Tristar Products MC501 User manual

Owner’s Manual
For Model #MC501
Important: Do Not Use This Multi-Cooker
Until You Have Read This Entire Manual Thoroughly.
For Home Use Only
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In the digital age, new products are evolving daily that help us save time and energy.
Cars that practically drive themselves and robotic devices to clean our homes are becoming a part of
every day life.
Our culinary design division has met that challenge with our latest product, The Power Multi-
CookerTM. Using a simple digital control panel, you program The Power Multi-CookerTM to prepare
all of your favorite dishes like Italian Style Meatballs With Sauce, Seafood Paella, Yankee Pot Roast,
Chicken Enchiladas and New England Clam Chowder. Plus, a wide variety of cakes and breads.
You and so many other food lovers are about to discover that meals prepared with the The Power
Multi-CookerTM taste better and cook more effi ciently than foods prepared using conventional stove
top methods. Plus, you do it all in one appliance and on your own schedule.
We have tested and perfected the right combination of metals, cooking surfaces
and digital technology guaranteed to help you get mealtime raves from the whole family.
Once familiar with the digital pre-set system, you’ll fi nd that many of your favorite family
recipes can be cooked perfectly in a fraction of the time.
The sealed, pressure-assisted cooking chamber creates the perfect cooking environment.
The result ... more fl avor stays locked within the food and less energy is wasted in a shorter cooking
time. The “sealed” cooking process eliminates messy stovetop spills while “trapping” heat, making
for cooler kitchens and easier cleanups.
The Power Multi-CookerTM will provide you many years of delicious family meals and memories
around the dinner table. Before you begin, it is very important that you read this entire manual,
making certain that you are totally familiar with its operation and precautions.
The future is here...
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Index
Topic Page
Important Safeguards / Short Cord Instructions / Electric Power
Special Features 1-2
Parts and Accessories 3
General Operating Instructions, Items 1 through 4 4
Digital Control Panel / Function Settings / Specifi cations
Helpful Hints 5 - 6
Care and Cleaning 7
Limited Warranty 8
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1
Important Safeguards
When using electrical appliances, basic safety precautions
should always be followed, including:
• Read and follow all instructions carefully.
• This appliance is not intended for use by
persons with reduced physical, sensory or
mental capabilities, or lack of experience and
knowledge, unless they are under the supervision
of a responsible person or have been given proper
instruction in using the appliance. This appliance is
not intended for use by children.
• Always be sure the Steam Vent is on correctly
before use. Incorrect assembly may prevent the
cooker from operating properly (See page 4 for
assembly).
• Do not touch hot surfaces.
• To protect against electric shock, do not immerse
or rinse cords or plugs in water or other liquid.
• This appliance should never be operated by
children and special care should be taken when
the unit is in use in their presence.
• Unplug from outlet when not in use and before
cleaning. Allow to cool before disassembling.
• 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.
• Do not use any attachments or utensils that were
not recommended or supplied by the manufacturer.
The use of attachments not recommended for use
by the manufacturer may cause serious hazardous
situations including personal injury.
• 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.
• Extreme caution must be used when moving an
appliance containing hot oil or other hot liquids.
• Always attach plug to appliance fi rst, then plug
cord into the wall outlet. To disconnect, set any
control to ”Cancel,” then remove plug from wall
outlet.
• Do not use appliance for anything other than its
intended use.
• This appliance cooks using some pressure.
Improper use may result in scalding injury. Make
certain unit is properly closed before operating.
See Instructions For Use.
• Never fi ll the unit above the MAX LINE in the Inner
Pot. When using foods that expand during cooking
such as rice or dried beans, follow the recipe for
this appliance and as a rule of thumb, do not fi ll
the unit above the “halfway” point. Overfi lling
may cause clogging, allowing excess pressure to
develop. See Instructions For Use.
• Be aware that certain foods, such as applesauce,
cranberries, pearl barley, oatmeal or other cereals,
split peas, noodles, macaroni, rhubarb, and
spaghetti, can foam, froth, sputter, and clog the
pressure release device (Steam Vent). Recipes
using these items must be followed carefully to
avoid problems.
• Always check the Steam Vent for clogs
before use.
• Do not use this cooker for deep frying with oil.
• This appliance has been designed for use with a 3
prong, grounded,120V electrical outlet only. Do not
use any other electrical outlet.
• The Power Multi-Cooker TM generates extreme
heat and steam in its operation. All necessary
precautions must be taken to avoid fi re, burns and
other personal injury during its operation.
• When in operation The Power Multi-Cooker TM
requires suffi cient air space on all sides including
top and bottom. Never operate the unit near any
fl ammable materials such as dish towels, paper
towels, curtains, paper plates, etc.
• Always plug the electrical cord directly into the
wall outlet. Never use this unit with an extension
cord of any kind.
• Anyone who has not fully read and understood
all operating and safety instructions contained in
this manual is not qualifi ed to operate or clean this
appliance.
• If this unit falls or accidentally becomes immersed
in water, unplug it from the wall outlet immediately.
Do not reach into the water!
• Do not operate this appliance on an unstable
surface.
• If this appliance begins to malfunction during
use, immediately unplug the cord. Do not use or
attempt to repair a malfunctioning appliance!
• CAUTION: TO REDUCE RISK OF ELECTRIC
SHOCK, COOK ONLY IN THE REMOVABLE
CONTAINER. Do not immerse the housing or base
in water. Before use, clean the bottom of the Inner
Pot and the surface of the heater plate. Insert
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2
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS.
FOR HOUSEHOLD USE ONLY.
The Digital Display on your Power Multi-CookerTM
off ers a wide range of choices including Low Temp
Cooking, Stewing, Steaming and much more.
• Cooking and Start Times for most functions
may be adjusted to suit any recipe or personal
preference. At the completion of the cooking
cycle, the unit will automatically shift to the KEEP
WARM mode.
• The STEAM mode heats cooking liquid in the
Inner Pot to a boil in a matter of minutes, for
steaming and cooking an endless variety of foods.
• The KEEP WARM mode holds and keeps cooked
food warm for an extended period of time. Foods
kept at KEEP WARM mode for periods beyond 4
hours may lose their good fl avor and texture.
CAUTION: While unit is in use, always protect
your skin from any contact with escaping steam.
SHORT CORD INSTRUCTIONS
A short power-supply cord is provided to reduce
the risk resulting from becoming entangled in
or tripping over a longer cord. Do not use an
extension cord with this product.
ELECTRIC POWER
If the electrical circuit is overloaded with other
appliances, your appliance may not operate
properly. It should be operated on a dedicated
electrical circuit.
NOTE : This product must be grounded. If it
should malfunction or break down, grounding
provides a path of least resistance for electric
current to reduce the risk of electric shock. This
product is equipped with a cord having an equip-
ment grounding conductor and a grounding plug.
The plug must be plugged into an appropriate
outlet that is properly installed and grounded in
accordance with all local codes and ordinances.
SPECIAL FEATURES
the Inner Pot, turning it slightly clockwise and
counterclockwise until you are sure it is sitting
correctly on the heater plate. Failure to do so will
prevent proper operation and may cause damage
to the unit.
• CAUTION: HOT SURFACES. This appliance
generates heat and escaping steam during use.
Proper precautions must be taken to prevent
the risk of personal injury, fi res, and damage to
property.
Additional Safety Tips:
1. The Power Multi-CookerTM operates at very
high temperatures and will produce large amounts
of steam. Use extreme caution when opening
cooker during and after the cooking cycle. When
lifting the hinged cover, keep hands and face
away from the cooker to avoid steam.
2. If a recipe calls for the sautéing of butter or oil,
use extreme caution, as you would when cooking
with other high-temperature appliances. The
Inner Pot will be hot. Use a long-handled plastic
or wooden spoon for stirring. DO NOT USE the
short-handled serving spatula for this type of
cooking.
3. It is important to remember that the rice and
risotto cooking cycles of the cooker are controlled
by the temperature of the Inner Pot. When liquid
boils off , the temperature will rise, causing the
rice cooker to automatically shift into the low
temperature KEEP WARM mode. This is fi ne for
making rice dishes but if a recipe calls for making
soups, or in other recipes where large quantities
of liquid are used, the cooker will not shut off
until all liquid is boiled away. Follow the recipe
carefully and do not leave the cooker unattended
as it will continue to cook at high temperatures
when making soups, stews and chilis. Monitor
the cooking process. MANUALLY TURN OFF the
cooker whenthe time that the recipe stipulates
has elapsed.
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3
Power Multi-CookerTM Parts & Accessories
3
IMPORTANT: Your Power Multi-CookerTM
has been shipped with the components
shown below. Check everything carefully
before use. If any part is missing or dam-
aged, do not use this product and contact
shipper using the customer service number
located on the back cover of the owner’s
manual.
Steam Tray
A
Inner Pot
C
Lid
B
Removable
Lid Liner and Rubber
Gasket Assembly
D
Base Unit
E
AC Cord
F
Removable
Drip Cup
G
Removable
Steam Vent
H
Ladle
I
Measuring
Cup
J
Lid
Release
And Lock
Button
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4
General Operating Instructions
1. Before using the Power Multi-CookerTM for the fi rst time, wash the Inner Pot, the Lid Liner and the
Rubber Gasket (illust. # 1) with warm soapy water. Rinse with clean water and dry thoroughly.
Remove the Rubber Gasket and Lid Liner as shown below.
2. Never fi ll the unit above the MAX LINE (illust. # 2) in the Inner Pot. When using foods that expand
during cooking such as rice or dried beans, follow the recipe for this appliance and as a rule of thumb,
do not fi ll the unit above the “halfway” point. Overfi lling may cause clogging and pressure build-up.
3. Certain foods, such as applesauce, cranberries, pearl barley, oatmeal or other cereals, split peas,
noodles, macaroni, rhubarb, and spaghetti, can foam, froth, sputter, and clog the Steam Vent (illust. #
3). Recipes using these items must be followed carefully to avoid problems.
4. When the Lid is raised, condensation will collect in the Drip Cup (illust. # 4) after a meal is cooked.
The Drip Cup may be removed for easy cleaning.
#1 - Lid Liner & Rubber Gasket 2. Max. Fill
Line
Halfway
Point
#3 - Steam Vent & Lid
To remove the Steam Vent, gently pull straight
up and twist to separate for cleaning.
To replace the
Steam Vent,
reverse the
procedure
making sure that
Vents K, Lock
Tab L, Steam
Port M, and Lid
Notch N are
aligned and
seated properly
in the Lid.
K
L
M
N
#4 - Drip Cup
The Drip Cup is located on the right side of unit
below the Lid. Snaps out for easy cleaning.
Pull Metal Tab to remove Lid Liner and Rubber
Gasket for cleaning.
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5
General Operating Instructions
THE DIGITAL CONTROL PANEL
The Power Multi-CookerTM has eleven cooking modes that may be used alone or
in combination to produce an infi nite variety of results.
When the unit is fi rst plugged in, a series of dashes ------ will appear on the LED Display. When the
Rice or Risotto Function is selected, the words RICE or RISO will be displayed in the LED window.
Pushing START with the Rice or Risotto functions selected will cause the RICE or RISO LED to blink
untill the cooking process for these items is fi nished.
Note: When using the Rice or Risotto modes it is not possible to alter the cook time. The Power Multi-
CookerTM remains in cook mode until the unit reaches a predetermined internal temperature. Once that
temperature is reached, the rice or risotto will be cooked to perfection and the unit will automatically
switch to KEEP WARM mode until cancelled.
COOK TIME SELECTOR BUTTON: When any of the other Functions are selected (Saute, Simmer,
Slow Cook, Soup, Steaming, Yogurt, Bake or Roast) the unit will display the default time in minutes or
hours. It is possible at this time to alter the time with the Cook Time Selector Button.
Note: You must alter the Cook Time before you select START.
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6
General Operating Instructions
FUNCTION DEFAULT TIME ADJUST COOK TIME TEMPERATURE
°C °F
RICE N/A N/A 135 275
RISOTTO N/A N/A 135 275
SAUTE 15 MINS 5 - 99 MINS 150 302
SIMMER 45 MINS 5 - 99 MINS 100 212
YOGURT 8 HOURS 6 - 16.5 HOURS 40 110
BAKE 40 MINS 5 - 99 MINS 128 262.4
ROAST 40 MINS 5 - 99 MINS 140 284
SLOW COOK 2 HOURS 2 - 12 HOURS 89 192.2
SOUP 60 MINS 10 - 180 MINS 104 220
STEAMING 15 MINS 5 - 99 MINS 110 230
DELAY TIME N/A 30 MINS - 24 HOURS N/A N/A
Function Settings
Specifi cations
Model Number Power Supply Power Rating
#MC501 120V - 60HZ 900W
DELAY TIMER BUTTON: You may program The Power Multi-CookerTM to start up to 24 hours in the
future. After selecting the Function and the Cook Time (if needed), you may then select the Delay Timer
button. Each time the button is pressed the time increases by 30 minutes. After selecting the desired
Delay Time, push START. After cooking, the unit will switch to WARM until you select CANCEL.
NOTE: If you plan to serve a meal at a specifi c time you must combine the Delay Time and the Cook
Time in order to eat On Time.
IMPORTANT: Any function can be stopped immediately by selecting the CANCEL button.
HELPFUL HINTS
• Spraying the Inner Pot with a light coating of nonstick cooking spray is a great way to make
cleanup easier without adding fl avor or calories to your meal.
• When a recipe calls for salt, use kosher salt. It has no impurities or additives and dissolves easily. You
will need to use about one and a half times more kosher salt than you would table salt.
• If the cooker shuts off before the food is totally cooked, add more water and start the cooker again.
• Stocks and broths can be used in place of water to add fl avor and improve texture when cooking
rice. Stocks and broths can be found in your local supermarket. Another option is to use bouillon
cubes (they come in a wide variety of fl avors). One cube and one cup of water usually makes one
cup of stock.
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7
Care And Cleaning
FIRST: Unplug and let the Power Multi-CookerTM cool to room temperature before cleaning.
TO CLEAN: After use, unplug unit and allow to cool completely before cleaning. The Power Multi-
CookerTM must be cleaned thoroughly after each use in order to avoid staining caused by a build-up
of food or cooking residue.
NEVER IMMERSE BASE IN WATER
Wipe the Base after each use with a soft, damp cloth or sponge, making sure to remove all food
residue.
WHEN CLEANING THE LID LINER AND RUBBER GASKET, (page 4, Illustration #1) they must
be removed and washed separately with a sponge or soft cloth and warm, soapy water. Never use
abrasive powders, bicarbonate of soda or bleach. Do not use scouring pads. The Rubber Gasket must
always be reinstalled properly on the underside of the Lid. Check periodically to make sure that it is
clean, fl exible and not torn. If damaged, contact the manufacturer for a replacement.
THE REMOVABLE INNER POT is immersible for cleaning purposes. Rinse it under hot running water.
Use only a mild liquid detergent, a soft cloth, sponge or nylon scrubber for cleaning.
REMOVE THE STEAM VENT (page 4, Illustration #3). Apply mild detergent to disassembled component
and wash it under warm running water. After cleaning, check to see that no food debris or residue
remains. Put the Steam Vent back in the lid as shown in Illustration #3 on page 4.
REMEMBER:
• Wipe the mirror-fi nished outer housing with a damp soft cloth or sponge (glass cleaner gives housing
a brilliant lustre).
• Never use harsh chemical detergents, scouring pads or powders on any of the parts or components.
• Always check that the Steam Vent is in good working order and debris free.
NOTE: The Power Multi-CookerTMcontains no “home serviceable” parts. Should it malfunction, do not
try to repair it yourself. Contact customer service for qualifi ed repair information.
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8
Manufacturer’s Limited Warranty
The manufacturer warrants that your Power Multi-Cooker™ is free of defects in materials and
workmanship and will, at its option, repair or replace any defective Power Multi-Cooker™
that is returned to it. All parts and components of the Power Multi-Cooker™ are warranted
for 60 days from the original date of purchase. This warranty is valid only in accordance with
the conditions set forth below:
1. Normal wear and tear are not covered by this warranty. This warranty applies to consumer
use only, and is void when the product is used in a commercial or institutional setting.
2. The warranty extends only to the original consumer purchaser and is not transferable. In
addition, proof of purchase must be demonstrated. This warranty is void if the product has
been subject to accident, misuse, abuse, improper maintenance or repair, or unauthorized
modifi cation.
3. This limited warranty is the only written or express warranty given by the manufacturer.
Any implied warranty of merchantability or fi tness for a particular purpose on this product is
limited in duration to the duration of this warranty. Some states do not allow limitations on
how long an implied warranty lasts, so the above limitation may not apply to you.
4. Repair or replacement of the product (or, if repair or replacement is not feasible, a refund
of the purchase price) is the exclusive remedy of the consumer under this warranty. The
manufacturer shall not be liable for any incidental or consequential damages for breach
of this warranty or any implied warranty on this product. Some states do not allow the
exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, so the above limitation or
exclusion may not apply to you.
5. This warranty gives you specifi c legal rights, and you may also have other rights which
vary from state to state.
Procedure for Warranty Repairs or Replacement:
If warranty service is necessary, the original purchaser must pack the product securely and
send it postage paid with a description of the defect, proof of purchase, and a check or
money order for $24.99 to cover return postage and handling to the following address:
Power Multi-Cooker™, P.O. Box 3007, Wallingford, CT 06492.
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We are very proud of the design and quality of our
This product has been manufactured to the
highest standards. Should you have any
problem, our friendly customer service staff is
here to help you.
1-973-287-5169
Distributed By:
Tristar Products, Inc.
Fairfi eld, NJ 07004
© 2016 Tristar Products, Inc.
PMC_MC501_IB_ENG_V2_160115
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