Presto Electric Pressure Cooker - Manual (Page 4)

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2. Place the cooking rack into the cooker, if called for in the recipe (see Helpful Hints on page 7 for guidance
on when to use).
3. IMPORTANT: Look through the vent pipe to make certain that it is clear (Fig. E) before placing cover
on cooker body. See safety information on page 5. If blocked, clean as described in the “CLEANING”
section on page 6, step 3.
Holding the body handle with your left hand and the cover handle with your right hand, align the
▼ mark on the cover with the ▲ mark on the body handle and place the cover on the cooker body
(Fig. F).
4. After placing the cover on the cooker body, place one hand on the center of the cover and apply a slight
downward pressure. Place the thumb of your other hand on the side of the body handle and wrap your
fingers around the cover handle (Fig. G). Then rotate the cover clockwise until the cover handle lines
up with the body handle. The pressure cooker is completely closed when the cover handle is directly
above the body handle (Fig. H).
5. Place the pressure regulator on the vent pipe (Fig. I). The pressure regulator will fit loosely on the vent
pipe. It will not touch the top of the pressure cooker cover.
6. Using a high heat setting on your stove, heat the pressure cooker until the pressure regulator attains a
gentle rocking motion.
NOTE: The air vent/cover lock may move up and down a few times when cooking first begins as it
automatically exhausts air from the pressure cooker. Steam will be noticeable. This is normal. when
pressure 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 sink that is not heat resistant, 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, i.e., the air vent cover lock has dropped,
remove the pressure regulator. Always remove the pressure regulator before opening
the cover.
11. To open the cover, turn it counterclockwise until the ▼ 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.
Fig. E
Vent
Pipe
Fig. I
▲ Mark
Fig. F
▼ Mark
Fig. H
Fig. G
Fig. K Fig. L
Air Vent/Cover
Lock in UP Position.
Pressure in Unit.
Air Vent/Cover Lock in
DOwN Position.
No Pressure in Unit.
Fig. J