Presto 8-Quart Aluminum Instructions Manual page 7

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.
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 vegetable
brush, a fine steel wool pad, or a fine kitchen cleanser.
6. 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.
7. As is the case of all cookware, avoid chopping or cutting food inside the cooker with a knife or other sharp
utensil.
8. If the body or cover handles become loose, tighten them with a screwdriver.
9. 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.
10. 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.
11. 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.
12. 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 /cov-
er 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 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 37).
13. 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 37).
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