Presto 0126410, 0128206, 0134108, 0136210 Owner's Manual

Pressure Cookers

Stock Numbers:

01241 (4-qt. aluminum)

01264 (6-qt. aluminum)

01282 (8-qt. aluminum)

01341 (4-qt. stainless steel)

01362 (6-qt. stainless steel)

The stock number is the first five digits of the model number.

2009 by National Presto Industries, Inc.

Visit us on the web at www.GoPresto.com

Instructions and Recipes

This is a Listed appliance. The following Important Safeguards are

recommended by most portable appliance manufacturers.

IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS

To reduce the risk of personal injury or property damage, basic safety precautions should always be followed, including the following:

1.Read all instructions.

2.Be sure that handles are assembled and fastened properly before using this appliance (see pages 4 and 5). Cracked, broken or charred handles should be replaced.

3.Always check the vent pipe before use. Hold cover up to light and look through vent pipe to be certain it is clear.

4.Always check the air vent/cover lock to be sure it moves freely before use.

5.Do not fill pressure cooker over 2⁄3 full. For soup, grains, and dry beans and peas which expand during cooking, do not fill cooker over 1⁄2 full. Overfilling may cause a risk of clogging the vent pipe and developing excess pressure. See food preparation instructions.

6.Do not pressure cook applesauce, cranberries, rhubarb, cereals, pastas, dried soup mixes, or any dry beans and peas which are not listed on the chart on page 54. These foods tend to foam, froth, and sputter and may block the vent pipe, overpressure plug, and air vent/cover lock.

7.This appliance cooks under pressure. Improper use may result in scalding injury. Make certain pressure cooker is properly closed before operating; cover handle must be directly above the body handle. See “How To Use Instructions.”

8.Do not place the pressure cooker or attempt to pressure cook in a heated oven.

9.Extreme caution must be used when moving a pressure cooker containing hot liquids. Do not touch hot surfaces. Use handles or knobs.

10. Do not open pressure cooker until the unit has cooled and all internal pressure has been released, air vent/cover lock has dropped, and no steam escapes when the pressure regulator is removed. If the handles are difficult to push apart, this indicates that the cooker is still pressurized – do not force it open. Any pressure in the cooker can be hazardous. See “How To Use Instructions.”

11. Caution: To ensure safe operation and satisfactory performance, replace the overpressure plug every time you replace the sealing ring or sooner if it becomes hard, deformed, cracked, worn, or pitted. It is recommended that the sealing ring and overpressure plug be replaced at least every two years.

12. Close supervision is necessary when the pressure cooker is used near children. It is not recommended that children use the pressure cooker.

13. When normal operating pressure is reached, the pressure regulator will begin to rock. Gradually lower the heat to maintain a slow, steady rocking motion. If the pressure regulator is allowed to rock vigorously excess steam will escape, liquid will be evaporated, and food may scorch.

14.Caution: Do not use pressure cooker on an outdoor LP gas burner or gas range over 12,000 BTU’s.

15. Do not use this pressure cooker for other than intended use. 16. Do not use this pressure cooker for pressure frying with oil.

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS

THIS PRODUCT IS FOR HOUSEHOLD USE ONLY.

Pressure Cooker

Instructions and Recipes

Table of Contents

Important Safeguards . . . .	. . . . .		Inside front cover
Introduction . . . . . . . .	. . . .	.	.	.	. . . .	3
Handle Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Getting Acquainted . . . . .	. . . .	.	.	.	. . . .	6
How to Use . . . . . . . .	. . . .	.	.	.	. . . .	8
Important Safety Information .	. . . . . . . . . . . 12
Cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Care and Maintenance . . . .	. . . . . . . . . . . 17
Helpful Hints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Questions and Answers . . .	. . . . .	.	.		. . . . . 21
Soups and Stocks . . . . . .	. . . . . . . . . . . 24
Seafood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Poultry . . . . . . . . .	. . . . .	.	.		. . . . . 33
Meats . . . . . . . . . .	. . . . . . . . . . . 39
Vegetables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
Dry Beans and Peas . . . .	. . . . . . . . . . . . 53
Grains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
Desserts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
Recipe Index . . . . . . .	. . . . .	.	.		. . . . . 64
Service and Parts Information	. . . . .	.	.		. . . . . 65
Warranty . . . . . . . . .	. . . .	.	.	.	. Back cover

Introduction

Welcome to the world of pressure cooking. With your new Presto Pressure Cooker, you’ll discover how fast and easy it is to prepare a wide variety of delicious foods—especially foods that emphasize good health and nutrition along with good taste.

The pressure cooker is perfect for the way we live and eat today. It’s ideal for preparing many of the lighter foods that help keep us healthy and fit. It preserves flavors and nutrients, tenderizes meat and, best of all, it cooks foods three to ten times faster than ordinary cooking methods. And, it’s even possible to cook several foods in the pressure cooker at the same time without the flavors intermingling.

We have included recipes for some traditional family favorites that are especially well suited to the many advantages of pressure cooking. For your convenience, we have also provided nutritional information for all of the recipes in this book.

To help get started with your new pressure cooker, be sure to read the “Getting Acquainted” section beginning on page 6.

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handle Installation

Tools Required: Phillips type screwdriver

NOTE: The pressure cooker handles can be found inside the pressure cooker body in individual plastic bags.

To Attach Helper Handle to Cooker Body

(Does not apply to 4-quart pressure cooker, stock number 01241.)

1.Place pressure cooker body upside down on table or counter (Fig. A).

2.Locate bag containing short helper handle. Take out handle and remove tape on handle which is holding screw in place. Remove screw from handle and set aside.

3.Position helper handle, with indented side facing up, onto threaded post under fill lines (Fig. A). Insert screw into helper handle hole and using a Phillips type screwdriver fasten handle securely to post. When properly installed, handle should appear level with table or counter as shown in Fig. A. Caution: Overtightening can result in stripping of screws or cracking of handles.

Fig. A		Pressure
Model number and		Cooker Body
date code		Fill lines
	Post		Indented
Screw		Post	Side	Screw
Body Handle		Helper Handle
		(Does not apply to stock no. 01241)

To Attach Body Handle to Cooker Body

1. Locate bag containing long body handle. This is the handle that has one screw hole. Take out handle and remove tape on handle which is holding screw in place. Remove screw from

handle and set aside.

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2.For easier handle installation, position cooker body so the threaded post extends over edge of counter slightly.

3.Position long body handle, with facing down, onto threaded post which is under model number and date code (Fig. A).

4.Insert screw into handle hole and using a Phillips type screwdriver fasten handle securely to post. Caution: Overtightening can result in stripping of screws or cracking of handles.

To Attach Cover Handle to Cooker Cover

1.Locate bag containing cover handle. This handle has three holes, two of which contain screws. Take out handle and remove tape on handle which is holding the two screws in place. Remove screws from handle and set aside.

2.Place pressure cooker cover upside down on table or counter as shown in Fig. B, so vent pipe bottom faces you.

3.Fit cover handle, with the indented side facing up, onto cover handle mount so the air vent cover lock stem fits through the center hole of the cover handle (Fig. B).

4.Insert the screws into the two holes on both sides of the center hole. Using a Phillips type screwdriver fasten cover handle securely to cover handle mount. Caution: Overtightening can result in stripping of screws or cracking of handles.

Note: As noted in step 4 on page 9, the cooker is completely closed when the cover handle is directly above the body handle. After placing cover on cooker body, check positioning

of handles. When properly installed the body handle and cover handle will line up with each other without interference.

Air Vent/Cover		Cover Handle Mount
Lock Stem
		Center Hole
		Screw
Vent Pipe		Cover Handle
Bottom
		(indented side)
Fig. B	Screw

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Getting Acquainted

Your pressure cooker is like a saucepan with a very special cover that locks in place. Air is automatically exhausted and steam is sealed inside creating pressure within the unit. Under pressure, internal temperatures in the cooker are raised above the normal boiling point of water, causing foods to cook faster. At 15 pounds of pressure, a temperature of 250° F. (or 121° C.) is reached inside the pressure cooker. These higher temperatures speed cooking, and the moist steam atmosphere tenderizes meats naturally.

It is important to become familiar with the various parts of the pressure cooker (Fig. C) and to read the “How To Use” section beginning on page 8 before using the unit for the first time.

Pressure Regulator	Vent Pipe
Overpressure Plug	Air Vent /Cover Lock
Sealing	Cover Handle
Ring

	Helper	Body Handle
	Handle
	(Does not apply
	to stock no.
	01241)	Cover
	Body

Cooking rack

Fig. C

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Before the first use, remove the sealing ring (Fig. D) by simply pulling it out of the inside rim of the cover.

Wash sealing ring, cover, body, and cooking rack (Fig. C) in hot, sudsy water to remove any packaging material and white manufacturing lubricant. Rinse all parts with warm water and dry.

Then, replace the sealing ring, being careful to fit it under the stop tabs and the lock pin (Fig. D) which are located on the inside rim of the cover.

Fig. D

Stop Tab

Lock pin

Sealing Ring

Stop Tab

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How to Use

To assure the very best results every time, carefully follow these step-by-step instructions for pressure cooking. You may find it helpful to refer back to Fig. C on page 6.

1.Prepare ingredients according to the directions in the pressure cooking recipe you have selected. Recipes in this book were developed for use in a 4-quart pressure cooker. If you have a

6-quart pressure cooker, you may increase the ingredients by 1⁄2. If you have an 8-quart pressure cooker, you may double the ingredients. Be sure not to overfill the pressure cooker (see page 12 for guidance on filling).

Pour liquid into the cooker body, as specified in the recipe or timetable. This liquid is usually water. However, some recipes will call for other liquids, such as wine.

	2. Place the cooking rack into the		Fig. E
	cooker, if called for in the recipe
	(see Helpful Hints on page 19 for
	guidance on when to use).
	3. IMPORTANT: Look through
	the vent pipe to make certain that		Vent
	it is clear (Fig. E) before placing
			Pipe
	cover on cooker body.
	See safety information	Aluminum Cookers	Stainless Steel
	on page 13.
			Cookers
	Holding the body han-	V Mark	Mark
	dle with your left hand
	and the cover handle
	with your right hand,	Mark
	align the V (or ) mark	Fig. F
	on the cover with the

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mark on the body handle and place the cover on the cooker body (Fig. F). Aluminum cookers have a V mark on the cover and stainless steel cookers have a mark on the cover.

4.After placing the cover on the cooker body, place one hand on the cover opposite the body handle 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 clock-
	wise until the cover handle	Fig. G
	lines up with the body handle.

The pressure cooker is com-

pletely 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 Fig. H 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 regu-
lator attains a gentle rocking	Fig. I
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, lock-

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ing 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).

Air Vent/Cover	Air Vent/Cover Lock
Lock in UP Position.	in DOWN Position.
Pressure in Unit.	No Pressure in Unit.

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

Fig. K		Fig. L

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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.

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2⁄3 fill line

1⁄2 fill line

Fig. M

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 2⁄3 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 1⁄2 fill line.

For your convenience, both

the 2⁄3 and 1⁄2 full levels are marked by indentations on the side of the pressure

cooker body (Fig. M). The upper marking indicates the

2⁄3 full level and the lower the 1⁄2 full level. In addition,

in each section of the recipes you will find instructions on the maximum fill level for each type of food.

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Reminder: When cooking any food, do not let any portion extend above the maximum fill mark. When cooking rice, grains, dry beans and peas, soups, and stews, the cooker should never be more than 1⁄2 full.

2.Always add cooking liquid. — If an empty pressure cooker is left on a hot burner or if a cooker boils dry and is left on a heated burner, the cooker will overheat excessively causing possible discoloration and/or damage to the cooker.

3.Always look through the vent pipe before using the cooker to make sure it is clear. — If the vent pipe is blocked, it cannot function as it should and thus cannot relieve excess pressure. Pressure may then build to unsafe levels. To clean the vent pipe, see page 15.

4.Always fully close the pressure cooker. — The cooker is fully closed when the cover handle is directly above the body handle. Your pressure cooker has specially designed lugs on the cover and body which lock the cover in place when the cooker is fully closed. However, if the cooker is not fully closed, the lugs cannot lock the cover onto the body. It’s possible that pressure could build inside the cooker and cause the cover to come off and result in bodily injury or property damage. Always be sure the cover handle is directly above the body handle (see page 9, Fig. H). Do not turn past handle alignment.

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.

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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 53. 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 56.

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 54. — These foods expand so much as a result of foaming and frothing that they should never be cooked under pressure.

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Rubber Gasket

Fig. O

Cover Handle Hole

Fig. N

Cleaning

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. N). 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 remove the air vent/ cover lock, place your finger over the hole in the cover handle (Fig. N) and remove the white rubber gasket from the air vent/

cover lock on the underside of the cover (Fig. O). 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

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Overpressure Plug

Fig. Q Indented Portion

through the cover handle hole (Fig. P). 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.

Cover
Handle	Metal
Hole	Shaft
Fig. P

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 the cover, until the bottom edge is fully and evenly seated against the underside of the cover

(Fig. Q). When the overpressure plug is properly installed, the word (TOP) will be visible on the

overpressure plug when viewing the outside of the cover.

Special Cleaning Instructions for Aluminum Cookers:

1.Iron and other minerals in water and foods may darken the inside of your aluminum cooker. This discoloration will not affect the food cooked in the unit. These stains can be removed by using a solution of water and cream of tartar. Use a tablespoon of cream of tartar for each quart of water and pour enough solution into the cooker to cover the discoloration (do not fill over 2⁄3 full). Close the cover securely, place the pressure regulator on the vent pipe, and heat until the pressure regulator rocks gently. Remove the cooker from the heat and allow it to stand for two to three hours. Remove the pressure regulator and discard the contents. Scour thoroughly with a soap impregnated steel wool pad; wash, rinse, and dry.

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2.The outside surface of aluminum pressure cookers may be cleaned with a good silver polish if necessary. Staining may result if the cooker is washed in the dishwasher. If food residue adheres to the pressure cooker body, clean with a nylon mesh pad, a fine steel wool pad, or a fine kitchen cleanser.

Special Cleaning Instructions for Stainless Steel Cookers:

1.If food residue adheres to the pressure cooker body, clean with a stainless steel scouring pad, a nylon mesh pad, or a non-abrasive powder cleanser, such as Bon ami* polishing cleanser or Cameo* copper, brass & porcelain cleaner. Do not use steel wool or cleaners with chlorine bleach.

Your stainless steel pressure cooker may also be washed in an automatic dishwasher. When washing in a dishwasher, you must first remove the sealing ring and overpressure plug from the cover as these parts must be hand washed.

2.To bring out its luster, the outside surface of your stainless steel pressure cooker can be cleaned occasionally with a silver polish or any other fine, non-abrasive polish.

Take care not to overheat your stainless steel pressure cooker. Very high heat can sometimes cause vari-colored stains, called heat tints, in stainless steel. Heat tints can usually be removed by using a non-abrasive powder cleanser.

Care and Maintenance

1.When not in use, store your pressure cooker in a dry place with the cover inverted on the body. If the cover is locked on, unpleasant odors may form inside the unit and the sealing ring could be damaged.

2.As is the case of all cookware, avoid chopping or cutting food

inside the cooker with a knife or other sharp utensil.

*Bon ami polishing cleanser is a registered trademark of Faultless Starch/Bon Ami Co.

Cameo copper, brass & porcelain cleaner is a registered trademark of Church & Dwight Co., Inc.

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3.If the body or cover handles become loose, tighten them with a screwdriver. CAUTION: Overtightening can result in stripping 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 sealing 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 pressure 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 cooking 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

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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 leakage. 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, contact 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. Because 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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