Introduction
Thank you for choosing the HAWKINS Futura 2 Litre Hard Anodised Pressure Cooker. This manual provides essential information for the safe and efficient use of your new appliance. Please read all instructions carefully before first use and retain for future reference.
Important Safety Instructions
Always follow basic safety precautions when using pressure cookers to reduce the risk of injury or property damage. Failure to follow these instructions may result in serious injury.
- Read all instructions thoroughly before operating the pressure cooker.
- Do not touch hot surfaces. Use handles or knobs.
- Close supervision is necessary when the pressure cooker is used near children.
- Do not place the pressure cooker in a heated oven.
- Exercise extreme caution when moving a pressure cooker containing hot liquids.
- Ensure the pressure cooker is correctly assembled and the lid is securely locked before applying heat.
- Never force the lid open. Ensure internal pressure is completely released before opening.
- Do not use the pressure cooker for purposes other than its intended use.
- Regularly inspect the gasket, safety valve, and pressure regulator for wear or damage. Replace parts as necessary.
- Do not fill the cooker more than two-thirds full. For foods that expand during cooking (e.g., rice, dried vegetables), do not fill more than half full.
- Always add sufficient liquid for pressure cooking.
- Never attempt to fry or deep-fry in the pressure cooker.
- Use only genuine HAWKINS spare parts.
Unpacking and Components
Carefully unpack your HAWKINS Futura Pressure Cooker and identify all components. Refer to the diagram below to ensure all parts are present and undamaged.
Image: Components of the HAWKINS Futura Pressure Cooker. This diagram illustrates the Pressure Cooker Lid, Sealing Ring, Pressure Regulator, Guarantee Card, Cookbook, Cleaning Brush, Service Centre Directory, and Cooker Body.
Your package should contain:
- Pressure Cooker Body (2 Litre, Hard Anodised)
- Pressure Cooker Lid with Pressure Regulator
- Sealing Ring
- Instruction Manual (this document)
- Guarantee Card
- Cookbook (may vary by region)
- Cleaning Brush
- Service Centre Directory
Setup and First Use
Before using your pressure cooker for the first time, follow these steps:
- Wash All Parts: Wash the cooker body, lid, and sealing ring with warm soapy water. Rinse thoroughly and dry.
- Insert Sealing Ring: Place the black rubber sealing ring inside the rim of the lid. Ensure it is seated correctly and evenly.
- Familiarize with Lid Mechanism: The Futura pressure cooker features an inner lid design. To close, place the lid inside the cooker body, align the handles, and rotate the lid until the handles meet and lock securely.
- Test Run (Water Only): For your first use, perform a test run with water. Fill the cooker with approximately 2 cups of water. Close the lid securely. Place the pressure regulator on the vent tube. Heat on medium-high until steam escapes from the pressure regulator. Reduce heat and allow to cook for 5 minutes. Remove from heat and allow pressure to release naturally, or use the fingertip steam release mechanism (refer to Operating Instructions). Once pressure is fully released, open the lid. This helps you understand the cooker's operation and ensures all parts are functioning correctly.
Operating Instructions
1. Filling the Cooker
Always ensure there is sufficient liquid in the cooker for pressure generation. Do not fill the cooker more than two-thirds full. For foods that expand, such as rice or lentils, do not fill more than half full.
Image: Capacity guidelines for pressure cookers. This image illustrates that a 1.5 Litre cooker is ideal for 1-2 members, 3 Litres for 3-4 members, 5 Litres for 5-7 members, and 7 Litres for 7-10 members.
Image: Available Futura Pressure Cooker sizes and models. This chart provides details on various capacities (2 Litre, 3 Litre, 4 Litre, 5 Litre, 6 Litre, 7 Litre, 9 Litre) including dimensions, ideal serving sizes, product weight, and packed weight.
2. Closing the Lid
Place the lid inside the cooker body. Align the lid handle with the body handle. Rotate the lid clockwise until the handles are perfectly aligned and the lid is securely locked. The unique inner lid design ensures safety by preventing opening under pressure.
3. Applying Heat
Place the pressure cooker on a suitable heat source. The Futura Hard Anodised Pressure Cooker is compatible with gas, electric, ceramic, and halogen cooktops. Use a burner size appropriate for the cooker's base. Heat on medium-high until steam begins to escape steadily from the vent tube, then place the pressure regulator on the vent tube. The pressure regulator will begin to whistle, indicating that full pressure has been reached.
Image: HAWKINS Futura Pressure Cooker in use, demonstrating the fingertip steam release. The advanced, automatic pressure regulator allows for safe and convenient pressure release away from the user.
Video: An overview of the Futura Hard-Anodized Pressure Cooker. This video highlights the cooker's features and ease of use, demonstrating its hard-anodized body and inner lid design.
4. Cooking Time
Once the pressure regulator begins to whistle, reduce the heat to maintain a steady pressure. Refer to your recipe or the included cookbook for specific cooking times. The hard anodised body ensures quick and even heating, making cooking up to 46% faster than a microwave oven.
Image: Demonstrating low-oil cooking in the Futura Pressure Cooker. The extra-thick, hard anodised base allows for cooking healthier food with less oil.
Image: Food cooking inside the Futura Pressure Cooker. The heavy gauge hard anodised material ensures food does not burn or stick.
5. Releasing Pressure
There are two methods for releasing pressure:
- Natural Release: Remove the cooker from heat and allow it to cool down naturally. The pressure indicator will drop, and the lid will unlock automatically when all pressure is released. This method is ideal for foods that benefit from continued cooking, such as stews and grains.
- Quick Release (Fingertip Steam Release): For faster pressure release, gently lift the pressure regulator using the fingertip steam release mechanism. Direct the steam away from your face and body. Once all steam has escaped and the pressure indicator has dropped, the lid can be opened. This method is suitable for delicate foods or when you need to add ingredients during cooking.
Never attempt to open the lid until all internal pressure has been released.
Maintenance and Cleaning
Proper maintenance ensures the longevity and safe operation of your pressure cooker.
- Cleaning: Wash the cooker body and lid with warm soapy water after each use. The hard anodised surface is non-corroding and easy to clean. Rinse thoroughly and dry. The product is not dishwasher safe.
- Sealing Ring: Remove the sealing ring from the lid after each use and wash it separately. Inspect for cracks or damage. Replace if necessary (recommended replacement every 12-18 months with regular use).
- Pressure Regulator & Vent Tube: Clean the pressure regulator and ensure the vent tube on the lid is clear of any food particles. Use the provided cleaning brush if needed.
- Storage: Store the pressure cooker with the lid inverted on the body to allow air circulation and prevent odors.
Troubleshooting
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Steam leaking from under the lid. | Sealing ring improperly seated, worn, or damaged. Food particles on rim. | Check sealing ring placement. Clean rim. Replace sealing ring if worn or damaged. |
| Pressure not building up. | Lid not properly closed. Insufficient liquid. Vent tube blocked. | Ensure lid is securely locked. Add more liquid. Clean vent tube. |
| Lid cannot be opened after cooking. | Pressure still inside the cooker. | Allow pressure to release completely (natural or quick release) until the pressure indicator drops. Never force open. |
| Food sticking to the bottom. | Insufficient liquid or excessive heat. | Ensure adequate liquid. Reduce heat once pressure is reached. The hard anodised surface is designed to minimize sticking. |
Specifications
- Brand: HAWKINS
- Model: F05 (FP20)
- Capacity: 2 Litres (2.1 Quarts)
- Material: Hard Anodised Aluminum
- Color: Black
- Finish Type: Matte
- Product Dimensions: 15"D x 9"W x 6.5"H
- Item Weight: 1.5 Kilograms (3.3 pounds)
- Special Feature: Manual operation, Fingertip steam release, Inner Lid design
- Cooktop Compatibility: Gas, Electric, Ceramic, Halogen
- Dishwasher Safe: No
- UPC: 887668397532, 787543819664
Warranty and Support
For warranty information, please refer to the included Guarantee Card in your product packaging. For customer support, service, or to purchase genuine spare parts, please contact your local HAWKINS authorized service center. A directory of service centers is included with your product.
Image: The strong, sealed product carton ensures your cooker reaches you in factory-fresh condition, containing all necessary documentation including warranty information.
