Elite Gourmet EST4401 - 9.5Qt. Stainless Steel Food Steamer Manual

IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS

When using electrical appliances, basic safety precautions should always be followed as below:

1. Do not touch hot surfaces. Use handles or knobs.
2. To protect against risk of electric shock, do not immerse or partially immerse the cord, plugs, or the entire unit in water or any other liquid.
3. Close supervision is necessary when any appliance is used by or near children.
4. Unplug from wall outlet when not in use and before cleaning. Allow to cool before cleaning or storing this appliance.
5. Do not operate any appliance with a damaged cord or plug or after the appliance malfunctions, or has been damaged in any manner. Return the appliance to the nearest authorized service facility for examination, repair or adjustment.
6. The use of accessories attachments not recommended by the appliance manufacturer may cause fire, electrical shock or injuries.
7. Do not use outdoors. This is for household only.
8. Do not let the electrical cord hang over the edge of the table or counter, or touch hot surfaces.
9. Do not place on or near a hot gas or electric burner or in a heated oven.
10. To disconnect, remove plug from outlet. Never pull on the cord.
11. The food steamer should be operated on a separate electrical circuit from other operating appliances. If the electrical circuit is overloaded with other appliances, the food steamer may not operate properly.
12. Extreme caution must be used when moving an appliance containing hot food, hot water, hot oil or other hot liquids.
    Use only with a 120V AC power outlet.
13. Use extreme caution when removing the lid during or after operation. Hot steam will escape and may cause scalding.
14. During steaming, you may see steam coming from the vents on the lid. This is normal. Do not touch, cover or obstruct the steam vents on the top of the lid as it is extremely hot and may cause burns.
15. Store food steamer in a cool, dry place.
16. Use the food steamer on a level, dry and heat-resistant surface.
17. To disconnect, turn the timer control to "OFF", then remove the plug from the wall outlet.
18. To reduce the risk of electrical shock, cook only in the removable steam trays and a heat-safe container.
19. This appliance is not intended for use by persons (including children) with reduced physical, sensory or mental capabilities, or lack of experience and knowledge, unless they have been given supervision or instruction concerning use of the appliance by a person responsible for their safety.
20. Children should be supervised to ensure that they do not play with the appliance.
21. Do not use appliance for other than intended use.
22. Certain countertop and table surfaces, such as Corian®, laminate and other surfaces, are not designed to withstand the prolonged heat generated by certain appliances. If you plan to use the product for a prolonged period of time, we highly recommend placing a hot pad or trivet under your appliance beforehand to prevent possible damage to the surface. And never leave the appliance unattended.

SHORT CORD PURPOSE

Note: A short power cord is provided to reduce the risk of personal injury resulting from becoming entangled in or tripping over a long cord.
Longer power-supply cords or extension cords may be used if care is exercised in their use.
If an extension cord is used:

1. the marked electrical rating of the extension cord should be at least as great as the electrical rating of the product;
2. the extension cord should be arranged so that it will not drape over the counter top or tabletop where it can unintentionally be pulled on or tripped over by children or pets.

POLARIZED PLUG

If this appliance is equipped with a polarized plug (one blade is wider than the other), please follow the below instructions:
To reduce the risk of electrical shock, this plug is intended to fit into a polarized outlet only one way. If you are unable to fit the plug into the electrical outlet, try reversing the plug.
If the plug still does not fit, contact a qualified electrician. Never use the plug with an extension cord unless the plug can be fully inserted into the extension cord. Do not alter the plug of the product or any extension cord being used with this product. Do not attempt to defeat the safety purpose of the polarized plug.

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS.
THIS PRODUCT IS FOR HOUSEHOLD USE ONLY.

PARTS IDENTIFICATION

1. Lid
2. Rice Bowl
3. Steam Tray No.3
4. Steamer Tray No.2
5. Steamer Tray No.1
6. Drip Tray
7. Removable Turbo Ring
8. Interior Maximum Water Level
9. Water Tank
10. Heating Element
11. Exterior Water Level Indicator
12. 60-Minute Timer
13. Power Indicator
14. Power Cord

NOTE: Baskets are marked 1, 2, 3. The baskets must be stacked in the sequence shown in the diagram.

BEFORE FIRST USE

• Read all instructions and important safeguards before using.
• Remove all packing material and check that all parts have been received in good condition. Peel off any adhesive labels.
• Cut up and dispose of all plastic bags as they can pose a risk to children.
• Wash the lid, rice bowl, steam baskets and juice collector in warm, soapy water before first use. Rinse and dry thoroughly. Do not immerse the steamer base in water.
• Wipe the inside of the water basin with a damp cloth.
• Check that the voltage rating on the base corresponds to the mains voltage in your home.
• DO NOT USE ABRASIVE CLEANERS OR SCOURING PADS.
• DO NOT IMMERSE THE FOOD STEAMER BASE, CORD OR PLUG IN WATER OR ANY LIQUIDS.

HOW TO USE

1. Place the steamer base on a flat stable surface, away from walls and over hanging cupboards.
2. Firmly place the tube over the heating element in the water tank. The tube shows an up-down mark.
3. Pour cold water into the water tank. Do not exceed the maximum mark.
4. Place the drip tray in the base making sure it sits flat.
5. Select how many steam trays you will need. Put the food into the steam trays and stack them in the sequence shown in "PARTS IDENTIFICATION". Steam tray No.1 should always be the lowest tray.
6. Cover the uppermost steam tray with the lid.
   NOTE: Make sure that the steamer is correctly assembled before using. Never use other trays or parts than those specially designed for use with this steamer.
7. Plug in and set the recommended cooking time (see the steaming guide). The indicator light will turn on, and steaming will begin.
8. Check the water level by exterior water level indicator, if necessary, add water on the side of the drip tray during cooking.
9. Once steaming is complete, the timer will ring and the indicator light will turn off.
10. Refill the water tank if you want to reheat the food.
11. Check food to be sure it is well cooked.
12. Use caution to avoid escaping steam and carefully open the lid by holding the handle. Remove the lid, place the basket(s) on the plate.
13. Unplug the steamer from the power outlet when not in use. Allow to cool and follow "Cleaning & Maintenance" instructions in this manual.

HINT:

1. The 3 steam tray bases are perfect for foods with different cooking times. Start by steaming food with the longest cook time on the lowest steam tray base. Then add the middle steam tray base and wall and then the top-most steam tray base at the appropriate times for them to cook. All 3 foods should be ready to be served once the steamer switches off.
2. If steaming rice or grains, water will need to be added to the heat-proof rice container as well as to the food steamer's water tank. Follow the steaming guide for suggested amount of water to use.

STEAMING GUIDE

NOTES:

• Do not remove the lid during the steaming process in order to ensure better results when steaming. Opening the lid causes a loss of heat and steam, resulting in longer cooking times. If necessary, you may need to add a small amount of water each time the lid is opened.
• The steaming chart is for your reference only. Altitude, humidity, ambient temperature and food thickness can affect cooking times. Actual cooking times may vary; always check the doneness of food before consuming.
• To ensure meat is thoroughly cooked and to prevent possible illness, use a food thermometer to check temperature of meat prior to cooking.

CLEANING AND MAINTENANCE

Always unplug the food steamer from outlet and allow it to cool completely before cleaning. Never immerse the steamer base, power cord or plug in water.

1. Unplug at the mains socket and leave the steamer to cool completely for a minimum of 30 minutes before cleaning.
2. Do not clean any part of the steamer with abrasive cleaners, e.g. scouring powders, scouring pads, wire wool, washing soda, or bleach.
3. Do not clean it with the abrasive cloth or sponge.
4. We recommend washing the steam trays, lid, rice bowl, and drip tray in hot water and dishwashing liquid. Rinse and dry thoroughly before storage.
5. Empty the water tank and change the water after each use.
6. Do not immerse the steamer base in water. Fill the water tank with warm, soapy water and wipe with a cloth. Rinse thoroughly.
7. Wipe the steamer base with a damp cloth.

REMOVING MINERAL DEPOSITS
After about 2-3 months of use, some mineral deposits can build-up on the water tank and heating element depending on the type of water in your area. It is essential to remove the water tank regularly.

1. Fill the water tank with water and vinegar to the MAX line. Do not use any other chemical or detergent.
2. Turn steamer on. Do not use steam tray, lid, drip tray, and rice bowl during this operation.
3. Set timer for approx 20-25 minutes and start steaming. If the vinegar mixture boils over, turn off the steamer and unplug from the mains socket.
4. When steaming has finished, unplug the steamer and allow it to cool down before pouring the vinegar mixture out.
5. Rinse the water tank several times. Dry the water tank thoroughly before storing it.

Questions? Elite's customer service team is ready to help. Call us toll-free at 800-365-6133 ext. 120/105. For more Elite products, visit us at shopelitegourmet.com.