Unlocking Fagor's Pressure Cooker: Steam Release Techniques

Fagor pressure cookers are made of 18/10 steel, which allows for meat and vegetables to be directly browned in the cooker. This produces a richer taste. Fagor pressure cookers also have a lock button and a pressure indicator, which are two safety features that prevent accidents. To release steam from a Fagor pressure cooker, follow these steps: press the start/stop button to stop the cooking process, unplug the unit, and wait for the pressure to release naturally. Then, move the pressure regulator to the vent setting to ensure all the pressure has been released. Alternatively, you can use the quick-release method by turning the pressure regulator to vent and allowing the pressure to escape. Be cautious when using this method, as the steam is extremely hot and can cause injury.

Check the gasket for cracks and ensure it is pliable

The gasket is a crucial component of your Fagor pressure cooker. It is a rubber seal inside the lid that creates an airtight seal, which is necessary for pressure cooking. Over time, the gasket may develop cracks or become less flexible, compromising its effectiveness. Therefore, it is essential to inspect the gasket regularly and replace it if necessary.

To check the gasket for cracks, carefully remove the lid from your Fagor pressure cooker and locate the gasket, which sits inside the lid. Examine the entire gasket for any signs of cracks, tears, or other damage. If you notice any cracks or damage, it is important to replace the gasket with a new one to ensure the cooker functions properly and safely.

In addition to checking for cracks, you should also ensure that the gasket is pliable. A pliable gasket will be flexible and supple, allowing it to form a tight seal when the lid is secured. If the gasket is hard, stiff, or brittle, it needs to be replaced. A simple way to test the pliability of the gasket is to squeeze or pinch it gently. It should yield easily under light pressure and return to its original shape when you release it.

When inspecting the gasket, it is also important to ensure that it is properly seated in the lid. The gasket should be securely fitted into the groove or channel designed to hold it in place. If the gasket appears loose or misaligned, adjust it carefully to ensure it is correctly positioned.

By regularly checking your Fagor pressure cooker's gasket for cracks and ensuring its pliability and proper positioning, you can help maintain the cooker's performance, safety, and longevity. A well-maintained gasket will prevent steam and pressure from escaping during cooking, enabling your pressure cooker to reach and maintain the desired pressure levels for optimal cooking results.

Clean the lid and valves, removing food residue

To clean the lid and valves, removing food residue, you should first remove the lid and interior pot. Place them in the sink and, if necessary, let them soak in warm water.

Next, hand wash the lid and its components with dish soap and a sponge. Remove the steam-release handle and check for food particles. Use a damp dishcloth or sponge to get rid of any oil and crumbs.

Now, remove the anti-block shield from the underside of the lid and wipe the steam valve clean. Take out the float valve and silicone ring. Wipe both pieces down with a damp cloth sprayed with a diluted vinegar solution.

Let all the parts dry. You can pat them down with a microfiber cloth or leave them to air dry.

Finally, clean the sealing ring. This is what seals the lid closed and should be cleaned frequently to remove any lingering smells. Then, leave it to air dry.

Adapt recipes, reducing cooking time to a third

Fagor pressure cookers are a safe and quick way to cook. They are different from conventional pressure cookers in that they are made of 18/10 steel, which allows for meat and vegetables to be directly browned in the cooker. This produces a richer taste. Fagor pressure cookers also have added safety features, such as a lock button and pressure indicator, which prevent accidents.

To adapt recipes for a Fagor pressure cooker, you must reduce the cooking time to a third of the original cooking time. This is because pressure cookers cook food much faster than conventional cooking methods. For example, if a recipe requires you to boil dried beans on the stovetop for an hour, it will take only a few minutes in a Fagor pressure cooker.

• Check that your pressure cooker gasket is not damaged and is properly set in the lid.
• Examine the lid and pressure valves to ensure they are clean and free from food residue.
• Put the food into the pressure cooker, ensuring that you do not fill it over 2/3 full. Foods that expand, like rice, soups, stews, and stocks, should not surpass 1/2 the volume of the cooker.
• Add liquid. This is what produces the steam. Use at least 1/2 cup of liquid for cooking times of 10 minutes or less, and 2 cups of liquid for cooking times over 10 minutes. Water, broth, stock, wine, and even juice can be used.
• Cover with the lid, ensuring that the marks on the lid and the pot are parallel. Press the lid down gently and rotate the lid handle to align the pot and lid handles.
• Press the pressure-lock button to lock the lid and allow the pressure to build.
• Select the pressure level suggested by your recipe. If using a stovetop cooker, heat the cooker over high heat until the pressure indicator button rises, showing that the cooker is at the recommended pressure level.
• Reduce the heat and time the recipe. Maintain the heat so that a gentle, steady stream of steam is released.
• Once cooking is finished, remove the pressure cooker from the heat and reduce the pressure by turning the steam release valve.
• When the pressure has lowered and the pressure indicator button shows that the pressure is down, remove the lid, facing it away from you to prevent burns from escaping steam.

By following these steps and reducing the cooking time to a third, you can easily adapt recipes for the Fagor pressure cooker.

Don't fill the cooker over two-thirds full

Fagor pressure cookers are designed with safety in mind, but it's still important to follow the instructions and take precautions when using one. One such precaution is to not fill the cooker over two-thirds full. This is because overfilling the pressure cooker can lead to a build-up of pressure that may cause the steam-release valve to become clogged, which could then lead to an explosion.

Different foods have different maximum fill levels. Foods that expand, such as rice, beans, grains, and dehydrated foods, should only fill the cooker up to half full. This is because they generate a lot of foam and bubbles, which can spray out of the valves and clog them. Other foods, such as meats, vegetables, soups, and stocks, can fill the cooker up to two-thirds full.

It's important to note that if you are cooking a recipe with multiple ingredients, such as a soup with vegetables and beans, you should follow the maximum fill level for the ingredient with the lower limit. For example, if you are making a bean chilli with vegetables, you should only fill the cooker up to half full, as this is the maximum fill level for beans.

Additionally, it's important to always use at least one cup of liquid when pressure cooking. This is necessary to create enough steam to cook the meal properly. However, you should not fill the cooker more than two-thirds full with liquid, as this could also lead to a dangerous build-up of pressure.

Add liquid to produce steam

Fagor pressure cookers are different from conventional ones in terms of their construction and safety features. They are made of 18/10 steel, which allows for meat and vegetables to be directly browned in the cooker. This produces a richer taste.

The main difference between Fagor and older cookers is the safety feature. Fagor pressure cookers have a lock button and a pressure indicator. The pressure will not build up in the cooker unless the lock button is pressed down, preventing any accidents. The pressure indicator will show that the pot is under pressure and ensures that the food is cooked through.

Now, to ensure the pressure cooker works as it should, you need to add liquid to produce steam. Here is a step-by-step guide:

• Use at least half a cup of liquid for cooking times of 10 minutes or less. You can use water, broth, stock wine, or even juice.
• For cooking times over 10 minutes, you will need to add two cups of liquid.
• Oil can be used in the browning process but is not acceptable as a cooking liquid.
• After adding the liquid, cover the cooker with the lid. The mark on the lid should be parallel with the mark on the top of the pot.
• Press the lid down gently and rotate the lid handle to align the pot and lid handles.
• Press the pressure-lock button to lock the lid and allow the pressure to build, then turn on the heat.
• Select the pressure level suggested by your recipe. If using a stovetop cooker, heat it over high heat until the pressure indicator button rises, showing that the cooker is at the recommended pressure level.
• Reduce the heat and time the recipe. Maintain the heat so that a gentle, steady stream of steam is released.
• Once cooking is finished, remove the pressure cooker from the heat.
• Reduce the pressure by turning the steam release valve to slowly release the pressure. Alternatively, you can run cold water over the cooker if the recipe indicates that the pressure should be reduced naturally.
• When the pressure has been lowered and the pressure indicator shows that the pressure is down, remove the lid. The lock will then release so that the cooker can be opened.
• Always open the lid facing away from you to prevent getting burned by escaping steam.

Frequently asked questions