• Bonus 2 cup food warmer - perfect for warm cheese and chocolate dips
• Three (3) choices for easy, automatic cooking: program, probe and manual
• Probe mode is perfect for cooking large cuts of meat or for recipes that require food to reach a certain temperature
• Thermometer probe reads the actual temperature of food as it cooks; the temperature is displayed on the slow cooker control panel
• Travel-friendly design secures contents en route to parties, potlucks, family gatherings and tailgating
• The lid securely seals in place with sturdy wire clips on each handle
• 6 quart removable stoneware crock fits a 6 lb. chicken or a 4 lb. roast
• Wraparound, even heat cooks food evenly and consistently
• Full-grip handles make carrying heavy meals easier
• Power interrupt protection keeps slow cooker on during a brief power outage
• Questions are supported by a toll-free call center located in the U.S.
• Backed with a one-year warranty

Using the Program Mode

If you’ll be busy or away when your food is finished cooking, use the PROGRAM mode. It’s easy. Simply input the amount of time your food needs to cook and select the HIGH or LOW heat setting. As food cooks, the illuminated display on the control panel will alternate between the heat setting and the remaining time. When the cooking cycle is complete, the Set & Forget® Programmable Slow Cooker will automatically shift to WARM setting.

Using the Probe Mode

For many foods, especially large cuts of meat, the internal temperature is the best test for doneness. The temperature probe takes the guesswork out of slow cooking. Select the desired internal food temperature and the slow cooker will automatically shift to WARM once the temperature is reached. By using the cooking guide for the PROBE mode you can estimate the amount of time the food will need to cook.

Using the Manual Mode

On days when you want to keep things simple, you can simply select between the HIGH and LOW heat setting to cook your food. When your food is ready, turn the unit OFF or select the WARM setting until you’re ready to serve your food.

SLOW COOKER TIPS

If you’re not familiar with slow cooking, there are a few things you should know about this method of cooking. First, how high you fill the crock (sometimes called the insert pan, stoneware, cookware or vessel) is important. To prevent overcooking, the crock should be filled half-full to no more than one inch from the rim. However, this does not mean to fill the crock with liquid. If cooking soups or stews, leave a 2-inch (5 cm) space between the top of the crock and the food so the recipe can come to a simmer. Secondly, if you lift the lid during cooking, your cooking time will increase due to heat loss. Unless your recipe specifically calls for stirring, resist lifting the lid. Last but not least, if you want to store leftovers after cooking, do NOT place the entire crock in the refrigerator since contents will take too long to cool. Instead, divide leftovers into smaller containers and place in the refrigerator.

Cooking Meat
A slow cooker is great for foods that are not naturally tender, such as meat with a lot of connective tissue. These are the least-expensive cuts but also the most flavorful. Like braising, slow cookers tenderize meat slowly as it cooks. If you choose cuts such as chuck roast, pork butt, short ribs or chicken thighs, you won’t be disappointed with the results. If fat is an issue, refrigerate the contents after cooking and skim off the extra fat before serving. Note: you must thaw frozen meat and poultry before adding it to the slow cooker.

Cooking Side Dishes or Dessert
Main courses, soups and “one-pot” meals are not the only things that slow cookers are great for preparing. They are also perfect for making side dishes and dessert, especially when your main oven is full. Check out the recipes on our Hamilton Beach Recipes page that were developed and tested by the culinary experts in the Hamilton Beach Test Kitchen.

How to Adapt Recipes
You can convert your favorite recipes to slow cooker recipes if you learn these important differences first:

• Liquids do not evaporate in a slow cooker. So unless you are cooking rice, pasta, or beans, reduce amount of liquid to 1/2 of the amount called for in your recipe.
• Fresh vegetables produce the most desirable results. Potatoes, carrots, onions and garlic should be washed and cut in uniform pieces, then placed in the bottom of the crock. Canned and frozen vegetables take less time to cook and can produce overcooked dishes.
• Ground beef should be browned and drained before slow cooking to remove grease.
• Tender foods such as pasta, asparagus and snow peas should be added in the last hour of cooking.
• Dairy products such as cheese, milk, and sour cream should be added in the last half hour of cooking.
• Seafood such as shrimp, scallops, and fish should be added in the last 15-30 minutes of cooking.

Time Conversion Chart
Fill your slow cooker at least 2/3 full and use this chart to adapt your recipes:

The removable stoneware crock and the lid are dishwasher safe. To clean the base, unplug and let cool, and then wipe it down with a damp cloth. Do not immerse the cord, plug or base in any liquid. Some slow cookers have steam vent holes in their lids; the Set & Forget® Programmable Slow Cooker has a probe hole. If you are not inserting the probe for using probe mode, leave the hole open and do not plug it with paper towels or other objects. Vent holes allow steam to escape and the wattage of the unit has been adjusted to compensate for any heat loss.