Oster CKSTDFZM70 - 4L Cool Zone Deep Fryer Manual

Parts Identifications

Before using your Deep Fryer for the first time, you should become familiar with all of the parts. Read all Instructions and Safeguards carefully.

NOTE: The Cool Zone Heating Element cannot be switched on unless you insert the control panel assembly into the locating slots of the connecting plate on the Fryer exterior.
(See Figure 1)

Attaching the Lid:
The tight fitting rear hinge is designed for reliable locking of the detachable Lid, please insert the ribshape lid hinge to the slot-shape base hinged for proper close/open movement of the Lid.

Using Your Oster Deep Fryer

NOTE: Never turn on the fryer with an empty Oil Reservoir. Always use your fryer on a flat, heat resistant surface.

• Attach magnetic end of Sure Release cord assembly directly to the fryer. This should be done prior to plugging the cord into the wall outlet. The magnetic end of the cord is designed only to go on one way. Be sure the side stating "THIS SIDE UP" is facing up.
• Open Lid by pressing the Open Lid Button.
• Remove Frying Basket by pulling the Basket Handle up until it locks into the horizontal position.
• Pour cooking oil into Oil Reservoir until it reaches between "MIN" and "MAX" marks inside reservoir. DO NOT OVER OR UNDER FILL. Place Frying Basket back into Fryer.
• Close Lid.
• Press the Handle Release Button to lower basket into oil.
• Make sure that the fryer is OFF and insert plug into 120 volt AC outlet.
• Turn the fryer to desired temperature position.
• Turn timer knob to STAY ON position. The power light will come on.
• Ready light will turn on when oil is pre-heated. Press the Open Lid button and place Frying Basket into upper position, by lifting handle up until it clicks into the horizontal position.
• Place food inside Frying Basket (Do not over stack food). Close Lid. Lower Frying Basket into Oil Reservoir, by sliding down the handle release button.
  
  Always replace and close Lid before immersing food in oil. Do not immerse or drain food with Lid removed or open.
• Set electronic timer.
  NOTE: Timer can be set in 1 minute increments for up to 60 minutes and will beep at completion. Press the button to desired time, after 2 seconds the timer will flash twice then become constant. The Timer will then begin counting down. When one minute is remaining, the timer will display seconds. At the end of the desired time, a set of 10 beeps will be heard. After another 20 seconds, a set of 10 more beeps will be heard. The timer will shut off in energy saving mode. This will not shut off the Fryer. You must manually turn the fryer to "OFF". Reset the timer by pressing and holding the button for 2 seconds during countdown.
• After time is up, a bell will sound. Lift Frying Basket out of Oil Reservoir, by sliding down the handle release button. To remove excess grease and retain crispness, let food drain in Frying Basket at least 10-20 seconds. Open Lid, then lift Frying Basket by handle and pour contents onto plate covered with paper towels before serving.
• When finished cooking, make sure fryer is in the OFF position.
  
  DO NOT USE SURE RELEASE POWER CORD SYSTEM TO DISCONNECT THE FRYER. ALWAYS DISCONNECT PLUG FROM WALL OUTLET FIRST TO DISCONNECT FRYER. Use only Model #MC-316 magnetic cord set with this product. The use of any other magnetic cord set may cause fire, electric shock, or injury.
  
  The Sure Release Power Cord is only for accidental disconnection and is not to be removed during normal operation. If the cord becomes disconnected, the user should immediately unplug the cord set from the wall outlet, then reconnect the magnetic cord to the deep fryer.

Hints For Best Results

• Fill the unit with oil between the maximum and minimum capacity lines only.
• Do not over fill the basket. To achieve quality results deep frying food needs to be surrounded by oil. Too much food causes the oil temperature to drop, resulting in "soggy" food. Food should be no higher than the top of the basket.
• Be sure that all ice crystals are removed from the food and food is completely dry. Excessive water and ice can cause the oil to splatter and/or overflow.
• Coated foods (bread crumbs, batters, etc.) are best for deep frying. The coating acts as a protective layer keeping food moist on the inside and crisp on the outside.
• For best results, defrost frozen foods for 20 minutes prior to frying.
• Fry foods at the correct temperature for best results. This will prevent burning and give you even colored, crispy food.
• Prepackaged frozen cooked chicken may cook faster than uncooked food.
• For even cooking, shake basket half way through cooking time.
• Do not use seasoned or flavored oil such as walnut, olive oil, lard or drippings because they have a low smoke point. Use blended vegetable oil, pure corn oil, sunflower oil, soybean oil or grape seed oil (canola oil) because these oils have a high smoke point. Peanut oil is not recommended because it impacts the flavor greatly.
• Oils should never be mixed when deep frying.
• High heat, water and burnt food particles break down the oil's smoke point.
• Replace oil if you notice:
  • Excessive smoking at normal temperatures
  • Strong oil discoloration
  • A rancid smell
  • Excessive foaming around the frying food
• Oil darkens with use because the oil and food molecules burn when subjected to high/prolonged heat. The more you use an oil, the more slowly it will pour. Its viscosity changes because of changes to the oil's molecular structure. When smoke appears on the oils' surface before the temperature reaches 375°F, your oil will no longer deep-fry effectively.
• When frying foods with strong flavor and/or aroma like fish or chicken, use the oil only once.
• Filtering the oil with a cooking oil filter or fine-mesh strainer can keep it fresher. Although storing oil in a refrigerator may extend the life of the oil, this should never be done. This process of chilling oil then bringing the oil to room temperature causes excessive splattering during the heat up process.
• Store the covered oil in a cool dark place, for up to three months. Check the oil before using for color, smell, or excessive foaming. Discard the oil if it shows any of these qualities.

Care and Cleaning

Always turn control to OFF then disconnect plug from wall outlet BEFORE disconnecting Sure Release Powercord.

• Do not immerse cord sets in water or any liquids
• Do not attempt to defeat the detachable magnetic Sure Release Cord system by trying to permanently attach cord set to product.
• Do not stick pins or other sharp objects in holes on magnetic cord set.
• Do not use any type of steel wool to clean magnetic contacts.

NOTE: Make sure fryer has cooled before cleaning.

• Turn unit OFF.
• Unplug from outlet and allow unit to cool completely.
• Remove Sure Release magnetic cord from the fryer socket.
• Remove the Lid.
• Open the Filter Cover and remove the Filters.
• Remove Frying Basket.
• Lift Control Panel Assembly up from the front of the fryer.
• Carefully lift Oil Reservoir straight up out of the Housing by holding the rim of the bowl. The built-in oil pour spout allows you to better drain the oil into your storage container. Store oil in an airtight container. See Hints for Best Results. Oil Reservoir is also Dishwasher Safe.
  
  Do not remove Oil Reservoir until the unit has cooled completely and is unplugged.
• Remove Condensation Trap from the back of the fryer. NOTE: This trap will collect any water that has been condensed on the inside of the Lid when the Lid is opened after frying. Remember to empty and clean the Condensation Trap after each use.
• The Frying Basket, Lid, Oil Reservoir and Condensation Trap are dishwasher safe. Dry all parts thoroughly after cleaning.
• The Control Panel Assembly and Power Strip should never be immersed in water or other liquids. Gently clean the outer surface of the Control Panel Assembly with a damp cloth containing mild soap solution or plain water, and dry thoroughly.
• Ensure that both the Lid and Oil Reservoir are completely dry after washing and before use.
• Insert Oil Reservoir back into Housing.
• Insert Control Panel into front of the unit. The Control Panel assembly must be attached properly to the front of the housing or the fryer will not operate. (see figure 1)
• Place Frying Basket into bowl.
• Put Filters back into Lid and put Cover on.
• Replace and close Lid.

Replacing and Cleaning Filters

NOTE: Replace every 3 months or after 12 uses.

• Open the Filter Cover, and remove filters.
• Foam white Grease Filter may be washed in hot soapy water. Allow to air dry.
• Charcoal Filters are not meant to be washed and it is recommended to replace every 3 months or after 12 uses.
• Clean the inside of the cover with a damp soapy sponge. Rinse and dry thoroughly.
• Place clean White Grease Filter on Lid, followed by Black Charcoal Odor Filter, then replace Filter Cover.

NOTE: For replacement Charcoal Odor or Grease Filter, order through our website at www.oster.com or by calling 1-800-334-0759.

Replacing the Timer Battery

This deep fryer is equipped with a Digital Timer that works on its own battery source. From time to time it might be necessary to change the battery in the timer.

1. Insert a small screwdriver into the slot next to the timer display and "pop" out the whole timer.
2. Remove battery and replace with battery type #LR44.
3. Line up the timer with the hole and push the timer back into the housing until it snaps into place.

Frying Time and Temperature

The frying times in this chart are a guide and should be adjusted to suit the different quantities or thickness of food and to suit your own taste.
Preheat time is 7-10 minutes for fryer to reach desired temperature. (Ready light will cycle On/Off during frying as temperature fluctuates due to food load.)

NOTE: Prepackaged frozen cooked chicken may cook faster than above time.

Reset the Overheat Protection Button

Resetting the Overheat Protection Reset Button may be necessary if unit will not turn on at start up (power indicator light illuminated and temperature dial set to selected temperature) or if unit appears to have stopped working during use.

1. Unplug the unit from the wall electric outlet.
2. Allow the unit to cool down.
3. Check the oil level in your unit. If it is below the minimum level, oil should be added before resetting the unit and resuming cooking cycle.
4. Remove the control box with heater.
5. Using a narrow slotted screwdriver or pen, gently press the recessed reset button on the back of the control box, located on the lower right hand side as indicated by the arrow (see figure 3).
   
6. Replace the control box with heater onto the main body and plug unit in for continued use.

TROUBLESHOOTING

Recipes

Apple Fritters

3 cups all-purpose flour
2 tsp. baking powder
¹_/2 tsp. salt
1 cup sugar
1 large egg, lightly beaten
4 tbsp. cooking oil
1 tsp. pure vanilla extract
Juice of 1 orange ( ¹_/3 cup)
1 cup chopped apple

Preheat oil to 375°F. Combine flour, baking powder, salt and sugar; set aside. Combine egg, cooking oil and vanilla. Combine dry and liquid ingredients and stir to blend thoroughly. Add orange juice and apple and mix well. Drop from teaspoon into hot oil (Basket should already be lowered into oil). Fry about 2 minutes or until crisp and very brown. Remove from fat and drain. Dust with powdered sugar or a mixture of granulated sugar and cinnamon; serve at once.

Beer Batter For Fish or Chicken

2 large eggs, separated
1 tbsp. oil or butter
1 tsp. salt
¹/4 tsp. ground black pepper
1¹/3 cups all-purpose flour
³/4 cup flat beer

Preheat oil to 375°F. Beat egg yolks with oil/butter, salt and pepper. Alternately add the beer and flour to mixture. Beat ingredients well and refrigerate for 3 to 12 hours. When you are ready to use mixture, carefully fold in 2 stiffly beaten egg whites. Pat fish or boneless chicken breasts. Coat lightly with flour then dip into beer batter. Place fish in hot oil (basket should already be lowered) and fry for 3 minutes or until golden brown. Fry chicken 5 to 8 minutes or until brown and fully cooked.

Deep Fried Chicken

1 fryer chicken (2¹/2 lbs.), cut up
1¹/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp. seasoned salt
¹/4 tsp. salt
1¹/4 cups milk

Preheat oil to 375°F. Combine flour and seasonings. Dip chicken pieces in flour, then milk, then flour again. Fry for 20 minutes or until golden brown and done.

Chicken Kiev

4 whole boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 tbsp. chopped onion
1 tbsp. chopped parsley
1¹/3 tsp. salt
1 stick of butter or margarine
¹/2 cup all-purpose flour
1 large egg, beaten
1 cup fine, dry bread crumbs

Preheat oil to 375°F. Place chicken breasts between two pieces of plastic wrap. Pound with wooden mallet to flatten to 1⁄4-inch thick. Remove plastic. Combine onion, parsley and salt and sprinkle on chicken. Cut butter into 8 pieces. Place a piece of butter on seasoned chicken toward one end. Roll as jelly roll, starting at end with butter, tucking in sides of meat. Press to seal well. Secure with toothpicks. Dust with flour, dip in beaten egg, then roll in bread crumbs. Chill rolls of chicken thoroughly (at least one hour). Place rolled chicken in a single layer in fry basket. Lower and cook 5 minutes or until brown. To test for doneness, remove a piece of chicken from the oil. When fork can be inserted with ease, chicken is done.

Quick Doughnuts

Refrigerated can of biscuits
2 tbsp. ground cinnamon
¹/2 cup sugar

Preheat oil to 375°F. Take each biscuit and flatten slightly with palm of hand. With finger, punch holes in center of each biscuit to shape into doughnuts. Fry 2 minutes, turning once. Remove from fat and drain on paper towels. Sprinkle doughnut in mixture of cinnamon and sugar. Serve warm.