Get to Know Your New
Dream Cooker™
Make the most of your new appliance by getting to know it a little better.
![spice dream cooker on counter](http://fromourplace.com/cdn/shop/files/M_Tablescape_Hero_Dream_Cooker_Spice.jpg?crop=bottom&height=450&v=1696363418&width=376)
Dream Cooker, Up Close
Recipes
Everything You Need to Know
Refer to the Dream Cooker user manual for best practices and important safety details.
FAQs / Troubleshooting
Pressure Cook: Pressure cooking is the process of cooking food under pressurized steam and liquid in a sealed vessel. High pressure helps to limit boiling and create higher temperatures, which cook foods faster than other cooking methods. This cooking mode is the recommended method for foods that are unlikely to overcook, such as soups and stews, or for foods you wish to cook quickly. Most foods cook under high pressure, which helps to break them down and cook faster. Foods that are sensitive to overcooking (like rice, pasta, and eggs) cook better with low pressure.
Slow Cook: Slow cooking is a method used to cook foods slowly over a long period of time using low, steady and moist heat. With slow cooking, recipes that call for High temperature usually cook in 4 – 6 hours, while recipes that call for Low temperature usually cook in 8 – 10 hours.
Saute/Sear: Use the Saute/Sear mode like you would use a skillet or saute pan on the stove. (Except you won’t have another pot or pan to clean!) Searing (or browning meat) prior to slow cooking or pressure cooking helps develop and enhance flavors. We recommend setting the temperature to High while searing. Sauteing veggies or infusing herbs and aromatics into broths before cooking is another great way to boost your recipes. We recommend setting the temperature to either Low or Medium while sauteing.
Keep Warm: Keep Warm can be used as its own mode to keep foods warm or to reheat foods like soups, stew and warm beverages. When Keep Warm is used at the end of the cooking process, the timer will count up to a maximum of 8 hours. Once 8 hours is reached, the appliance will automatically shut off.
Avoid overfilling the Dream Cooker, as it can lead to steam release valve clogs and excessive pressure. When using the Pressure Cook, Slow Cook and Keep Warm modes, never exceed the maximum fill line ("PC MAX"). Ingredients like apple sauce, cranberries, grains, and pasta can foam and splatter during pressure cooking, so adhere to the recommended fill levels. When cooking expanding foods like beans or rice, fill the pot no more than halfway, as indicated by the "1/2" line. And remember, oversized foods beyond the PC MAX can pose risks, so cook within recommended limits. For searing meats, we recommend not overcrowding the bottom of the inner cooking pot.
You can adjust the cooking time mid-cooking by following these simple steps:
- Press the Start/Stop button to temporarily halt the cooking process.
- Use the -/+ buttons to make the desired changes to the timer.
- Once you've set the new time, resume cooking by pressing the Start/Stop button again.
You can determine when the pressure is fully released and it's safe to open the lid of your Dream Cooker by looking for these indicators:
- “HOLD” Indicator: When the pressure has fully dissipated, the “HOLD” indicator on the UI panel will disappear.
- Steam Release Indicator: The steam release indicator on the UI panel will no longer be visible when the pressure has been released.
- Switch to Keep Warm + Timer Counting Up: Your Dream Cooker will automatically switch to the Keep Warm mode, and the timer will begin counting up when the pressure has fully dissipated. This indicates that it's safe to open the lid.
- Dropped Float Valve Pin: Another physical indicator is that the float valve pin on the lid will have dropped, signifying that the pressure has been released.
- Manual Steam Release: You can also push the Manual Steam Release button on the top of the lid to release pressure.
Yes, it is safe, but we recommend the following: Avoid placing it near countertop edges during cooking. Always use it on a flat, stable, heat-resistant surface, away from heat sources and liquids. After cooking, place the inner cooking pot on a heat-resistant surface to prevent countertop damage from residual heat. While not mandatory, a heat-resistant mat can provide extra protection and style. Make sure your Dream Cooker has clearance of at least 5 inches above and at least 3 inches on all sides to ensure airflow.
You can store your Dream Cooker in a cabinet, but make sure to always carry it by its side handles.
Do not operate the Dream Cooker in a cabinet. To ensure safe operation, it's crucial to maintain adequate space (at least 5 inches above and at least 3 inches on all sides) for proper air circulation. Operating it in an enclosed space or under cabinets may lead to steam damage or overheating. Please keep the appliance on a stable, level countertop with proper ventilation during use.
During cooking, the exterior of the Dream Cooker may get warm, but not hot. Regardless, to prevent burns or injury, we recommend using heat-resistant gloves, pads, or oven mitts and make use of the available side handles when handling the appliance. Additionally, avoid placing the appliance near flammable materials and ensure it's on a stable, level countertop.
The Dream Cooker generates noise in two distinct ways:
- Control Beeps: The cooker emits sounds as part of its control system, such as when selecting settings or modes. These sounds are generally low in volume (similar to a microwave beep) and serve as feedback for user interactions.
- Steam Release: When the cooker's valve opens to release steam, you will hear a noise associated with the release of steam pressure. This sound is a normal part of the cooking process and is to be expected.
The Dream Cooker employs a versatile heating element in the form of a heat plate located at the unit's base. This element adjusts its temperature settings according to the selected cooking mode and temperature preferences, ensuring precise and even heat distribution. It adapts its power output for various modes like Pressure Cook, Slow Cook, Saute/Sear and Keep Warm.
For proper maintenance, follow these steps:
First, unplug the appliance and allow it to cool to room temperature. Never submerge the cooker base in water or put it in the dishwasher; instead, wipe it clean with a damp cloth.
The lid can be cleaned with water and dish soap, but avoid dishwasher use and disassembly of the steam release valve.
Hand wash the inner cooking pot with warm, soapy water, and ensure it's thoroughly rinsed and dried – never place it in the dishwasher. To tackle stuck-on food residue in the inner cooking pot, soak it before cleaning; avoid scouring pads, and opt for non-abrasive cleaners or liquid dish soap with a nylon pad or brush if necessary.
Treat the silicone sealing ring gently, hand washing it and avoiding the dishwasher. When removing or reinserting the sealing ring, ensure it's securely in place to prevent warping. Always inspect the sealing ring for any damage, and if needed, reach out to Customer Support at hello@fromourplace.com for help.
Hand wash the condensation collector or use the dishwasher's top rack, removing it by pulling away from the base, not downward.
After each use, air dry all components thoroughly before storing.
The Dream Cooker comes with a suite of built-in safety features, including:
- Pressure Limit Valve that opens by itself if pressure is detected to be in an unsafe range.
- Valve Cover that prevents food debris from blocking the Pressure Limit Valve.
- Safety Lock that lifts to prevent the lid from opening when pressure is inside the cooker
- Lid Detection Switch that ensures the lid is in its locked position before the cooker operates.
- Temperature Sensor to ensure the inner cooking pot temperature is closely monitored for optimal cooking, which helps prevent food from burning.
- Pressure Sensor to ensure internal pressure is closely monitored and controlled, per the user’s inputs on the control panel.
- UI Control Panel that displays an error message to warn the user if the inner cooking pot or lid is not properly positioned
- Electrical Current and Thermal Protection Circuit, a fuse that cuts off the cooker power supply if improper temperature or current is detected inside the cooker or its components.
Manual Steam Release, which gives the user control to release pressure at any time during cooking. It’s also positioned away from the steam release valve to avoid contact with additional escaping steam.
- Height: 15.2 inches
- Diameter: 12.4 inches
- Depth: 13.3 inches
- Weight: 12.9 lbs
- Capacity: 6 quarts
If you're having any product issues please contact customer support at hello@fromourplace.com so we can help! This is just for those who might need spares due to preferences or dietary restrictions.
We’re always here. Reach out to hello@fromourplace.com with any issues and someone from our team would love to speak with you.