Do you use a pressure cooker?

[femmocrat]

I need all kinds of help! If you are familiar with pressure cooking, could you please PM me? Thanks!

[wildeyed]

1. Oh dear, did you have a mishap? n/t

[femmocrat]

3. No.... not really.

The directions weren't very clear, and I found different instructions online. I was just confused about when the little pressure valve would switch over from shooting off steam to "gentle rocking". It never got to the "gentle rocking" part even though I lowered the heat after the first couple of "eruptions".

[NMDemDist2]

5. did you have the rocker top on it??

looks kinda like this usually, fits on top of the main stem in middle of the lid

http://us.st11.yimg.com/us.st.yimg.com/I/yhst-12036282954671_1987_141455

if the steam was jetting out the side valve, that's normal until it pops all the way up and seals and only *then* will it start to rock the center doohickey

[femmocrat]

6. Yes.... that part was in place.

The little side valve (like a plug?) never budged. Also there are two "pins" in the handles that never popped up. Are they (or at least one of them) supposed to?

Plus.... does yours have a pressure gauge for psi? How would I know that if I don't have a gauge?

Thanks for your help!

[NMDemDist2]

7. sounds like it never got up to pressure to me

call the manf. for sure though, once you get over the hissing and burping you'll love it!

[Warpy]

2. I live at about 6000 feet

so I NEED to use a pressure cooker if I want beans to get done. Water boils at only 200 degrees here and it makes a huge difference. Beans have to be cooked for a couple of days to get done. The pressure cooker cuts it down to minutes at pressure.

The best thing to do is read the instruction manual. It should answer all your questions. If you don't have one, Google the manufacturer. Most have their manuals online. If you have an antique pressure cooker, toss it and get a new one. New ones have safety features that prevent them from turning into bombs if you get distracted.

[femmocrat]

4. Thanks. I have a new one, but the directions weren't very thorough.

I will contact the manufacturer though, since I didn't get a recipe book with it. I bought a cookbook Borders, but it wasn't much help.

I'll try it again sometime.

[eleny]

8. You'll need the information that comes with your model

That cookbook will tell you how much water to put in for your size cooker in each recipe. Mine is sort of a manual, too.

One more thought - The rubber ring that fits into the lid has to be seated right or steam can't build up well. If it's in there just right and you still can't build up the steam, then yes, contact the manufacturer. Something isn't right with your cooker. They really are easy to use.

[femmocrat]

9. Thanks for all the advice.

I think I'm just gonna take it back to the store. I'm just not happy with it. Especially since I didn't receive any recipes with it!

[eleny]

10. That's for the best

Good luck with your next one! I hope you decide to get another. I just have an aluminum Presto and like it. I got a larger one than before and only wish I stuck with the smaller size since it's more practical for two people and for storing in the cabinet.

I'd like to get one of the fry pan pressure cookers that Sears used to sell. But I haven't looked for one recently.

[Warpy]

11. If the recipes and adequate instructions were missing

and they're usually in the same little booklet, chances are the store sold you a repackaged unit someone else had already returned. Stores do that if they can't find any obvious damage, but we all know that damage doesn't have to be obvious to be there. Even manufacturers have been known to repackage.

In any case, get a new one and check the packaging to see if it's been taped or if there are any other sides of repackaging. Check to see the booklet is in the box.

Pressure cookers are very easy to use. All the parts have to be there, though, and instructions have to be clear and complete, meaning the manufacturer generally includes a few sample recipes to get you going.