Russell Hobbs 4L Slow Cooker RHSC4A

Product Overview

Congratulations on the purchase of your new Russell Hobbs 4L Slow Cooker. This unit is manufactured to ensure safety and reliability.

Description of Product: A black, 4-litre capacity slow cooker with a Russell Hobbs branded control dial featuring OFF, LOW, HIGH, and WARM settings. It includes a tempered glass lid and a ceramic bowl.

Key Components:

• 1. Lid knob
• 2. Tempered glass lid assembly
• 3. Ceramic bowl
• 4. Cool touch handles
• 5. Cooking base
• 6. OFF/LOW/HIGH/WARM Control Dial
• 7. Power indicator light

Control Dial Settings:

• OFF: The slow cooker is off.
• LOW: Cooks at low power, often used for longer cooking times (8-10 hours) or less tender cuts of meat.
• HIGH: Cooks at maximum power, similar to a covered pot on the stovetop. Foods cook in about half the time required for low. Additional liquid may be needed.
• WARM: Used to keep cooked foods at a food-safe serving temperature after cooking is complete. Not recommended for cooking or reheating. Do not keep food on WARM for more than 4 hours.

Important Safeguards

When using this appliance, basic safety precautions should always be followed:

• Read all instructions before and follow whilst using this appliance.
• To protect against electrical hazards, do not immerse the slow cooker cooking base in water or any liquid.
• Do not use it in a bathroom or near any source of water.
• Do not use outdoors.
• This appliance is not intended for use by persons (including children) with reduced physical, sensory or mental capabilities, or lack of experience and knowledge, unless supervised.
• This appliance is NOT a toy. Children should be supervised.
• Always follow the instructions.
• Accessible surfaces/parts may become very hot when operating and remain hot after switching off.
• To avoid scalding, keep clear of steam escaping around the lid area.
• Do not touch internal surfaces until the slow cooker has fully cooled.
• Do not use the slow cooker to re-heat food that has already been cooked.
• Dried beans (e.g. red kidney beans) must be boiled for at least 10 minutes before being added; they are poisonous if eaten raw or undercooked.
• CAUTION: Do not operate on an inclined plane. Place on a stable, level, heat-resistant surface out of reach of children.
• Route the power cord so it does not overhang and cannot be caught accidentally.
• Unplug when not in use, before moving, and before cleaning. Let it cool down fully.
• No user serviceable parts. If the power cord is damaged, it must be replaced by the manufacturer or qualified person.
• Do not operate with a damaged cord/plug or after malfunction, dropping, or damage. Contact Customer Service.
• To disconnect: turn dial to OFF, turn off wall outlet, grasp plug and remove from socket. Never pull by the cord.
• Do not cook without using the ceramic bowl.
• Leave at least 75mm (3 inches) clear space around the slow cooker when in use.
• Do not cover the slow cooker or put anything on top of it while in use.
• Do not use near or below curtains or other combustible materials.
• Keep the power cord, slow cooker, and ceramic bowl away from hotplates, cooktops, and burners.
• Do not put a hot ceramic bowl on a cold surface or in cold water as it may crack the bowl or damage the surface.
• Do not put cold water into a hot ceramic bowl or hot water into a cold ceramic bowl as it may crack the bowl.
• Do not use the ceramic bowl with any appliance other than the slow cooker.
• Do not shock/bump the glass lid. It is tempered glass but not indestructible.
• Do not use accessories or attachments other than those supplied.
• Do not use the slow cooker for any purpose other than described in these instructions.
• Do not connect to an external timer or remote control system.
• For added safety, connect to a power outlet protected by an RCD (Residual Current Device) or 'Safety Switch'. Consult an electrician if unsure.

Intended Use: This appliance is intended for use in household and similar applications such as staff kitchen areas, farm houses, hotels, motels, residential environments, and bed & breakfast establishments.

WARNING: MISUSE MAY CAUSE INJURY

? HOT SURFACE: The areas with the hot surface symbol may be hot during and after appliance use. Use caution when touching these areas, as there is a burn risk. Wear protective gloves when possible.

The Benefits of Slow Cooking

• Health: Gentle cooking action reduces damage to vitamins and retains nutrients/flavours. Does not require added oil or fats.
• Economy: Tenderises cheaper, tougher cuts of meat and uses less power than an oven or cooktop.
• Convenience: Prepare ingredients the night before for a meal ready when you get home.

Getting Started

Before First Use

• Remove all packing materials.
• Clean all parts thoroughly before first use (see 'Care and Maintenance').

Preparation

• For recipes requiring browning or sautéing, do this in a separate pan, not the ceramic bowl.
• Thaw frozen food completely before adding to the ceramic bowl.
• Soak dried peas and beans for 8 hours (or overnight) before cooking to soften them. WARNING: Dried beans (e.g. red kidney beans) must be boiled for at least 10 minutes before being added to the slow cooker. They are poisonous if eaten raw or undercooked.
• Lentils do not need soaking overnight.
• Store prepared ingredients in a refrigerator. Do not put the slow cooker or ceramic bowl in the refrigerator as it may cause the bowl to crack when heated.
• Root vegetables take longer to cook than meat; cut them into 5mm slices, sticks, or dice. Sauté gently for 2-3 minutes before adding to the ceramic bowl if possible.
• Dried vegetables must be immersed in the cooking liquid.
• When cooking rice, use at least 150ml of cooking liquid for each 100g of rice.
• Pasta is not suitable for slow cooking as it becomes too soft. If required, stir in 30-40 minutes before the end of cooking.

Cooking Settings

Most recipes can be cooked on either HIGH or LOW. Many recipes will give times for both.

• LOW: Often used for longer cooking times (8–10 hours) or less tender cuts of meat.
• HIGH: Similar to a covered pot on the stovetop. Cooks in about half the time of LOW. Additional liquid may be required.
• WARM: Only use to keep cooked foods at a food-safe serving temperature. Not for cooking or reheating. Not recommended for more than 4 hours.

General Use

• Decide when you want to eat and when to start cooking. Find a recipe that suits your timings.
• Prepare food as described in the recipe. TIP: Cut food into similar sized pieces for even cooking.
• Sit the slow cooker on a stable, level, heat-resistant surface out of reach of children.
• Connect to the wall power outlet and switch it on.
• Remove the lid and place food in the ceramic bowl.
• Replace the lid.
• Turn the dial to the desired heat setting; the power indicator light will glow.
• NOTE: Do not use the WARM setting to cook.
• NOTE: A recipe that takes 10 hours should only be cooked using the LOW setting.
• When cooking is done, turn the control knob to WARM or switch the appliance OFF. Do not keep foods on WARM for more than 4 hours.
• Using oven gloves, remove the lid and place it on a heat-proof surface.
• Serve the food.
• Unplug the appliance when not in use and allow it to cool completely before cleaning.
• TIP: Cleaning is easier if you remove all cooked food from the ceramic bowl, then fill it with warm water (see 'Care and Maintenance').

Soup

Homemade soups can be left simmering all day or overnight. Flavours develop slowly and gently.

Tips for making soup in your slow cooker:

• Trim and cut meat/vegetables to similar sized portions for even cooking.
• Sear food lightly in a pan with a little cooking oil for richer flavour.
• For a thicker soup, stir in flour or cornflour, then gradually add stock.
• Do not add milk until the final half hour of cooking.
• Cream or egg yolk may be added just before serving.

Care and Maintenance

• Before doing anything else, unplug the slow cooker from the wall socket.
• Using oven gloves, remove the lid and ceramic bowl and place them on a heatproof surface.
• If not washing immediately, fill the ceramic bowl with warm water to prevent food debris baking on.
• WARNING: Do Not add cold water to a hot ceramic bowl.
• Do not soak the exterior of the ceramic bowl in water as it is porous and may crack when heated.
• Wash the lid and ceramic bowl in hot soapy water using a cloth or sponge, then rinse and dry thoroughly. Do not use a scouring pad. The ceramic bowl and lid may be washed in the dishwasher.
• Wipe all other surfaces (internal and external) with a damp cloth. Mild household detergent may be used if necessary. Ensure surfaces are dry before re-using or storing.
• The glaze on the ceramic bowl may develop 'crazing' (small cracks) over time; this is superficial and not a cause for concern.
• Do not immerse the body of the slow cooker in water or any other liquid.
• Do not use harsh or abrasive cleaners.

Storing

• Ensure the appliance is thoroughly dry.
• Never wrap the cord tightly; keep it loosely coiled.
• Placing the lid on upside-down can help save space.

Troubleshooting

Warranty Information

Spectrum Brands Australia Pty Ltd and Spectrum Brands New Zealand Ltd Warranty Against Defects

Contact Details:

Australia: Spectrum Brands Australia Pty Ltd, Locked Bag 3004 Braeside, Victoria 3195. TollFree: 1800 623 118. Email: info@spectrumbrands.com.au. Website: www.spectrumbrands.com.au

New Zealand: Spectrum Brands New Zealand Ltd, PO Box 9817 Newmarket, Auckland 1149. TollFree: 0800 736 776. Email: service@spectrumbrands.co.nz. Website: www.spectrumbrands.co.nz

In this warranty:

• Australian Consumer Law means the Australian consumer law set out in Schedule 2 to the Competition and Consumer Act 2010.
• CGA means the New Zealand Consumer Guarantees Act 1993.
• Goods means the product or equipment accompanied by this warranty and purchased in Australia or New Zealand.
• Manufacturer, We or us means: 1. Spectrum Brands Australia Pty Ltd (ABN, 78 007 070 573) for Goods purchased in Australia; or 2. Spectrum Brands New Zealand Ltd for Goods purchased in New Zealand.
• Supplier means the authorised distributor or retailer of the Goods.
• You means the original end-user purchaser of the Goods.

Warranty Guarantees:

1. Goods come with guarantees that cannot be excluded under the Australian Consumer Law or the CGA. You are entitled to a replacement or refund for a major failure and compensation for other reasonably foreseeable loss or damage. You are also entitled to have goods repaired or replaced if they fail to be of acceptable quality and the failure does not amount to a major failure.

2. The benefits provided by this Warranty are in addition to all other rights and remedies under the Australian Consumer Law or the CGA.

Warranty Conditions:

3. We warrant the Goods for all parts defective in workmanship or materials for a period of 2 years from the date of purchase (Warranty Period). If Goods prove defective within the Warranty Period due to improper workmanship or material, we may, at our discretion, repair or replace the Goods without charge.

4. The Goods must be used in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. This Warranty does not apply to defects or failures attributable to misuse, abuse, accident, or non-observance of instructions. The manufacturer does not accept liability for direct or consequential loss or damage arising from failure to use the Goods in accordance with instructions.

5. Exhaustible components are included under this Warranty only where there is a defect in workmanship or materials used.

6. The warranty is limited to repair or replacement only.

7. Any parts replaced during repairs or any product replaced remain the property of the manufacturer. The warranty on replacement Goods expires on the same date as the original Warranty Period.

8. To claim under warranty:

• (a) Retain this warranty with your receipt/proof of purchase.
• (b) Return the Goods to us or the Supplier by prepaid freight within the Warranty Period, accompanied by (i) legible proof of purchase (indicating supplier name/address, date/place of purchase, product name/serial number) and (ii) this warranty.

9. This warranty is immediately void if:

• (a) Any serial number or appliance plate is removed or defaced.
• (b) The Goods have been serviced or repaired by an unauthorised person or where non-approved parts are used.

10. The Goods are designed for domestic use only. Connect to the specified electrical voltage requirements.

11. This warranty does not cover the cost of claiming under the warranty or transport of the Goods.

12. This warranty is only valid and enforceable in Australia against Spectrum Brands Australia Pty Ltd and in New Zealand against Spectrum Brands New Zealand Ltd.

Register Your Product Online

Australia: www.spectrumbrands.com.au/warranty

New Zealand: www.spectrumbrands.co.nz/warranty

Registration is not compulsory but provides product information, hints, tips, recipes, news, and offers.

Any questions? Please contact Customer Service for advice.

Recipe Book

Split Pea Soup

Serves 7-8

Ingredients:

• 500 g dried split peas
• 1 cup chopped ham
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 stalk celery, chopped
• ¼ cup chopped parsley
• 1 tsp. chervil or rosemary
• 1 tsp. summer savoury
• 9 cups chicken broth
• 2 cups milk

Method:

1. Combine split peas, ham, onion, celery, parsley, seasonings, and chicken broth in slow cooker pot. Stir to thoroughly mix.
2. Cover and cook for 5 hours on high or 8–9 hours on low.
3. Before serving, stir in milk and blend thoroughly to heat.

Hint: To replace summer savoury, you can use a combination of thyme and sage or thyme and mint.

Slow Cooker Chili

Serves 8

Ingredients:

• 500g lean ground beef, cooked and drained
• 1 large onion, coarsely chopped
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 250g dried kidney beans*
• 2 cans beef broth
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 130 g chopped chilies
• 1 Tbsp. chili powder
• 2 tsp. cumin
• 1 can tomato paste (optional)

Method:

1. Combine all ingredients, except tomato paste, in the slow cooker pot. Stir to thoroughly mix.
2. Cover and cook on high for 4.5 hours or 7–8 on low.
3. For thicker chili, stir in tomato paste ½ cup – 1 hour prior to serving.
4. If desired, serve over hot rice.

Tip: For vegetarian chili, use 2 cups of frozen, thawed corn instead of ground beef. Substitute vegetable broth for beef broth. May yield slightly less.

*No need to soak or precook beans.

Jerk Chicken

Serves 4

Ingredients:

• 5 red onions, cut in 1-inch pieces
• 3 jalapeno peppers, seeded and cut into 4 pieces
• 1 large onion, quartered
• 1 Tbsp. all spice
• 1 Tbsp. dry mustard
• 2 tsp. cinnamon
• 2 tsp. nutmeg
• ½ tsp ground pepper
• 2 Tbsp, (25ml) Balsamic Vinegar
• 2 Tbsp, (25ml) soy sauce
• 1 chicken (1.5 - 2kg), cut up with the skin removed
• 1 can chicken broth

Method:

1. Using a food processor or blender, combine red onions, jalapeno peppers, onion, all spice, dry mustard, cinnamon, nutmeg, pepper, Balsamic vinegar and soy sauce. Process to chop and blend well. Coat chicken pieces with mixture (it will be thick).
2. Cover and marinate overnight in the refrigerator.
3. Place chicken in stoneware pot with marinade. Add chicken broth.
4. Cover and cook on high for 3 hours.
5. If desired, serve with rice and cooking sauce.

Tip: For thicker sauce, mix 1–2 Tbsp. of all-purpose flour with a little water, then add it to the sauce. Stir until the sauce thickens.

Mulled Orange Cider

Serves 16

Ingredients:

• 8 cups (2L) apple cider
• 3 cups (750ml) orange juice
• 2 sticks cinnamon
• ½ tsp. allspice
• ¼ cup packed brown sugar
• 1 orange, sliced and halved

Method:

1. Combine all ingredients in slow cooker pot. Stir to mix thoroughly.
2. Cover and cook on high for 3 hours.
3. Garnish with orange slices.