Fagor 918010053, 918010052, 918010051 User Manual

FAGOR CHEF PRESSURE COOKER

USER’S MANUAL

1

CHEF INTERIOR 12-19.indd 1 12/19/11 9:14 AM

Important Safeguards

CONTENTS

This is a U.L.-listed appliance. The following safeguards are recommended by

3

most portable appliance manufacturers.

Introduction

CHEF Pressure Cooker line

Components and Features

Cooking with the Fagor CHEF Pressure Cooker

• Before First Use

• Adding Food and Liquid

• Closing the Lid & Cooking

• Releasing Pressure After Cooking

Care and Cleaning

• Cleaning the Operating Valve

Basic instructions for cooking

• Fresh and Frozen Vegetables

• Fresh and Dried Fruits

• Dried Beans and Other Legumes

• Grains

• Meat

• Seafood and Fish

Adapting Traditional Recipes to use in the pressure cooker

Troubleshooting

Home Canning With your Pressure Cooker

• Home Canning Safeguard

Home Canning Recipes

Español

Français

Limited Warranty

10

15

17

22

22

26

32

34

72

Back Cover

4

6

6

When using pressure cookers, basic
safety precautions should always be
followed:

IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS

barley, oatmeal or other cereals,
split peas, noodles, macaroni,
rhubarb, or spaghetti can foam,
froth, and sputter, and clog the

1. Read all instructions.

2. Do not touch hot surfaces.
Use handles or knobs.

3. Close supervision is necessary
when the pressure cooker
is used near children.

4. Do not place the pressure
cooker in a heated oven.

5. Extreme caution must be
used when moving a pressure
cooker containing hot liquids.

6. Do not use pressure cooker
for other than intended use.

7. This appliance cooks under
pressure. Improper use may
result in scalding injury. Make
certain unit is properly closed
before operating. See the
“Closing the Lid and Cooking”
section in this manual.

8. Do not fill the unit over “Max Fill
Line”. When cooking foods that
expand during cooking such
as rice or dried vegetables, do
not fill the unit over one half full.
Over filling may cause a risk
of clogging the vent pipe and
developing excess pressure.
See the “Basic instructions for
cooking” section in this manual.

9. Be aware that certain foods, such

pressures release device (steam
vent). These foods should not be
cooked in a pressure cooker.

10. Always check the pressure
release devices for
clogging before use.

11. Do not open the pressure
cooker until the unit has cooled
and all internal pressure has
been released. If the handles
are difficult to push apart, this
indicates that the cooker is
still pressurized - do not force
it open. Remove the pressure
regulator and run cold water
over the cooker to cool it to
reduce the internal pressure.
Any pressure in the cooker
can be hazardous. See the
“Releasing Pressure After
Cooking” section in this manual.

12. Do not use this pressure cooker
for pressure frying with oil.

13. When the normal operating
pressure is reached, turn the
heat down so all the liquid,
which creates the steam,
does not evaporate.

SAVE THESE

14.

INSTRUCTIONS.

as applesauce, cranberries, pearl

2 3

CHEF INTERIOR 12-19.indd 2-3 12/19/11 9:14 AM

Manufacturer’s
Recommendations

To fully enjoy your new Fagor
pressure cooker, please read carefully
these recommendations before you
start using your pressure cooker,
and follow them accordingly:

1. Please make sure children do
not have access to or reach the
pressure cooker while cooking.

2. Never use the pressure cooker
with a worn or torn gasket. Inspect
the gasket before every use to
make sure it is pliable and does
not have any cracks or tears. If
you need to replace it, see the
Care and Cleaning section of
this manual for instructions.

3. To reduce the risk of burns or
spills, the lid and pot handle
should be positioned so that
it is turned inward towards
the back of the stove, and
does not extend over adjacent
surface units or overhang over
the edge of the stove top.

4. While cooking with the Fagor
pressure cooker, please make
sure the safety vent points
towards the back of the stove
and away from you. This will
reduce the risk of burns in the
event the safety vent is triggered
to release excess pressure.

5. It is very important that the
pressure cooker is not filled over
two thirds of its capacity with
food and liquid. If you’re cooking
grains or foods that expand during
cooking, do not fill the cooker
more than half full. Too much

steam might be produced if the
unit is too full with food and liquid.

6. Before cooking make sure that the
gasket is in good condition and
in place, and that the operating
valve is free of food particles
that could clog it up. See the
instructions found in this manual
for more detailed instructions.

7. Make sure the pressure cooker
has been properly closed before
cooking. The handles should
be aligned and the lid should
glide easily back and forth. If
the lid is not closed and locked
securely in place, the pressure
cooker will not build pressure.

8. After releasing the pressure from
the pressure cooker, open the
lid towards the back of your
stove since there may be some
steam still inside the cooker.

9. Caution: do not use the
pressure cooker on an outdoor
LP gas burner or commercial
ranges. This pressure cooker
is for household use ONLY.

10. Pressure cookers are not to be

used for medical purposes, such
as sterilizers, as pressure cookers
are not designed to reach
the temperatures necessary
for complete sterilization.

11. Do not allow anyone who is

not familiar with the instructions
to use the cooker.

Introduction

Thank you for purchasing a
Fagor Pressure Cooker. We
appreciate the confidence you
have placed in our company by

selecting one of our many pressure
cookers. We are confident that
the pressure cooker will give you
many years of excellent service.

Surrounded by endless myths,
pressure cookers are probably the
least understood of cookware.
This is unfortunate since pressure
cookers provide many advantages
over traditional cooking. First and
foremost, most foods can be cooked
in a fraction of the time, in most
cases up to one third of the time.
Since the food is being cooked for
such a shorter period, it is less likely
to lose its color and flavor, as well
as vital minerals and vitamins that
are normally evaporated or diluted
when cooking in large quantities of
water, for longer periods of time.

Made from high-quality, heavy­gauge 18/10 stainless steel, Fagor
pressure cookers are manufactured
and designed with a concern for
function and safety, meeting all
international safety standards.

Fagor’s easy-to-use pressure
regulators make it simpler than ever
to determine the proper amount
of pressure and how to maintain
it. The pressure release valves
signal when to lower or raise the
burner heat in order to maintain
the desired level of pressure.
We know that once you begin
using your Fagor Pressure Cooker,
you’ll understand why it is the
single most important piece of
cookware you’ll ever own. Today
people are more conscious of the

food and products they consume
that affect the environment. Fagor
recognizes consumer demand
for more eco-friendly products
and manufacturing processes.

Fagor pressure cookers are made of
partially recycled stainless steel and
are polished using only mechanical
procedures instead of chemical. In
addition to being manufactured in a
more environmentally respectful way,
pressure cookers save you energy
in the kitchen too. Compared to
traditional cooking methods, cooking
with a pressure cooker saves up to
70% cooking time. And less time
spent cooking means less energy
used, and less heat produced in
the kitchen. Also, cooking at high
temperatures and high speed retains
essential vitamins and nutrients,
bringing you healthier meals. Using
Fagor pressure cookers will not only
make a difference in your health,
but a difference in our world. This
may be the most efficient piece
of cookware in your kitchen.

Before you begin cooking, it is
important that you read this detailed
user’s manual and make sure you
understand how to operate, care
and maintain your Fagor Pressure
Cooker so that you will be able
to enjoy many years of use.

4 5

CHEF INTERIOR 12-19.indd 4-5 12/19/11 9:14 AM

CHEF Pressure Cooker Line

• 6 Qt model (918010051) includes:
10” Tempered Glass Lid that allows the body to be used as a traditional
cooking vessel. Steamer/ Grater Basket with Trivet, for steaming vegetables
that also functions as a grater. A DVD with information on the basics of a
pressure cooker. DVD Recipe Collection. User’s manual.

• The 8 Qt model (918010052) includes:
10” Tempered Glass Lid that allows the body to be used as a traditional
cooking vessel. Steamer/ Grater Basket with Trivet, for steaming vegetables
that also functions as a grater. A DVD with information on the basics of a
pressure cooker. DVD Recipe Collection. User’s manual.

• The 10qt model (918010053) includes:
10” Tempered Glass Lid that allows the body to be used as a traditional
cooking vessel. Steamer/ Grater Basket with Trivet, for steaming vegetables
that also functions as a grater. A DVD with information on the basics of a
pressure cooker. DVD Recipe Collection. User’s manual.

For other additional information on the CHEF line and other Fagor

products, please visit our website at www.fagoramerica.com

Chef Pressure Cooker
Components and Features

3. Pot Handle: Besides being used

to move and carry the pressure

1. Pressure Cooker Pot: Made of

high-quality, heavy-gauge, 18/10
stainless steel. All cooking takes
place in the pressure cooker pot.

cooker, the pot handle interlocks
with the lid handle when the lid
is turned clockwise. The grey
triangle on the pot handle is to
assist you in properly aligning

2. Lid: Made of high-quality,

your lid together for closure.
heavy-gauge stainless steel,
the lid must be properly locked
in position in order to build
sufficient pressure for cooking.
The raised indentation on top
of the lid, located to the left of
the handle, allows you to easily
align the lid to the cutout on
top of the base handle when
closing the pressure cooker.

4. Lid Handle: Used to remove

the lid from the pressure

cooker, the lid handle contains

important components vital to

the use of the pressure cooker.

To reduce the risk of burns or

spills, the lid and pot handle

should be positioned so that

they do not extend over adjacent

surface units or overhang over
the edge of the stove top.

5. Support Grip: The support

grip provides greater stability
when moving or carrying
the pressure cooker.

6. Operating Valve: This operating

valve features 2 pressure
settings a steam release position
and an unlock position.

7. Pressure Lock: The grey

pressure lock is used to lock and
unlock the pressure cooker. The
Chef pressure cooker has an
automatic locking mechanism,
which means that by aligning the
lid handle with the pot handle
and sliding the lid handle to the
left the pressure cooker will lock
by itself. For safety reasons, the
unit will not build pressure if the
pressure lock has not clicked into
place. This measure guarantees
that the cooker will never open
while it’s under pressure. To
unlock, slide the pressure lock
down towards you and slide the
lid handle to the right (Fig.1).

WARNING: NEVER FORCE THE
PRESSURE COOKER OPEN

Figure 1

8. Gasket: In order to provide an

air-tight seal, a silicone gasket is
positioned around the underside
of the lid (Fig. 2). Never use
the pressure cooker without
the silicone gasket properly
positioned. Do not use the
pressure cooker with a worn
or torn gasket, which should
be replaced immediately. We
recommend that you replace
your gasket every 12-18 months,
depending on the frequency of
use. Contact the Fagor Customer
Service Department at: 1-800­207-0806 or email at: info@
fagoramerica.com. You can
also purchase a gasket online
at www.fagoramerica.com.

Figure 2

9/10. Safety Valves: Both are

located under the lid handle,
the safety valves activate in
case of an excess pressure
buildup. The pressure cooker
cannot be opened if there is
still pressure inside the cooker.

11. Pressure Gauge: The pressure

gauge is a located in the middle
of the lid handle and will indicate
the level of pressure inside

6 7

CHEF INTERIOR 12-19.indd 6-7 12/19/11 9:14 AM

the pressure cooker. When
pressure begins to build, the
grey pressure indicator will begin
to rise and simultaneously the
pressure gauge will also begin
to rise from resting position.
If you have selected pressure
setting 1 on the Operating

Valve, you will see the entire

black line on the gauge as
soon as the pressure cooker
has reached complete LOW
pressure. If you have selected
pressure setting number2, the
gauge will continue to rise until
both black lines are visible,
indicating you have reached

complete HIGH pressure

within the pressure cooker.

Figure 3 Figure 4

12. Thermo Heat Conductive
Base: Since the objective of

a pressure cooker is rapid
cooking, the bottom of the
pressure cooker pot has a
thermo heat conductive base,
comprised of three layers of
metal. The first layer is stainless
steel, which is safe for contact
with food. In view of the fact
that aluminum should not be in
contact with food and it does
not have magnetic properties,
the aluminum middle layer

is sandwiched between the
two outer layers. Aluminum is
the best heat conductor and
therefore provides faster and
more even heat distribution. The
last layer is stainless steel with
magnetic properties, making
the pressure cooker compatible
with induction cooking.

13. Safety Vent: In case of high

pressure buildup, steam will be
released through the safety vent
cutout located in the rim of the
lid. The cutout in the handle
of the pressure cooker is an
emergency pressure release
mechanism that should never
become operative under normal
use. If both pressure release
valves become blocked due
to over filling, for example, the
pressure will tear the gasket
and escape through this hole.

WARNING: Excess steam escaping
through the hole will be very hot
and might cause serious injuries.
In the event the safety vent is
triggered to release excess pressure,
always place the pressure cooker
on the stove in such a position

that the Safety Vent is not facing

towards you or towards anything
that could get damaged by the
steam and sputtering liquid.

14. Timer: The Fagor Chef comes

with a built-in removable timer
that allows you to time your
meal up for to 99 minutes. To
remove the timer from the unit,
simply pull the tab on the corner

of the timer and lift. To start the
timer, begin by holding down
the START/STOP button for
3 seconds the digital screen
should turn on and 00.00 should
appear in the window (Fig. 5).
If there is time on the clock,
you can reset the screen by
simultaneously holding down the
MIN and SEC buttons on the
timer (Fig. 6). To set the timer,
you can independently select
the minutes by pressing the
MIN button and the seconds
by pressing the SEC button
to the specified cooking time
(Fig 7). To begin timing, press
the START/STOP button (Fig

8). The clock on the timer will
decrease until it reaches 00.00
when it is done. At the end
of the cooking time, the alarm
will ring letting you know your
meal is ready. The alarm will
continue to ring until you press
the START/STOP button to shut
off. The alarm will not stop the
pressure cooker from cooking
your meal; you will need to shut
off the heat to finish cooking.

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

NOTE: THE APPROXiMATE LiFEsPAN OF
THE TiMER BATTERY is APPROXiMATELY
18 MONTHs. YOU CAN REPLACE
THE BATTERY YOURsELF WHEN iT
RUNs OUT BY REPLACiNG iT WiTH
ANY NEW sMALL ELECTRONiC
BATTERY, MODEL # sR1130W.

15. Max Fill Line: This line indicates

the maximum amount of liquid
and food that should not exceed
the pressure cooker. When filling
the pressure cooker please
do not fill the pressure cooker
beyond the MAX FILL LINE (Fig

9) or more than two thirds full
with liquid and food, or half full

8 9

CHEF INTERIOR 12-19.indd 8-9 12/19/11 9:14 AM

if you’re cooking foods that
expand during cooking (for
example rice or other grains).

Figure 9

16. Lid Close Position Mark:
Line this mark up with the
mark on the lower handle
to open and close the lid.

17. Pressure Indicator: Indicates
whether there is pressure inside
the cooker. As the pressure
cooker heats and pressure builds,
the pressure indicator (the grey
tipped rod located in top of the
lid handle) will raise automatically
producing a slight amount of
steam coming out of the lid
handle. If the pressure indicator
is raised, there is pressure inside
the cooker and the pressure
cooker cannot be opened. If the
pressure indicator is not raised,
check to see if the Pressure

Gauge has risen before opening

the pressure cooker there might
be some built up pressure. .

18. Tempered Glass Lid:
This lid allows you to use
your pressure cooker as an
everyday cooking pot.

19. Stainless Steel Steamer

Basket/ Food Grater and
Trivet: The Chef Pressure Cooker

also comes with a stainless steel

steamer basket & trivet. They are

used for steaming foods under
pressure without placing them
directly in the cooking liquid and
doubles as a handy food grater.

Cooking with the Chef
Pressure Cooker.

NOTE: FAGOR PREssURE COOKERs
ARE iNTENDED FOR HOUsEHOLD

DOMEsTiC COOKiNG sURFACEs ONLY.

Before the First Use

To open the pressure cooker, pull
the pressure lock towards the end
of the handle and slide the lid handle
to the right (counterclockwise)
holding the base handle with your
left hand, and lifting the lid (Fig 10).

Before using the Chef Pressure
Cooker for the first time, wash all
the parts and components with
warm water and mild dishwashing
soap. Rinse well and towel dry. The
pressure cooker pot is dishwasher
safe. Fagor America recommends
hand washing the pressure cooker
lid and all its components (Fig 11).
Always remove the timer when
washing the lid. Always remove the
gasket when washing the lid. Wash
the gasket with warm, soapy water;
rinse well and towel dry. Cover the
gasket with a thin coat of cooking oil
(e.g., vegetable, olive, canola, etc.).
Follow this procedure every time you
wash the pressure cooker in order
to extend the life of the gasket and
to facilitate locking the lid in place.

Figure 10

Figure 11

Adding Food and Liquid

1. To cook with the Chef pressure
cooker, it is very important to
use at least 1/2 a cup of liquid
if you’re cooking for 10 minutes
or less, or 2 cups of water if
you’re cooking for more than 10

minutes; NEVER USE LESS ( Fig.

12). It is important to always use
some cooking liquid in a pressure
cooker since it is the liquid that
creates the steam necessary to
build the pressure. Without liquid
the pressure cooker cannot build
any pressure. You can use water,
broth, wine or any other kind of
liquid to cook, except oil. You can
use oil to brown meat or soften
onions directly in your pressure

cooker before adding the rest of
the ingredients, but the oil should
never be the ONLY cooking liquid.

WARNING: Pressure cookers are
NOT pressure fryers. WARNING:
Do not fill the pressure cooker past
the Max Fill line with liquid and
food, or half full if you’re cooking
foods that expand during cooking
(for example rice or other grains).

Always fill with at least ½ cup of liquid.

Figure 12

2. Never fill the pressure cooker
past the MAX FILL line or more
(Figure 9). It is necessary to leave
enough space in the cooker for
it to be able to build pressure.
Fill only halfway when cooking
with foods that will either expand
in size and/ or produce foam
as they cook, such as dried
beans or other legumes and
grains. Also fill only halfway when
preparing soups or stock.

Figure 9

3. You can add food and liquid

10 11

CHEF INTERIOR 12-19.indd 10-11 12/19/11 9:14 AM

directly into the pressure cooker,
or, optionally, you can steam your
food in the stainless steel steamer
basket. To use the stainless
steel steamer basket, place
the metal support trivet on the
bottom of the pressure cooker,
add at least half a cup of liquid,
and place the steamer basket
containing the food on top.

Closing the Lid and Cooking

1. When you’re ready to start
cooking, place the lid on the
pressure cooker pot by aligning
the mark on the lid with the
mark on the top of the pot
handle. Once these two marks
are aligned, press the lid down
lightly, then slide the lid handle
to the left (clockwise), bringing
the pot and lid handles together
(Fig 13). The lock on the handle
will automatically “click” into
place. If the pressure lock does
not close, the cooker will not
build any pressure. This is a
safety measure designed to
prevent accidental opening of
the cooker while under pressure.
The lock will block automatically
as soon as the pressure
indicator has risen, and will
unblock only when the pressure
indicator has dropped again.

Click

Figure 13

2. Once the pressure cooker is
locked, select one of the two
levels of pressure with the
operating valve. Pressure level 2

is HIGH PRESSURE, equivalent

to 15 psi (15 pounds of pressure
per square inch) (Fig 14). Use
this setting for most recipes;
stews, soups, meats, grains,
etc. Pressure level 1 is LOW
PRESSURE, equivalent to 8 psi
(8 pounds of pressure per square
inch) (Fig. 15). Use this setting
for delicate foods such as fish
filets or vegetables. NOTE: the
pressure valve will be set on
pressure level 2 when using the
pressure cooker for the first time,
as per factory default setting.

Figure 14

Figure 15

3. Position the pressure cooker on
the center of the stove burner.
The Chef Pressure Cooker
can be used on all types of
burners including gas, electric,
ceramic and induction. As to
not discolor the sides of the
pot, always adjust the burner
so that when using gas, the

flames remain under the base
and do not extend up the sides.
When cooking on an electric
burner, select a burner the same
diameter as the base or smaller.

4. Begin heating with burner set

on high heat (ELECTRIC STOVE

USERS –SEE BELOW). When
the steam comes out of the
operating valve for first time, lower
the heat to maintain a gentle,
steady stream of steam (Fig 16).

At this moment, the COOKING

TIME STARTS. Use the timer that
comes with the Chef pressure
cooker to begin the cooking time.

Figure 16

5. If at any time during cooking
an excessive amount of steam
is released by the operating
valve, lower the burner heat
to adjust and maintain the
proper level of pressure.

6. If the pressure drops and little
or no steam comes out of the
operating valve, raise the burner
heat just until a gentle, steady
stream of steam is released
and can be maintained.

7. While cooking, never inadvertently
shake the pressure cooker.
This can cause the automatic
valve to release steam, which
will create a drop in pressure.

NOTE TO ELECTRiC sTOvE UsERs

Since the coils on an electric stove
retain heat for a long time, food often
becomes overcooked when the
burner is turned down for simmering
(when cooking time is started).

Turn on one burner to medium heat
and bring your cooker to pressure.
Once pressure has been achieved
and steam starts to come out of the
operating valve, turn your burner to
low and start your pressure cooking
time. Make sure you don’t lower
your heat too much; there should
always be some steam coming out
of the operating valve. If there is
no more steam coming out of the
operating valve and/or the pressure
indicator drops, raise the heat until
steam starts coming out of the
operating valve, and adjust the
cooking time by 1 or 2 minutes.

Releasing Pressure After Cooking.

Always check your recipe to
determine how to release the
pressure from the pressure cooker.
The three different methods
of releasing pressure are:

1. Automatic Release Method:
When using the automatic release
method, turn the dial on the
operating valve to the release

12 13

CHEF INTERIOR 12-19.indd 12-13 12/19/11 9:14 AM

position (Fig. 17) and the steam
will be released automatically.

Figure 17

WARNING: The steam coming

out of the pressure valve will be
very hot, and might disperse some
droplets of hot water. Do not place
your hands directly over the jet
of steam, and make sure it is not
directed towards anything that can
be damaged by the heat. Once the
steam has totally been released
and the pressure indicator has
dropped, go to #4 in this section.

2. Natural Release Method: To use

this method, remove the pressure
cooker from the hot burner and
let the pressure drop and cool
down naturally. Depending on
the amount of food and liquid
in the cooker, this method can
take from 10-15 minutes. Once
pressure has totally been released
and there isn’t any more steam
coming out of the operating
valve, go to # 4 in this section.

3. Cold Water Release Method:

this method is used to release
pressure as quickly as possible,
and is primarily used for
vegetables, seafood and other
tender foods that can quickly
overcook. To use this method,
remove the pressure cooker from

the burner, place in the sink and
run tap water gently over the lid
until steam dissipates and the
pressure indicator is lowered.
Please caution that you will
need to tilt the pressure cooker
toward the sink when running
water over the pressure cooker
as to prevent the water from

entering into the Operating Valve,

(#6 on the Chef component
list) which might cause water
to leak into your food.

iMP ORTANT! PLEAsE NOTE: When using

the quick release method, always
run mild temperature tap water at a
gentle flow over the metal portion of
the pressure cooker lid. Remember
to remove the timer and never direct
the faucet directly onto the pressure
valve located on upper handle.
(Figure 18)

Figure 18

WARNING: By disregarding this

advice and deploying a strong
cold water stream directly onto the
pressure valve, you will create the
risk of sudden drop in pressure
inside the cooker, which can result
in steam being suddenly ejected

from under the pressure cooker
lid. This steam is extremely hot
and can potentially cause serious
burns. When putting the cooker
in the sink, tilt it so the cold water
will run down the sides of the
cooker. Once the pressure has
been released completely and the
pressure indicator has dropped,
go to step # 4 in this section.

NEVER IMMERSE THE PRESSURE

COOKER IN WATER (Fig 18).

4. After all the pressure has been
released and you see the
pressure indicator has lowered;
slide the pressure cooker lock
down to the bottom of the handle

(Fig 10). Hold the pot handle

with your left hand and slide the
lid handle to the right with your
right hand. Even though you have
already released the pressure,
never open the pressure cooker
towards your face since there
may be intense cooking steam
still inside the unit. To avoid the
risk of scalding, let the droplets
of condensed water drip back
from the lid into the cooker.

Figure 10

5. Opening during cooking. If you
should need to open the pressure
cooker during the cooking

process, it must be depressurized
first as described in this section.
We recommend using the
automatic release method for
this purpose, as this method will
cool down your pressure cooker
the least, hence aiding to build
pressure again faster to continue
cooking. The lid will be hot, so be
careful when opening and closing
it; to reduce the risk of burns, only
touch the handles with a kitchen
towel or mitt. Remember that
you are interrupting the cooking
process by opening the cooker;
when you continue cooking, you
must adjust the remaining cooking
time and set the timer accordingly.

6. Never force the cooker open.
It may only be opened if the
pressure indicator has dropped
into its socket completely
and no more steam escapes
when the safety lock is moved
to the open position.

Care and Cleaning

1. The Fagor Chef Pressure Cooker
is made of high-quality, heavy
gauge, 18/10 stainless steel.

2. The pressure cooker pot is
dishwasher safe, but the lid
should be washed by hand with
warm water, mild dishwashing
soap and a nonabrasive cleaning
pad (Fig 11). Please make sure to
remove the timer before washing
the pressure cooker cooktop.
Since the exterior of the pressure
cooker has a mirror finish, if

14 15

CHEF INTERIOR 12-19.indd 14-15 12/19/11 9:14 AM

you wash it by hand do not use
metal scouring pads or abrasive
cleaners, which will scratch
and possibly ruin the finish.

1-800- 207-0806, or by going
to the online shop section of our
website: www.fagoramerica.com.

1-800- 207-0806, or by going
to the online shop section of our
website: www. fagoramerica.com.

.

Cleaning the Operating Valve

After every use, check to make sure
that the operating valve is clear of

Figure 21

any built-up particles.

TO REPLACE THE VALVE

Figure 19

• To do so, move the operating

AFTER CLEANING

valve to the position shown in

Figure 11

3. To remove stubborn stains and
any discoloration in the interior of
the pressure cooker, try adding
the juice of half a lemon and 1 to
2 cups of water to the pressure
cooker pot. Cook at high pressure
for 15 minutes, then remove
from heat. Let pressure release
naturally, then wash as usual.

4. After cleaning, towel dry with
a clean, soft kitchen cloth to
retain the polished mirror finish.

5. In order to extend the life of the
silicone gasket, remove after
every use and wash with warm
water and mild dishwashing
soap (Fig 19). Rinse and dry well,
then cover with a thin coat of
vegetable oil before replacing.
For increased safety and best
results, the silicone gasket should
be replaced approximately every
12-18 months, depending on
the usage. You can order a
new gasket by calling Fagor
Customer Service Number at:

6. To store, DO NOT LOCK THE

LID IN PLACE. Simply place
the lid upside down on top of
the pressure cooker pot. This
will avoid the risk of a vacuum
forming inside the cooker during
storage, which would make the
opening of the lid difficult. It will
also prevent stale odors from
forming inside the cooker.

7. Before using the Fagor Chef
pressure cooker, always
check the handles, the base
handle, support grip, and the
lid handle to make sure that
they are securely screwed in
place. If not, tighten the handle
screws with a screwdriver.

8. Replacement Parts: Only use
authentic replacement parts
manufactured and distributed
by Fagor America, Inc. The use
of any unauthorized parts and
or attachments may cause unit
failure and will void any warranty
protection provided by the
manufacturer. You can order
spare parts by calling Fagor
Customer Service Number at:

Fig. 20 and take out the valve.
Clean it by running water through
it. Next, lift the lid up to the light
and look through the hole under
the operating valve. Make sure
you can see through it and there
are no food particles blocking
it. If necessary, clean it with a
small brush or pipe cleaner.

Figure 20

TO REMOVE THE
OPERATING VALVE FOR
CLEANING PURPOSES:

Move the operating valve to the
pressure release position. Now turn
a little harder to move the operating
valve to the unlock position (picture
of a circle with a line through it).
Pull it gently upwards to remove
it from its socket (Fig.21).

Point the circle with the line through
it to the line with the orange dot.
Place the valve in its socket and
turn it to the right towards the steam
release position. You will hear it
click back into place as you turn
it to the steam release position.

Basic instructions for cooking

In this section you will find basic
instructions for cooking foods which
are most commonly prepared in
pressure cookers. Do not chop or
cut food inside the cooker with a
knife or other sharp utensil to avoid
scratching the bottom. For soups
and stocks, do not fill pressure
cooker over 1/2 full! Remember
to ALWAYS use some cooking
liquid. Operating the cooker without
any cooking liquid or allowing the
cooker to boil dry will damage the
cooker and will not allow it to build
pressure for proper functioning.

Fresh and frozen vegetables

• Wash all fresh vegetables

thoroughly.

• Peel all root vegetables,

16 17

CHEF INTERIOR 12-19.indd 16-17 12/19/11 9:14 AM

such as red beets, carrots,
potatoes and turnips.

• Whole winter pumpkin should

be pierced several times with
a fork before cooking.

• When you steam vegetables

in the steamer basket on the
support trivet you should use
at least half a cup of water.

• If the approximate cooking time

is more than 10 minutes you
should use two cups of water.

• Never fill the pressure

cooker to more than two
thirds of its capacity.

• When you cook frozen vegetables

you must extend the total cooking
time by between 1 and 2 minutes.

• If possible, use the cold water

release method when the cooking
time is completed. This is the
fastest way to release the steam
and will avoid overcooking tender
vegetables. You can also use
the automatic release method.

VEGETABLES APPROXIMATE
PRESSURE COOKING TIME LEVEL

Artichoke, large, without leaves 9-11 minutes High
Artichoke, medium, without leaves 6-8 minutes High
Asparagus, fine, whole 1–1½ minutes High
Asparagus, thick, whole 1-2 minutes High
Beans, in the pod 4 minutes High
Beans, white, in the pod 8 minutes High
Broccoli, shoots 2-3 minutes High
Brussels sprouts, whole 4 minutes High
Cabbage, red or green, ¼-inch slices 1 minute High
Cabbage, red or green, in quarters 3-4 minutes High
Carrots, ¼-inch slices 1 minute High
Carrots, 1-inch slices 4 minutes High
Cauliflower, flower heads 2-3 minutes High
Common cabbage, thickly cut 1-2 minutes High
Corn, on the cob 3 minutes High
Endive, thickly cut 1-2 minutes High
Green beans, whole 2-3 minutes High
Green curly kale, thickly cut 5 minutes High
Okra, small pods 2-3 minutes High
Onions, whole, 1½-inch diameter 2 minutes High
Peas, in the pod 1 minute High

Potatoes, red, 1½-inch slices 6 minutes High
Potatoes, red, new, small, whole 5 minutes High
Potatoes, white, 1½-inch slices 6 minutes High
Potatoes, white, new, small, whole 5 minutes High
Pumpkin, 2-inch slices 3-4 minutes High
Red beet, in ¼-inch slices 4 minutes High
Red beet, large, whole 20 minutes High
Red beet, small, whole 12 minutes High
Spinach, fresh, thickly cut 2 minutes High
Spinach, frozen 4 minutes High
Swede (yellow turnip), 1-inch slices 7 minutes High
Sweet potato, 1½-inch slices 5 minutes High
Swiss chard, thickly cut 2 minutes High
Tomatoes, in quarters 2 minutes High
Turnip, in 1½-inch slices 3 minutes High
Turnip, small, in quarters 3 minutes High
Zucchini, Acorn, half 7 minutes High

Zucchini, Summer, 1-inch slices 8 minutes High

Fresh and dried fruit

Fresh fruit:

• Wash and pit or core fruit. If

you prefer, peel and slice it.

• Cook fruit in the steamer or

pasta basket on the support
trivet and add at least ½ a
cup of water or fruit juice.

• Never fill the pressure

cooker to more than two
thirds of its capacity.

• If you prefer, add sugar and/

or seasoning to the fruit
before or after cooking.

• When you cook whole or halved

fruit, use the cold water or
automatic release method. When
you cook fruit in slices or pieces
to make purée or conserve use
the natural release method.

• Cooking times can vary depending

on the ripeness of the fruit.

Dried fruit:

• Put dried fruit in the pressure

cooker with 1 cup of water or fruit

juice for each cup of dried fruit.

• If you prefer, you can add

seasoning or other flavoring.
Use the cold water or automatic
release method when the cooking
period is complete. If after the
cooking period the fruit is still
hard, let it simmer in the cooker
with the lid removed until it is
ready. Add water if necessary.

FRUIT APPROXIMATE PRESSURE
COOKING TIME LEVEL

Apples, dried 3 minutes High
Apples, fresh in slices or pieces 2-3 minutes High
Apricots, dried 4 minutes High
Apricots, fresh, whole or in halves 2-3 minutes High
Blueberries 8-10 minutes High
Peaches, dried 4-5 minutes High
Peaches, fresh, in halves 3 minutes High
Pears, dried 4-5 minutes High
Pears, fresh in halves 3-4 minutes High
Prunes 4-5 minutes High
Raisins 4-5 minutes High

Dried beans and other legumes

• WARNING: Never fill the pressure

cooker to more than half its
capacity with beans and legumes,
as these foods tend to expand
and froth during cooking.

• Clean out any foreign particles.

Rinse them with warm water

• Soak beans in four times their

volume of warm water for at least
four hours before cooking, or if
you prefer, leave them to soak
overnight. Do not add salt to the
water as this hardens the beans
and prevents absorption of water.

• Do not soak dried split lentils.

• After soaking, remove

floating beans and shell.

• Strain the water off the beans.

• Rinse in warm water (this also

applies to dried split lentils).

• Put the beans or legumes in

the pressure cooker. Add three
cups of water for each cup of
beans or legumes. Do not add
salt; beans and legumes should
be seasoned after cooking.

• Add a tablespoon of vegetable

oil for each cup of water to
eliminate the foam they produce.

• To add more flavor, cook beans or

lentils with some bay leaves and
a small peeled onion embedded
with two cloves of spice.

• After the cooking time is up, use

the natural release method to allow
the pressure to decrease naturally.

• Cooking times may vary

depending on the quality of
the beans or other legumes. If
after the recommended cooking
time the beans are still hard,
continue cooking them with the
lid off. If necessary, add water.

• A cup of beans or other

legumes yields approximately
two cups when cooked.

BEANS AND LEGUMES APPROXIMATE
PRESSURE COOKING TIME LEVEL

Azuki beans 4-5 minutes High
Beans, white 5-7 minutes High
Beans, scarlet, red 10-12 minutes High
Beans, black 8-10 minutes High
Beans, colored 4-6 minutes High
Pigeon peas 7-9 minutes High
Chick peas 10-12 minutes High
Lentils, red 7-9 minutes High
Lentil soup 8-10 minutes High
Lentils, green 8-10 minutes High

Grains

• WARNING: Never fill the

18 19

CHEF INTERIOR 12-19.indd 18-19 12/19/11 9:14 AM

pressure cooker to more than
half its capacity with grains, as
these foods tend to expand
and froth during cooking.

• Clean out any foreign particles.

Rinse them with warm water. Soak
grains, in four times their volume
of warm water for at least four
hours before cooking them, or
if you prefer, leave them to soak
overnight. Do not add salt for this
will harden grains and prevent
them from absorbing water.

• Do not leave rice to soak.

• After soaking remove

floating grains or shells.

• Drain the water off the grains.

• Rinse grains in warm water

(this also applies to rice.)

• Cook each cup of grain in the

quantity of water indicated in
the recipe or on the package.

• If you prefer, add salt to taste.

• After the cooking time is up, use

the natural release method to allow
the pressure to decrease naturally.

• Cooking times may vary

depending on the quality of the
grains. If after the recommended
cooking time the grains are still
hard, continue cooking them with
the lid off. If necessary, add water.

• A cup of grains expands

to approximately two cups
full when cooked.

GRAINS APPROXIMATE COOKING PRESSURE
(1 cup) WATER QUANTITY TIME LEVEL

Rice, basmati 1 ½ cups 5-7 minutes High
Rice, brown 1 ½ cups 15-20 minutes High
Rice, long grain 1 ½ cups 5-7 minutes High
Rice, wild 3 cups 22-25 minutes High

Meat and Poultry

• Remove all the visible fat from

the meat or poultry. If you are
preparing a complete cut of meat
or poultry, such as a roast, cut
it in such a way that it fits in the
cooker without touching the sides.

• Meat and poultry cut up into

small pieces cooks faster.

• To achieve best results, brown

the meat or poultry with 2 to 3
tablespoons of vegetable or olive
oil in the pressure cooker with
the lid off and before adding the
other ingredients. Do not overload
the pressure cooker (never more
than two thirds full). Brown the
meat in batches, if necessary.
Drain the excess fat and begin
cooking as indicated in the recipe.

• Always cook meat and poultry with

at least 1/2 a cup of liquid. If the
cooking time exceeds 15 minutes,
use two cups of liquid. Meats
with preservatives or salted meats
should be covered by the water.

• Never fill the pressure cooker

more than 2/3 full.

• When you prepare a concentrated

stock or soup, put all the
ingredients in the pressure cooker
and add water to half its capacity.

• Exact cooking times vary

depending on the quality and
quantity of the meat which
is cooked. Unless the recipe
indicates otherwise, the cooking
times given are for 3 lbs of
meat or poultry. Also, the larger
the cut of meat, the longer
the cooking time will be.

• After the cooking time is up, use

the natural release method to allow

the pressure to decrease naturally.

• When you cook beef or poultry

with vegetables, begin by
cooking the meat in stock or
another liquid. Subtract from the
cooking time recommended for
the meat the cooking time of
the vegetable ingredient which
takes longest to cook. Pressure
cook the meat for this time.
Release the pressure from the
cooker using the automatic
release method. Open the
cooker and add the vegetables.
Check the seasoning. Bring the
pressure cooker up to pressure
again and continue pressure
cooking for the cooking time
recommended for the vegetables.

If you want to add vegetables
which cook rapidly, such as peas
or mushrooms, do not pressure
cook them at the same time as
the other vegetables that take
longer to cook. Add them to the
cooker right before serving and
boil them in the pressure cooker
with the lid off until they are ready.
Example: if you are cooking a beef
brisket (cooking time 35 minutes)
with potatoes (cooking time 6
minutes) and sliced carrots (cooking
time 1 minute), you should first cook
the meat by itself for 29 minutes,
then release the pressure, add the
potatoes and cook for an additional
6 minutes. Finally, add the carrots
and let them simmer for a couple
more minutes until they are cooked.

MEAT AND POULTRY
APPROXIMATE PRESSURE
COOKING TIME LEVEL

Beef/veal, roast or brisket 35-40 minutes High

Beef/veal, (shanks)

1 ½-inch wide 25-30 minutes High

Beef/veal, 1-inch cubes, 1 ½

pounds 10-15 minutes High
Beef/veal, roast or brisket 35-40 minutes High

Beef, dressed, 2 pounds 10-15 minutes Low

Meatballs, 1-2 pounds 5-10 minutes High
Beef, cured 50-60 minutes High
Pork, roast 40-45 minutes High
Pork, ribs, 2 pounds 15 minutes High
Pork leg, smoked, 2 pounds 20-25 minutes High
Pork, ham, pieces 20-25 minutes High
Lamb, leg 35-40 minutes High

Lamb, 1-inch cubes, 1 ½ pounds

10-18 minutes High
Chicken, whole, 2 to 3 pounds 12-18 minutes High
Chicken, in pieces, 2 to 3 pounds 8-10 minutes High
Spring chickens, two 8-10 minutes High

Soup or concentrated stock of beef

or fowl 10-15 minutes High

Seafood and fish

• Clean and gut fish. Take

out all the visible bone.

• Scrub and rinse shellfish in cold

water. Soak clams and mussels
in a container of cold water with
the juice of one lemon, for an
hour, to remove sand from them.

• Cooking times can vary depending

on the seafood which is cooked.

• Cook seafood in the steamer

basket on the support trivet with
at least ¾ of a cup of liquid.
Apply a fine layer of vegetable
oil to the steamer basket when
you cook fish to avoid sticking.

• If you prefer, add seasoning or

flavoring to the cooking liquid.

• Never fill the pressure

cooker to more than two
thirds of its capacity.

• When you prepare concentrated

stock or soup put all the
ingredients in the pressure
cooker and add water to

20 21

CHEF INTERIOR 12-19.indd 20-21 12/19/11 9:14 AM

half of its capacity.

• Use the automatic or cold

water release method when
cooking time is up.

SEAFOOD AND FISH APPROXIMATE
PRESSURE COOKING TIME LEVEL

Crab 2-3 minutes Low
Fish fillet, 1 ½-to 2 pounds thick 2-3 minutes Low
Fish soup or concentrated fish

stock 5-6 minutes High

Fish, whole, gutted 5-6 minutes Low
Lobster, 1 ½-to 2 pounds 2-3 minutes Low
Mussels 2-3 minutes Low
Prawns (shrimp) 1-2 minutes Low

Adapting Traditional Recipes to
Use in the Pressure Cooker

It is easy to adapt your favorite
recipe for use in a pressure cooker.
For the most part, soups, stews,
braised and slow-roasted meats and
poultry, and slow-simmered recipes,
such as tomato sauce and fruit
preserves provide the best results.

Meats and Poultry: When
preparing meats and poultry, brown
well in the pressure cooker pot
using at least 2 tablespoons of
vegetable or olive oil. Drain any
excess fat and sautè onions, garlic
or any other vegetables as called
for in the recipe. Add the remaining
ingredients and at least a 1/2 cup
of cooking liquid such as broth,
diluted tomato puree or wine.

Soups: Soups are quick and
easy to prepare. Add meat,
poultry or seafood to the pressure
cooker along with any desired
vegetables, herbs and spices.
Add liquid ingredients, filling

pressure cooker only halfway.
Tomato Sauce and Fruit Preserves:
When preparing tomato sauce,
sauté minced onion and/or garlic.
Add and brown the meats as
specified in the recipe. Add the
strained or pureed tomatoes, filling
the pressure cooker only halfway.
Position lid and lock in place. Cook
for 20 minutes. Remove from heat
and let pressure drop naturally.
Season with salt and pepper to
taste. To make fruit preserves, place
the fruit in the pressure cooker with
the desired quantity of sugar. Let sit
one hour to release natural juices
of fruit. Bring to a boil, uncovered.
Stir well and add other ingredients
as indicated in your recipe. Position
lid and lock in place. Cook for 8
minutes. Remove from heat and
use the natural release method to
let the pressure drop naturally.

Troubleshooting

In order to ensure best results when
using the Fagor Chef pressure
cooker, be certain to read all of
the instructions and safety tips
contained in this owner’s manual and
all other printed materials provided
by the manufacturer. The following
are practical tips and solutions
to some common problems you
may experience when using the
Fagor Chef pressure cooker.

PROBLEM: The lid got jammed
while trying to slide it closed,
and will not open or close.
If the instructions in the “Closing
the Lid and Cooking” section of

this manual were not followed
carefully, the lid might get
jammed while trying to close it.

REASON: If there is some
resistance when attempting to slide
the lid closed, do not force it.
Stop, slide it back, lift the lid and
try aligning the marks again as
described in the “Closing the Lid and
Cooking” section of this manual.

SOLUTION: If the lid jams, never
try to force it closed. To un-jam
try sliding the lid open again.
If you cannot open it, please
contact the Fagor Customer
Service Department at:
1-800-207-0806 or email at:
[e-mail].

PROBLEM: There is water leaking
from the lower handle while the
cooker is building pressure.

REASON: While the pressure
cooker is building pressure, a little
water might drip from around the
area of the pressure lock on the
pot handle. The water comes
from steam condensed on the
inside of the lid. The dripping will
stop when the pressure cooker

reaches full pressure. However,

if it’s a continuous leak, or does
not stop after pressure has
been reached; it might be for
one of the following reasons:

1. The nuts and screws on the
handle have loosened.

2. The gasket has not been oiled.

SOLUTION:

1. Make sure the lower handle is
screwed tight to the pot before
using the pressure cooker or
after all the pressure has been
released. Tighten the screws
with a screwdriver if necessary.

2. Make sure you wash and
dry your gasket after every
use, and oil it regularly.

Figure 22

PROBLEM: Pressure does not

build up (the visual pressure
indicator does not pop up after
more than 5 minutes on high heat).

REASON:

1. There is not enough liquid.

2. The pressure cooker was not
properly closed (Fig 22).

3. The valve is dirty and/
or obstructed.

4. The silicone gasket is not in
place, or is dirty or worn.

5. The operating valve is not
in the correct position.

SOLUTION:

1. Always use the appropriate
amount of liquid called for in the
recipe. This amount should never

be less than ½ cup. However,

never fill the pressure cooker
more than half full with liquids.

22 23

CHEF INTERIOR 12-19.indd 22-23 12/19/11 9:14 AM

2. Following the instructions given
in this manual, close the pressure
cooker so that a tight seal is
created, which will allow for
adequate pressure build-up.

3. The valve can become dirty when
cooking foods such as dried
beans which have a tendency to
foam. Clean the valve periodically.

4. Make sure the silicone gasket
is clean and well positioned
before using the pressure
cooker. After continued use,
the silicone gasket will begin to
wear and should be replaced at
least once a year if the pressure
cooker is used frequently.

5. Make sure the operating valve
has been turned to pressure
setting 1 or 2. The pressure
cooker will not build up pressure
if the operating valve is turned
to the steam release position
(the picture of the steam).

PROBLEM: The visual pressure
gauge has popped up, but
there is no steam released
by the operating valve.

REASON:

1. There is not enough
liquid in the cooker.

2. The valve is dirty and/
or obstructed.

3. The burner heat is not
high enough.

SOLUTION:

1. Make sure there is enough
liquid. There should always be
at least half a cup of liquid in the
pressure cooker, or 2 cups if the

cooking time is over 10 minutes.

2. The valve can become dirty
when cooking foods such
as dried beans which have a
tendency to foam. Clean the
valve periodically. See the Care
and Cleaning section in this
manual for instructions on how
to remove the valve for cleaning.

3. Turn up the heat to medium
high until a gentle, steady
stream of steam is released
from the operating valve.

Figure 23

PROBLEM: A gentle, steady

stream of steam is released from
the operating valve and small
drops of water condensation
collect on the lid (Fig 23).

REASON: When used properly,
the operating valve will release
a gentle steady stream of
steam as well as some drops of
condensed water on the lid.

SOLUTION: This is normal
operation. If there is a lot of water
gushing out of the operating valve
with the steam, see below.

PROBLEM: A strong, forceful,
gushing jet of steam is escaping
from the operating valve with or

without drops of condensation.

REASON:

1. The burner heat is too high.

2. The valve is dirty.

3. The safety valve is malfunctioning.

SOLUTION:

1. Lower the heat so that only
a gentle, steady stream
of steam is released.

2. Check the valve to see if there
are any remaining food particles.
Remove with a toothpick.

3. The safety valve must be
replaced. Contact the Fagor
Customer Service Department
at: 1-800-207-0806 or email
at: [e-mail].

PROBLEM: Steam is escaping
around the edge of the lid.

REASON:

1. The pressure cooker is too full.

2. The pressure cooker was
not closed properly.

3. The silicone gasket is not in
place, or it is dirty or worn.

SOLUTION:

1. Never fill the pressure cooker
more max fill line with liquids
or foods that froth and
expand during cooking.

2. Following the instructions given
in this manual, close the pressure
cooker so that a tight seal is
created which will allow for
adequate pressure build-up.

3. Make sure the silicone gasket
is clean and well positioned
before using the pressure

cooker. After continued use,
the silicone gasket will begin to
wear and should be replaced at
least once a year if the pressure
cooker is used frequently.

PROBLEM: The pressure cooker
cannot be opened after cooking.

REASON:

1. There is still pressure built-up
in the pressure cooker.2. If the
pressure indicator has dropped
but you still cannot open the lid,
it might be because the pressure
lock has not been moved
to the open position before
attempting to slide the lid open.

SOLUTION:

1. Use the automatic or the cold
water release method to release
any remaining pressure. Make
sure the pressure indicator has
dropped. Try opening again.

2. Move the pressure lock down
towards the end of the handle

as far as it will go. Hold it

there, and now try to slide the
lid counterclockwise again.

PROBLEM: Foods are
under-cooked

REASON:

1. Cooking time is too short.

2. The automatic or cold water
release method was inadequately
used to release the pressure.

SOLUTION:

1. Always check the cooking time in
your recipe. If still under-cooked,

24 25

CHEF INTERIOR 12-19.indd 24-25 12/19/11 9:14 AM

extend cooking time by approx.
1 to 2 minutes and cook under
pressure, or simmer without lid
until desired texture is achieved.

2. Use natural release method so
that food has benefit of additional
cooking time as pressure drops.

PROBLEM: Food is over-cooked.

REASON:

1. Cooking time is too long.

2. The natural release method
was inadequately used
to release pressure.

SOLUTION:

1. Always check the cooking
times in your recipe. If food is
overcooked, shorten the cooking
time by at least 1 to 2 minutes.

2. Use the automatic or cold
water release method so that
pressure drops immediately.

PROBLEM: The pressure
gauge is not rising correctly

REASON: The pressure gauge could
be clogged with food and debris.

SOLUTION: Remove the pressure
cooker off of the stove and allow it
to cool naturally. When it has cooled
down, you will need to remove the
lid off the pressure cooker and clean
underneath the pressure. Push your
finger under the pressure gauge,
located under the pressure cooker
lid. When the pressure gauge begins
to move with your manual cleaning
process, the gauge should be fixed.

Home Canning with your
Pressure Cooker

(APPLIES TO 10 QT MODEL

ONLY, ITEM # 918010053)

HOME CANNING OVERVIEW:

Home canning is a method of

preserving food that provides a
gratifying method for producing
and storing some of our favorite
recipes. Canning enables us to
store recipes and enjoy them later

or give as gifts to friends & loved

ones. Understanding the basic
steps for preparation and right
equipment are all you need to
create a fabulous array of provisions
to stock in your pantry. Once the
method has been mastered, most
people find that canning is one of
the most simple and rewarding
ways to ensure having your favorite
fruits, vegetables, and even meats
year-round. Canning food at home
has increased in popularity. Families
are educating themselves on the
methods of canning. These basic
guidelines will teach you how to
can your most favorite recipes in
your Fagor Pressure Cooker.
Why Can Foods? Canning can
be a safe and cost-effective way
to preserve quality food at home.
It is an important, safe method
of food preservation if practiced
properly. The canning process
involves placing foods in jars and
heating them to a temperature
which destroys microorganisms
that could be a health hazard or
cause the food to spoil. Air is driven
from the jar during heating, and as

it cools, a vacuum seal is formed.
The vacuum seal prevents air from
getting back into the product,
protecting it from microorganisms
that could re-contaminate the food.

Before You Begin:

Recommended tools for Canning

1. Wire Rack to safely maneuver
the hot jars in and out of
the pressure cooker.

2. Jar Lifter to safely
grab the hot jars.

3. Ladle to scoop food into the jars.

4. Bubble freer to prevent bubbles of
air from remaining trapped in the
jar and causing contamination.

5. Jar Wrench to close the lids safely.

6. Magnetic Lid wand to safely lift
the sterilized lids out of the hot
water in the pressure cooker

7. Wide mouth funnel to make sure
all the food goes into the jar!

8. Glass jars: Use only
standard home canning jars.
Also commonly referred
as “Mason Jars”

9. Canning Lids: These flat metal
lids with sealing compound and
a metal screw band are the most
popular and recommended type
of lid for home canned products.

NOTE: Fagor includes among its

variety of accessories for pressure

cookers a 7-piece Home Canning

Kit with Bonus Cookbook that
includes the 7 recommended tools
mentioned above (except the glass
jars and canning lids). The wire rack
included in the kit holds four half-

pint jars. The Fagor Home Canning

kit is sold separately from the 10 qt
Pressure Cooker/ Canner. For more
information on this kit, please call 1­800-207-0806 M-F 9-5 pm EST or
visit the Accessories section on our
website: www.fagoramerica.com.

1. Jar selection, preparation and
use: Examine jars and discard
those with nicks, cracks and
rough edges. These defects will
not permit an airtight seal on
the jar, and food spoilage will
result. All canning jars should be
washed in soapy water, rinsed
well and then kept hot before
use. This could be done in the
dishwasher or by placing the
jars in the water that is heating
in your canner. The jars need to
be kept hot to prevent breakage
when they’re filled with a hot
product and placed in the canner
for processing. Jars processed
in a boiling water bath canner
for 10 minutes or more or in a
pressure cooker will be sterilized
during processing. Jars that will
be filled with food and processed
for less than 10 minutes in a
boiling water bath canner need
to be sterilized by boiling them
for 10 minutes. NOTE: If you
are at an altitude of 1000 feet or
more, boil an additional minute
for each 1000 feet of additional
altitude. See below for canning
methods and recipe timing.

2. Lid selection, preparation &
use: The common self-sealing
lid consists of a flat metal lid held

26 27

CHEF INTERIOR 12-19.indd 26-27 12/19/11 9:14 AM

in place by a metal screw band
during processing. The flat lid is
crimped around its bottom edge
to form a trough, which is filled
with a colored gasket material.
When jars are processed, the lid
gasket softens and flows slightly
to cover the jar-sealing surface,
yet allows air to escape from
the jar. It is best to buy only the
quantity of lids you will use in a
year. Never reuse lids. To ensure
a good seal, carefully follow
the manufacturer’s directions in
preparing lids for use. Examine
all metal lids carefully. Do not use
old, dented, or deformed lids or
lids with gaps or other defects
in the sealing gasket. Follow
the manufacturer’s guidelines
enclosed or on the box for
tightening the jar lids properly.

• If screw bands are too

tight, air cannot vent during
processing, and food will
discolor during storage.

• Over-tightening also may

cause lids to buckle and
jars to break, especially with
pressure-processed food.

• If screw bands are too loose,

liquid may escape from jars during
processing, seals may fail, and the
food will need to be reprocessed.
Do not retighten lids after
processing jars. As jars cool, the
contents in the jar contract, pulling
the self-sealing lid firmly against
the jar to form a high vacuum.
Screw bands are not needed on
stored jars. They can be removed
easily after jars are cooled. When

removed, washed, dried, and
stored in a dry area, screw bands
may be used many times. If left
on stored jars, they become
difficult to remove, often rust, and
may not work properly again.

3. Canning methods: There are two

safe ways of canning, depending
on the type of food being canned:
the pressure canning method and
the boiling water bath method.

PRESSURE CANNING METHOD:

With the pressure canning method,
the jars of food are placed in 2 to 3
inches of water in a pressure cooker
and heated under pressure at a
temperature of 240 °F or above for a
specific length of time, which differs
for every recipe. Pressure canning
can be used to can all types of
food. It is also the only safe method
of canning low acid foods, which
have a ph greater than 4.6. Low­acid canned foods are not acidic
enough to prevent the growth of the
bacterium Clostridium botulinum,
which may cause botulism. To
destroy the bacteria, foods must
be processed at a temperature
of at least 240ºF, which can only
be reached in a pressure cooker.
Processing foods under pressure
at a temperature of 240 ºF during
an adequate time ensures the
destruction of the largest number
of heat-resistant microorganisms
in home-canned foods. Low-acid
foods include all vegetables, meats,
poultry, and seafood. This method is
also recommended for canning such
items as soups, stews and chili.

Note: Although considered fruit,
tomatoes have a ph value close to

4.6. Therefore, you should typically
process them in a pressure canner.
WARNING: 240 ºF can only be
reached in a pressure cooker/canner.
Never attempt to can low acid foods
using the boiling water bath method.

Instructions for pressure
canning method:
Processing Instructions: Fill the

jars. Allow the proper headspace
according to processing directions
for specific foods. This is necessary
so that all the extra air will be
removed during processing, and a
tight vacuum seal will be formed.
To make sure that air bubbles have
not been trapped inside the jar,
run a bubble freer or any plastic or
rubberlike utensil around the edges
of the jar, gently shifting the food,
so that any trapped air is released.
After the air bubbles have been
removed, more liquid may need
to be added to the jar to ensure
proper headspace. Wipe off the
rims of the jars with a clean, damp
cloth. Screw on the lids, but not
too tightly — air needs to escape
during processing. Set the jars of
food on the rack and lower the rack
into the pressure cooker so steam
can flow around each jar. Add 2-3
inches of boiling water to the bottom
of the cooker (pour it between the
jars, not directly on them, to prevent
breakage). Put the lid on the cooker.
Once pressure is reached, keep
the pressure constant by regulating
the heat under the pressure cooker.

Do not lower the pressure by
raising or lowering the heat during
the processing. Keep drafts from
blowing on the pressure cooker.
Fluctuating pressure causes loss of
liquid from jars and underprocessing.
When the processing is completed,
carefully remove the pressure cooker
from the heat. If the pressure cooker
is too heavy, simply turn it off.

WARNING: Let the pressure in the
pressure cooker drop to zero using
the natural release method. Do not
use the cold water pressure release
method for pressure canning.
Never use the automatic release
method to hasten the reduction in
pressure when canning foods.
When the pressure cooker is
depressurized, unlock the lid and
tilt the far side up, so the steam
escapes away from you. Use a jar
lifter to carefully remove the jars from
the pressure cooker. Place the hot
jars on a rack, dry towels, boards or
newspaper, right side up to prevent
the jars from breaking on contact
with a cold surface. Leave at least
1inch of space between the jars. Do
not tighten the lids. Allow the jars to
cool, untouched for 12 to 24 hours.

BOILING WATER BATH METHOD:
The boiling water method is
safe for high-acid foods such as
fruits and pickles, as well as pie
filling, jam, jellies, marmalade and
other preserves. In this method,
jars of food are heated by being
completely covered with boiling
water (212 ºF at sea level).

28 29

CHEF INTERIOR 12-19.indd 28-29 12/19/11 9:14 AM

Note: If you are unsure of the

PH value of the foods you

want to cook, we strongly
recommend using the pressure
canning method. Instructions for
boiling water bath method:
Fill the pot about halfway with hot
water. Turn on the burner and heat

the water. Have the water in the

canner hot but not boiling to prevent
breakage of the jars when they’re
placed in the canner. Follow the
same steps detailed in the pressure
cooker method for filling jars.
When the water in the pot reaches
a rolling boil, begin counting the
correct processing time. Boil gently
and steadily for the recommended
time, adjusting the heat and adding
more boiling water as necessary.
Use a jar lifter to carefully remove
the jars as soon as the processing
time is up. Place the hot jars right
side up on a rack, dry towels,
boards or newspapers to prevent
the jars from breaking on contact
with a cold surface. Leave at least
1 inch of space between jars.

Do not tighten the lids. Allow
the jars to cool untouched for
12 to 14 hours. Selecting the
Correct Processing time to
destroy microorganisms in low
acid foods processed with a
pressure cooker, you must:

• Process the jars for the correct

number of minutes at suggested
setting (low or high pressure)

• Allow cooker to cool at room

temperature until it is completely
depressurized. To destroy

microorganisms in high-acid
foods processed in a boiling­water bath, you must:

• Process jars for the correct

number of minutes in boiling water.

• Cool the jars at room temperature.

The food may spoil if you fail
to use the proper processing
times, fail to vent steam from
pressure cooker properly,
process at lower pressure than
specified, process for fewer
minutes than specified, or cool
the pressure cooker with water.

4. Finishing Touches:
Testing the Lid for a Proper
Seal: Most two-piece lids will

seal with a “pop” sound while
they’re cooling. When it is
completely cool, test the lid. It
should be curved downward
and should not move when
pressed with a finger. If a jar is
not sealed, refrigerate it and use
the unspoiled food within two to
three days or freeze it. If liquid
has been lost from sealed jars
do not open them to replace it,
simply plan to use these first. The
food may discolor, but if sealed,
the food is safe to consume.

Unsealed Jars: What to Do If a lid
fails to seal, you must reprocess
within 24 hours. Remove the lid,
and check the jar-sealing surface
for tiny nicks. If necessary, change
the jar. Always use a new, properly
prepared lid, and reprocess using
the same processing time. The
quality of reprocessed food is
poor. Instead of reprocessing,

unsealed jars of food also can be
frozen. Transfer food to a freezer­safe container and freeze. Single,
unsealed jars can be refrigerated
and used within several days.
Always Inspect Canned Food Before

Consuming: Just as you would
avoid a foul smelling, leaking
or opened jar of food at the
supermarket, don’t taste or use
home canned food that shows any
sign of spoilage. Examine all jars
before opening them. A bulging lid
or leaking jar is almost always a sure
sign of spoilage. When you open
the jar, look for other signs such
as spurting liquid, unusual odor or
mold. Sterilization of empty jars Use
sterile jars for all boiling water bath
recipes. To sterilize empty jars, put
them right side up on the rack in a
boiling-water bath. Fill the bath and
jars with hot (not boiling) water to 1
inch above the tops of the jars. Boil
10 minutes. Remove and drain hot
sterilized jars one at a time. Save
the hot water for processing filled
jars. Fill jars with food, add lids, and
tighten screw bands. Empty jars
used for vegetables, meats, and
fruits to be processed in a pressure
cooker need not be sterilized
beforehand. It is also unnecessary
to sterilize jars for fruits, tomatoes,
and pickled or fermented foods that
will be processed 10 minutes or
longer in a boiling-water canner.

Label and Store Jars: The screw
bands should be removed from
the sealed jars to prevent them
from rusting on. The screw bands

should then be washed, dried
and stored for later use. Store in
a clean, cool, dark, dry place. The
best temperature is between 50
and 70 °F. Avoid storing canned
foods in a warm place near hot
pipes, a range or a furnace, or in
direct sunlight. They lose quality in
a few weeks or months, depending
on the temperature and may even
spoil. Keep canned goods dry.
Dampness may corrode metal
lids and cause leakage so food
will spoil. For best quality, use
canned foods within one year.

Important Home
Canning Safeguards

All of the Home Canning Recipes

provided in this cookbook have been
tested for quality and proper timing
to meet food safety standards.
As long as the instructions are
carefully followed the end result will
be a wholesome and shelf stable

product. However, when using or

adapting your own recipes, please
be sure that you process the recipes
with enough time. If foods are not
canned properly, consuming them
may be harmful or fatal. Never
attempt to make rough calculations
on your own recipes. If you have
specific questions relating to proper
methods of canning foods or timing
charts- please refer to the US
Department of Agriculture Website.
www.fsis.usda.gov . Another useful
source of information about home
canning is The National Center for

Home Food Preservation: www.

uga.edu/nchfp/index.html.

30 31

CHEF INTERIOR 12-19.indd 30-31 12/19/11 9:14 AM