begins to build, it slides up, locking the cover on. Once the cooker has sealed, the air vent/cover lock will remain in the up position until pressure is released (Fig. J).
7.Cooking time begins when the pressure regulator begins to rock gently. Gradually lower the heat as necessary to maintain a slow, steady rocking motion and cook for the length of time indicated in the recipe or timetable. If the pressure regulator is allowed to rock vigorously, excess steam will escape. Therefore, too much liquid will evaporate and food may scorch. Never leave your pressure cooker unattended at high heat settings. It could boil dry, overheat, and cause damage to the pressure cooker.
8.When cooking time is complete, turn off burner. If using an electric stove, remove pressure cooker from burner. Caution: Lift pressure cooker to remove it from burner. Sliding cookware can leave scratches on stovetops.
9.Reduce pressure according to the recipe or timetable instructions. If the instructions say “Let the pressure drop of its own accord,” set the pressure cooker aside to cool until pressure is completely reduced. If the instructions state, “Cool cooker at once,” cool the pressure cooker under a running water faucet (Fig. K) or pour cold water over it, or place it in a pan of cold water (Fig. L) until pressure is completely reduced. Note: Do not set hot cooker in a molded sink as it could damage the sink. Pressure is completely reduced when the air vent/ cover lock has dropped.
If the air vent/cover lock remains in its raised position, there is still pressure inside the pressure cooker. Continue to cool until the air vent/cover lock drops.
10. After pressure has been completely reduced, remove the pressure regulator. Always remove the pressure regulator before opening the cover.
11. To open the cover, turn it counterclockwise until the V (or ) mark on the cover aligns with the mark on the body handle. Then, lift the cover toward you to keep any steam away from you. If the cover turns hard, there still may be some pressure in the unit. Do not force the cover off. Continue to cool the pressure cooker until steam no longer is escaping from the vent pipe, the air vent/cover lock has dropped, and the cover turns easily.
12. Food is ready to serve.
Air Vent/Cover | Air Vent/Cover |
Lock in UP | Lock in DOWN |
Position. | Position. |
Pressure in Unit. | No Pressure in Unit. |
Fig. J
Fig. K
Fig. L
Important Safety Information
Cooking under pressure enables you to prepare food both quickly and deliciously. If used properly, your pressure cooker is one of the safest appliances in your kitchen. To ensure safe operation, make sure you always observe the following simple rules whenever you use the pressure cooker:
1.Never overfill the pressure cooker. — The pressure regulator is designed to maintain cooking pressure at a safe level.
It relieves excess pressure through the vent pipe as it rocks back and forth. Many foods tend to expand when cooked. If the cooker is overfilled, expansion of food may cause the vent pipe to become blocked or clogged. If the vent pipe becomes blocked, it cannot relieve excess pressure.
Do not fill the cooker above the ⅔ fill line when cooking most foods. When cooking foods that foam, froth, or expand, such as rice, grains, dry beans and peas, or foods that are mostly liquid, such as soups, never fill the cooker above the ½ fill line.
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