Cuisinart CPC-400 Series User manual

For your safety and continued enjoyment of this product, always read the instruction book carefully before using.
Cuisinart®Electric Pressure Cooker CPC-400 Series
INSTRUCTION
& RECIPE BOOKLET

2
IMPORTANT
SAFEGUARDS
When using electrical appliances, especially when
children are present, basic safety precautions should
always be taken, including the following:
1. Read all instructions.
2. Always attach plug to appliance first, before
plugging into wall outlet. To disconnect, turn
control to OFF, then remove plug from outlet.
3. Do not place the pressure cooker on any stovetop
or in a heated oven.
4. Do not touch hot surfaces of pressure cooker. Use
handles only.
5. This appliance should not be used by or near
children or individuals with certain disabilities.
6. NEVER ATTEMPT TO OPEN LID WHILE THE UNIT
IS OPERATING. Do not open the pressure cooker
until the unit has cooled and all internal pressure
has been released. If lid is difficult to rotate, this
indicates that the cooker is still pressurized. Do
not attempt to force it to open. Any pressure in
the cooker can be hazardous. See Operating
Instructions, page 5.
7. Extreme caution must be used when moving a
pressure cooker containing hot liquids or foods.
8. Do not use the pressure cooker for other than its
intended use.
9. This appliance cooks under pressure. Improper
use may result in a scalding injury. Make certain
unit is properly closed before operating. See
Instructions for Use, page 4.
10. To protect against electric shock, do not
immerse cord, plugs, or outer vessel in water
or other liquids.
11. Unplug from outlet when not in use and before
cleaning. Allow to cool before putting on or
removing parts.
12. Do not operate any appliance with a damaged
cord or plug, or after the appliance malfunctions
or has been damaged in any manner. Return
appliance to the nearest authorized service facility
for examination, repair, or electrical or mechanical
adjustment.
13. Do not let cord hang over edge of table or
counter, or touch hot surfaces.
14. Use of accessories not specifically recommended
by Cuisinart may cause damage to unit.
15. Do not use outdoors.
16. Do not use under hanging cabinets; steam from
pressure release may cause damage.
17. Do not fill unit over 2⁄3 full (Max line). When
cooking foods that expand during cooking, such
as dried vegetables, legumes, beans, and grains,
do not fill the unit over ½ full. Overfilling may
cause a risk of clogging the pressure limit valve
and developing excess pressure. Be aware that
certain foods, such as applesauce, cranberries,
pearl barley, oatmeal and other cereals, split
peas, noodles, macaroni, rhubarb, or pasta can
foam, froth and sputter, and clog the pressure
release devices.
18. Always check the pressure release devices for
clogging or sticking. Both pressure devices must
move freely before use (see Parts #1 and #2 on
page 3).
19. Do not use this pressure cooker for pressure
frying with oil.
20. Do not operate your appliance in an appliance
garage or under a wall cabinet. When storing in an
appliance garage, always unplug the unit from the
electrical outlet. Not doing so could create a risk
of fire, especially if the appliance touches the
walls of the garage or the door touches the unit
as it closes.
SAVE THESE
INSTRUCTIONS
FOR HOUSEHOLD
USE ONLY

3
SPECIAL CORD SET
INSTRUCTIONS
A short power-supply cord is provided to reduce the
risks resulting from becoming entangled in or tripping
over a longer cord.
Extension cords may be used if care is exercised in
their use.
If an extension cord is used, the marked electrical
rating of the extension cord must be at least as great
as the electrical rating of the appliance, and the longer
cord should be arranged so that it will not drape over
the countertop or tabletop where it can be pulled on
by children or tripped over.
PARTS AND FEATURES
1. Pressure Limit Valve
2. Red Float Valve (Pressure Indicator)
3. Push Rod
4. Sealing Ring Assembly
5. Cooking Pot
6. Condensation Collector
7. Side Handle
8. Outer Body
9. Heating Plate (not shown)
10. Base
11. Power Cord (not shown)
12. Lid Handle
13. Lid
14. Rubber Grommet
15. Upper Ring
16. Control Panel
CONTENTS
Important Safeguards................................................2
Special Cord Set Instructions ...................................3
Parts and Features....................................................3
Before First Use ........................................................4
Instructions for Use...................................................4
Operating Instructions...............................................5
Pressure Cooker Functions.......................................7
Safety Features .........................................................7
Cleaning and Maintenance .......................................8
Troubleshooting.........................................................9
Warranty ..................................................................10
Tips and Hints .........................................................11
Cooking Time Charts ..............................................12
Recipes....................................................................15
1
2
3
4
5
7
8
9
10
12
13
14
15
16
6
6

4
BEFORE FIRST USE
Remove any packing materials and promotional labels
from your electric pressure cooker.
Be sure all parts have been included before discarding
any packing materials. You may want to keep the box
and packing materials for use at
a later date.
Before using your Cuisinart® Electric Pressure Cooker
for the first time, remove any dust from shipping by
wiping clean with a damp cloth. Thoroughly clean the
cooking pot and sealing ring assembly (Part #4) in the
dishwasher or with warm, soapy water. Rinse, towel-
or air-dry, and place in the pressure cooker.
1. Place the pressure cooker on a clean,
flat surface.
2.
Place the condensation collector in rear of
the unit until it clicks into place (as shown below in
figure 1; and #6 on diagram, page 3).
3. Press the pressure limit valve in place on
the lid, as shown in figure 2.
NOTE: The pressure limit valve does not click or
lock into place. Even though it will have a loose
fit, it is secure.
4. Plug the power cord into the pressure
cooker and then into the wall outlet. The LED
display will show .
INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE
1. To remove lid, grasp lid handle, turn clockwise
until lid icon is directly above the opened
icon. Lift to remove.
2. Insert cooking pot into pressure cooker and add
food and liquids as the recipe directs. NOTE: The
total volume of food and liquid must not exceed
(11 cups/Max fill line) the capacity of the cooking
pot (figure 3). For foods such as dried vegetables
and beans, or rice and grains, the total volume
must not exceed (8 cups) capacity (figure 4).
NOTE: Overfilling may clog the pressure limit
valve, which can cause excess pressure to
develop. NOTE: Always use at least ½ cup of
liquid when pressure cooking.
3. If sealing ring assembly has been removed from
lid, check to ensure flexible ring is properly and
securely in place on the metal plate. Then, holding
the knob on the metal plate, place the assembly
over the center post of inner lid and press down
firmly to secure (figure 5). Be sure knob faces
out with “THIS SIDE OUT” displayed.
4. To close the lid, remove any food residue from
upper rim of cooking pot to ensure a proper seal.
With the control panel facing you, place lid on
pressure cooker with the red float valve on the left
at 10 o’clock. Place lid firmly onto pressure
cooker and align lid icon with opened icon,
then turn counter-clockwise to align lid icon
with the closed icon (figure 6a & 6b).
5. Check that the position of the pressure limit
valve (Part #1, located on lid) is set to the •
(as in figure 2).
6. The red float valve in handle must be in the down
position and the lid must be in the closed
position before pressure cooking. If you need to
re-open cooker while making certain recipes,
pressure may need to be released again.
3. 4.
2.
1.
5.

5
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
1. To Select Low or High Pressure
Add food to pressure cooker and close the lid.
To verify the lid is closed, ensure the red float
valve is down and the lid
icon is aligned with
the closed icon.
With the cooker on and the LED displayed, press the
MENU button to select the desired pressure cooking
function (Low or High Pressure). The selected function
light will flash.
Press and hold TIME to select number of
minutes needed for pressure cooking. Time increases
in 1-minute increments up to 40 minutes. Time
increases in 5-minute increments from 40 to 99
minutes. After 99 minutes, the timer will reset to 00.
Once cooking time is programmed, press START/
CANCEL to start the cooking process.
As the cooker heats up and pressure builds, the red
float valve will rise. The amount of liquid and other
ingredients in the pressure cooker determines the
length of time needed for full pressure to build –
generally 5 to 40 minutes, depending on the recipe. (A
red blinking dot on lower right-hand corner of LED
indicates the unit is on and heating up.)
NOTE: When full pressure is reached, the red light in
the lower right-hand corner of the LED will stop
flashing and remain lit. Pressure cooking will begin
and the timer will start to count down. If your cooker
displays a [- -] on the LED screen, there is not enough
liquid in the cooker to pressure cook.
The raised red float valve indicates you are cooking
under pressure.
YOU SHOULD NEVER ATTEMPT TO OPEN THE LID
WHILE PRESSURE COOKING.
Automatic Keep Warm
When LED display reaches 00, the pressure cooker
automatically shifts to Keep Warm. The yellow Keep
Warm light will turn on and the cooker will beep several
times to indicate cooking is complete.
NOTE: The cooker is still under pressure in
the automatic Keep Warm feature. Pressure
will need to be released before lid is removed.
NEVER ATTEMPT TO FORCE LID OPEN.
To end the automatic Keep Warm and remove food,
release the pressure by opening the pressure release
valve (Part #1) by aligning
1 to 1 scale drawing
Pressure Release with
the • (figures 7a & 7b).
Once all the steam is released, the red float valve falls
and then the lid can be opened easily.
NOTE: The Keep Warm function should be used
moderately, as the quality or texture of the food will
begin to change after extended time on Keep Warm.
2. To Select Brown or Sauté
With the cooker on and the LED displayed, press the
MENU button to select the desired cooking function.
The selected function light will flash.
Press the START/CANCEL, and cooker will begin
to heat up. The selected function will go from blinking
to solid. Add food to cooker. When browning or
sautéing is complete, press the START/CANCEL to
cancel the program.
6b.
6a.
7a.
7b.

6
If using a pressure function after Brown or Sauté,
press MENU again and select Low or High Pressure
function. Refer to “To Select Low or High Pressure” in
Operating Instructions, Section 1.
3. To Select Simmer
With the cooker on and the LED displayed, press the
MENU button to select Simmer function. The selected
function will flash.
Press the START/CANCEL and the cooker will begin to
heat up. The simmer function will light up and go from
blinking to solid. When simmer is complete, press the
START/CANCEL to end the function.
4. To Select Keep Warm
After pressure cooking, the cooker will automatically
go into Keep Warm function.
With the cooker on and the LED displayed, press the
MENU button to select Keep Warm function. The
selected function light will go from blinking to solid.
Add food and press the START/CANCEL, and cooker
will start to heat up.
5. To Cancel
Press the START/CANCEL button at any time to cancel
current activity or to stop cooker. Unit may still be
under pressure if using pressure cooker setting.
To Remove Lid
When pressure cooking cycle is finished, the unit will
automatically switch to the Keep Warm position. At
this point, you may choose to release pressure in one
of three ways – Natural Pressure Release, Quick
Pressure Release, or a combination of both. The
choice will be dictated by the particular food being
cooked and indications in the recipe. If adapting your
own recipe for pressure cooking, find a similar recipe
in our recipe booklet and use that as a guide.
WARNING: USE EXTREME CAUTION WHEN
RELEASING PRESSURE.
1. Natural Pressure Release – Following pressure
cooking, you will hear a series of beeps indicating
the unit is transitioning to Keep Warm. Pressure
will begin to drop. Time for pressure to drop will
depend on the amount of liquid in the pressure
cooker and the length of time that pressure was
maintained. Natural Pressure Release will take
from 12 to 40 minutes. During this time, cooking
continues, so it is recommended to use Natural
Pressure Release for tougher cuts of meats and
some heartier items. When pressure is fully
released, the red float valve (pressure indicator)
will drop and the lid will be unlocked, allowing
lid to be rotated clockwise to the open icon
and removed.
2. Quick Pressure Release – Following pressure
cooking, you will hear a series of beeps when the
time is up. The unit will then transition to Keep
Warm. For Quick Pressure Release, rotate the
pressure limit valve handle (see figure 8). The
cooker will stay in the Keep Warm mode up to 12
hours, or until START/CANCEL is pressed.
WARNING: When rotating the pressure limit
valve, do not touch it with your hand. Use
tongs or another tool.
Steam will immediately begin to release through
the valve. Keep face and hands
away from steam, as it is released rapidly,
and do not release pressure under hanging
cabinets, which can be damaged by steam. When
pressure is fully released, the red float valve will
drop, indicating lid is unlocked.
Using Quick Pressure Release stops the pressure
cooking immediately after pressure has lowered and
red float valve is dropped. If further cooking is
necessary, the unit may be returned to Pressure,
or the food may be further cooked on the
Simmer setting.
3. Combination Natural Pressure Release and Quick
Pressure Release – For some recipes, a
combination of Natural Pressure Release and
Quick Pressure Release is useful. Allow Natural
Pressure Release for the time indicated in the
recipe (food will continue to cook slightly),
followed by Quick Pressure Release.
WARNING: USE TONGS OR SIMILAR
UTENSIL TO TURN PRESSURE LIMIT
VALVE CLOCKWISE.
When the red float valve is completely down, turn
the lid clockwise and lift to remove.
8.

7
PRESSURE COOKER
FUNCTIONS
1. Low Pressure
2. High Pressure
3. Brown –
This preset
temperature allows
cooking over
high heat, without the
lid, before pressure
cooking. Browning
foods in a small
amount of fat in this
way seals the outer
surfaces of meats and
vegetables, producing
a visually appealing,
flavorful exterior with a
moist, tender interior.
Browning reduces the
time it takes full pressure to build and pressure
cooking to begin.
NOTE: Use wooden spoon/spatula to
scrape up the brown bits. DO NOT use
metal utensils.
4. Sauté – This preset temperature, done prior to
pressure cooking with lid removed, allows you to
quickly soften vegetables in a small amount of fat
or liquid without browning, and to cook items such
as rice. Sautéing reduces the time it takes full
pressure to build and pressure cooking to begin.
5. Simmer – This preset temperature, after pressure
cooking, allows you to cook liquids at a lower
temperature without lid. It is primarily used to
finish cooking some items, e.g., to add ingredients
to a risotto, sauce, or stew or to continue cooking
process to achieve preferred texture.
6. Keep Warm – Holds and keeps cooked food
warm for up to 12 hours.
SAFETY FEATURES
There are seven safety devices installed in the
pressure cooker to assure its reliability.
1. Opening, Closing and Locking Lid
The appliance will not start pressurizing until the
lid is properly assembled and closed. The lid
cannot be opened if the appliance is pressurized.
2. Pressure Control
The correct pressure level is automatically
maintained during the cooking cycle.
3. Pressure Limit Control
The pressure limit valve will release air
automatically when the pressure inside exceeds
the preset pressure.
WARNING: Overfilling the pressure cooker (see
Instructions for Use on pg. 4) may clog the
pressure limit valve, which can cause excess
pressure to develop.
4. Anti-Block Cover
Prevents solid food material from blocking the
pressure limit valve.
5. Excess Pressure Relief System
When the pressure cooker exceeds the maximum
allowable pressure and temperature, the cooking
pot will move down until lid separates from the
sealing ring, releasing air pressure.
CAUTION: Cooker may still be under pressure.
6. Thermal Control
The power will automatically shut off when the
cooking pot temperature reaches the preset value,
or the pressure cooker is heating without any food
inside.
7. Overload Protection
The circuit will open when the pressure cooker’s
thermal protection device exceeds maximum
allowable temperature.
CAUTION: Cooker may still be under pressure.

8
CLEANING AND
MAINTENANCE
1. Unplug the power cord before cleaning.
2. Clean the outer body with a soft cloth, such as a
paper towel or microfiber cloth. Do not immerse
the outer body in water or pour water into it.
3. Remove the sealing ring assembly (Part #4) from
the inside of the lid by grasping the knob and
pulling. Set aside.
4. Remove the pressure limit valve (Part #1)
(see figure 9) from the lid by gripping and pulling
firmly upward. Rinse with warm water, and dry.
5. Rinse the upper and underside of the lid
(Part #13) with warm water, including the air
escape on the underside and the red float valve
(Part #2). Dry completely, and replace pressure
limit valve (Part #1).
6. To clean sealing ring assembly, carefully remove
sealing ring assembly (Part #4) and clean with a
dampened cloth or microfiber cloth. Do not use
chemical cleaners. Wash metal plate with warm,
soapy water, dry thoroughly and replace sealing
ring or place in the dishwasher.
7. To clean the rubber grommet in center of sealing
ring assembly, carefully remove it, clean it, and
replace it.
8. Replace sealing ring assembly in lid. BE SURE
KNOB FACES OUT (figure 10) and “THIS SIDE
OUT” is facing you.
9. Cooking pot is dishwasher safe. To hand-wash the
pot, use warm, soapy water and wipe dry. Be
careful not to damage the inside coating.
Never use harsh chemicals or scouring pads
or metal utensils.
NOTE: If scouring is necessary, use a non-
abrasive cleaner or liquid detergent with a nylon
pad or brush.
10. To clean the condensation collector, remove and
clean it with warm, soapy water, then reinstall it
(figure 11).
NOTE: Condensation may collect on the bottom
rim of the lid. Liquid will collect on the top of the
base and drain into the condensation collector.
11. Any other servicing should be performed by an
authorized service representative.
10.
9.
11.

9
TROUBLESHOOTING
*Do not attempt to force lid open until red float valve has dropped.
Symptom Possible Reasons Solutions
Lid does not close.
The sealing ring assembly is not properly
installed in lid.
Re-install the sealing ring assembly as
instructed in INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE,
#3 page 4.
The red float valve is seized
by the push rod. Push the rod with hands.
Cannot open the lid after
pressure is released. The red float valve is still up.* Press the red float valve down. Tap the
lid above the red float valve.
Air escapes from the rim
of the lid.
No sealing ring was installed. Install the sealing ring.
Food residue on sealing ring. Clean sealing ring.
Sealing ring worn out. Replace the sealing ring.
Lid not locked properly.
Be sure lid is firmly on unit and the
lid icon is directly above the closed
icon.
Air escapes from the
red float valve.
Food stuck on the sealing ring of the
float valve. Clean the sealing ring.
The sealing ring on the float
valve wore out. Replace the sealing ring.
The red float valve
will not rise.
The pressure limit valve is not placed
properly.
See Before First Use,
#3, page 4.
Not enough food and water. Check recipe for proper quantities.
Air escaping from the rim of the lid and
the pressure limit valve.
Call our Consumer Service Center toll-
free at
1-800-726-0190.
Unit shuts off when START
is pressed to begin pres-
sure cooking.
Brown function was just used and
temperature in unit is higher than
pressure cooking temperature, so safety
shutoff occurs.
After browning, let unit cool down
for 2 or 3 minutes before you start
pressure cooking.