Kuvings KGC712 Greek Yogurt and Cheese Maker User Manual

1. Introduction

This manual provides essential instructions for the safe and efficient operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of your Kuvings KGC712 Greek Yogurt and Cheese Maker. Please read this manual thoroughly before first use and retain it for future reference.

2. Important Safety Instructions

• Read all instructions before using the appliance.
• Do not immerse the main unit, cord, or plug in water or other liquids.
• Close supervision is necessary when any appliance is used by or near children.
• Unplug from outlet when not in use and before cleaning. Allow to cool before putting on or taking off parts.
• Do not operate any appliance with a damaged cord or plug, or after the appliance malfunctions or has been damaged in any manner.
• Do not use outdoors.
• Do not let cord hang over edge of table or counter, or touch hot surfaces.
• Do not place on or near a hot gas or electric burner, or in a heated oven.
• Always attach plug to appliance first, then plug cord into the wall outlet. To disconnect, turn any control to 'off', then remove plug from wall outlet.
• Do not use appliance for other than intended use.

3. Product Components

The Kuvings KGC712 Greek Yogurt and Cheese Maker includes the following parts:

• Main Unit with LED Display and Control Panel
• Lid
• Inner Container (70 oz. / BPA-free)
• Greek Yogurt Strainer

Figure 1: The Kuvings KGC712 Greek Yogurt and Cheese Maker main unit. This image displays the silver-colored appliance with its black control panel, LED display, and buttons for time, temperature, and menu selection.

4. Setup

1. Unpack: Carefully remove all components from the packaging.
2. Clean: Before first use, wash the inner container, lid, and Greek yogurt strainer with warm, soapy water. Rinse thoroughly and dry completely. Wipe the exterior of the main unit with a damp cloth. Do not immerse the main unit in water.
3. Assemble: Place the main unit on a stable, flat, and dry surface. Ensure it is away from heat sources and direct sunlight.

5. Operating Instructions

The Kuvings KGC712 features an LED display with a built-in timer and automatic shut-off for convenience.

5.1 Making Yogurt

1. Prepare Milk: Heat 70 oz. (approximately 2 liters) of milk to 180°F (82°C) on a stovetop or in a microwave. This step helps to denature proteins and create a thicker yogurt.
2. Cool Milk: Allow the milk to cool down to 105-115°F (40-46°C). This temperature is crucial for the yogurt culture to thrive.
3. Add Culture: In a separate bowl, mix a small amount of the cooled milk with your yogurt starter culture (either a store-bought plain yogurt with live active cultures or a powdered starter). Stir until smooth, then add this mixture back into the main batch of milk and stir well.
4. Incubate: Pour the milk mixture into the inner container of the Kuvings KGC712. Place the lid on the container, then place the container into the main unit. Close the main unit's lid.
5. Set Program: Select the 'Yogurt' function using the Menu button. Adjust the incubation time (typically 6-10 hours) using the Time/Temp and +/- buttons. Longer incubation generally results in tangier yogurt.
6. Start: Press the Start button. The unit will begin the incubation process and automatically shut off when the set time is complete.
7. Chill: Once incubation is complete, remove the inner container, cover it, and refrigerate for at least 4 hours before serving. This stops the fermentation process and thickens the yogurt.

5.2 Making Greek Yogurt

After making regular yogurt, you can transform it into Greek yogurt using the provided strainer.

1. Prepare Yogurt: Follow the steps for making regular yogurt (Section 5.1).
2. Strain: Once the yogurt is chilled, place the Greek yogurt strainer inside the inner container or another suitable bowl. Pour the finished yogurt into the strainer.
3. Refrigerate: Place the container with the strainer and yogurt back into the refrigerator. Allow it to strain for 2-4 hours for a thicker consistency, or longer for an even denser, creamier Greek yogurt. The liquid whey will collect at the bottom.
4. Serve: Discard the whey or save it for other uses. Transfer the strained Greek yogurt to a clean container and refrigerate.

Figure 2: The Kuvings KGC712 Greek Yogurt and Cheese Maker shown alongside small bowls of finished yogurt, garnished with berries and mint leaves, demonstrating the product's output.

5.3 Making Cheese

The Kuvings KGC712 can also be used to make fresh cheese. This typically involves a longer straining process of yogurt or cultured milk.

1. Prepare Base: Start with a batch of plain yogurt made in the Kuvings KGC712, or use cultured milk.
2. Strain for Cheese: Place the Greek yogurt strainer into the inner container. Pour the yogurt or cultured milk into the strainer.
3. Refrigerate and Strain: Place the container with the strainer and contents into the refrigerator. Allow it to strain for 8-24 hours, or until the desired cheese consistency is achieved. The longer it strains, the firmer the cheese will be.
4. Season and Serve: Once strained, remove the fresh cheese from the strainer. You can season it with herbs, salt, or other flavorings as desired. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

5.4 Pickling and Flavored Vinegar

The Kuvings KGC712 offers a function for pickling and making flavored vinegar. Refer to specific recipes for ingredients and precise timing, as these can vary widely.

1. Prepare Ingredients: Wash and prepare vegetables for pickling or fruits/herbs for flavored vinegar.
2. Combine: Place ingredients into the inner container. Add your pickling brine or vinegar base.
3. Set Program: Select the 'Pickle' or 'Vinegar' function using the Menu button. Adjust the processing time and temperature according to your recipe using the Time/Temp and +/- buttons.
4. Start: Press the Start button. The unit will process the ingredients and automatically shut off.
5. Cool and Store: Allow the contents to cool before transferring to storage jars. Refrigerate as needed.

Figure 3: The Kuvings KGC712 Greek Yogurt and Cheese Maker positioned on a wooden table, surrounded by various food items such as salads, pancakes, and fresh cheese, illustrating its versatility in a culinary context.

6. Maintenance and Cleaning

Regular cleaning ensures the longevity and hygienic operation of your appliance.

• Main Unit: Unplug the unit before cleaning. Wipe the exterior of the main unit with a soft, damp cloth. Do not use abrasive cleaners or immerse the unit in water.
• Inner Container, Lid, and Strainer: These parts are dishwasher-safe (top rack recommended) or can be washed by hand with warm, soapy water. Rinse thoroughly and dry completely before storing.
• Storage: Ensure all parts are clean and dry before storing the appliance. Store in a cool, dry place.

7. Troubleshooting

If you encounter issues with your Kuvings KGC712, refer to the following common problems and solutions:

• Unit Does Not Turn On:
  • Ensure the power cord is securely plugged into a functional electrical outlet.
  • Check if the outlet is receiving power by testing it with another appliance.
• Yogurt Not Setting/Too Thin:
  • Ensure the milk was heated to 180°F (82°C) and cooled to 105-115°F (40-46°C) before adding culture.
  • Verify that your yogurt starter contains live active cultures and is not expired.
  • Increase the incubation time. Longer times (up to 12 hours) can result in thicker yogurt.
  • Avoid disturbing the unit during incubation.
• Yogurt Too Tangy:
  • Reduce the incubation time.
  • Ensure the yogurt is chilled promptly after incubation to stop fermentation.
• Unusual Odor or Taste:
  • Ensure all components are thoroughly cleaned before and after each use.
  • Use fresh, high-quality ingredients.

If the problem persists after attempting these solutions, please contact customer support.

8. Specifications

• Model Number: KGC712
• Manufacturer: Kuvings
• Item Weight: 2 kg 270 g
• Item Dimensions (LxWxH): 17.8 x 17.8 x 20.3 Centimeters
• Container Capacity: 70 oz. (BPA-free)
• Features: LED display, built-in timer, automatic shut-off, pickling and flavored vinegar function.

9. Warranty and Support

The Kuvings KGC712 Greek Yogurt and Cheese Maker comes with a 1 Year Warranty from the date of purchase. This warranty covers manufacturing defects under normal use conditions.

For warranty claims, technical support, or any inquiries regarding your product, please contact Kuvings customer service. Keep your proof of purchase for warranty validation.

For more information, you may visit the official Kuvings website or contact their authorized service centers.