West Bend 5 QT. Slow Cooker

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Summary

Before Using for the First Time

Insulated Carrying Bag Care and Use

Helpful Hints for Slow Cooking

Product Warranty Information

Appliance 1 Year Limited Warranty

Details the terms and conditions of the one-year limited warranty for the appliance.

The West Bend 5-6 QT. Slow Cookers are versatile kitchen appliances designed for slow cooking, offering various heat settings and features for convenient meal preparation. The manual covers models with both 5-quart and 6-quart capacities, emphasizing the importance of matching recipe size to the cooking vessel.

Function Description:

The primary function of these appliances is slow cooking, allowing for extended cooking times at lower temperatures to tenderize meats and blend flavors. The slow cooker base provides multiple heat settings: "Keep Warm," "LO" (#3), "Med" (#4), and "HI" (#5). The "Keep Warm" setting is ideal for warming dinner rolls or muffins, while "WM" (#2) is specifically for keeping cooked foods warm for serving. The "LO," "Med," and "HI" settings are for actual cooking of raw foods, with "LO" (#3) being the minimum recommended setting for cooking to ensure food safety. The cooking vessel, made with a non-stick finish, can also be used on a range top for browning or precooking ingredients before slow cooking, or in a conventional or convection oven up to 350°F/177°C.

Important Technical Specifications:

Capacity: 5-6 Quarts (QT.)
Heat Settings: Keep Warm, LO (#3), Med (#4), HI (#5), or numbered 1-5 depending on the model.
Power: Operates on a 120 volt, AC electric outlet.
Cooking Vessel Material: Features a non-stick finish.
Cover Material: Glass cover.
Oven Compatibility: Cooking vessel (without heating base) can be used in conventional or convection ovens up to 350°F/177°C.
Not for Use In: Microwave oven, over a campfire, or under an oven broiler unit.

Usage Features:

Pre-conditioning: Before first use, the non-stick finish of the cooking vessel should be conditioned with a teaspoon of vegetable cooking oil to prevent sticking. This conditioning is also recommended after dishwasher cleaning, special cleaners, lemon juice/vinegar use, or if sticking becomes a problem.
Heat Settings Guidance:
- "Keep Warm" (#1) for warming dinner rolls, muffins.
- "WM" (#2) for keeping cooked foods warm for serving.
- "LO" (#3) for 7-10 hours of cooking (most meat and vegetable combinations).
- "Med" (#4) for 4-6 hours of cooking.
- "HI" (#5) for 2-3 hours of cooking.
- It's crucial not to use settings below "LO" (#3) for cooking raw foods.
Cooking Time: Meats tend to be most tender when cooked longer at lower heat settings. Removing the cover during slow cooking is discouraged as it increases cooking time due to heat loss.
Cooking Tools: Only plastic, rubber, wooden, or non-metal cooking tools should be used in the non-stick cooking vessel to prevent scratching.
Adapting Recipes:
- Liquid: Reduce liquid by half for most recipes, as little moisture evaporates during slow cooking.
- Seasoning: Reduce seasoning proportionally; use whole or leaf herbs/spices.
- Meat: Less tender cuts are suitable. Excess fat can be removed. Browning meat on the range top in the cooking vessel before slow cooking is an option.
- Vegetables: Partially frozen, Chinese, and fresh mushrooms should be added during the last hour. Strong-flavored vegetables may need precooking. Onions should be reduced.
- Fish/Seafood: Add an hour before serving and cook on "HI" (#5) to prevent falling apart.
- Dairy/Cheese: Add just before serving or substitute with condensed canned soups/evaporated milk, as they break down over long cooking times. Processed cheese works better than aged cheese.
- Rice/Pasta: Can be cooked separately or added uncooked during the last hour with sufficient liquid (1-1½ cups) on "LO" (#3) or higher.
- Dumplings: Cook in broth/gravy on "HI" (#5) for 30 minutes.
- Thickening: Use quick-cooking tapioca at the start (2-3 tbsp) or a cornstarch/flour paste at the end (2-4 tbsp with ¼ cup cold water), bringing to a boil on "HI" (#5).
Insulated Carrying Bag (if included):
- Designed for transporting cooked food, not for cooking.
- Use the storage lid for transport, not the glass cover.
- Food should not be kept in the bag for more than 2 hours to avoid spoilage.
- The bag must be zipped closed and carried level to prevent spills.
- Do not plug the appliance into an electrical outlet while in the bag.
- The storage lid is for transport/storage in a refrigerator/freezer only, not for cooking.
Temperature Guide: Emphasizes cooking foods to recommended food-safe internal temperatures, providing a table for various meats (Beef, Pork, Lamb, Veal, Poultry) and their corresponding safe internal temperatures.

Maintenance Features:

Cooling: Allow the entire unit (base, cooking vessel, cover) to cool completely before cleaning. Avoid running cold water over the hot glass cover to prevent cracking.
Heating Base: Wipe with a damp cloth. Do not immerse in water.
Cooking Vessel & Glass Cover: Can be washed by hand with warm, soapy water or in a dishwasher. If dishwasher cleaning, avoid contact between pieces. Recondition the non-stick surface after dishwasher cleaning.
Storage Lid: Wash in warm, soapy water, rinse, and dry. Can also be cleaned in the dishwasher (top rack only).
Insulated Carrying Bag: Wash with mild soap and a damp cloth, then wipe clean and dry completely before storing.
Warranty: A 1-year limited warranty covers failures in material and workmanship for indoor household use, provided the appliance is operated and maintained according to the manual. It does not cover damage to non-stick surfaces, accidents, misuse, abuse, negligence, scratching, or alterations. Hand-written receipts are not accepted for warranty claims; proof of original purchase is required.