Hamilton Beach 33167, 33141, 33155 - Slow Cookers Manual

Crock and Lid: Precautions and Information

Removing Lid and Crock

When removing lid, tilt so that opening faces away from you to avoid being burned by steam.
The sides of the slow cooker's base get very warm because the heating elements are located here. Use handles on base if necessary. Use oven mitts to remove crock.

Parts and Features

How to Use Slow Cooker

Before first use: Wash all removable parts in hot, soapy water. Rinse and dry.
Crock Capacity: For best results, fill Crock no more than 1 inch (2.5 cm) from the rim. If only half-filled, check for doneness 1 to 2 hours earlier than recipe states.

1. Plug into outlet.
2. Add ingredients to Crock.
3. Place Lid on Crock.
4. Turn Control Knob clockwise to LOW or HIGH. Set a kitchen timer according to the recipe.

5. Turn Control Knob counterclockwise to OFF when cooking is complete.

Using Keep Warm Setting

• Food must be hot enough to prevent bacterial growth before using Keep Warm setting.
• The Keep Warm setting should only be used after a recipe has been thoroughly cooked.

• Do not reheat food on Keep Warm setting.
• If food has been cooked and then refrigerated, reheat it on Low or High; then switch to Keep Warm.

How to Transport Slow Cooker

(optional feature on select models)
The Lid Latch™ or Wire Clips help secure Lid while moving or transporting. NEVER lock Wire Clips during cooking.

1. Place Lid Latch™ into groove under one Handle. Stretch to other side and secure in groove under other Handle.
2. Once attached, Lid Latch™ can also be crossed over knob to further secure Lid. Or, to use Wire Clips, move clips up onto Lid and push down on top of clip latch to secure Slow Cooker for transporting.

Tips for Slow Cooking

• The Crock should be at least half-filled for best results. If only half-filled, check for doneness 1 to 2 hours earlier than recipe states.
• Stirring is not necessary when slow cooking. Removing Lid results in major heat loss and the cooking time may need to be extended. However, if cooking on HIGH, you may want to stir occasionally.
• If cooking soups or stews, leave a 2-inch (5 cm) space between the top of the Crock and the food so that the recipe can come to a simmer.
• Many recipes call for cooking all day. If your morning schedule doesn't allow time to prepare a recipe, do it the night before. Place all ingredients in Crock, cover with Lid, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, simply place the Crock in Base and start cooking.
• When choosing recipes for this Slow Cooker, look for recipes that call for cooking on HIGH 4 to 5 hours or LOW 6 to 8 hours. Recipes calling for less cooking time should be checked periodically for doneness.

• Some foods are not suited for extended cooking in a Slow Cooker. Pasta, seafood, milk, cream, or sour cream should be added 2 hours before serving. Evaporated milk or condensed soups are perfect for slow cooking.
• The higher the fat content of meat, the less liquid is needed. If cooking meat with a high fat content, place thick onion slices underneath so meat will not sit on (and cook in) fat.
• Slow cookers allow for very little evaporation. If making your favorite soup, stew, or sauce, reduce liquid called for in original recipe. If too thick, liquid can be added later.
• If cooking a vegetable-type casserole, there will need to be liquid in the recipe to prevent scorching on the sides of the Crock.

Food Safety Tips

• Do not use frozen, uncooked meat in the Slow Cooker. Thaw any meat or poultry before slow cooking.
• Visit foodsafety.gov or fsis.usda.gov for more information on safe internal cooking temperatures.
• To store leftovers after cooking, do NOT place the entire Crock in the refrigerator since contents will take too long to cool.
  Instead, divide leftovers into smaller containers and place into refrigerator.

Care and Cleaning

Electrical Shock Hazard. Disconnect power before cleaning. Do not immerse cord, plug, or base in any liquid.

1. Unplug and let cool.
2. Use oven mitts to remove Crock.
3. Wash Lid and Crock in hot, soapy water. Rinse and dry. The Lid and Crock may also be washed in a dishwasher. DO NOT use the "SANI" setting when washing in the dishwasher. "SANI" cycle temperatures could damage your product.

4. Wipe Base with a soft damp cloth or sponge and dry.
5. Do not clip Lid during storage.

Troubleshooting

Food is undercooked

• Was food cooked on the KEEP WARM setting? Only cook on LOW or HIGH setting.

• Was power interrupted?
• Did you select the LOW heat setting, but used a cooking time based on the HIGH heat setting?

• Crock was overfilled. For best results, fill Crock no more than 1 inch (2.5 cm) from the lid.
• Lid was not placed correctly. Check to make sure Lid is seated properly on the crock.

My meal was overcooked. Why?

• Foods will continue to increase in temperature after desired temperature has been reached. Check food when cooking time has been reached.
• Did you select the HIGH heat setting, but used a cooking time based on the LOW heat setting?

• Crock was less than half full. Check for doneness 1 to 2 hours earlier than recipe states.

The food isn't done after cooking the amount of time recommended in my recipe.

• This can be due to voltage variations (which are commonplace everywhere) or altitude. The slight fluctuations in power do not have a noticeable effect on most appliances. However, they can alter the cooking times in the Slow Cooker by extending the cooking times. You will learn through experience if a shorter or longer time is needed.