1. Introduction
This manual provides essential information for the safe and efficient use of your Buffalo 15 Quart Stainless Steel Pressure Cooker. Please read all instructions carefully before initial use and retain this manual for future reference. This pressure cooker is designed for home and commercial use, suitable for various cooking and canning applications.
Image 1.1: The Buffalo 15 Quart Stainless Steel Pressure Cooker, showcasing its polished exterior and lid assembly.
2. Product Overview
Key Features:
- Buffalo Clad Construction: Exclusively made from BUFFALO Clad, ensuring faster and more even thermal conductivity compared to conventional stainless steel cookware. Manufactured with surgical-grade stainless steel and metal alloys.
- German Gear with Mortise and Tenon Joint Design: Provides a simple, safe, durable, and easy-to-clean switch mechanism for the lid.
- Pressure Indication Valve: Allows for easy pressure relief.
- Emergency Pressure Relief Safety Device: An additional safety mechanism for pressure release.
- Certifications: ISO 9001:2000 and Safety Goods (SG) Certificate from Japan.
- Versatile Heat Source Compatibility: Suitable for use on gas stove, electric stove, induction cooker, and ceramic furnace.
- Uni-body Construction: Designed without hard-to-clean corners, facilitating maintenance.
- Pearl Buffing Technology: Unique buffing process creates an extremely durable and scratch-resistant stainless steel surface.
- Removable Rubber Ring: Designed for easy cleaning and maintenance.
Image 2.1: Illustration of Buffalo Clad stainless steel material and uni-body construction for easy cleaning.
Image 2.2: Details on Pearl Buffing Technology for durability and the removable rubber ring for hygiene.
Image 2.3: Visual representation of the pressure cooker's compatibility with gas, electric, ceramic, and induction heat sources.
3. Safety Information
Operating a pressure cooker involves high pressure and temperature. Adhere strictly to these safety guidelines to prevent accidents and ensure safe operation.
General Safety Precautions:
- Always read the instruction manual before use.
- Do not fill the pressure cooker beyond the maximum fill lines (typically 2/3 full for liquids, 1/2 full for foods that expand like beans or grains).
- Ensure the lid is properly sealed and locked before applying heat.
- Never force the lid open while the cooker is pressurized.
- Keep hands and face away from the steam vent when releasing pressure.
- Do not use the pressure cooker for deep frying with oil.
- Regularly inspect the gasket and safety valves for wear or damage. Replace if necessary.
- Keep out of reach of children.
Integrated Safety Features:
Your Buffalo Pressure Cooker is equipped with multiple safety mechanisms:
- Safety Vent: Releases excess pressure if primary mechanisms fail.
- Safety Valve: A primary pressure release mechanism.
- Extra Safety Valve: Provides an additional layer of pressure release.
- Vent Filter: Prevents food particles from clogging the vent.
- Safety Gear: Ensures proper lid alignment and sealing.
- Safety Lock: Prevents the lid from being opened while under pressure.
Image 3.1: Visual guide to the six integrated safety features of the pressure cooker.
Image 3.2: A close-up view demonstrating the easy-to-use safety lock on the pressure cooker lid.
Operating Pressures:
| Component | Pressure (kgf/cm²) | Pressure (Psi) |
|---|---|---|
| Indicator | 0.04 | 0.57 |
| Balance Valve | 0.9±0.1 | 12.80 ± 1.42 |
| SAFETY VALVE | 1.5±0.3 | 21.34 ± 4.27 |
| EXTRA SAFETY VALVE 1 | 2.3±0.3 | 32.71 ± 4.27 |
| EXTRA SAFETY VALVE 2 | 2.0±0.3 | 28.45 ± 4.27 |
| PRESSURE RESISTANCE | ≥3.0 | ≥42.67 |
Table 3.1: Operating pressure specifications for various components of the pressure cooker.
4. Setup
Initial Cleaning:
- Before first use, wash all parts of the pressure cooker (pot, lid, gasket, and valves) with warm, soapy water.
- Rinse thoroughly and dry completely.
- Ensure all vent holes and safety mechanisms are clear of any debris.
Assembly:
- Place the removable rubber gasket securely inside the lid rim. Ensure it is seated correctly and evenly.
- Verify that the pressure regulator, safety valve, and extra safety valve are properly installed and free from obstructions.
Placement:
Place the pressure cooker on a stable, level cooking surface. Ensure it is centered over the heat source appropriate for its base diameter.
5. Operating Instructions
Filling the Cooker:
- Add food and liquid to the pressure cooker. Always ensure there is sufficient liquid to generate steam.
- Do not fill the cooker more than 2/3 full for most foods.
- For foods that expand during cooking (e.g., rice, beans, grains), do not fill more than 1/2 full.
- For canning, ensure jars are placed on a rack and do not exceed the recommended fill level for the specific canning process. The 15-quart model can hold approximately 5 quart jars or 8 pint jars.
Image 5.1: Diagram showing the dimensions of the 15L pressure cooker and its capacity for 16 oz (pint) and 32 oz (quart) jars for canning.
Securing the Lid:
- Align the lid with the pot according to the markings.
- Close the lid firmly and engage the safety lock mechanism until it clicks into place. Ensure the lid handles are aligned and locked.
Building Pressure:
- Place the pressure cooker on your chosen heat source (gas, electric, induction, ceramic) and set to high heat.
- Steam will begin to escape from the vent. This is normal.
- Once a steady stream of steam is released, place the pressure regulator (weight) onto the vent pipe.
- The pressure indicator will rise, and the regulator will begin to jiggle or rock, indicating that full pressure has been reached.
- Reduce heat to maintain a steady, gentle rocking motion of the pressure regulator. Avoid excessive steam release.
Cooking:
Begin timing your recipe once full pressure is reached and the heat is adjusted. Cooking times are significantly reduced in a pressure cooker.
Releasing Pressure:
There are two primary methods for releasing pressure:
- Natural Release: Remove the pressure cooker from the heat source and allow it to cool down naturally. The pressure indicator will drop on its own. This method is suitable for foods that benefit from additional cooking time or for foamy foods.
- Quick Release: For foods that require precise cooking times, carefully move the pressure regulator to release steam rapidly. Alternatively, for some models, you can place the cooker under cold running water (avoiding the lid mechanisms) to cool it quickly. Exercise extreme caution with quick release as hot steam will be expelled.
Opening the Cooker:
Only open the pressure cooker once the pressure indicator has fully dropped and no steam is escaping. Unlock the lid and carefully remove it, tilting it away from your face to avoid residual steam.
6. Maintenance and Cleaning
Daily Cleaning:
- After each use, wash the pot and lid with warm, soapy water. The pressure cooker is dishwasher safe.
- Remove the rubber gasket from the lid and wash it separately. Ensure it is clean and free of food particles.
- Clean the vent pipe and safety valves using a small brush or cleaning needle to ensure they are not clogged.
- Rinse all parts thoroughly and dry completely before storing.
Storage:
Store the pressure cooker with the lid inverted on the pot to allow air circulation and prevent the gasket from compressing permanently, which can affect its sealing ability.
Image 6.1: The uni-body construction of the pressure cooker, highlighting the absence of hard-to-clean corners.
7. Troubleshooting
If you encounter issues with your pressure cooker, refer to the following common problems and solutions:
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Pressure not building or escaping from lid edges | Lid not properly sealed; Gasket worn or dirty; Vent pipe clogged; Insufficient liquid. | Ensure lid is correctly aligned and locked. Check gasket for damage or proper seating; clean or replace if necessary. Clear any blockages in the vent pipe. Add more liquid. |
| Pressure regulator not jiggling/rocking | Heat too low; Vent pipe clogged; Insufficient liquid. | Increase heat. Clear vent pipe. Ensure adequate liquid. |
| Food undercooked | Cooking time too short; Pressure not maintained. | Increase cooking time. Ensure heat is adjusted to maintain consistent pressure. |
| Food overcooked | Cooking time too long; Heat too high. | Reduce cooking time. Adjust heat to a gentle rocking motion of the regulator. |
| Lid stuck after cooking | Residual pressure inside. | Do not force open. Allow pressure to release completely (indicator must drop) before attempting to open. |
8. Specifications
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Brand | BUFFALO |
| Model Number | QP415 |
| Capacity | 14.2 Liters (15 Quarts) |
| Material | Stainless steel (Buffalo Clad) |
| Color | QCP415 - 15 Quart |
| Finish Type | Stainless Steel |
| Product Dimensions | 24"D x 24"W x 20"H |
| Special Feature | Gas Stovetop Compatible |
| Wattage (for electric stoves) | 1000 watts (referring to general stove compatibility, not cooker's own wattage) |
| Item Weight | 11 Pounds |
| Control Method | Touch (referring to stove controls) |
| Operation Mode | Manual |
| Is Dishwasher Safe | Yes |
| UPC | 669591466154 |
| Manufacturer | Buffalo |
| Date First Available | August 11, 2015 |
9. Warranty and Support
Specific warranty details for your Buffalo Pressure Cooker are typically provided with your purchase documentation or can be obtained by contacting Buffalo customer service directly. Please retain your proof of purchase for warranty claims.
For technical support, replacement parts, or further inquiries, please refer to the contact information provided by the manufacturer at the time of purchase or visit the official Buffalo website.
You can visit the official Buffalo store on Amazon for more information: BUFFALO Store
