Instructions / Assembly

3. If the body or cover handles become loose, tighten them with
a screwdriver. CAUTION: Overtightening can result in strip-
ping of screws or cracking of handles and legs.
4. Do not strike the rim of the pressure cooker with any cooking
utensil because this could cause nicks in the rim which may
allow steam to escape and prevent the pressure cooker from
sealing.
5. The sealing ring, overpressure plug, and rubber gasket of
the air vent/cover lock may shrink, become hard, deformed,
cracked, worn, or pitted with normal use. Exposure to high
heat, such as a warm burner or oven top, will cause these parts
to deteriorate rapidly. When this happens, replace the seal-
ing ring, overpressure plug, and small rubber gasket of the
air vent/cover lock. Replace the sealing ring and overpressure
plug at least every two years.
Leakage between the cover and body is usually caused by
shrinkage of the sealing ring after prolonged use. Replace the
sealing ring. Whenever you replace the sealing ring, replace
the overpressure plug also.
6. Each time you clean or use your pressure cooker, check to be
sure the bottom has not been damaged. Nicks and scratches
may leave sharp edges that can damage ceramic stovetops or
other smooth surfaces. Lift pressure cooker to remove it from
burner. Sliding cookware could leave scratches on stovetops.
7. The formation of a small amount of moisture under the pres-
sure regulator is normal when cooking first begins. It is the
result of the temperature of the regulator being lower than the
rest of the unit.
A small amount of steam or moisture may also be visible
around the overpressure plug and air vent/cover lock as cook-
ing begins. It should stop when pressure begins to build and
the overpressure plug and air vent/cover lock seal. If leakage
continues, clean or replace the overpressure plug and/or air
vent/cover lock assembly. The pressure cooker will not seal if
the gasket for the air vent/cover lock is cracked.
Do not operate your pressure cooker with continual leak-
age. If the preceding steps do not correct the problem, return
the entire unit to the Presto Factory Service Department (see
page 65).
8. If for any reason the pressure cooker cannot be opened, con-
tact the Consumer Service Department in Eau Claire, WI at
1-800-877-0441.
Any maintenance required for this product, other than normal
household care and cleaning, should be performed by the
Presto Factory Service Department (see page 65).
helpful hInts
 Your favorite recipes may be adjusted for cooking in the
pressure cooker by following the general directions in this
book for the particular type of food being cooked. Decrease
the cooking time for your recipe by
2
⁄
3
since pressure cooking
is much faster than ordinary cooking methods. For example,
if your ordinary cooking method requires 45 minutes, in the
pressure cooker the cooking time will be 15 minutes. Be-
cause there is very little evaporation, the amount of liquid
used should be decreased. Use about ½ cup more liquid than
you’ll desire in your finished dish. But, remember, there must
always be water or some other liquid in the pressure cooker to
produce the necessary steam.
 Use the cooking rack when it is desirable to cook foods out of
the cooking liquid. When foods are pressure cooked out of the
liquid, flavors will not intermingle. Therefore, it is possible
to cook several foods at once, as long as they have similar
cooking times. If it is desirable to blend flavors, do not use the
cooking rack.
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