Presto 1362 - Manual (Page 5)

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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. 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 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.
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 ⅔ 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
½ fill line.
Fig. J
Air Vent/Cover
Lock in UP
Position.
Pressure in Unit.
Air Vent/Cover
Lock in DOWN
Position.
No Pressure in Unit.
Fig. K
Fig. L