1. Product Overview
This manual provides essential information for the safe and efficient use of your Hawkins 5 Litre Contura Pressure Cooker, model HC50. This aluminium inner lid cooker is designed for cooking for 5 to 7 persons.
Image 1: Hawkins 5 Litre Contura Pressure Cooker (HC50).
2. Key Features
- Capacity: Ideal for cooking for 5 to 7 persons.
- Curved Body: Facilitates easy stirring and provides better visibility of food.
- Easy Food Removal: The design aids in simpler removal of cooked food.
- Inner-Fitting Safety Lid: Ensures the lid will not open until internal pressure has completely fallen, enhancing safety.
- Material: Constructed from pure, virgin aluminium.
- Pressure Regulator: New improved pressure regulator operates at 1 kg/cm² (15 Pounds/Square Inch) pressure.
- Thermal Efficiency: Heats fast and evenly, saving fuel and cooking faster.
- Safety Valve: Located under the lid handle bar for additional safety.
- Gasket: Designed to last longer due to reduced rubbing during opening or closing.
Image 2: Visual representation of key features and benefits.
3. Unpacking and Components
Upon receiving your Hawkins Contura Pressure Cooker, inspect the packaging for any damage. The strong, sealed product carton ensures your cooker reaches you in factory-fresh condition.
Image 3: Product carton.
Carefully remove all contents from the box. The following items should be included:
Image 4: Contents of the carton.
- Pressure Cooker Lid
- Rubber Gasket
- Vent Weight (Pressure Regulator)
- Guarantee Card
- Cookbook (may include recipes and instructions)
- Service Centre Directory
- Cooker Body
4. Setup
Before first use, wash the cooker body and lid thoroughly with warm soapy water. Rinse and dry completely. Ensure the rubber gasket is properly seated in the lid's groove. Place the vent weight (pressure regulator) onto the vent tube on the lid.
5. Operating Instructions
5.1. Filling the Cooker
- Add food and liquid to the cooker. Do not fill the cooker more than two-thirds full. For foods that expand during cooking (e.g., rice, lentils), do not fill more than half full.
- Ensure the rim of the cooker and the gasket are clean and free from food particles.
5.2. Closing the Lid
- Place the lid on the cooker body, aligning the lid handle with the body handle.
- Press down firmly on the lid and turn the lid handle until it locks securely under the body handle. The inner-fitting design ensures a tight seal.
5.3. Cooking
- Place the cooker on a heat source (gas, electric, or induction).
- Cook on high heat until steam starts to escape steadily from the vent tube and the vent weight begins to whistle.
- Reduce the heat to maintain a steady flow of steam and whistling. Cook for the time specified in your recipe.
5.4. Opening the Cooker
- After cooking, remove the cooker from the heat source.
- Allow the pressure to drop naturally. Do NOT attempt to open the lid until all pressure has been released. The inner-fitting lid is a safety feature and will not open if pressure remains inside.
- To check if pressure has dropped, gently lift the vent weight. If no steam escapes, it is safe to open.
- Turn the lid handle to unlock it from the body handle and carefully lift the lid.
6. Maintenance and Care
- Cleaning: Wash the cooker body and lid with warm soapy water after each use. Avoid abrasive cleaners or scouring pads that can damage the aluminium finish.
- Gasket Care: Regularly inspect the rubber gasket for cracks, tears, or hardening. Replace the gasket if it shows signs of wear to ensure a proper seal.
- Vent Weight: Clean the vent weight and vent tube regularly to prevent blockages. Ensure the vent tube is clear by passing a thin wire through it.
- Storage: Store the cooker with the lid inverted on the body to allow air circulation and prevent odors.
- Dishwasher Safety: This pressure cooker is NOT dishwasher safe. Hand wash only.
7. Troubleshooting
- Steam Leaking from Lid: Check if the gasket is properly seated, clean, and not worn out. Ensure the lid is closed securely.
- Pressure Not Building: Verify the lid is properly closed and sealed. Check the vent tube and vent weight for blockages. Ensure sufficient liquid is in the cooker.
- Food Sticking to Bottom: Ensure adequate liquid is used and the heat is not excessively high. The cooker features a heavy-duty sandwich base for even heating, but proper heat management is still important.
- Lid Difficult to Open: This is a safety feature. Ensure all pressure has been released before attempting to open the lid. If the vent weight is still hissing, wait longer.
8. Specifications
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Brand | HAWKINS |
| Model Number | HC50 |
| Capacity | 5 Liters (5.3 Quarts) |
| Material | Aluminium |
| Color | Silver |
| Finish Type | Matte |
| Product Dimensions (D x W x H) | 15"D x 9"W x 6.5"H |
| Item Weight | 5.2 Pounds |
| Control Method | Touch (Manual Operation) |
| Dishwasher Safe | No |
| Compatible Stovetops | Gas, Electric, Induction |
Image 5: Hawkins Contura Pressure Cooker size chart (5 Litre model highlighted).
Image 6: Side view with approximate dimensions.
9. Warranty and Support
Your Hawkins Contura Pressure Cooker comes with a 5-year guarantee. For any service or support needs, please refer to the Service Centre Directory included in your product packaging.
As of 2019, Hawkins has 692 service centers across India, Nepal, and Bhutan to assist with product support.
