FAQ's
The Frequently Asked Questions below have been provided to answer the most common questions about the products we sell. Please return to this page at any time as we are always updating the information. If you have any questions that are not answered here please feel free to contact us so we can provide you with the information you need. Please use the form on the contact page and include “Product Questions” in the subject box of the form, this will help us reply as quickly as possible. Thank you for visiting TheElectricKitchen.com.
Deep Fryers
How can I clean my fryer?
1. Unplug from outlet and allow unit to cool. Always turn control to OFF then disconnect plug from wall outlet BEFORE disconnecting BREAK-AWAY CORD.
2. Clean the outside of the fryer and lid with a damp cloth. CAUTION: Do not use abrasive pads or alcohol to clean the fryer.
3. Remove basket handle, if one is included. Frying basket can be washed in hot soapy water.
4. Remove basket handle, if one is included. Frying basket can be washed in hot soapy water.
5. Rinse and towel dry carefully.
6. Pour out oil and discard properly.
7. Wipe the inside with paper towels to absorb excess grease. Wash interior of fryer with hot soapy water. Rinse and dry thoroughly. CAUTION: Never immerse the fryer in water or wash in running water. If you own a fryer with a removable bowl or other removable parts, refer to the Owner’s Guide for your specific fryer to determine which parts can be cleaned in the dishwasher.
How often should I replace the oil in my fryer?
Covered oil can be stored in a cool dark place for up to 3 months. Never store oil in the refrigerator. Replace the oil if you notice:
1. Excessive smoking at normal temperatures
2. Strong oil discoloration
3. A rancid smell or excessive foaming around the frying food
When frying with strong flavored foods (like fish), the oil should be cooled and discarded after use. If frying with mild flavored foods, the oil can be cooled, strained through a cheesecloth (to remove crumbs) and used again.
There is an odor coming from my fryer and it has been cleaned…what may be causing this?
1. The fryer may give off an odor when the filter has not been changed regularly. A charcoal and cotton filter should be replaced every 3 months or 15 uses.
2. Some fryers may have a removable metal mesh filter that may be able to be cleaned in the dishwasher or sink instead of a charcoal and cotton filter. If that is the case, refer to the Owner’s Guide for your specific fryer for filter cleaning instructions.
What type of oil should I use in my fryer?
- Use only oils with a high smoking point such as blended vegetable oil, pure corn oil, sunflower oil, soybean oil or grapeseed (canola oil). Peanut oil is not recommended because it greatly impacts the flavor. Also, never mix oils when deep frying.
How do I remove the lid to my fryer?
- If your fryer has a hinged lid, to remove lid, depress the OPEN LID button and lift the lid to a vertical position. Remove by pulling the lid upwards. Reverse the sequence to secure the lid back into position.
How do I remove or replace the oil bowl if I own a fryer with a removable bowl?
- Remove the oil bowl by lifting the bowl straight up out of the plastic exterior. To replace oil bowl, be sure the brass guide post (between the 2 electric prongs on the bottom of the bowl) is aligned properly with the center hole of the receptacle in the bottom of the housing. The brass guide post should guide the electric prongs into the correct position. Firmly press on bowl to ensure it is positioned properly. Lid should close tightly.
Rice Cooker/Steamers
How can I reduce or stop the rice from sticking to the bottom of the pan or browning excessively?
1. Before cooking, rinse rice in warm water until water becomes clear. Then place the rice in the inner pot with fresh water.
2. Take care to use proper water to rice ratios.
How can I stop the water in the inner pot from boiling over the lid?
1. You may be using too much water.
2. Use a 1:1 ratio of rice to water plus ½ cup of water for white rice and a 1:1 ratio plus ¾ cup of water for brown rice.
How can I clean my rice cooker?
1. Unplug and allow to cool completely.
2. Always exercise extreme caution as the unit becomes hot during operation.
3. Soak the inner pot in hot, soapy water for a few minutes.
4. Wash with a non-abrasive pad.
5. Wipe the heating base with a damp cloth.
6. All other items can be washed with soap and hot water.
7. NEVER use an abrasive cleaner or steel wool.
8. Note: This unit SHOULD NOT be put in the dishwasher.
How does a rice cooker know when to ‘Keep Warm’?
1. The boiling temperature for water is 212°F.
2. As soon as all of the water has evaporated the temperature inside the inner pot immediately rises.
3. Rice cookers have a Keep Warm Setting that can detect when the temperature rises above the 212°F.
4. When this happens it automatically turns to the Keep Warm Setting.
5. This helps to ensure perfect rice every time.
Counter Top Ovens / Toaster Ovens
Can I put foil in my counter top oven?
1. No. Placing foil in the unit may cause the unit to heat up over 500° F degrees. For this reason, we do not recommend using foil in the counter top oven.
How do I clean my counter top oven?
1. Before cleaning, unplug it and allow it to cool.
2. Wipe with a damp cloth. DO NOT IMMERSE IN WATER! Make sure to use only mild, soapy water.
3. Abrasive cleaners, scrubbing brushes and chemical cleaners with damage the continuous clean coating on the unit. Empty the crumb tray frequently to avoid accumulation of crumbs.
Do toaster ovens use less energy?
1. Yes, toaster ovens will use less energy than a conventional oven because they are smaller and require less energy to preheat and cook small meals.
2. Convection toaster ovens use even less energy as cooking times are reduced up to 30% when compared to a conventional oven or conventional toaster oven.
3. Infra wave ovens have the added advantage of not requiring any preheat time and cook faster than convection ovens, saving even more energy.
Juicer Information
Citrus juicer
A citrus juicer is used for squeezing juice from soft-centered, citrus fruits (orange, lemon, lime, grapefruit). It has a conical ridged center. Centering the halves of fruit with their cut-side down over the juicer, a user presses the fruit down and turns the fruit back and forth to extract juice, discarding the fruit afterwords. Pulp and seeds are retained in the ends.
Juice extractor
A juice extractor is a machine that mechanically separates juice from the solid part (pulp) of most fruits, vegetables, leafy greens, and herbs. The pulp is usually discarded, but can also be used in muffins and breads or composting.
Most juice extractors are electric, which requires less effort than their manual counterparts. A juicer differs from a blender: a juicer separates the juice from the pulp.
Nutrition
Fruits and vegetables have powerful nutritional properties that can help people with many types of health problems. Juicing can contain concentrated amounts of phytochemicals and antioxidants, living enzymes and vitamins, substances that fight cancer, and substances that reduce inflammation and pain.
How long does the fresh juice last?
To get the full benefits of fresh juice it is best if you drink it right away. As fresh juice sits it loses significant amounts of vitamins and nutrients. Some juices last longer than others and refrigerate well as long as they are in a sealed container. They can only be kept for few hours. Preferably in a glass covered container so the flavor is not altered. You can add a few drops of lemon juice to help maintain the flavor. Here is a list of juices that refrigerate well: carrot, apple, orange, pear, grape, grapefruit, pineapple, kiwi, prune, peach, celery, and beet juice. You can also freeze fresh juice the same way. Juice can be frozen in an airtight container for up to one month.
How long does the pulp last?
Fruit and vegetable pulp can be frozen. It is best if it is in an airtight container or freezerbag.
Discard after one month. We recommend that you use a separate container or bag for each pulp.
Can I use cherries whole in my Power Juicer?
Yes, but only if the pits have been removed prior to juicing. A quick, easy way to do this is by using a cherry pitter.
Why do I need a different machine for juicing oranges?
You can juice oranges in most fruit and vegetable juicers but you have to peel them first. The best juicing orange varieties (Valencias, Salustianas, Delta Seedless) are also the hardest to peel, so if you want a daily OJ it is usually more convenient to use a dedicated citrus juicer. With a citrus juicer the only preparation needed is to cut the orange in half, making for a very quick and easy juicing process.
