BELLA 6 Quart Programmable Slow Cooker

Important Safeguards

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

1. READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS.
2. Do not touch hot surfaces. Use handles or knobs.
3. To protect against electrical shock, do not immerse cord, plugs or appliance in water or other liquid.
4. 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 they have been given supervision or instruction concerning use of the appliance by a person responsible for their safety.
5. Close supervision is necessary when any appliance is used by or near children.
6. Unplug from outlet when not in use and before cleaning. Allow to cool before putting on or taking off parts.
7. Do not operate any appliance with a damaged cord or plug or after the appliance malfunctions or has been damaged in any manner. Bring it to a qualified technician for examination, repair or electrical or mechanical adjustment.
8. The use of accessory attachments not recommended by the appliance manufacturer may cause injuries.
9. Do not use outdoors.
10. Do not let cord hang over edge of table or counter, or touch hot surfaces.
11. Do not place on or near a hot gas or electric burner, or in a heated oven.
12. Extreme caution must be used when moving an appliance containing hot oil or other hot liquids.

CAUTION: To protect against damage or electric shock, do not cook in the base unit. Cook only in the stoneware pot provided.

13. To disconnect, press the STOP button, then remove plug from wall outlet.
14. Do not use appliance for other than intended use.
15. Avoid sudden temperature changes, such as adding refrigerated foods into a heated stoneware pot.
16. Do not use stoneware pot or glass lid if chipped, cracked, or severely scratched.

FOR HOUSEHOLD USE ONLY

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS

Additional Important Safeguards

CAUTION, HOT SURFACES: This appliance generates heat and escaping steam during use. Proper precautions must be taken to prevent the risk of burns, fires or other injury to persons or damage to property.

1. A person who has not read and understood all operating and safety instructions is not qualified to operate this appliance. All users of this appliance must read and understand this instruction manual before operating or cleaning this appliance.
2. If this appliance falls or accidentally becomes immersed in water, unplug it from the wall outlet immediately. Do not reach into the water!
3. When using this appliance, provide adequate air space above and on all sides for air circulation. Do not operate this appliance while it is touching or near curtains, wall coverings, clothing, dish towels or other flammable materials.
4. Do not leave this appliance unattended during use.
5. If this appliance begins to malfunction during use, immediately unplug the cord. Do not use or attempt to repair a malfunctioning appliance!
6. The cord to this appliance should be plugged into a 120V AC electrical wall outlet.
7. Do not use this appliance in an unstable position.
8. Never use the stoneware pot on a gas or electric cook top or on an open flame, or in a heated oven.
9. Lift off lid carefully to avoid scalding, and allow water to drip into stoneware pot.

Notes on the Plug

This appliance has a polarized plug (one blade is wider than the other). To reduce the risk of electric shock, this plug will fit in a polarized outlet only one way. If the plug does not fit fully into the outlet, reverse the plug. If it still does not fit, contact a qualified electrician. Do not modify the plug in any way.

Notes on the Cord

The provided short power-supply cord (or detachable power-supply cord) should be used to reduce the risk resulting from becoming entangled in or tripping over a longer cord. Do not use an extension cord with this product.

Plasticizer Warning

CAUTION: To prevent Plasticizers from migrating from the finish of the counter top or table top or other furniture, place NON-PLASTIC coasters or place mats between the appliance and the finish of the counter top or table top. Failure to do so may cause the finish to darken; permanent blemishes may occur or stains can appear.

Electric Power

If the electrical circuit is overloaded with other appliances, your appliance may not operate properly. It should be operated on a separate electrical circuit from other appliances.

Getting To Know Your 6 Quart Programmable Slow Cooker

Product may vary slightly from illustration

Figure 1: Components

• Lid Knob
• Mixing Spoon
• Spoon Rest
• Tempered Glass Lid
• Stoneware Pot Handles
• Stoneware Pot
• Base Unit
• Front Lid Lock Button
• Base Handles
• Time Display
• Program Indicator: LOW/HIGH/WARM
• MODE Button
• UP/DOWN TIME Arrows
• STOP Button
• Polarized Plug

Figure 1A: Rear View

• Rear Lid Hinge
• Hinge Receptacle
• Rear Lid Lock Button

Introduction to Programmable Slow Cooking

At last! A Slow Cooker pretty enough to cook and serve in...with a convenient place to keep the mixing/serving spoon! This Programmable Slow Cooker can operate at LOW all day or night, up to 20 hours... with an easy-to-read digital count-down timer to turn the appliance OFF automatically. No more over-cooked slow cooked meals! The front and back locked lid seals tight for spill-proof travel.

NOTE: When slow cooking on HIGH setting, it is very much like a covered pot on the stove top. Foods will cook on HIGH in about half the time required for LOW cooking. Additional liquid may be required as foods do boil on HIGH.

Before Using for the First Time

1. Carefully unpack your Programmable Slow Cooker. Remove all packaging and materials from the stoneware pot, lid, and mixing spoon.
2. It is necessary to operate the Programmable Slow Cooker once before placing food in the stoneware pot.
3. Open the locking lid. Press front lid lock button, then use the lid handle to open the Slow Cooker lid.
4. Pour 4 cups of water into the stoneware pot.
5. Close the glass lid. An audible click can be heard as the lid locks into position.
6. Plug into a 120V AC outlet. The screen will begin to flash until the unit is programmed.
7. Press the MODE selector button until the HIGH program indicator illuminates on the screen. Press the TIME program + button until "0:30" appears on the time display. The Slow Cooker will begin to heat in 2 seconds.

NOTE: You may notice a slight odor; this is normal and should quickly disappear.

8. When the cooking time expires (00:00), the warm setting will flash for 5 seconds and then will activate the keep warm mode for 4 hours.

NOTE: Press the STOP button at any time to turn the Programmable Slow Cooker OFF.

9. Unplug the Slow Cooker and allow the unit to cool.
10. Press front lid lock button, then use the lid handle to open the hinged Slow Cooker lid. Wearing oven mitts, grasp the pot handles carefully to lift and remove the stoneware pot from the base unit; empty the water from the stoneware pot.
11. Wash the stoneware pot and mixing spoon in mild dish washing soap. Use a lightly soaped sponge to clean the glass lid. Rinse and dry all parts thoroughly. Replace stoneware pot inside the base unit. Set mixing spoon onto the spoon rest behind the lid.

Stoneware Pot Care

Like any ceramic, the stoneware pot may crack or break if not properly handled. To prevent damage, handle with care!

WARNING: Failure to follow these instructions can cause breakage resulting in injury or property damage.

• ALWAYS USE POTHOLDERS OR OVEN MITTS WHEN HANDLING HOT STONEWARE.
• DO NOT place hot stoneware pots on counter top. Use a protective trivet.
• DO NOT place stoneware pot on any range top burner, under a broiler, microwave browning element, in a heated oven or in a toaster oven.
• DO NOT strike utensils against rim of stoneware pot to dislodge food.
• DO NOT use stoneware pot to pop corn, caramelize sugar, or make candy.
• DO NOT use abrasive cleaners, scouring pads, or any object that will scratch the cookware or accessories.
• DO NOT use or repair any pot or lid that is chipped, cracked, or broken.
• DO NOT use stoneware pot for reheating foods or for general food storage.
• Always place foods into the stoneware pot at room temperature; then place pot into the base unit before turning unit ON.
• NEVER heat the stoneware pot when it is empty.

Operating Instructions

NOTE: When serving from the Programmable Slow Cooker, always place a trivet or protective padding under the pot before placing it on a table or counter top.

1. Prepare recipe ingredients according to instructions.
2. Press front lid lock button, then use the lid handle to open the Slow Cooker lid.
3. Place food into the stoneware pot. DO NOT FILL THE POT TO THE TOP WITH FOOD. For best results, the Slow Cooker should be at least half-filled. When cooking soups or stews, allow a 2 inch space between the food and the top of the cooking pot, so ingredients can come to a simmer.

NOTE: When cooking a meat and vegetable combination, place the vegetables in the bottom of the stoneware pot first. Then add the meat and other ingredients.

NOTE: When cooking on HIGH, check cooking progress, as some soups may come to boil. Remember that frequent lifting of the lid during cooking delays the cook time.

WARNING: The stoneware pot CANNOT stand the shock of sudden temperature changes. If the pot is hot, DO NOT add cold food. Before cooking frozen food, add some warm liquid.

4. Plug into a 120V AC outlet. The screen will begin flashing until the unit is programmed.
5. Following recipe instructions press the MODE button until the desired HIGH or LOW program indicator illuminates on the screen.

NOTE: Use the WARM function to reheat or keep cooked food warm.

6. Press the TIME program UP button and "0:30" (30 minutes) will appear on the TIME display. Continue to press the + or - button until the target cook TIME is displayed. The Programmable Slow Cooker can be programmed in half hour (30 minute) increments from "0:30" (30 minutes) to "20:00" (20 hours). After 2 seconds, the Slow Cooker will begin to heat.

NOTE: Press the + or - buttons to adjust target cook TIME at any time while the Slow Cooker is cooking.

NOTE: If the LOW or HIGH MODE is selected without entering a cook time the Programmable Slow Cooker will heat by default for a time of "08:00" (8 hours) in LOW setting and "04:00" (4 hours) in HIGH.

NOTE: Press the STOP button at any time to turn the Programmable Slow Cooker OFF.

7. The TIME on the display will begin to count down in minutes until "0:00" minutes is shown.; cook time is complete. When the cooking time expires (00:00), the warm setting will flash for 5 seconds and then will automatically activate the keep warm mode for 4 hours.

NOTE: Press the STOP button at any time to turn the Programmable Slow Cooker OFF

8. Press front lid lock button, then use the lid handle to open the hinged Slow Cooker lid.
9. Allow a few seconds for all steam to escape. Inspect and test food for doneness and adjust seasonings if needed.
10. To manually select the warm setting, press the MODE button until WARM is illuminated. The Programmable Slow Cooker will WARM by default for "04:00" (4 hours).

NOTE: Press the STOP button at any time to turn the Programmable Slow Cooker OFF.

11. Place the mixing spoon in the spoon rest and serve directly from the stoneware pot, if desired.

CAUTION: The base unit will get very warm during cooking. This is where the heating elements are located. When moving the Programmable Slow Cooker, grasp the unit by the base unit handles; use potholders or oven mitts. (See Figure 2.) Even when turned OFF and unplugged, the Programmable Slow Cooker base unit remains hot for some time after using; set aside and allow unit to cool before cleaning or storing.

Figure 2: Base Unit Detail

12. Unplug from electrical outlet. Allow to cool completely before cleaning, see Cleaning Instructions.

Hints for Slow Cooking

• Less tender, cheaper cuts of meat are better candidates for slow cooking than more expensive varieties.
• Meats will not brown during the cooking process. Browning fatty meats will reduce the amount of fat and help to preserve color while adding richer flavor. Heat a small amount of oil in a skillet and brown meats prior to putting into the stoneware pot.
• Whole herbs and spices flavor better in slow cooking than crushed or ground.
• When cooking in a Slow Cooker, remember that liquids do not boil away like they do in conventional cooking. Reduce the amount of liquid in any recipe that is not designed for a Slow Cooker. The exceptions to this rule would be rice and soups. Remember, liquids can always be added at a later time if necessary. If a recipe results in too much liquid at the end of the cooking time, remove the cover and re-program the Slow Cooker to continue to cook HIGH for 1 hour (1:00). Check every 15 minutes until the amount of liquid is reduced. Press the STOP button when the desired consistency is achieved.
• Most recipes that call for uncooked meat and vegetables require about 6-8 hours on LOW temperature.
• The higher the fat content, the less liquid needed. If cooking meat with a high fat content, use thick onion slices under it so that the meat will not sit and cook in the fat. If necessary, use a slice of bread, a spoon, or a straining spoon to skim off excess fat from top of foods before serving.
• Foods cut into uniform pieces will cook faster and more evenly than foods left whole, such as roast or poultry.
• Always use a meat thermometer to determine if meats have been cooked to proper temperature.
• Root vegetables such as carrots, potatoes, turnips and beets require longer cooking time than many meats. Place them on the bottom of the Slow Cooker and cover with liquid. Check to see they are fork-tender when meat temperature is reached. Remove meat and continue cooking vegetables if necessary.
• Add fresh dairy products (milk, sour cream or yogurt) prior to serving. Evaporated milk or condensed creamed soups may be added at the start of cooking.
• Rice, noodles and pasta are not recommended for long cooking periods. Cook them separately and then add to the Slow Cooker during the last 30 minutes.

User Maintenance Instructions

This appliance requires little maintenance. It contains no user serviceable parts. Do not try to repair it yourself. Any servicing requiring disassembly other than cleaning, must be performed by a qualified appliance repair technician.

Cleaning Instructions

CAUTION: NEVER IMMERSE BASE UNIT OR CORD IN WATER OR OTHER LIQUID.

1. Always unplug and allow to cool completely before cleaning.
2. Remove the locking lid. Press both the front and rear lid lock buttons. Lift the lid up and off the base unit.
3. The stoneware pot, tempered glass lid and mixing spoon may be cleaned in the dishwasher. To avoid damage, position the stoneware pot and glass lid in dishwasher rack so that it will not hit other items during cleaning. To clean by hand, wash the stoneware pot and glass lid in warm, soapy water.
4. Avoid sudden, extreme temperature changes. For example, do not place a hot stoneware pot into cold water or onto a wet surface.
5. Avoid hitting the stoneware pot and glass lid against the faucet or other hard surfaces. CAUTION: Do not use stoneware pot or glass lid if chipped, cracked, or severely scratched.
6. If food sticks to the stoneware pot, fill with warm soapy water and allow to soak before cleaning. A paste of baking soda may be used with a plastic scouring pad.
7. To remove water spots or mineral deposits, wipe pot with distilled white vinegar. For difficult stains, pour a small amount into the stoneware pot and allow to soak. Rinse and dry thoroughly.
8. Wipe interior and exterior of the base unit with a soft, slightly damp cloth or sponge. Never use abrasive cleansers or scouring pads to clean the base unit, as they may damage the surfaces.
9. Replace the locking lid. Insert both rear lid lock posts into the hinge receptacle in the back of the base unit. (See Figure 4.)

Figure 3 & 4: Diagrams related to cleaning and storage.

Storing Instructions

1. Be sure all parts are clean and dry before storing.
2. Store Programmable Slow Cooker with stoneware pot inside base unit, and the tempered glass lid locked. Store assembled unit its box or in a clean, dry place.
3. Never store Programmable Slow Cooker while it is hot or wet.
4. Never wrap cord tightly around the appliance; keep it loosely coiled.

6 Qt. Slow Cooker Cooking Chart

NOTE: This chart is intended as a general guide. Please check temperatures with a meat thermometer and follow USDA food safety guidelines listed below.

USDA Cooking Guidelines

PLEASE NOTE: The USDA recommends that meats such as beef and lamb, etc. should be cooked to an internal temperature of 145°F/63°C. Pork should be cooked to an internal temperature of 160°F/71°C and poultry products should be cooked to an internal temperature of 170°F/77°C - 180°F/82°C to be sure any harmful bacteria has been killed. When reheating meat/poultry products, they should also be cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F/74°C.

Recipes

Chipotle Maple Low & Slow Pulled Pork

Cook: 10:00 – 12:00 LOW, or 7:00 – 9:00 HIGH

Serves: 6 - 10

• 1 (4 - 5 lb.) pork shoulder
• 10 cloves garlic
• 1 cup apple cider
• Salt and freshly ground pepper
• 6-10 crusty rolls, for serving (and dunking)

Chipotle Maple Sauce:

• 1 cup maple syrup
• 6 chipotle peppers, seeded
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 10-12 dried figs, chopped
• 4 apples, seeded and chopped
• 1/4 cup water
• 2 tablespoons salt

1. Using a small, sharp knife, cut deep slits into all sides of the pork shoulder and bury 1 garlic clove in each slit.
2. In a large skillet, pan sear the pork shoulder on all sides in smoking oil over medium-high heat until a rich, brown exterior is achieved. Remove browned pork and set aside.
3. Deglaze the skillet with apple cider, making sure all flavorful brown bits are incorporated into the juice. Add cider and all Chipotle Maple Sauce ingredients to the stoneware pot. Mix until well combined.
4. Add the pork shoulder back to the stoneware pot. Close the lid.
5. Program the Slow Cooker for LOW; depending on the amount of food in the stoneware pot, set the TIME between 10:00 – 12:00 hours or cook on HIGH between 7:00 – 9:00 hours.
6. Pork is done when the meat falls apart. Strain liquid and degrease. Using 2 forks, pull pork into tasty strands of meat. Stuff rolls with pork and douse with sauce. Serve with sweet potato chips and baked beans.

BBQ Spare Ribs

For fabulous, rich, tasty BBQ pork spare ribs, the Programmable Slow Cooker is your best friend. Whether you finish these under the broiler or over a hot charcoal grill, these meaty ribs are good to the bone!

Cook: 5:00 – 6:00 HIGH

Serves: 6 - 8

• 1-1/2 - 2 full slabs (4 – 5 lbs.) pork spare ribs, brisket removed
• Dry Rub
• 1 cup chili powder
• 2 tablespoons garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon onion powder
• 2 teaspoons cumin
• 4 tablespoons seasoned salt
• BBQ sauce, your choice

1. Combine all dry rub ingredients in a small bowl. Mix well.
2. Remove sliver skin from the backside of the slabs, if desired. Cut into half slabs to fit the stoneware liner.
3. Rub ribs well with the dry rub. Reserve leftover rub. Wrap ribs in plastic and refrigerate 4 to 6 hours.
4. Program the Slow Cooker for HIGH; set the TIME between 5:00 – 6:00 hours. Add the ribs, close the lid, and allow to cook in the dry stoneware liner, until fork tender.

IMPORTANT: Do not overcook, unless you want the meat to fall off the bones.

5. Remove ribs from stoneware liner to foil-lined baking sheet. Dust with remaining rub. Brush BBQ sauce generously onto both sides of the ribs and finish browning under the broiler or on a charcoal grill for 10 to 20 minutes per side.

Limited One-Year Warranty

SENSIO Inc. hereby warrants that for a period of ONE YEAR from the date of purchase, this product will be free from mechanical defects in material and workmanship, and for 90 days in respect to non-mechanical parts. At its sole discretion, SENSIO Inc. will either repair or replace the product found to be defective, or issue a refund on the product during the warranty period. Any refund to the customer will be at a pro-rated value based on the remaining period of the warranty.

The warranty is only valid for the original retail purchaser from the date of initial retail purchase and is not transferable. Keep the original sales receipt, as proof of purchase is required to obtain warranty validation. Retail stores selling this product do not have the right to alter, modify, or in any way revise the terms and conditions of the warranty.

EXCLUSIONS:

The warranty does not cover normal wear of parts or damage resulting from any of the following: negligent use of the product, use of improper voltage or current, improper routine maintenance, use contrary to the operating instructions, disassembly, repair, or alteration by anyone other than qualified SENSIO Inc. personnel. Also, the warranty does not cover Acts of God such as fire, floods, hurricanes, or tornadoes.

SENSIO Inc. shall not be liable for any incidental or consequential damages caused by the breach of any express or implied warranty. Apart from the extent prohibited by applicable law, any implied warranty of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose is limited in time to the duration of the warranty. Some states, provinces or jurisdictions do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, or limitations on how long an implied warranty lasts, and therefore, the above exclusions or limitations may not apply to you. The warranty covers specific legal rights which may vary by state, province and/or jurisdiction.

HOW TO OBTAIN WARRANTY SERVICE:

You must contact Customer Service at our toll-free number: 1-866-832-4843. A Customer Service Representative will attempt to resolve warranty issues over the phone. If the Customer Service Representative is unable to resolve the problem, you will be provided with a case number and asked to return the product to SENSIO Inc. Attach a tag to the product that includes: your name, address, daytime contact telephone number, case number, and description of the problem. Also, include a copy of the original sales receipt. Carefully package the tagged product with the sales receipt, and send it (with shipping and insurance prepaid) to SENSIO Inc.'s address. SENSIO Inc. shall bear no responsibility or liability for the returned product while in transit to SENSIO Inc.'s Customer Service Center.

Contact Information

For customer service questions or comments:

Visit: bellahousewares.com

Customer Service Phone: 1-866-832-4843

Website: www.sensioinc.com

©2014 Sensio. BELLA® is a registered trademark of Sensio Inc.