Elite Gourmet MST-5240 - 3.5Qt. Slow Cooker with Locking Lid Manual

Also See for MST-5240:

Instruction manual (24 pages)

Table of Contents

Contents

1 IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS
2 SHORT CORD PURPOSE
3 POLARIZED PLUG
4 SAFETY WARNING
5 PARTS IDENTIFICATION
6 ASSEMBLY
7 BEFORE FIRST USE
8 HOW TO USE
9 CLEANING & MAINTENANCE
10 Documents / Resources
- 10.1 References
- 10.2 Download manual

Elite Gourmet MST-5240 - 3.5Qt. Slow Cooker with Locking Lid Manual

IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS

The Elite Brand takes consumer safety very seriously. Products are designed and manufactured with our valued consumers' safety in mind. Additionally, we ask that you exercise a level of caution when using any electrical appliance by following all instructions and important safeguards.

READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE USE AND SAVE FOR FUTURE REFERENCE

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

To protect against electrical shock, do not immerse power cord or plug in water or any other liquid. This is an electrical appliance. To avoid the risk of electrical shock or serious personal injury, always operate with dry hands.
DO NOT touch hot surfaces. Use handles or knobs.
NEVER pull the power cord to remove from outlet, grasp the plug.
DO NOT use the slow cooker for other than intended use. Do not use outdoors. For household use only. Keep 6 inches away from the wall and on all sides.
Close supervision is necessary when any appliance is being used by or near children. This slow cooker 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 the use of the slow cooker by a person responsible for their safety.
Unplug the slow cooker from the electrical outlet and allow to cool when not in use, before putting on or taking off parts and before cleaning.
If slow cooker stops working, turn power off and unplug from electrical outlet. DO NOT open the main base to repair. Contact customer service.
DO NOT operate the slow cooker with a damaged power cord or plug or after the appliance malfunctions or is dropped or damaged in any manner.
DO NOT let the power cord hang over the edge of a table or counter or touch any hot surface.
ALWAYS operate your slow cooker on a flat, dry, stable surface. Do not use on the floor.
The use of accessory attachments not recommended by the manufacturer may result in fire, electrical shock, or risk of injury.
DO NOT place slow cooker on or near wet surfaces.
Turn the control knob to "OFF" before plugging the power supply cord into the wall outlet. To disconnect, turn the slow cooker to OFF before removing the plug from the wall outlet.
Extreme caution must be used when moving an appliance containing hot food, water, or other hot liquids. DO NOT carry the slow cooker base by the handles with a full stoneware crock in it. ALWAYS use oven mitts to move it when full and make sure the lid is locked in place.
NEVER cook directly in the base unit. Use the stoneware crock.
DO NOT use stoneware crock or glass lid if cracked or chipped.
The heating base is subject to residual heat from cooking cycle. Do not touch heating base immediately after removing stoneware. Allow to cool before handling.
The glass lid and stoneware crock are fragile. Handle them with care.
DO NOT lock the lid while cooking. Locking the glass lid while cooking may lead to breakage, which can cause injuries.
DO NOT switch on the slow cooker when the stoneware crock is empty.
Allow lid and stoneware crock to cool before immersing in water.
Use caution when opening lid during or after a cooking cycle. Escaping steam can cause burns.
The slow cooker lid is made of tempered glass. Always inspect it for chips, cracks or any other damage. Do not use the glass lid if it is damaged; it may shatter during use.
DO NOT immerse base in water.
DO NOT pre-heat before adding ingredients.
DO NOT subject the stoneware crock to sudden changes in temperature. Adding cold water to a very hot stoneware crock can cause cracks.
DO NOT switch the slow cooker on when the stoneware crock is empty or out of the base.
There is an area on the base of the stoneware crock that must remain unglazed for manufacturing purposes. This unglazed area is porous and will soak up water. Do not leave stoneware crock in water while cleaning. However, you can leave water inside the stoneware crock to soak.
The removable stoneware crock is oven-proof and microwave safe. If desired, you can cook your recipe in the oven, and then transfer it to the heating base to take on the go or to keep warm while serving.
NEVER attempt to lift or carry the slow cooker by the lid handle. Always use the handles located at each side on the base.
Stoneware is fired at high temperatures therefore the stoneware crock may have minor surface blemishes; the glass lid may rock slightly due to these imperfections. Low heat cooking does not produce steam so there will be little heat loss. Due to normal wear and tear through the product's life, the outer surface may start appearing to have fine cracks on the surface of the glaze.
This slow cooker was designed to use for cooking inside the heating base and then be removed and transferred directly to the table for serving. Use a trivet to protect your table when serving from the slow cooker stoneware crock.
Do not use removable stoneware crock on gas or electric burner or under broiler. Do not put the stoneware crock or glass lid in a freezer or in a toaster oven.
Do not set the heated base on a finished wood table. Place a hot pad or trivet under the slow cooker to prevent damage to the surface.
Use caution when placing your stoneware on a ceramic or smooth glass cook top stove, countertop, table or other surface. The stoneware crock's rough bottom may scratch some surfaces if caution is not used. Always place heat resistant protective padding under the stoneware crock before setting on a table, countertop or other surface.
Spilled food can cause serious burns. Keep appliance and cord away from children. Never drape cord over edge of counter, never use outlet below counter, and never use with an extension cord.

SHORT CORD PURPOSE

warning 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:

the marked electrical rating of the extension cord should be at least as great as the electrical rating of the product;
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.

SAFETY WARNING

Although your slow cooker is easy to operate, for your safety, the warnings below must be followed:

Do not place the slow cooker near a heat source.
Never leave the slow cooker unattended while connected to the electrical outlet. Use the slow cooker on a stable work surface away from water.
Do not unplug from the wall outlet by pulling on the supply cord.
The slow cooker must be unplugged:
- After each use.
- If it appears to be faulty.
- Before cleaning or maintenance

PARTS IDENTIFICATION

ASSEMBLY

Unpack the Casserole Slow Cooker from the box.
Remove any packaging such as cardboard, paper and/or styrofoam.
Wipe clean all the parts with a soft damp cloth or sponge and warm water. Rinse and dry thoroughly. DO NOT IMMERSE THE CASSEROLE 3.5QT SLOW COOKER BASE IN WATER OR ANY OTHER LIQUID.
Using a damp cloth or sponge, wipe the base inside and out.

Do not use any abrasive material to clean the surface.
Do not immerse the slow cooker base into water at any time.

BEFORE FIRST USE

LOW SETTING: The low setting is recommended for cooking foods with low liquid density. Food can be cooked for up to 4-6 hours.
HIGH SETTING: The high setting is recommended for cooking foods with high liquid content and for meats, beans and grains. Food can be cooked for up to 4 hours.
KEEP WARM SETTING: Keep food warm in the slow cooker for easy serving. Food can be kept warm for up to 4 hours. Extended periods may result in altering the flavor of the food and over-drying the food.

HOW TO USE

OPERATION

Always set your slow cooker on a level and stable heat resistant surface. Make sure the feet are sitting securely on the table or counter.
Prepare your recipe per the directions.
Place the stoneware crock into the heating base.
Assemble your ingredients in the stoneware crock. Cover with the glass lid. If you need to pre-cook or brown foods prior to slow cooking, this must be done in a pan on the stove, not in the slow cooker.
To begin cooking, plug the power cord into an outlet.
Select LOW (approx. 175-195°F) or HIGH (approx. 195210°F) after referring to specific recipe for precise cooking time.
When cooking is complete, the slow cooker will NOT switch to WARM automatically. Turn slow cooker to OFF or WARM manually.
THIS UNIT BECOMES VERY HOT DURING USE AND EXTREME CAUTION SHOULD BE USED DURING AND AFTER COOKING UNTIL THE UNIT HAS COOLED COMPLETELY AFTER UNPLUGGING FROM THE OUTLET.

warning NOTE:

The initial 15 minutes of use may result in minimal smell and smoke. This is normal and harmless and comes from the protective substance applied to the heating elements during manufacturing.
WARM setting is only used for keeping already cooked food warm and is not intended for cooking. It is recommended to not use the warm setting for more than 4 hours.
Slow cooker lid should not be in the locked position while cooking. NEVER attempt to lift or carry the slow cooker by the lid handle.

LOCKING THE LID

Place the lid on the stoneware crock (Fig. 1)
Flip latch around to top (Fig. 2)
Push latch down to securely lock (Fig. 3)
Repeat steps on the other side of the lid.

UNLOCKING THE LID

Flip the latch up and around to loosen the wire clip. Clear the wire clip from the clip hook.
Repeat steps on other side of the lid.
Wire should remain in latch base when unit is unlocked (Fig. 4)

SUITABLE FOODS FOR SLOW COOKING & PREPARATION

Extreme caution must be used when moving an appliance containing hot food, water, or other hot liquids. DO NOT carry the slow cooker base by the handles with a full stoneware crock in it. ALWAYS use oven mitts to move it when full and make sure the lid is locked in place to prevent spillage.

Most foods are suited to slow cooking methods; however there are a few guidelines that need to be followed.
Due to the small size of this mini slow cooker, it is recommended to use for sauces, dips or other foods in small quantities.
Cut root vegetables into small, even pieces, as they take longer to cook than meat. They should be gently sautéed for 2-3 minutes before slow cooking. Ensure that root vegetables are always placed at the bottom of the pot and all ingredients are immersed in the cooking liquid.
Trim all excess fat from meat before cooking, since the slow cooking method does not allow fat to evaporate.
If adapting an existing recipe from conventional cooking, you may need to cut down on the amount of liquid used. Liquid will not evaporate from the slow cooker to the same extent as with conventional cooking.
Never leave uncooked food at room temperature in the slow cooker.
Do not use the slow cooker to reheat food.
Uncooked red beans must be soaked and boiled for at least 10 minutes to remove toxins before use in a slow cooker.
Do not subject the stoneware pot to sudden changes in temperature. Adding cold water to a very hot opt could cause it to crack.
Authentic stoneware is fired at high temperatures therefore the stoneware pot may have minor surface blemishes, the glass lid may rock slightly due to these imperfection. Low heat cooking does not produce steam so there will be little heat loss. Due to normal wear and tear through the products life, the outer surface may start appearing "crazed".
Do not put the stoneware pot or glass lid in an oven, freezer, and microwave or on a gas/electrical hob.

TIPS FOR SLOW COOKING

The slow cooker must be at least half full for best result.
If cooking soups or stews, leave a 2-inch space between the top of the stoneware crock and the food surface to allow simmering.
Many recipes call for all day cooking. Ingredients can be prepared the night before and stored in food containers in the refrigerator overnight. In the morning transfer the ingredients to the stoneware crock, add warm liquid or gravy and set the slow cooker for the desired temperature setting and time.
Most meat and vegetable recipes require 8-10 hours on LOW or 4-6 hours on HIGH.
Do not use frozen meat or poultry unless it is thoroughly thawed out first.
This slow cooker is designed to cook recipes low and slow. It is recommended using casserole, lasagna, dessert and other recipes that are meant to be slow cooked over a longer period of time.
Pieces of food cut into small pieces will cook quicker. A degree of 'trial and error' will be required to fully optimize the potential of your slow cooker.
All food should be cooked with a liquid, gravy or sauce. In a separate pan prepare your liquid, gravy or sauce and add to the food in the stoneware crock.
Pre-brown meat and onions in a pan to seal in the juices. This also reduces the fat content if separated before adding to the stoneware crock. This is not necessary if the time is limited, but it does improve the flavor.
It is recommended that you do not store foods in the stoneware crock in the refrigerator, however, if you do store food in the stoneware crock do not put the cold stoneware crock into the slow cooker base for a minimum of 45 minutes to allow it to warm up slightly. Make sure it is completely dry before placing it in the slow cooker base.
To avoid over or under cooking, always fill the stoneware crock ½ to ¾ full and conform to recommended cooking times.
Do not overfill the stoneware crock. To prevent spillover, do not fill higher than ¾ full.
When cooking dishes like bread pudding, strata and pasta, push pieces of bread and pasta into liquid mixture to moisten before cooking.
Unless the recipe instructs to do so, do not lift the lid during cooking. Significant heat can be lost and the cooking will be delayed.
For a crisper or more browned top, turn off slow cooker when cooking is complete and remove stoneware crock from the base. Transfer to a preheated oven (350 to 400°F) and bake for 10 to 15 minutes.
Allow casserole dishes to stand for 10 to 15 minutes before serving, allowing the food to set before cutting or scooping.
Coat sides and bottom of stoneware crock with cooking spray or butter before cooking to make clean up easier.

CLEANING & MAINTENANCE

When performing any cleaning or maintenance to this unit, be sure to unplug from power outlet first.
Remove the individual parts from the slow cooker base.
Wash the parts in warm soapy water, rinse, and dry thoroughly before storing.
Do not let the stoneware crock sit in water for more than a few minutes, however you may let water sit in the stoneware crock to soak if necessary.
Use a soft cloth moistened with a mild soap solution to clean the base of the slow cooker, lid, and stoneware crock. Dry the surfaces with a soft cloth or paper towel before storing.
Do not use abrasive cleaners on any part of the slow cooker.

Always be sure that the slow cooker is unplugged and completely cooled before cleaning or attempting to store the item.
NEVER IMMERSE base in water or any other liquid.
It is important to clean your slow cooker thoroughly after each use to prevent sticky build ups that are difficult to clean later. Proper cleaning of the slow cooker can lead to clean, better tasting food.

warning NOTE:

All parts, EXCEPT the base, are dishwasher safe.

Questions?
Elite's customer service team is ready to help.
For more Elite products and for support on this product, visit us at shopelitegourmet.com.