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Fagor Pressure Cookers Frequently Asked Questions

How safe are Fagor pressure cookers?  Will it explode like my mother’s old pressure cooker?

Fagor Pressure Cookers, which are U.L. (Underwriter Laboratories)-approved, are perfectly safe and do not explode. All models contain three safety mechanisms that permit steam to escape when over-pressurizing occurs. Unlike older models, the lids will not open until all the steam has dissipated and pressure has been completely released.

What’s the difference between a high quality pressure cooker, like Fagor, and a low-priced/low-quality pressure cooker?

Fagor’s pressure cookers are made of durable 18/10 stainless steel with aluminum-clad bottoms and triple-lock safety systems. Each unit comes with an easy-to-understand instruction booklet and recipes. We also provide a 10-year warranty. Fagor is the unit of choice in more than 70 countries.

How do I know when to replace my rubber gasket?

After continued use, the rubber sealing gasket or ring will begin to wear or dry out. Generally, it should be replaced once every 12 to 18 months or more often if the pressure cooker is used frequently. The rubber should always feel pliable and smooth; if it doesn’t, its time to replace it. 

How do I use the steamer basket with the trivet?

Most Fagor pressure cookers come with a steamer basket and a trivet. The basket is used for steaming foods without placing them directly into the cooking liquid.  The steamer basket is especially useful for steaming vegetables. The trivet is placed on the bottom of the cooker and the steamer basket is placed on top of it. This keeps the basket out of contact with any liquid.

How do I build pressure in my Fagor pressure cooker?

In order for the pressure cooker to build pressure, the cooking liquid in the pot has to be brought to a boil with the lid positioned and locked in place.  As the cooking liquid begins to boil, steam is produced. The trapped steam will build up and compress, creating pressure. Therefore, once your cooker is loaded and locked into place, raise the burner heat to high. Electric stove owners should start out on a medium setting. As pressure builds, the pressure regulator valve will activate in accordance with the specifications and features of your pressure cooker.

 

There are three ways to know you have reached high pressure:

1. The pressure regulator valve will rise to indicate maximum pressure.
2. You will notice a hissing sound coming from the pressure-regulator valve.
3. Steam will begin to escape from the spring-regulator valve. 

Once you have reached high pressure, bring the burner heat to low. Electric stoves should move the pressure cooker to a different burner on a low heat setting when pressure is reached. Depending on the design of your pressure cooker, you may notice a continuous or occasional low hissing sound as well as a slight sign of steam. Do not lower the burner heat too much, otherwise the internal temperature will drop and you will lose pressure in your cooker.

How do I release the pressure from my Fagor pressure cooker?

When the food has finished cooking, remove the pressure cooker from the burner.  Even though the pressure cooker is no longer in contact with the heat source, the contents will continue to cook until the temperature and level of pressure drop.

 

There are three ways of releasing cooking pressure in a pressure cooker: 

1. The Natural-Release Method: Foods like stocks, tomato sauces, and certain cuts of meat benefit from continuing to cook in the pressure cooker as the pressure and temperature drop naturally after the unit is removed from the burner. The natural-release method can take anywhere from 10 minutes to over 20 minutes, depending on the kind of food in the pressure cooker and how much of it there is. You will know when the pressure has dropped completely once the spring-loaded pressure-regulator valve lowers completely.

2. The Cold-Water Release Method: For the most part, you will want to lower and release the cooking pressure as quickly as possible in order to stop the cooking process. The quickest way to do this is to carefully take the pressure cooker from the stove and bring it to the sink. Place it in the sink in a tilted position, and allow a small amount of cold water to run over the lid of the cooker. This will stabilize the temperature and force the pressure to dissipate in a matter of seconds. You will normally hear a decompressing sound-almost like a swooshing “pop”-once all the pressure has been released.

3. The Automatic-Release Method: All of our pressure cooker models have an automatic release method, which enables you to release without having to place the pressure cooker under cold water.

What does my 10-year warranty cover?

Fagor pressure cookers are backed by a warranty which guarantees it to be free from defects in material and workmanship for a period of TEN YEARS from the date of purchase by the first user, provided that the unit is used in accordance with the use and care instructions supplied, and for household use only.

 

Moving and/or perishable parts, such as gaskets, internal component parts, etc. which are subject to normal wear and tear are excluded from the warranty.

 

Also excluded are all defects resulting from accident, damaged suffered in transit, misuse or negligence (including overheating and boiling dry), normal wear and tear, such as scratched, dulling of the polish or staining, etc., and repairs or manipulations carried out by unauthorized or non-qualified personnel.

How do I remove stains from the inside of my pressure cooker?

Sometimes stains may build up inside your pressure cooker from normal everyday use. A good way to remove stains is to add equal parts lemon juice and water to your cooker and heat this liquid until hot. You can then use a nonabrasive sponge to remove the stains.  Do not clean the cooker with any abrasive materials as this may damage the finish on your pressure cooker.

Why doesn’t my Fagor pressure cooker build up pressure?

There can be numerous reasons why pressure would not build up in your pressure cooker.

 

Reason: Not enough cooking liquid.

Solution: Always use a sufficient amount of cooking liquid for the type of food being prepared and the length of cooking.  Consult the pressure-cooker recipe you are following for the amount of liquid.

 

Reason: The pressure cooker was not properly closed.

Solution: Refer to the instructional manual packaged with your cooker.

 

Reason: The pressure cooker was not heated over high enough heat.

Solution: Always heat the closed pressure cooker over high heat until high pressure has been reached.

 

Reasons: The rubber sealing gasket or ring is not in place, Improperly positioned, dirty, worn, or pressure-regulator valve is dirty and/or obstructed.

Solutions: Before using your pressure cooker:

1. Always check to make sure that the rubber sealing gasket or ring is inserted.

2. Always check to see that the rubber sealing gasket or ring is properly inserted before attempting to use the pressure cooker.

3. The rubber gasket or ring should be removed from the lid and washed after each use. Refer to your instruction manual for care and maintenance tips.

4. After continued use, the rubber sealing gasket or ring will begin to wear or dry out. It should be replaced at least once a year, or more often if the pressure cooker is used more frequently.

5. The pressure-regulator valve can become dirty when cooking.  Clean the valve after each use as explained in your user’s manual.

Steam is coming out from around the handle; is that normal?

A small amount of steam coming from around the handle is normal.  This is one of our built in safety features that allows the pressure cooker to safely regulate the amount of pressure inside the cooker at all times.

Steam is escaping from around the edge of the lid.  What is the problem?

Reason: The pressure cooker is too full.

Solution: Never fill the pressure cooker more than two-thirds full.

 

Reason: The pressure cooker was not closed properly.

Solution: Make sure the pressure cooker is properly closed so that a tight seal is created. Consult your user’s manual for detailed instructions.

 

Reason: The rubber sealing gasket or ring is not in place, dirty or worn.

Solution: Always check to make sure that the rubber sealing gasket or ring is inserted. The rubber gasket or ring should be removed from the lid and washed after each use. Refer to your instruction manual for care and maintenance tips. After continued use, the rubber sealing gasket or ring will begin to wear or dry out. It should be replaced at least once a year, or more often if the pressure cooker is used more frequently.

The food is undercooked.  What did I do wrong?

The cooking time may have been too short or the cold-water release method was incorrectly used to release pressure.  Always consult the cooking times provided with the recipes. When called for in the recipe, use the slower, natural release method so that the food has the benefit of additional cooking time as the pressure drops.

The food is overcooked.  What did I do wrong?

The cooking time may have been too long or the natural-release method was incorrectly used. Always consult the cooking times provided with the recipes. If the food is still overcooked, next time try reducing the cooking time by at least 1 to 2 minutes. Try using the cold-water release method so that the pressure drops immediately.

What are the cleaning and caring requirements of Fagor Pressure Cookers?

Wash the cooker pot, lid and rubber gasket by hand with warm water and a mild dishwashing soap and a non-abrasive cleaning pad. Towel dry with a soft kitchen cloth. Cover the rubber gasket with a thin coat of vegetable oil before replacing, to extend its life.

How do I store my pressure cooker?

Store the cooker with the lid upside down on top of the pot.

How do I maintain my pressure cooker for safety?

1. Before use, the automatic and safety valves should be checked to see they are clear of build-up from food particles. If there are particles, remove with a toothpick.

2. Never use the cooker if there is any resistance when slight pressure is applied to the spring mechanism in the center of the safety valve.
3. Always be use the cooker’s handle is secured into place (base, support and lid handles). If not, tighten with screwdriver.

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