Proctor Silex 4 Quart Oval Slow Cooker
About Proctor Silex
Proctor Silex® can help with that. Simple appliances that are simple to operate and intuitive require significant engineering. We only include what is necessary for ideal performance and locate controls where users are most likely to reach for them. We put an emphasis on smart design, invest in top-notch materials, and back our newest products with a 3-year product warranty rather than offering alternatives and extras that create more confusion than functionality.
IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS
When using electrical appliances, basic safety precautions should always be observed, including the following:
- Read all instructions.
- Do not touch hot surfaces. Use handles or knobs.
- To protect against electrical shock do not immerse the cord, plug, or base in water or other liquid.
- Close supervision is necessary when used by or near children.
- Unplug from the outlet when not in use and before cleaning. Allow cooling before putting on or taking off parts.
- Do not operate any appliance with a damaged cord or plug or after the appliance malfunctions, or is dropped or damaged in any manner. Call our toll-free customer service number for information on examination, electrical repair, mechanical repair, or adjustment.
- The use of accessory attachments not recommended by Hamilton Beach/Proctor-Silex, Inc. may cause fire, electric shock, or injury.
- Do not use outdoors.
- Do not let the cord hang over the edge of the table or counter, or touch hot surfaces, including the stove.
- Do not place on or near a hot gas or an electric burner, or in a heated oven.
- Extreme caution must be used when using an appliance containing hot oil or other hot liquids.
- To disconnect the slow cooker, turn the control knob to Off; remove the plug from the outlet.
- Caution: To prevent damage or shock hazard do not cook in base. Cook only in removable liner.
- Avoid sudden temperature changes, such as adding refrigerated foods into a heated crock. Do not operate the appliance in any way other than for intended use.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS!
CONSUMER SAFETY INFORMATION
This product Is Intended for household use only. This product is only intended for the preparation, cooking, and serving of food. This product is not intended for use with any non-food materials or products.
This appliance Is equipped with a polarized plug. This type of plug has one blade wider than the other. The plug will fit into the electrical outlet only one way. This Is a safety feature Intended to help reduce the risk of electrical shock. If you are unable to Insert the plug Into the outlet, try reversing the plug. If the plug should still fall to fit, contact a qualified electrician to replace the obsolete outlet. Do not attempt to defeat the safety purpose of the polarized plug by modifying the plug In any way.
To void an electrical circuit overload do not use a high-wattage appliance on the same circuit as the slow cooker.
The length of the cord used on this appliance was selected to reduce the hazards of becoming tangled in or tripping over a longer cord. If a longer cord Is necessary an approved extension cord may be used. The electrical rating of the extension cord must be equal to or greater than the rating of the slow cooker. Care must be taken to arrange the extension cord so that it will not drape over the countertop or tabletop where It can be pulled on by children or accidentally tripped over.
Parts and Features
- Cover
- Crock
- Base
- Control Knob
The Control Knob on the slow cooker offers Low and High-temperature settings for cooking. The Keep Warm setting is for holding the prepared recipe at a perfect serving temperature.
The Keep Warm setting should only be used after a recipe has been thoroughly cooked. Food should not be reheated on the Keep Warmsetting. If food has been cooked and then refrigerated it must be reheated on Lowor High, then switched to Keep Warm.
CAUTION: The Keep Warm setting should only be used after completely cooking the recipe according to the instructions. The food must be hot enough to prevent bacterial growth before using the Keep Warm setting. Do not use the Keep Warm setting to reheat any food that has been refrigerated or frozen.
If You’ve NEVER Used a Slow Cooker
Cooking in a slow cooker is easy but different from conventional methods. Take a few minutes and read “How to Use” and “Tips for Siow Cooking.” Then try some of the recipes. You will soon be convinced that a slow cooker is a necessity. There are also many slow cooker recipe books available in the library or bookstore. If you have any questions, please call our toll-free customer service number or check our website. We’ll be glad to help.
If You’ve Used a Slow Cooker Before
This slow cooker is designed to bring ingredients up to cooking temperature quickly. It may reach a full boil and cook faster than other slow cookers you have used. Because the slow cooker reaches its cooking temperature rapidly, older recipes may need to be adjusted. Some recipes may now take less cooking time.
You are probably ready to develop new recipes for use in your slow cooker. If the recipe was originally cooked in a saucepan on the stovetop, or slow-roasted in the oven, adapting the recipe should be easy.
Our slow cooker heats from the sides. The Base slowly raises the temperature of the Crock. Whether cooked on Low or High, the final temperature of the food is the same, about 200°F. The only difference is the amount of time the cooking process takes. Read the section on “Adapting Recipes” for more information.
Tips for Slow Cooking
- The Cover of the slow cooker does not form a tight fit on the Crock but should be centered on the Crock for best results.
- Do not remove the Cover unnecessarily—^this results in major heat loss. Do not cook without Cover in place.
- Stirring is not necessary when slow cooking. However, if cooking on High, you may want to stir occasionally.
- Slow cooking retains most of the moisture in foods. If a recipe results in too much liquid at the end of the cooking time, remove the Cover, tum the Control Knob to High, and reduce the liquid by simmering. This will take 30 to 45 minutes.
- The slow cooker should be at least haif-fiiied for best resuits. if less than half-filled, reduce cooking time.
- If cooking soups or stews, leave a 2-inch 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. Piace all ingredients in the Crock, cover, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, simply place Crock in the slow cooker and select the temperature setting.
- Meat and poultry require at least 7 to 8 hours on Low.
- Do not use frozen uncooked meat in the slow cooker. Thaw any meat or pouitry before slow cooking.
- When removing the Cover, tilt so that the opening faces away from you to avoid being burned by steam.
- The sides of the Base of the slow cooker get very warm because the heating elements are located here. Use the handles on the Base if necessary. Use hot mitts to remove the Crock.
Adapting Recipes
Some ingredients are not suited for extended cooking in the slow cooker. Pasta, seafood, milk, cream, or sour cream should be added 2 hours before serving. Evaporated milk or condensed soups are perfect for the slow cooker.
Many things can affect how quickly a recipe will cook. The water and fat content of a food, the temperature of the food, and the size of the food will all affect the cooking time. Food cut into pieces will cook faster than whole roasts or poultry. Most meat and vegetable combinations require at least 6 to 7 hours on Low.
The higher the fat content of the meat, the less liquid is needed. If cooking meat with a high-fat content, place thick onion slices underneath, so the meat will not sit and cook in the fat. Slow cookers allow very little evaporation. If making your favorite soup, stew, or sauce, reduce the liquid or water called for In the original recipe. If too thick, liquids 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.
How to Use Your Slow Cooker
- Before first use, wash Cover, and Crock in hot, soapy water. Rinse and dry. Do not immerse Base in water.
- Prepare the recipe according to the instructions. Place food in Crock and cover.
- Plug cord into the outlet. Select temperature setting.
- When finished, turn to Off and unplug Base. Remove food from Crock.
- Let Crock and Cover cool slightly before washing.
Cleaning Your Slow Cooker
- Turn the Control Knob Off. Unplug the cord from the outlet.
- Remove Crock Cover from the Base and let cool.
- Wash the Crock and the Cover in hot, soapy water. Rinse and dry. The Crock and the Cover may also be washed in the dishwasher.
- Wipe the Base with a damp cloth. Do not use abrasive cleaners.
Caution: To reduce the risk of electrical shock, do not immerse the Base in water.
Crock and Glass Cover: Precautions and Information
- Please handle the Crock and Cover carefully to ensure
long life. - Avoid sudden, extreme temperature changes. For example, do not place a hot Cover or Crock into cold water, or onto a wet surface.
- Avoid hitting the Crock and Cover against the faucet or other hard surfaces.
- Do not use Crock or Cover if chipped, cracked, or severely scratched.
- Do not use abrasive cleaners or metal scouring pads.
- The bottom of the Crock is very rough and can damage the countertop. Use caution.
- The Crock and the Cover can become very hot. Use caution. Do not place it directly on any unprotected surface or countertop.
- The Crock is microwave safe and oven-proof, but never heat the Crock when empty. Never place the Crock on a burner or stovetop. Do not place the Cover in a microwave oven, conventional oven, or on the stovetop.
Optional Feature on Selected Models
The Lid Latch secures the cover while moving, transporting, or storing the slow cooker. To use Lid Latch, place the white band into the groove located under one of the handles. Stretch the band to the other side of the slow cooker and secure
it in the groove under the other handle. Once the band is attached, it can also be crossed over the knob to further secure the lid.
Recipes
How much does your slow cooker hold? The capacity of your slow cooker refers to the amount the crock can hold if it is filled to the rim. However, we DO NOT recommend filling to the rim.
As a rule, you should select recipes that yield 1 quart less than the listed capacity of your crock. For example, if your slow cooker is labeled as a 6-quart slow cooker, your best results will be achieved using recipes that yield 5 quarts or less.
Our easy-to-use recipe symbols give you information at-a-glance! These recipes list ingredients in sizes for medium
slow cookers (3 to 5 quarts) and large slow cookers (5/2 to 7 quarts). Select the ingredient amount based on your needs and the size of your slow cooker.
Italian-Style Beef Stew
- lbs boneless beef stewing cubes
- (10 oz) box frozen mixed vegetables
- (16 oz) cans tomato sauce
- teaspoons Worcestershire sauce cup chopped onion
- (1.5oz)envelope beef stew seasoning mix
Combine all ingredients in the crock. Stir well. Cover and cook on Low -10 hours OR; High – for 5 hours. Makes 2 or 4 quarts.
Texas Chili Soup
- (16 oz) cans of red kidney beans, drained
- (1.25 ounce) envelopes chill seasoning
- (15 oz) cans tomato sauce
- cup chopped onion
- lbs stew beef, cut Into cubes
- (14 oz) can beef broth ef broth teaspoon salt
- teaspoon garlic powder
Combine all Ingredients In the crock. Stir well. Cover and cook on Low -10 hours; OR High – 5 hours. Makes 2 or 4 quarts.
New England Boiled Dinner
- lbs boneless, smoked ham
- (15 oz) cans whole potatoes, drained
- (15 oz) cans carrots, drained
- lbs of cabbage, cut in 6 wedges
- cup water
Place the meat In the crock and fit the vegetables around It. Cover and cook on: Low – 8 hours; OR High – 4 hours. Makes 6 or 12 servings.
Hawaiian Chicken
- lbs skinless, boneless chicken breasts, halved
- (16 oz) cans pineapple slices, drained
- (15 oz) cans mandarin oranges, drained
- tablespoons cornstarch
- tablespoons brown sugar, packed
- tablespoons lemon juice teaspoon salt teaspoon ground ginger
Combine all ingredients, except the chicken, in the crock. Stir well. Add the meat and stir well to coat. Cover and cook on: Low – 6 to 8 hours; OR High – 3 hours. Makes 6 or 12 servings.
Onion-Coated Beef Roast
cup steak sauce lbs bottom round or rump beef roast tablespoons dried minced onion
Pour steak sauce into the crock. Place meat in the crock and coat both sides with the sauce. Sprinkle each side with Vz tablespoon of the dried onion. Cover and cook on Low – 10 hours; OR High – 5 hours. Makes 6 or 12 servings.
Orange-Juiced Pork Chops
- oz can of frozen orange juice, undiluted
- cup brown sugar, packed
- teaspoons soy sauce
- tablespoons cornstarch
- teaspoon garlic powder
- (1-Inch thick) boneless, center-cut pork chops
Combine all ingredients, except the meat. In the crock. Stir well. Add the meat and stir well to coat. Cover and cook on Low – 6 to 8 hours; OR High- 3 to 4 hours. Makes 6 or 12 servings.
Oriental Spareribs
- tablespoons cornstarch
- tablespoons teriyaki sauce
- (10 oz) jars of duck sauce or
- sweet and sour sauce
- lbs country-style pork spare ribs
Dissolve cornstarch In teriyaki sauce. Add duck sauce and put In crock. Stir well. Add the meat and stir well to coat. Cover and cook on: Low – 8 hours; OR High – 4 hours. Makes 4 to 8 servings.
Sweet & Pungent Meat Balls
- (3 lbs) bags frozen cooked meatballs
- (12 oz) jars grape jelly
- (12 oz) jars currant jelly
- (12 oz) bottles chili sauce
- (12 oz) bottles cocktail sauce
Combine all ingrreients in the crock. Stir well. Makes 3 or 6 quarts. Cover and cook on Low- 6 hours; OR High – 3 hours.
Tex-Mex Beef Barbecue
- lbs brisket of beef
- (18 oz) bottles of hickory-smoked barbecue sauce
- (1.25 oz) envelopes chili seasoning
- teaspoons chopped garlic
- teaspoons lemon juice
- tablespoons Worcestershire Sauce
- cup chopped onion
Combine all ingredients, except meat, in the crock. Stir well. Add meat and stir well to coat. Cover and cook on Low -10 hours; OR High – 5 hours. Remove the meat and shred. Return the meat to the crock. Stir well. Serve on soft rolls. Makes 2 or 4 quarts.
Broasted New Potatoes
- lbs new red potatoes, unpeeled
- tablespoons olive oil
- envelopes zesty Italian dressing mix
Pour the oil in a plastic bag and add the potatoes and shake to coat well. Add the salad dressing mix and shake well until all the potatoes are coated. Place potatoes into the crock and cook on: Low – 8 hours; OR High – 4 hours. Makes 8 to 14 servings.
Chocolate Fondue
- (8 oz) boxes of semi-sweet baking chocolate
- (8 oz) boxes of unsweetened baked chocolate
- (6 oz) boxes white baking chocolate
- (14 oz) cans sweetened condensed milk, not evaporated 1 2 cups milk
- A cup of blackberry-flavored brandy. or other fruit-flavored brandy
Suggested foods for dipping: Strawberries, pineapple chunks, banana chunks, cake cubes, marshmallows, and cookies. Combine all fondue ingredients in the crock. Stir well. Cover and cook on: High – 45 minutes* Stir well after 45 minutes. Turn Control Knob to Low. Serve immediately or keep warm as desired. Refrigerate leftovers and use as chocolate sauce. Makes: about 1 or 2 quarts. *Only the High setting is recommended for this recipe.
LIMITED WARRANTY
This product is warranted to be free from defects in material and workmanship for a period of one hundred eighty (180)days from the date of original purchase, except as noted below. During this period, we will repair or replace this product, at our option, at no cost. THE FOREGOING WARRANTY IS IN LIEU OF ANY OTHER WARRANTY, WHETHER EXPRESS. OR IMPLIED, WRITTEN ORALINCLUDING ANY WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. ANY LIABILITY IS EXPRESSLY LIMITED TO AN AMOUNT EQUAL TO THE PURCHASE PRICE PAID, AND ALL CLAIMS FOR SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, AND CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES ARE HEREBY EXCLUDED.
There is no warranty with respect to the following, which may be supplied with this product: glass parts, glass containers, cutter/strainer, blades, and/or agitators. This warranty extends only to the original consumer purchaser and does not cover a defect resulting from abuse, misuse, neglect, use for commercial purposes, or any use not in conformity with the printed directions. This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other legal rights which vary from state to state or province to province. Some states or provinces do not allow limitations on implied warranties or special, incidental, or consequential damages, so the foregoing limitations may not apply to you.
If you have a claim under this warranty, DO NOT RETURN THE APPLIANCE TO THE STORE! Please call our CUSTOMER SERVICE NUMBER. (For faster service please have model, series, and type numbers ready for the operator to assist you.)
CUSTOMER SERVICE NUMBERS
- In the U.S. 1-800-851-8900
- In Canada 1-800-267-2826
- Web site address: www.proctorsilex.com
KEEP THESE NUMBERS FOR FUTURE REFERENCE!
FAQs Proctor Silex 4 Quart Oval
How exactly do you use a slow cooker?
Simply turn on your slow cooker, add the ingredients for your selected meal, adjust the heat to low or high, depending on the recipe’s directions, cover it, and let it simmer. If you don’t want to consume your meal right away, you may either keep it warm in the slow cooker or turn the slow cooker off to turn off the heating element.
How much time can a slow cooker run?
Make sure to read the instructions because it depends on your model. Even though some can be left on for up to 24 hours, the most only suggest 8 to 12 hours.
Is 10 hours too much time to cook in a slow cooker?
The quick response is yes. Slow cookers are designed to cook meals for a long time (some can be left up to 24 hours). Of course, you should adhere to the safety precautions specified in the user handbook and leave the appliance on low or warm rather than high while you sleep.
What tasks does a slow cooker perform?
Slow cookers aid in the tenderization of less expensive pieces of meat because of the prolonged, low-temperature cooking. Foods have more taste when they are cooked slowly. One-pot meals, soups, stews, and casseroles are just a few of the many dishes that may be prepared in a slow cooker. Compared to an oven, a slow cooker consumes less electricity.
How can a slow cooker tell when it’s finished?
When your food is done cooking, the CrockpotTM Slow Cooker will automatically switch to the warm setting. Your meal will stay warm as a result, so dinner will be ready when you are. It just depends on how long it takes to get to the simmer point for “High” and “Low,” which are both stable at the same temperature.
What is the serving size for a 4-quart slow cooker?
Making meals for the family is easy with the 4-quart size, which feeds 4+ people. Use the manual warm option to reheat leftovers or to keep food warm while you serve.
What occurs if the slow cooker is overflowing?
When adding food to the slow cooker, err on the side of “less is more.” A slow cooker will take longer to cook and produce less flavorful meals if you overfill it and put food all the way to the top.
Is it best to cook in a slow cooker on high or low?
As Ginny has worked with slow cookers for more than ten years, she advises using the “Low” setting as often as possible because most foods benefit from a moderate, soft heat that truly brings out the flavours.
How much electricity are slow cookers using?
A slow cooker is one of the kitchen equipment with the highest energy efficiency, according to the Energy Saving Trust. A slow cooker typically uses roughly as much energy as a regular electric light bulb. This indicates that a slow cooker actually consumes very little energy even if it is on for a longer amount of time.
How long does a slow cooker cook on high?
Every brand and type of slow cooker appears to have a different “High” and “Low” setting. On the other hand, food simmers on low for seven to eight hours as opposed to three to four hours on high, reaching a simmer point (about 210°).
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