Important Safeguards

1. Read all instructions before use.
2. Do not touch hot surfaces. Use handles.
3. Close supervision is necessary when the pressure cooker is used near children.
4. Do not place the pressure cooker in a heated oven.
5. Do not wash in a dishwasher.
6. Use extreme caution when moving a pressure cooker containing hot liquids.
7. Do not use the pressure cooker for purposes other than its intended use.
8. This appliance cooks under pressure. Improper use may result in scalding injury. Ensure the unit is properly closed before operating. See “How to Close and Open the Steel Birds Pressure Cooker” in the Operating Instructions.
9. Always check that the pressure release devices (vent tube, vent weight, and safety valve) are clear and free of clogging before closing the lid.
10. Never place anything over the vent weight while cooking.
11. When starting to pressure cook, close the lid without the pressure regulating device (vent weight) in position. Place it only after steam starts to come out steadily from the vent tube.
12. Always place water as indicated in each recipe before pressure cooking. As a general rule:
    • 1.5 to 3 Litre cookers: minimum 1 cup (240 ml) water for the first 10 minutes + ½ cup (120 ml) per subsequent 10 minutes.
    • 3.5 to 6 Litre cookers: minimum 1½ cups (360 ml) water for the first 10 minutes + ½ cup (120 ml) per subsequent 10 minutes.
    • 6.5 to 12 Litre cookers: minimum 2 cups (480 ml) water for the first 10 minutes + ½ cup (120 ml) per subsequent 10 minutes.
13. Do not fill the unit over ⅔ full. When cooking foods that expand (like rice or dried vegetables), fill only up to ½ full. For dal/pulses that sprout, fill only up to ⅓ full.
14. Certain foods such as applesauce, cranberries, pearl barley, oatmeal, split peas, noodles, macaroni, rhubarb, or spaghetti can foam and clog the vent tube — these should not be cooked in a pressure cooker.
15. When operating pressure is reached, reduce heat so that steam does not escape excessively.
16. Never attempt to force open the cooker. Wait until it has cooled and internal pressure is completely released.
17. Never lift the vent weight to release pressure when cooking liquid or frothy foods.
18. Do not use the pressure cooker for pressure frying with oil.
19. Do not use the cooker body for deep frying or as an oven for dry heating or baking. This can weaken the metal and create danger.
20. Ensure handles are not loose. If loose, tighten them before use. (Note: some “play” in the handle bar is normal.)
21. A fused safety valve must be replaced by a genuine Steel Birds Safety Valve. It is recommended to replace the valve after one year of daily use.
22. Repairs other than replacement of gasket, handle, safety valve, or vent weight must be done only by an authorised Steel Birds service centre. Use only genuine Steel Birds replacement parts.