This document describes the Tower T16040 6.5L Slow Cooker.
Function Description:
The Tower T16040 is a 6.5-liter slow cooker designed for preparing meals by cooking food slowly over an extended period. It features a removable ceramic cooking pot, a glass lid, and a temperature control dial with OFF, LOW, WARM, and HIGH settings. The appliance is intended for domestic use and is suitable for cooking a variety of dishes, including stews, roasts, and other slow-cooked meals. The slow cooking method helps to tenderize cheaper cuts of meat and allows for convenient meal preparation.
Important Technical Specifications:
- Model: T16040
- Rated Voltage: 220-240V~
- Frequency: 50/60Hz
- Power Consumption: 320W
- Capacity: 6.5 Liters
- Components:
- Glass lid with handle
- Ceramic cooking pot
- Slow cooker handles
- Slow cooker body
- Temperature control dial
- Power indicator light
- Safety Compliance: The device conforms to relevant EU directives including 2014/35/EU (Low Voltage Directive), 2014/30/EU (Electromagnetic Compatibility Directive), 2011/65/EU (Restriction of Hazardous Substances Directive), 1935/2004/EC (Materials & Articles in Contact With Food), 1907/2006/EC & 2009/125/EC (Eco-Design of Energy Related Products).
- Electrical Safety: The appliance is fitted with a BS 1362 approved fuse. Wiring instructions specify connections for live (brown), neutral (blue), and earth (green/yellow) wires.
Usage Features:
- Temperature Settings: The slow cooker offers three main cooking settings: LOW, HIGH, and WARM.
- LOW: Ideal for longer cooking times, typically 6-10 hours. It's recommended for tender cuts of meat and for meals that require more time to develop flavor.
- HIGH: Suitable for shorter cooking times, typically 3-4 hours. This setting is useful when you need to cook food more quickly or when browning meat.
- WARM: This setting keeps food at a serving temperature after cooking is complete. It's not intended for cooking food.
- Cooking Guidelines:
- Pre-heating: The ceramic cooking pot should not be preheated when empty.
- Liquid Levels: Slow cookers experience minimal evaporation, so it's important to reduce cooking liquid by up to 50% compared to stovetop or oven cooking. If food is too watery, remove the lid an hour before cooking finishes and cook on HIGH to allow liquid to evaporate.
- Root Vegetables: Place root vegetables at the bottom of the cooking pot, in direct contact with the cooker, as they take longer to cook. Cut them into small, evenly shaped pieces for even cooking.
- Meat Preparation: Trim excess fat and sinew from meat. Browning meat before slow cooking adds flavor and can reduce fat in mince. Do not use frozen meat unless thoroughly thawed. Always ensure meat is cooked to appropriate internal temperatures.
- Lid Usage: Keep the lid on during cooking to maintain heat and moisture. Only remove it briefly to stir or check food. Cooking without the lid can cause food to dry out and burn.
- Timers: The appliance does not have an automatic timer. External timers can be used, but the appliance should not be left unattended.
- Safety Precautions:
- Always ensure the temperature control dial is in the OFF position and the unit is unplugged before cleaning or when not in use.
- Do not immerse the appliance body in water.
- Do not touch hot surfaces; use oven mitts when handling the hot slow cooker.
- Avoid sudden temperature changes, such as adding refrigerated foods to a hot pot.
- Do not use the appliance outdoors.
- Do not use a cracked cooking pot.
- Do not use the appliance on a gas or electric cooking top or over an open flame.
- Do not use extension cords unless absolutely necessary and approved for the appliance's wattage.
- Children should not play with the appliance. Supervision is necessary when used by or near children.
- The appliance can be used by children aged from 8 years and above and persons with reduced physical, sensory or mental capabilities or lack of experience and knowledge if they have been given supervision or instruction concerning use of the appliance in a safe way and understand the hazards involved.
Maintenance Features:
- Cleaning:
- Ceramic Cooking Pot & Glass Lid: These are dishwasher safe. They can also be washed by hand in hot, soapy water using a mild household detergent. For stubborn food, fill with warm soapy water and allow to soak.
- Slow Cooker Body: The exterior can be wiped with a soft cloth and warm soapy water. Do not use harsh or abrasive cleansers. Ensure the appliance is completely clean and dry before storing.
- Hard Water Stains: To remove calcium deposits, fill the cooking pot with hot water, a small amount of washing up liquid, and about 250ml vinegar. Let it soak overnight or for a few hours, then clean as normal.
- Storage:
- Unplug the power cord from the power outlet and clean as above.
- Allow the appliance to dry fully.
- Store on a flat, dry level surface out of reach of children.
- Disposal: The symbol of a crossed-out wheeled bin indicates that the appliance should not be disposed of with domestic waste. It should be taken to an approved civic amenity site for recycling.
- Warranty: The product is guaranteed for 12 months from the date of original purchase. An extended guarantee of up to 3 years (1 year standard + 2 years extended) is available upon registration within 28 days of purchase at www.towerhousewares.co.uk. The warranty covers manufacturing faults but not wear and tear, misuse, or consumable parts.