Metal
Shaft
Cover Handle
Hole
5.
Never open the cooker when it contains pressure .
— The air vent /cover lock provides a visual indication of
pressure inside the cooker. When it is up, there is pressure. When it is down, there is no pressure in the cooker
and it can be opened. If the pressure cooker is opened before all of the pressure is released, the contents of the
cooker will erupt and could cause bodily injury or property damage.
6.
Replace the overpressure plug if it is hard, deformed, cracked, worn or pitted, or when replacing the sealing
ring . Replace the sealing ring if it becomes hard, deformed, cracked, worn, pitted, or soft and sticky .
— The
overpressure plug is a secondary pressure relief valve which is designed to relieve excess pressure by releasing
from the cooker cover in the event that the vent pipe becomes blocked. The overpressure plug is made of rubber,
and when new, is soft and pliable. Over time, depending on the frequency and type of use, rubber becomes hard
and inflexible. When hard and inflexible, the overpressure plug loses its ability to act as a secondary pressure
relief valve. It should be replaced immediately.
Should the overpressure plug ever be forced out of the cover due to excess pressure while cooking, it is important
to call the Test Kitchen at 1-800-368-2194.
Do not attempt to use the released overpressure plug
.
7.
Always follow special procedures found in the instruction book when pressure cooking rice, grains, and
dry beans and peas .
— During cooking, dry beans and peas tend to froth and foam which could cause the vent
pipe to become blocked. Therefore, dry beans and peas need to be soaked and cooked according to instructions
beginning on page 29. Using this method will keep foam at safe levels during cooking. Like dry beans and peas,
rice and grains tend to froth and foam during cooking; therefore, to contain foaming and frothing during the
cooking period, rice and grains must be prepared in a bowl in the pressure cooker according to directions on
page 31.
8.
Never pressure cook applesauce, cranberries, rhubarb, cereals, pastas, dried soup mixes, or dry beans and
peas which are not listed in the chart on page 29 .
— These foods expand so much as a result of foaming and
frothing that they should never be cooked under pressure.
Care and maInTenanCe
1. All parts of your pressure cooker, including the sealing ring and pressure regulator, are fully immersible for easy
cleaning. When washing the unit, however, the sealing ring should always be removed to allow easy cleaning of
the inside rim of the cover. The sealing ring should be washed with hot, sudsy water after each use.
2. To be sure the vent pipe is clear, hold the cover up to the light and look through the vent pipe. Clean it with a
small brush or pipe cleaner if it is blocked or partially blocked (Fig. K). Also clean the vent pipe nut as shown.
3. Occasionally remove the air vent/cover lock in the pressure cooker cover handle for cleaning. To re-
move the air vent/cover lock, place your finger over the hole
in the cover handle (Fig. M) and remove the white rubber gas-
ket from the air vent/cover lock on the underside of the cover
(Fig. L). Push the air vent /cover lock through the top of the cover
and wash it and the gasket in hot sudsy water. The metal shaft
of the air vent /cover lock may be cleaned with a nylon mesh
pad. Clean the hole in the cover handle with a small brush. After
cleaning, reinsert the metal shaft of the air vent /cover lock from
the top side of the cover down through the cover handle hole
(Fig. M). Place a finger over the handle hole
(to keep the cover lock from falling out) and
turn the cover over. Wet the rubber gasket and
push onto the end of the metal shaft until it
snaps into the groove on the shaft.
4. The overpressure plug can also be removed
for cleaning by pushing it out of its opening
from the top of the cover. After cleaning,
reinsert it by pushing the domed side of the
plug into the opening from the underside of
Fig . K
Fig . L
Rubber Gasket
Fig . M
6
