User Manual
8
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
Occasionally the cover is hard to open or close. What causes this? What should I do?
In order for pressure to build inside your pressure cooker, the unit has a special cover which provides an airtight fit. Because of this, you
may find that on occasion the cover may be difficult to open or close. The following suggestions will help if this happens:
Ifthecoverseemshardtoclose,besureyouhavealignedthe▼markonthecoverwiththearrow
on either of the body handles. Move the cover until it drops into position. Then, press down firmly
on the cover handles and rotate the cover clockwise until the cover handles are directly above the
body handles.
If after browning meat or poultry the cover is difficult to close, it may be due to expansion of the
pressure cooker body from heating. Remove the cover and allow the pressure cooker body to cool
slightly and try again. Do not place the pressure cooker back on the burner until it is fully closed.
If necessary, to help make the cover easier to open and close, a very light coating of cooking oil may
be applied to the underside of the lugs on the pressure cooker body (Fig. O). Use a pastry brush, a
piece of cloth, or your fingertips and be sure to wipe off any excess oil.
What can be done if the food prepared in the pressure cooker has more liquid than desired?
With the cover removed, simmer to evaporate the excess liquid. Next time you prepare the same recipe, you may want to use less liquid.
How does one prevent overcooking?
Remember to begin timing as soon as you hear and/or see a steady flow of steam escaping from the pressure regulator. Reduce heat to
maintain a very slow, steady flow of steam. It is very important to accurately time the cooking period. A Presto
kitchen timer is very
helpful for this purpose. Also be sure to follow the recipe instructions for cooling the pressure cooker.
What if the food is not completely done after the recommended cooking time?
Simply bring the cooker back up to pressure and cook the food a minute or two longer.
How do I know my pressure cooker is operating properly?
When a steady flow of steam escapes from the pressure regulator, you will know your cooker is functioning correctly.
Can I use my stainless steel pressure cooker on all types of ranges?
Your pressure cooker will work on gas, electric coil, and ceramic glass (smooth-top) ranges (see page 3, #6 for correct burner size). In
addition, current stainless steel pressure cookers will work on induction ranges.
When cooking first begins, is it normal for steam to escape and moisture to form on the cover and between the handles?
It is normal for steam to escape and a slight amount of moisture leakage to form on the cover and between the handles when cooking first
begins. If leakage continues, the cover handles may not be fully aligned with the body handles and, therefore, the cover lock cannot engage.
My cooker is making a loud, unpleasant sound. The cap in the middle of the cover is also lifting up and emitting steam. What is
causing this?
The pressure relief valve is a warning device that is designed to provide both visual (the cap lifts and steam comes out the sides) and
audible (a fast, steady release of steam, often times accompanied by a continuous unpleasant sound) signals to indicate that the vent pipe
has been blocked and is no longer regulating pressure. If you see and/or hear either of these signals, immediately turn off the burner. Do
not move the cooker. Instead, allow pressure to drop of its own accord. When there is no pressure in the cooker (see page 5, #6), remove
the pressure regulator from the cover, open the cooker, and clean the vent pipe (see page 6).
NOTE: Do not operate the cooker again until you have replaced the pressure relief valve. The high pressure which triggered the release
may have contaminated the valve with food particles, which could prevent it from acting as a warning and a backup pressure relief valve
if the vent pipe is plugged again. Remember a plugged vent pipe is a result of user error.
• Never overfill the cooker (see page 4, #1).
• Never cook the foods listed on page 5, #2 in a pressure cooker.
• Always follow the special procedures when cooking rice, grains, and dry beans and peas (see page 5, #11).
Is it normal for the air vent/cover lock to rise up partially and drop back down when cooking first begins?
It is possible that the air vent/cover lock will move up and down slightly when cooking first begins. Do not be concerned. The air vent/
cover lock will remain in the up position once the cooker has sealed. However, if the air vent/cover lock continues to move up and down
or rises partially, tap it lightly with the tip of a knife. If it does not rise once you have tapped it, the following may be occurring:
1. The burner is not hot enough.
2. The cooker is not fully closed (see page 3, #4).
3. There is insufficient liquid to form steam.
4. The gasket for the air vent/cover lock needs to be replaced (see page 7, #6).
Apply Cooking
Oil Here
Fig. O