BKI ALF-F User manual

Automatic Lift Fryer
MODELS ALF-F, & ALF-FC
Installation & Operation Manual
Serial Numbers 120406 and higher

Warranty Information
LIMITED ONE YEAR WARRANTY
BKI (The “Company”) warrants to the original purchaser/user, that at time of shipment from the Company
factory, this equipment will be free from defect in materials and workmanship. Written notice of a claim
under this Warranty must be given within ONE YEAR AND THREE MONTHS from date of shipment from
the factory. Defective conditions caused by abnormal use or misuse, lack of maintenance, damage by
third parties, alterations by unauthorized personnel, acts of God, failure to follow installation instructions
or any other events beyond the control of the company will NOT be covered under Warranty. The
obligation of the Company under this Warranty shall be limited to repairing or replacing (at the option of
the company) any part which is defective in reasonable opinion of the Company. The user will have the
responsibility and expense of removing and returning the defective part to the Company as well as the
cost of reinstalling the replacement or repaired part.
IN NO EVENT SHALL THE COMPANY BE LIABLE FOR LOSS OF USE, LOSS OF REVENUE OR
LOSS OF PRODUCT OR PROFIT OR FOR INDIRECT OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES INCLUDING
BUT NOT LIMITED TO, FOOD SPOILAGE OR PRODUCT LOSS. WARRANTY DOES NOT COVER
GLASS BREAKAGE. THE ABOVE WARRANTY IS EXCLUSIVE AND ALL OTHER WARRANTIES,
EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, ARE EXCLUDED INCLUDING THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF
MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. THIS WARRANTY SHALL
APPLY ONLY WITHIN THE CONTINENTAL UNITED STATES, ITS TERRITORIES, AND
POSSESSIONS AND IN CANADA.
LIMITED NINETY DAY LABOR WARRANTY
All labor necessary to repair or replace factory defective parts will be performed, without charge, to the
end user, by service personnel of a BKI Authorized Distributor during the first ninety days after the date of
installation of the new equipment.
Replacement parts: Any appliance replacement part, except lamps and fuses, which proves to be
defective in material or workmanship within 90 days from date of original installation will be repaired or
replaced without charge F.O.B. Factory, Simpsonville, S.C. or F.O.B. authorized distributor.

Automatic Lift Fryer Table of Contents
1
Table of Contents
Table of Contents........................................................................................................................................1
Introduction .................................................................................................................................................2
Safety Precautions....................................................................................................................................2
Safety Signs and Messages.................................................................................................................2
Safe Work Practices.............................................................................................................................3
Safety Labels........................................................................................................................................7
Operation .....................................................................................................................................................8
Controls and Indicators.............................................................................................................................8
Care of the Shortening............................................................................................................................10
ALF-F Operation.....................................................................................................................................11
Start-Up..............................................................................................................................................11
Cooking ..............................................................................................................................................11
ALF-FC Operation ..................................................................................................................................13
System Programming.........................................................................................................................13
Product Programming ........................................................................................................................15
Start-Up..............................................................................................................................................18
Cooking ..............................................................................................................................................18
Installation .................................................................................................................................................20
Unpacking and Handling.........................................................................................................................20
Assembly and Mounting .........................................................................................................................20
Wiring......................................................................................................................................................20
Initial Test and Adjustment .....................................................................................................................21
Maintenance ..............................................................................................................................................22
Scheduled Maintenance.........................................................................................................................22
Filtering Procedure.............................................................................................................................23
Boil-Out Procedure.............................................................................................................................24
Filter Pad Replacement......................................................................................................................26
Troubleshooting......................................................................................................................................27
Notes ..........................................................................................................................................................29

Automatic Lift Fryer Introduction
2
Introduction
The ALF Fryer is compact, attractive and functional in design. It is constructed of a stainless steel fryer
pot for cleaning ease. Exclusive BKI patented features and safety devices offer flexibility, efficiency and
reliability plus PERFECTION IN FRYING!
The BKI name and trademark on this unit assures you of the finest in design and engineering -- that it has
been built with care and dedication -- using the best materials available. Attention to the operating
instructions regarding proper installation, operation, and maintenance will result in long lasting
dependability to insure the highest profitable return on your investment.
PLEASE READ THIS ENTIRE MANUAL BEFORE OPERATING THE UNIT. If
you have any questions, please contact your BKI Distributor. If they are unable to
answer your questions, contact the BKI Technical Service Department, toll free:
1-800-927-6887. Outside the U.S., call 1-864-963-3471.
Safety Precautions
Always follow recommended safety precautions listed in this manual. Below is the safety alert symbol.
When you see this symbol on your equipment, be alert to the potential for personal injury or property
damage.
Safety Signs and Messages
The following Safety signs and messages are placed in this manual to provide instructions and identify
specific areas where potential hazards exist and special precautions should be taken. Know and
understand the meaning of these instructions, signs, and messages. Damage to the equipment, death or
serious injury to you or other persons may result if these messages are not followed.
This message indicates an imminently hazardous situation which, if not avoided,
will result in death or serious injury.
This message indicates a potentially hazardous situation, which, if not avoided,
could result in death or serious injury.
This message indicates a potentially hazardous situation, which, if not avoided,
may result in minor or moderate injury. It may also be used to alert against
unsafe practices.
This message is used when special information, instructions or identification are
required relating to procedures, equipment, tools, capacities and other special
data.

Automatic Lift Fryer Introduction
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Safe Work Practices
Noncombustible Floors Only
Make sure your floor is noncombustible. Do not operate your fryer
on floors that are wood, carpeted or have rubber mats.
• Placing your fryer on a combustible floor could cause a fire.
Serious injury could result.
• Examples of noncombustible floors where you can safely
place your fryer are concrete, tile, and ceramic.
Keep The Area Around Your Fryer
Uncluttered
Make sure to keep the area around your fryer clear of any
obstacles.
Serious injury can occur if you trip or fall near the fryer. You could
be burned by hot shortening that splashes out of the fryer or by
falling against the hot metal of the fryer.
Keep The Floor Around Your Fryer Clean Of
Shortening
Make sure to keep the floor around your fryer clean of shortening
and other liquids.
Serious injury can occur if you slip near your fryer. You could be
burned by hot shortening that splashes out of the fryer or by falling
against the hot metal of the fryer.
Keep The Casters Locked
To avoid spilling shortening, keep the casters locked. If any
shortening spills near your fryer, clean it up immediately.

Automatic Lift Fryer Introduction
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Do Not Overfill The Fryer With Shortening
Hot shortening and steam may escape and burn you if you put too
much shortening in the fryer. Fill the fryer to approximately one inch
below the fill marks that are inside the fryer pot. Heat the
shortening. If needed, carefully add more shortening to bring the
level to the fill marks.
Do Not Let Any Water Get Into The Fryer
Always remove excess moisture from food before placing it into the
fryer basket. Water will cause the hot shortening to spatter. You
could be burned.
Do Not Overload The Basket With Food
Hot shortening and steam may escape and burn you if you place
too much food in the basket.
Wear Safe Clothing Appropriate To Your Job
Always wear your insulated mitts when handling the fryer basket or
touch any hot metal surfaces. You received a pair of insulated mitts
with your fryer. If you lose or damage your mitts, you can buy new
ones at your local restaurant equipment supply store or from your
local BKI Distributor.
Always wear non-skid shoes when working around the fryer or any
other equipment that uses shortening. Never wear loose clothing
such as neckties or scarves while operating your fryer. Keep loose
hair tied back or in a hair net while operating your fryer.
Always wear appropriate personal protection equipment during the
filtering process to guard against possible injury from hot oil.
Always wear appropriate personal protection equipment during the
boil-out process to guard against possible injury from hot cleaning
solution.

Automatic Lift Fryer Introduction
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Keep this manual with the Equipment
This manual is an important part of your equipment. Always keep it
near for easy access.
If you need to replace this manual, contact:
BKI
Technical Services Department
P.O. Box 80400
Simpsonville, S.C. 29680-0400
Or call toll free: 1-800-927-6887
Outside the U.S., call 864-963-3471
Protect Children
Keep children away from this equipment. Children may not
understand that this equipment is dangerous for them and others.
NEVER allow children to play near or operate your equipment.
Keep Safety Labels Clean and in Good
Condition
Do not remove or cover any safety labels on your equipment. Keep
all safety labels clean and in good condition. Replace any damaged
or missing safety labels. Refer to the Safety Labels section for
illustration and location of safety labels on this unit.
If you need a new safety label, obtain the number of the specific
label illustrated on page 7, then contact:
BKI
Technical Services Department
P.O. Box 80400
Simpsonville, S.C. 29680-0400
Or call toll free: 1-800-927-6887
Outside the U.S., call 864-963-3471

Automatic Lift Fryer Introduction
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Be Prepared for Emergencies
Be prepared for fires, injuries, or other emergencies.
Keep a first aid kit and a fire extinguisher near the equipment. You
must use a 40-pound Type BC fire extinguisher and keep it within
25 feet of your equipment.
Keep emergency numbers for doctors, ambulance services,
hospitals, and the fire department near your telephone.
Know your responsibilities as an Employer
• Make certain your employees know how to operate the
equipment.
• Make certain your employees are aware of the safety
precautions on the equipment and in this manual.
• Make certain that you have thoroughly trained your employees
about operating the equipment safely.
• Make certain the equipment is in proper working condition. If you
make unauthorized modifications to the equipment, you will
reduce the function and safety of the equipment.

Automatic Lift Fryer Introduction
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Safety Labels

Automatic Lift Fryer Operation
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Operation
Controls and Indicators
Refer to the figure and table below for an explanation of the fryer’s controls and indicators.
Item # Description Function
1 Computer Used to set and activate product programs.

Automatic Lift Fryer Operation
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Item # Description Function
2 Momentary Basket
Switch UP – Momentarily pushing the switch to this position causes the lift mechanism to rise. This is enabled only when the
FILTER/OFF/FRY switch is in the FRY position.
DOWN – Momentarily pushing the switch to this position causes
the lift mechanism to lower. This is enabled only when the
FILTER/OFF/FRY switch is in the FRY position.
3 Rocker Switch FILTER – When placed in this position, power is applied to the
motor and shortening is pumped into the pot directly or thru the fill
hose.
OFF – When placed in this position, power is removed from the
pump motor, heating elements and lift mechanism.
FRY – When placed in this position, power is supplied to the
control panel, heating elements and lift mechanism.
4 Thermostat Knob Used to set the temperature of the shortening.
5 Thermostat Light Illuminates until the set temperature of the shortening has been
reached.
6 Analog Timer The analog timer consists of a light, dial, switch and buzzer
described below:
Light – Illuminates to indicate that the timer has been started and
is counting down. Cuts off when the timer is stopped.
Timer Dial – Used to set and display the time.
Timer Switch (ON/OFF) – Used to cut the timer on and off. To
prevent damage to the timer, always turn the timer switch OFF
before setting the timer dial.
Buzzer – A buzzer sounds when the timer counts down to 0.
Placing the timer switch to the OFF position will stop the buzzer.
7 High Limit Reset
Switch Located under the control panel. If the heating elements inside the pot reach an unsafe temperature, power is automatically removed
from the control panel and elements. Pressing this switch returns
power to the control panel and elements.
8 Drain Lever DRAIN OPEN – When placed in this position, the drain valve
opens and shortening in the pot drains into the vat. Also power is
removed from the control panel and elements.
DRAIN CLOSED – When placed in this position, the drain valve is
closed to prevent shortening from draining from the pot.
9 Fill Lever FILL THRU POT – When placed in this position, shortening can
be pumped automatically from the vat to the pot if the rocker
switch is in the FILTER position.
FILL THRU HOSE – When placed in this position, shortening can
be pumped from the vat to the pot via a connected hose if the
rocker switch is in the FILTER position.
10 Rinse Hose Connector Used to connect the Rinse hose for cleaning and refilling the pot.
11 Pump Motor Reset
Switch If the motor overheats while filtering, it will automatically shut off. Wait 15 minutes to allow motor to cool before pressing this switch.

Automatic Lift Fryer Operation
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Care of the Shortening
To extend the life of your shortening, for the best possible flavor in your products, and for economy and
efficiency of operation, we urge you to follow these recommendations:
1. Use only high-quality frying shortening without additives, of low moisture content and with a high
smoke point.
2. Press excess moisture from products before breading. The more moisture released in the
shortening, the quicker it will break down.
3. Filter at least once a day or once every three loads during frequent cooking.
4. Clean any residue or crust formations from the sides and bottom of the pot each time you filter
the shortening.
5. Add fresh shortening as needed to maintain the proper shortening level TO THE FILL MARK ON
THE POT WALL.
6. DO NOT HOLD SHORTENING AT HIGH TEMPERATURE when the fryer is not in use. If you
expect an elapsed time of one hour or more between cooking, press the “0” button on the ALF-FC
model. On the ALF-F, set the thermostat to 150º F.
7. Shortening changes are determined by the quantity and type of food prepared. Excessive boiling
and foaming are definite signs of shortening breakdown.
8. After you have finished frying for the day, filter the shortening and replace the filter pad. Also,
thoroughly clean the pot of sediment and crumbs and empty the condensate pan.
9. IMPORTANT! Before the first cooking operation each day, stir the shortening freely while it is
heating to provide a balanced shortening temperature for excellent results with the first cooking.
Failure to do this can result in a crusty skin on the product surface with an undercooked product
internally. In addition, in some cases, failure to stir the shortening while it is initially heating may
cause the HI-LIMIT safety to disable the power due to a false overshoot condition.

Automatic Lift Fryer Operation
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ALF-F Operation
Start-Up
1. Make sure the main drain valve is closed.
2. Fill pot with shortening to about one inch below the fill mark.
Use only high-quality shortening that has low moisture content, a high smoke
point and no additives.
Overfilling the fryer pot with shortening could lead to serious injury. Ensure that
the fryer pot is filled with shortening only to the fill mark when shortening is hot.
Do not use any shortening other than what is specified in this manual and do not
overfill the fryer pot.
3. Once the fryer is filled with shortening, place the FILTER/OFF/FRY switch in the FRY position.
4. Set the thermostat to the desired temperature. The temperature light will go on. When the
temperature is reached, the light will go off. The light will continue to cycle on and off as the fryer
tries to maintain the set temperature.
5. Raise the basket to the top position by depressing the basket switch to the UP position.
6. Set the timer dial for the correct cook time. To prevent damage to the timer, always turn the timer
switch OFF before setting the timer dial.
7. The shortening should begin to heat and begin to reach the fill mark inside the pot. Add more
shortening as required to reach the fill mark.
IMPORTANT! Before the first cooking operation each day, stir the shortening freely while it is
heating to provide a balanced shortening temperature for excellent results with the first cooking.
Failure to do this can result in a crusty skin on the product surface with an undercooked product
internally. In addition, in some cases, failure to stir the shortening while it is initially heating may
cause the HI-LIMIT safety to disable the power due to a false overshoot condition.
Cooking
1. Ensure that the Start-Up procedures have been performed.
2. When frying chicken, lower the basket into the shortening by depressing the basket switch to the
DOWN position.
Hot shortening may splash out of the pot causing severe injury when dropping
chicken into pot. Carefully drop pieces of chicken into pot to prevent shortening
splashes.
3. Carefully drop the chicken in the shortening one piece at a time starting with thighs and
drumsticks. The fryer is designed to accommodate 32 pieces of chicken.
4. Activate the timer by placing the timer switch in the ON position to begin the countdown.

Automatic Lift Fryer Operation
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5. At the end of the frying cycle the timer buzzer will sound and the basket will automatically rise to
its top position. Set the timer to OFF. If the timer knob is set at 0, the timer will continue to buzz
regardless of the position of the ON/OFF switch.
6. Allow the basket to drain.
Failure to use the insulated mitts will result in injury. Always use the insulated
mitts when handling the hot fry basket.
7. Remove basket from the lift and empty carefully.
8. Return the basket to the lift.
9. Remember to filter the shortening at least every third frying cycle load. Refer to the procedure in
this manual. Also filter the shortening and clean the fryer at the end of each day. If you do not
plan to use the fryer for an hour or more, turn the thermostat down to 150°.
10. When you have finished frying for the day, turn the FILTER/OFF/FRY switch to the OFF position.

Automatic Lift Fryer Operation
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ALF-FC Operation
System Programming
Use the following figure and table to set options that apply to each product programs.
Figure 1. System Programming Sequence

Automatic Lift Fryer Operation
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Table 1. System Programming Procedure
STEP ACTION DISPLAY COMMENTS
1 Press the FILTER/OFF/FRY
switch to FRY. LOW
2 Press PROG on the keypad. PROGRAM CODE
3 Input 1712 and ENTER. PROGRAM SYSTEM
4 Press ENTER. PROGRAM DEGREES
°F This command allows you
to choose the temperature
scale option you want to
use. The display will show
either show °F or °C.
5 Press TOGGLE/CLEAR until the
desired option is displayed. PROGRAM DEGREES XX refers to the temperature scale you
have chosen.
6 Press ENTER. PROGRAM APL TYPE
ELECTRIC This command allows you to choose the appliance
type you are using. The
display may show
ELECTRIC, GAS OR ALF.
7 Press TOGGLE/CLEAR until the
desired option is displayed. PROGRAM APL TYPE XX refers to the appliance type you have chosen.
8 Press ENTER. PROGRAM MELTCYCL
YES This command allows you to set the melt cycle
option. This is normally set
to yes if you are using
solid shortening. The
display will show either
YES or NO.
9 Press TOGGLE/CLEAR until the
desired option is displayed. PROGRAM MELTCYCL XX refers to the melt cycle option chosen.
10 Press ENTER. PROGRAM GLBLFLTR
0This command allows you to specify the total number
of fry cycles to complete
among all product
programs before a
message is displayed
reminding you to filter the
shortening (filter lockout).
11 Press TOGGLE/CLEAR and
input the number of fry cycles
you want to complete among all
product programs before
enabling filter lockout.
PROGRAM GLBLFLTR
XX refers to the number of program cycles you want
to complete among all
product programs before
filtering the shortening.
12 Press ENTER. PROGRAM SYSTEM
13 Press PROG to exit the
programming mode. LOW

Automatic Lift Fryer Operation
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Product Programming
Use the following figure and table to set a maximum of eight product programs. The product programs
must be set before cooking can begin.
Figure 2. Product Programming Sequence

Automatic Lift Fryer Operation
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Table 2. Product Programming Procedure
STEP ACTION DISPLAY COMMENTS
1 Press the FILTER/OFF/FRY
switch to FRY. LOW
2 Press PROG on the keypad. PROGRAM CODE
3 Input 1724 and press ENTER. PROGRAM PRODUCT #
4 Select the program product
number (1-8). PROGRAM PRODUCT X X refers to the program number you selected.
5 Press ENTER. PROGRAM TIME1
00:00 This command allows you to specify the cooking time
for this stage. The time
displayed may be a
previously programmed
value.
6 Press TOGGLE/CLEAR and
input the number of minutes you
want to cook.
PROGRAM TIME1
XX:XX XX:XX refers to the number of minutes you
input.
7 Press ENTER. PROGRAM TEMP1
000 °F This command allows you
to specify the cooking
temperature for this stage.
The temperature displayed
may be a previously
programmed temperature.
The temperature scale
may also display °C
depending on the system
option that is set.
8 Press TOGGLE/CLEAR and
input the cooking temperature for
product to be cooked.
PROGRAM TEMP1
XXX °FXXX refers to the cooking
temperature you input.
9 Press ENTER. PROGRAM TEMPCOM1
FLEX TIME This command enables you to select whether or
not time is allowed for the
fryer to recover from
temperature loss while
cooking during this stage.
The FLEX TIME option will
allow the fryer to recover
from temperature loss.
10 Press TOGGLE/CLEAR until the
desired option is displayed. PROGRAM TEMPCOM1 XX refers to the temperature compensation
option selected.
11 Press ENTER. PROGRAM VALVE1
CLOSED This command allows you to specify whether the
solenoid valve will be open
or closed during this
stage.

Automatic Lift Fryer Operation
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STEP ACTION DISPLAY COMMENTS
12 Press TOGGLE/CLEAR until the
desired option is displayed. PROGRAM VALVE1 XX refers to the solenoid valve option selected.
OPEN is used for Models
ALF and BLF Automatic
Lift fryers. If your program
requires the solenoid valve
to be closed while
cooking, choose the
CLOSED option.
13 Repeat steps 5-12 when
programming stages 2, 3, 4 and
5 for Electric and Gas appliance
types.
Repeat steps 5-10 when
programming stages 2, 3, 4 and
5 for an ALF appliance type.
The time and temperature
of each stage has to be
less than the preceding
stage.
14 Press ENTER. PROGRAM PREALARM
00:00 This command allows you to specify the number of
minutes before the end of
the cooking time (for each
stage) until the alarm
sound The prealarm value
displayed may be a
previously programmed
value.
15 Press TOGGLE/CLEAR and
input the prealarm minutes. PROGRAM PREALARM XX:XX XX:XX refers to the prealarm minutes you
input.
16 Press ENTER. PROGRAM FILTER
0This command allows you to specify the number of
fry cycles you want to
complete for this program
before a message is
displayed reminding you to
filter the shortening (filter
lockout). The filter value
displayed may be a
previously programmed
value.
17 Press TOGGLE/CLEAR and
input the number of fry cycles
you want to complete before
enabling filter lockout.
PROGRAM FILTER
XX refers to the number of program cycles you want
to complete before filtering
the shortening.
18 Press ENTER. PROGRAM PRODUCT #
19 If you wish to input more
programs, proceed by pressing
the next program number and
follow steps 5 through 18 or
press PROG to exit the
programming mode.

Automatic Lift Fryer Operation
18
Start-Up
1. Make sure the main drain valve is closed.
2. Fill pot with shortening to about one inch below the mark.
Use only high-quality shortening that has low moisture content, a high smoke
point and no additives.
Overfilling the fryer pot with shortening could lead to serious injury. Ensure that
the fryer pot is filled with shortening only to the fill mark when shortening is hot.
Do not use any shortening other than what is specified in this manual and do not
overfill the fryer pot.
3. Place the FILTER/OFF/FRY switch to the FRY position. LOW will appear on the computer
display. The shortening should begin to heat and begin to reach the fill mark inside the pot. Add
more shortening as required to reach the fill mark.
IMPORTANT! Before the first cooking operation each day, stir the shortening freely while it is
heating to provide a balanced shortening temperature for excellent results with the first cooking.
Failure to do this can result in a crusty skin on the product surface with an undercooked product
internally. In addition, in some cases, failure to stir the shortening while it is initially heating may
cause the HI-LIMIT safety to disable the power due to a false overshoot condition.
Cooking
1. Ensure that the Start-Up procedures have been performed.
2. Press the desired program number on the keypad. The computer will still display "LOW". The
fryer will begin to heat to the temperature that has been factory preset. When "READY" appears
on the display, the fryer is up to the desired temperature and the product can be loaded.
3. When frying chicken, lower the basket into the shortening by depressing the basket switch to the
DOWN position.
Hot shortening may splash out of the pot causing severe injury when dropping
chicken into pot. Carefully drop pieces of chicken into pot to prevent shortening
splashes.
4. Carefully drop the chicken in the shortening one piece at a time starting with thighs and
drumsticks. The fryer is designed to accommodate 32 pieces of chicken.
5. Press the desired program number a second time. The red light above the program number will
flash and the computer will display “COOK”. This will start a countdown in minutes and seconds
until the end of the cycle.
6. At the end of the cooking cycle, the computer will display "DONE" and signal with a series of
audible "beeps". The basket will automatically rise out of the pot. Press the selected number once
again to stop the cook cycle.