve!

THE STEAMING RACK should be placed in the UP position to raise food above water. NOTE: The metal steaming rack is specially designed for this pot and will not damage the coating if used as directed.

BROWN/SAUTÉ

• For even browning, it is important not to crowd the pan. Foods should be cooked in an even layer. Cook larger portions in batches when necessary.
• When browning and sautéing foods before slow cooking, some items may produce a lot of grease. To remove excess, use pot holders to carefully remove the pot from the base; pour off the grease from the edge of the pot. Return the cooking pot to the base and finish cooking.
• When browning meats, browned bits left in the bottom of the pot can be used to flavor the dish. Simply add a small amount of liquid (like water, wine or broth) to the pan and scrape up the browned bits with a wooden spoon – leave in pot. Incorporate into the dish or sauce.
• Foods can be reheated with the Brown/Sauté function. Put precooked food into the cooking pot. Set on Brown/Sauté at 350°F and stir until all ingredients are warmed through. Once food is simmering, switch to Warm on the Slow Cook function until ready to serve.
• For thicker dishes like stews, a small amount of liquid may need to be added to the pot when reheating.

SLOW COOKING

• Browning foods before slow cooking can add more depth and flavor to the finished dish. If time is short skip this step and add all ingredients to your cooking pot to slow cook. The only exception is ground meats, which should always be browned before slow cooking.
• When converting a traditional slow cook recipe to include Brown/Sauté, the liquid amount may need to be increased. This is because cooking starts at a higher temperature than it would in a traditional slow cooker. Recipes vary but we recommend checking the recipe halfway through cooking time.
• For best results, fill multicooker at least one-quarter full but not more than threequarters full.
• To ensure that root vegetables such as carrots and potatoes are cooked through, cut them no larger than 2 inches. This is most important for dishes that slow cook fewer than 6 hours.
• "Crisp-tender" vegetables should be added during the last 30 minutes of cooking time to prevent overcooking. Some fresh herbs such as chopped parsley or chives should be stirred into dishes just before serving.
• Removing the lid when slow cooking lets heat escape, requiring extra cooking time. Each time the lid is removed, add about 15 to 20 minutes of cooking time.
• A fat mop can be used to remove separated fat from slow-cooked food by brushing it over the top. Alternatively, the food may be refrigerated and the congealed fat can then be lifted off and discarded before reheating and serving.
• Should you want to decrease the amount of fat in recipes, remove as much of the visible fat as possible from meats and skin from poultry. Drain any fat from browned meats.
• Many slow-cooked foods such as stews benefit from cooling and refrigerating, then reheating – as the saying goes, stew or chili is always better the second day. Bring food to a simmer on the Brown/ Sauté function at 350°F. Stir to ensure all ingredients are warmed through and then switch to Warm on the Slow Cook function until serving.
• If using frozen foods, thaw completely before slow cooking.
• Recipes can be assembled the night before cooking. Brown ingredients if necessary and then combine with remaining ingredients in cooking pot. Cover and refrigerate. When ready to cook, place the cooking pot in the cold multicooker and add 30 minutes to your projected cooking time.
• In most cases, dried beans should be soaked overnight, drained, rinsed, and drained again before cooking. Do not add salt or any acid to beans when cooking, as it will prevent them from softening completely.

Adapt your traditional recipes to slow cook

• For recipes that do not require the Brown/Sauté function before slow cooking, reduce the cooking liquid by at least 50% (soups are the exception). Liquids do not evaporate as they do in traditional cooking, and most often you will end up with much more liquid than you began with.
• Dairy products (milk, sour cream, some cheeses) will break down and curdle during slow cooking. Substitute canned evaporated milk, nonfat dry milk, or add dairy products during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
• If your recipe calls for precooked pasta or rice undercook it and add to the pot in the last 30 minutes of slow cooking.
• Pasta can be cooked at the end of a slow cooking recipe. Switch unit to High and when liquid comes to a simmer add pasta and cook according to manufacturer's recommended time.

STEAMING

• To steam, fill the multicooker pot with no more than 1 quart of water.
• For smaller foods that might not sit evenly on the rack, we recommend steaming in a parchment or foil pouch.
  Note: If using foil, increase cooking time by approximately 50% of what is recommended.
• When adding heavier foods like corn on the cob to the steaming rack, place them on the middle of the rack and work your way to the edges.
• Always use caution when removing lid.
  It is best to remove the lid away from you.

CLEANING, CARE AND MAINTENANCE

All removable parts are dishwasher safe.

1. Unplug unit and allow it to cool completely before cleaning.
2. Never immerse unit in water or other liquids.
3. To clean the housing and control panel, simply wipe with a clean damp cloth.
4. Wash cooking pot, lid and rack with warm soapy water and rinse thoroughly. Or, clean in top rack of dishwasher.
5. Dry all parts after every use.
6. Any other servicing should be performed by an authorized service representative.

NOTE: If food residue sticks or burns onto cooking pot surface, fill pot with warm soapy water and allow to soak before cleaning. If scouring is necessary, use a nonabrasive cleanser or liquid detergent with a nylon pad or brush.

Troubleshooting Chart

Documents / Resources

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