West Bend 87156 Oval Manual Slow Cooker User Manual

Important Safeguards

When using electrical appliances, basic safety precautions should always be followed, including the following:

1. Read all instructions before operating.
2. Do not touch hot surfaces. Use handles or knobs.
3. To protect against electrical shock, do not immerse cord, plugs, or heating base in water or other liquid.
4. Close supervision is necessary when any appliance is used by or near children.
5. Unplug from outlet when not in use and before cleaning. Allow to cool before putting on or taking off parts.
6. Do not operate any appliance with a damaged cord or plug or after the appliance malfunctions or has been damaged in any manner. Return appliance to the nearest authorized service facility for examination, repair, or adjustment.
7. The use of accessory attachments not recommended by the appliance manufacturer may cause injuries.
8. Do not use outdoors.
9. Do not let cord hang over edge of table or counter, or touch hot surfaces.
10. Do not place on or near a hot gas or electric burner, or in a heated oven.
11. Extreme caution must be used when moving an appliance containing hot oil or other hot liquids.
12. 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.
13. Do not use appliance for other than intended use.
14. Avoid sudden temperature changes, such as adding refrigerated foods into a heated ceramic vessel.

Product Overview

The West Bend 87156 Oval Manual Slow Cooker is designed for convenient and efficient slow cooking. It consists of a heating base, a removable ceramic cooking vessel, and a tempered glass lid.

Figure 1: The West Bend 87156 Oval Manual Slow Cooker, showcasing its brushed stainless steel exterior, black handles, and control knob.

Figure 2: The removable black ceramic cooking vessel with its glass lid, designed for easy cleaning and serving.

Figure 3: Close-up of the manual control knob with 'Off', 'Low', 'High', and 'Warm' settings.

Figure 4: Detail of the stay-cool plastic handles and the rim of the ceramic vessel fitting into the heating base.

Before First Use

Before using your slow cooker for the first time, follow these steps:

1. Remove all packaging materials and labels.
2. Wash the ceramic cooking vessel and glass lid in warm, soapy water. Rinse thoroughly and dry. These parts are also dishwasher-safe.
3. Wipe the exterior of the heating base with a damp cloth. Do not immerse the heating base in water or any other liquid.
4. Ensure all parts are completely dry before assembly and use.

Setup

Setting up your West Bend Slow Cooker is straightforward:

1. Place the heating base on a flat, stable, heat-resistant surface, away from walls or cabinets that could be damaged by heat or steam.
2. Carefully place the ceramic cooking vessel into the heating base.
3. Ensure the control knob is in the 'OFF' position before plugging the unit into a standard 120V AC electrical outlet.

Operating Instructions

The West Bend 87156 Slow Cooker offers simple operation for a variety of recipes.

Cooking Process

1. Prepare your ingredients as per your recipe.
2. Place all ingredients into the ceramic cooking vessel. Do not overfill; leave at least one inch of space from the rim.
3. Place the glass lid securely on the ceramic vessel.
4. Plug the slow cooker into a 120V AC electrical outlet.
5. Turn the control knob to your desired setting: 'LOW', 'HIGH', or 'WARM'.
6. Cook for the time specified in your recipe. Cooking times can vary, so it is recommended to monitor your food, especially when trying new recipes or if you notice the unit cooks hotter than expected.
7. Once cooking is complete, turn the control knob to 'OFF' and unplug the unit.

Figure 5: The slow cooker in operation, filled with ingredients for a meal.

Temperature Settings

• OFF: Turns the slow cooker off.
• LOW: Ideal for slow, gentle cooking over a longer period (typically 6-8 hours).
• HIGH: For faster cooking (typically 3-4 hours).
• WARM: Maintains food at a serving temperature after cooking. Do not use the 'WARM' setting for cooking raw food.

Note: Avoid lifting the lid frequently during cooking, as this releases heat and can extend cooking times significantly.

Care and Maintenance

Proper care ensures the longevity of your West Bend Slow Cooker.

Cleaning

1. Always unplug the slow cooker and allow it to cool completely before cleaning.
2. The ceramic cooking vessel and glass lid are dishwasher-safe. Alternatively, wash them in warm, soapy water, rinse, and dry thoroughly.
3. The heating base should be wiped clean with a damp cloth. Do not use abrasive cleaners or scouring pads, as they may scratch the surface. Never immerse the heating base in water or any other liquid.
4. For stubborn food residue in the ceramic vessel, fill it with warm, soapy water and let it soak for a few hours before cleaning.

Storage

Store the slow cooker in a dry place. You can store the ceramic vessel and lid inside the heating base to save space.

Troubleshooting

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

• Appliance does not turn on:
  • Ensure the power cord is securely plugged into a working electrical outlet.
  • Check if the control knob is set to 'LOW', 'HIGH', or 'WARM' and not 'OFF'.
• Food is cooking too fast or too hot:
  • Slow cookers can vary in temperature. Adjust cooking times accordingly. If a recipe calls for 8 hours on LOW, try reducing the time or monitoring closely.
  • Ensure the lid is properly seated to prevent heat loss, which can sometimes lead to overcompensation in heating.
• Food is cooking too slowly or not getting hot enough:
  • Ensure the lid is securely in place and not frequently lifted during cooking.
  • Verify the control knob is set to the desired cooking temperature ('LOW' or 'HIGH').
  • Ensure the ceramic vessel is properly seated in the heating base.
• Burning smell during initial use:
  • A slight burning smell during the first few uses is normal as manufacturing oils burn off. This should dissipate with subsequent uses. Ensure the unit is on a stable, heat-resistant surface.

For issues not covered here, please contact West Bend customer support.

Specifications

Figure 6: Diagram illustrating the dimensions of the West Bend 87156 Slow Cooker: 10.2" H, 16.1" W, 11.8" D.

Warranty and Support

West Bend products are manufactured to high-quality standards. For information regarding warranty coverage, please refer to the warranty card included with your purchase or visit the official West Bend website. For technical support, replacement parts, or general inquiries, please contact West Bend customer service through their official channels.

You can find more information and contact details on the West Bend Brand Store.