Tiffany Haney
The Crock-Pot Express Pressure Cooker is a multi-cooker with pre-set buttons for various cooking functions, including pressure cooking, slow cooking, sauteing, and yoghurt-making. It is safe and easy to use for everyday cooking, though it does have some drawbacks. This guide will cover the pros and cons of the Crock-Pot Express, as well as some tips and tricks for getting the most out of this appliance.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Brand | Crock-Pot |
| Model | Crock-Pot Express Pressure Cooker/Multi-Cooker |
| Price | $69 (on sale for $49 at Target) |
| Included items | Recipe book, steaming rack, serving spoon |
| Pre-set buttons | Meat/Stew, Beans/Chili, Rice/Risotto, Yogurt, Poultry, Dessert, Soup, Multigrain, Steam, Slow Cook, Brown/Sauté, Keep Warm |
| Manual button | No |
| Lid | Lock by turning counterclockwise; do not force open |
| Float valve | In the handle |
| Pressure release | Rotate the Steam Release Valve to the "Release" position |
| Time adjustment | Use the "+" and "-" buttons |
| Pressure adjustment | PRESSURE ADJUST button |
| Temperature adjustment | TEMP ADJUST button |
| Delay Timer | Press the START/STOP button |
| Quick Pressure Release Method | Flick the tab on the Steam Release Valve to the "Release" setting |
| Common issues | E3 error code, E6 error code |
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What You'll Learn
Using the pre-set buttons
The Crock-Pot Express Multi-Cooker has 9 pre-set pressure cooker buttons: Meat/Stew, Beans/Chilli, Rice/Risotto, Yogurt, Poultry, Dessert, Soup, Multigrain, and Steam. It also has Slow Cook, Brown/Sauté, and Keep Warm buttons. These buttons are just pre-set, suggested times for cooking a particular type of dish. For example, you can cook chicken soup using the soup button, the poultry button, or the meat button. It doesn't matter which button you use, just choose the one with the closest cook time to the time in your recipe.
The Crock-Pot Express does not have a manual button, so you have to use one of the pre-set buttons. However, you can manually adjust the pressure and temperature using the Pressure Adjust and Temp Adjust buttons. Each pre-set cooking setting automatically selects the optimum pressure for that selection, but you can adjust it to high or low. Similarly, the temperature may only be adjusted on the Slow Cook, Yogurt, and Brown/Sauté functions.
If you have a pressure recipe that requires a manual setting, or if you want to set your own pressure and cook time, you can select any of the "One-Touch Meal" pressure setting options and adjust the pressure and cook time as needed.
The Delay Timer function can be used to set the Pressure Cooker to start cooking at a later time. Press the START/STOP button to begin the delay feature. The timer and DELAY TIMER button will stop flashing, while the START/STOP button will continue flashing. When the delay time reaches 0:00, the delay timer light will turn off and the START/STOP light will stop flashing, indicating that the time delay has finished. If using a pressure function, the word “HEAT” will appear on the display screen until the Multi-Cooker is fully pressurized. When the selected pressure has been reached, the timer will start counting down.
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Adjusting the pressure
It's important to note that the Crock-Pot Express does not have a manual button. Instead, you can adjust the pressure and cook time by selecting any of the "One-Touch Meal" pressure setting options and making adjustments as needed. The pre-set cooking times can be adjusted using the "+" and "-" time select buttons to increase or decrease the cooking duration.
Additionally, the Crock-Pot Express requires sufficient liquid to build pressure effectively. Ensure there is enough liquid in the pot to boil and generate steam. One cup (8 ounces) of liquid, such as water or chicken broth, is typically sufficient.
If you encounter issues with pressure cooking, such as the E6 error, try troubleshooting steps like unplugging and plugging back in the unit or contacting Crock-Pot Customer Service for assistance.
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Locking the lid
First, ensure the downward-facing arrow on the lid is aligned with the unlocked symbol. This is an important safety feature to prevent accidents. Once the lid is properly aligned in the unlocked position, you can safely open the cooker to add or remove ingredients.
To lock the lid, place it back on the cooker, turning it counterclockwise. You'll know the lid is locked when the downward-facing arrow aligns with the locked symbol. You should hear a secure click or feel some resistance when the lid is properly locked. This locking mechanism ensures that the cooker is sealed tightly and ready for pressure cooking.
It's important to note that you should never force the lid open. If it doesn't open easily, it means your Crock-Pot™ Express is still under pressure. Always allow the cooker to depressurize before attempting to open the lid. Use kitchen gloves or mitts to protect your hands when lifting the lid, as steam will have built up inside during the cooking process.
Additionally, always ensure the sealing gasket (a large rubber ring) is properly secured to the underside of the lid. This helps maintain a tight seal and is crucial for the cooker to reach and maintain pressure. Remember to check this gasket periodically and replace it if it becomes worn or damaged.
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Using the slow cooker function
The Crock-Pot Express Pressure Cooker has a slow cooker function in addition to its pressure cooker settings. However, one user has reported that this function is "awful", as it creates a lot of steam and liquid, making a mess.
To use the slow cooker function, you must first ensure that there is enough liquid in the pot to generate steam. One cup or 8 oz of liquid—this can be water, chicken broth, or another liquid—is usually enough to build pressure. Next, place the lid on the cooker, ensuring that the downward-facing arrow is aligned with the unlocked symbol. To lock the lid, turn it counterclockwise so that the arrow aligns with the locked symbol.
The Crock-Pot Express does not have a manual button, so to use the slow cooker function, you must select one of the pre-set buttons. The Temp Adjust button can be used to select the desired temperature (high or low) for slow cooking. The temperature may only be adjusted using this button on the Slow Cook, Yogurt, and Brown/Sauté functions.
It's important to note that the Crock-Pot Express does not know the weight or cook time of your ingredients. The pre-set buttons are simply suggested cooking times for different types of food. You can adjust the pre-set times using the "+" and "-" time select buttons.
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Troubleshooting
E3 notification code
If you receive the E3 notification code while using one of the pressure cooking settings, this may be because the lid did not close or seal correctly. To resolve this issue:
- Rotate the Steam Release Valve to the "Release" position and wait for the unit to depressurize.
- Take off the lid and check underneath to ensure the Sealing Gasket (large rubber ring) is properly secured to the underside of the lid.
- If your recipe looks like it may need more liquid now that you have released some steam after removing the lid, add more liquid, stir your ingredients, and reattach the lid, making sure the Steam Release Valve is in the "Seal" position.
- Unplug the unit for at least 5 seconds, then plug it back in and reprogram your cook settings to begin cooking.
E6 error code
If you receive the E6 error code, try the following:
- Pull out the inner pot for a few minutes to let it and the unit cool, then unplug the unit and plug it back in to reset.
- Check the steam release valve to ensure that it opens properly to allow excess steam to exit. Any build-up within the valve or the valve cover can cause the valve to malfunction.
- Try removing the pot from the unit and letting it cool outside.
- If you are getting this error code consistently, it may be a manufacturing problem, and you will need to contact Crockpot Customer Service to have it replaced.
Crock-Pot won't pressurise
If your Crock-Pot won't pressurise, there may be a lot of steam coming from the hole in the lid. This could be because:
- The lid is not fully locked. Ensure the arrow on the lid is aligned with the lock symbol on the base.
- The float valve is in the handle, where it is difficult to see.
- The lip of your insert is wet.
- The pin is hard to push.
- The bobber valve is not seated properly.
- The crock pot is too full, causing the lid not to sit right and the gasket not to seal.
Slow cooker function issues
The slow cooker function has been reported to spew steam and liquid nonstop, creating a mess. If you experience this issue, you may need to use a separate slow cooker.
No manual or pressure cook button
The Crock-Pot Express does not have a manual button. To use a manual setting, select any of the "One-Touch Meal" pressure setting options and adjust the pressure and cook time as needed.
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Frequently asked questions
Place the lid on the Crock-Pot Express and turn it counterclockwise to lock it in place. The downward-facing arrow on the lid should align with the locked symbol.
Press the START/STOP button to activate the delay feature. The timer and DELAY TIMER button will stop flashing, and the display screen will countdown until the timer reaches 0:00.
If you get the E6 error code, unplug the unit and plug it back in to reset. If you get this error code consistently, it may be a manufacturing problem, and you should contact Crockpot Customer Service to have it replaced.
The Crock-Pot Express does not have a manual button. To pressure cook, choose one of the preset buttons for the pressure you want and adjust the time as needed. Make sure there is enough liquid in the pot to generate steam and build pressure.
