How To Use - Presto 8-Quart Aluminum Instructions Manual

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. A on page 3.
1. Prepare ingredients according to the directions in the pressure cooking recipe you have selected. If a larger quantity is
desired, you may double ingredients as long as you do not overfill the pressure cooker (see page 5). 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 cooker, if called for in the recipe (see Helpful Hints on
page 7 for guidance on when to use).
3. IMPORTANT: Look through the vent pipe to make certain that it is clear before closing
the cover (Fig. C). See safety information on page 5.
Holding the body handle with your left hand and the cover handle with your right hand,
align the t mark on the cover with the  mark on the body handle and place the cover on
the cooker body (Fig. D). Move the cover handle slightly until the cover drops into posi-
tion.
4. Close the cover securely by rotating it clockwise until the cover handle lines up with the
body handle. The pressure cooker is completely closed when the cover handle is directly
above the body handle (Fig . E) .
5. Place the pressure regulator on the vent pipe (Fig. F). The pressure regulator will fit loosely
on the vent pipe. It will not touch the top of the pressure cooker cover.
6. Using a high heat setting on your stove, heat the pressure cooker until the pressure regula-
tor attains a gentle rocking motion.
NOTE: The air vent/cover lock may move up and down a few times when cooking first
begins as it automatically exhausts air from the pressure cooker. Steam will be notice-
able. This is normal. When pressure begins to build, it slides up, locking the cover on.
Once the cooker has sealed, the air vent/cover lock will remain in the up position until
pressure is released (Fig. G).
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 pres-
sure cooker from burner. Caution: Lift pressure cooker to remove it from the burner .
Sliding cookware can leave scratches on stovetops .
Air Vent/Cover
Lock in UP Position .
Pressure in Unit .

How To use

Air Vent/Cover Lock in
DOWN Position .
No Pressure in Unit .
Fig . G
Fig . H
4
Fig . C
Vent
Pipe
Note: Cover is shown in open
position. Rotate clockwise to
close.
t Mark
 Mark
Fig . D
Fig . E
Fig . F
Fig . I