BergHOFF Eclipse Pressure Cooker Manual

Introduction

Your new BergHOFF Eclipse pressure cooker will contribute to a healthy lifestyle. You'll prepare delicious dishes with less fat than with traditional cooking methods, and all vitamins and minerals of your ingredients will be preserved. Additionally, you'll save time and consume less energy. This booklet provides instructions for use and care, explaining functions and details to help you cook with this pressure cooker comfortably and safely. Please read and understand all instructions before use.

The design and production of this Eclipse pressure cooker are based on the European Directive 97/23/EG and the European standard EN 12778.

We wish you many delicious and healthy dishes with your new BergHOFF Eclipse pressure cooker.

Table of Contents

• 1 Components
• 2 Important Precautions
• 3 Principles of Cooking with a Pressure Cooker
• 4 Getting Started and How to Cook
• 5 Releasing Pressure and Opening the Lid
• 6 Cleaning and Maintenance
• 7 Practical Advice
• 8 Warranty

1 Components

The components of the pressure cooker are:

• 1.1 knob
• 1.2 foldable handle
• 1.3 pressure indicator
• 1.4 face plate
• 1.5 clamp
• 1.6 safety window
• 1.7 pressure limiting valve
• 1.8 safely open-preventing valve
• 1.9 rubber sealing ring
• 1.10 body
• 1.11 lower body handle

Diagram fig. 1: Shows the components of the pressure cooker lid and body. Key parts labeled include the knob (1.1), foldable handle (1.2), pressure indicator (1.3), face plate (1.4), clamp (1.5), safety window (1.6), pressure limiting valve (1.7), safely open-preventing valve (1.8), rubber sealing ring (1.9), body (1.10), and lower body handle (1.11). The diagram shows the lid separated from the pot.

2 Important Precautions

• Read and understand all instructions before use.
• The user is responsible for any accident resulting from not following this manual.
• Keep the pressure cooker, when in use, away from children or pets.
• Never leave the pressure cooker unattended. Supervision is needed during use, for adjusting the power level when the pressure-limiting valve (fig1.7) is releasing steam, and for keeping the pressure under the limited pressure during the cooking process.
• Never put the pressure cooker in a heated oven/microwave.
• Never carry the pressure cooker with the foldable handle (fig1.2).
• Pay attention to the moving parts (clamps) of the locking system (fig1.5).
• The pressure cooker should always be used on a steady cooking surface.
• Do not put the pressure cooker on a coil with a diameter larger than the cooker's bottom. When cooking on gas, flames should not reach the cooker's wall.
• Only use this pressure cooker on heat sources mentioned in this manual (see icons in section 1).
• When moving or carrying the pressure cooker while under pressure, move with great care, horizontally, and place it down gently. Do not bump. Do not touch hot surfaces; use the lower body handles (fig1.11). Never carry the cooker using the foldable handle (fig1.2). Use gloves or other protective materials if necessary.
• Do not use the pressure cooker for anything other than its intended use.
• This appliance cooks under pressure and can cause scalds if used improperly. Ensure the cooker is properly closed before use. Refer to the chapter “Instructions for use" and pay attention to the moving clamps of the locking system (fig1.5).
• Never open the pressure cooker by force. Do not open before its internal pressure has completely dropped. Refer to the chapter “Getting started and how to cook".
• Never use your pressure cooker without adding water or liquid; this could seriously damage it. Avoid total evaporation and do not heat dry.
• Do not cook expansive food such as apple jam, pearl rice, seaweed, oatmeal, etc., to avoid blocking the steam-releasing hole. Do not fill the pressure cooker beyond 2/3 of its capacity (see marking inside the cooker) (fig. 3).
• When cooking foods that expand during cooking, such as rice or dehydrated vegetables, do not fill it beyond 1/4 of its capacity.
• Allowed volume of food inside the pressure cooker:
  • Less than 1/4 of the cooker height for expansive food such as rice, beans, etc. (fig.2).
  • Less than 2/3 of the cooker height for non-expansive food such as meat, vegetables, etc. (fig.3).
• After cooking meat with skin (e.g., beef tongue or chicken) which may swell under pressure, and after the pressure cooker has cooled down to open, do not puncture the meat while the skin is swollen to avoid scalds.
• When cooking doughy food (that tends to foam), after the pressure cooker has cooled down to open, gently shake it to avoid food ejection and scalds.
• Before each use, ensure valves are not obstructed. Keep the pressure-limiting valve (fig1.7), safely open-preventing valve (fig1.8), sealing ring (fig1.9), knob (fig1.1), lid, and body (fig1.10) clean and free from dirt before and after use. Refer to the chapter "Getting started and how to cook".
• It is prohibited to place anything on the pressure-limiting valve (fig1.7 + fig.4).
• Never use the pressure cooker for pressure deep-frying oil or shortening. Do not use for frying or baking food.
• Do not point the opening of the safely open-preventing valve (fig 1.8) towards your body.
• If steam sprays from the safely open-preventing valve (fig1.8) or the sealing ring (fig1.9) squeezes out from the safety window (fig1.6), shut off the power immediately. Find and solve the problem before using the pressure cooker.
• If the pressure indicator (fig1.3) shows both blue and red levels, immediately reduce power as the inner pressure reaches or exceeds its maximum level.
• Do not store salt, soy sauce, alkali, sugar, vinegar, or steam water inside the cooker for extended periods. Clean and dry it after each use.
• Do not tamper with any safety systems. Refer to the chapter "Getting started and how to cook".
• Only use manufacturer's spare parts compatible with the relevant model. Always use the body and cover from the same manufacturer.
• KEEP THESE INSTRUCTIONS accessible. Ensure anyone using your pressure cooker knows how to use it. Always hand over this manual with the pressure cooker.

Diagram fig. 2: Illustrates the maximum fill level for expansive food, showing the level should not exceed 1/4 of the cooker's height.

Diagram fig. 3: Illustrates the maximum fill level for non-expansive food, showing the level should not exceed 2/3 of the cooker's height.

Diagram fig. 4: Shows a pressure cooker lid with an 'X' mark over the pressure-limiting valve (1.7), indicating it should not be obstructed.

3 Principles of Cooking with a Pressure Cooker

In a pressure cooker, food is cooked by steam. Steam is produced by heating a small amount of liquid, mostly water, in a closed container. Due to the extremely heated steam, ingredients cook quickly. Cooking times are much shorter than with other methods. The principle of using steam also explains why liquid is always used.

The pressure limiting valve (fig1.7) indicates when the correct amount of steam, and thus pressure, is reached. This is the signal to immediately lower the heat to maintain the correct pressure and to start timing. Never leave the pressure cooker unattended when adjusting the heat.

To ensure safety and ease of use, this pressure cooker is equipped with several safety devices (Fig.5).

The 5 independent safety systems:

• Safely open-preventing valve (fig.5.1): Will raise when pressure inside reaches 4Kpa. From that moment, the lid cannot be opened until pressure drops below 4Kpa again (the safely open-preventing valve must be down).
• Pressure-limiting valve (fig.5.2): If pressure reaches a regular working level (80Kpa), this valve will release extra steam violently.
• Sealing ring/Safety window (fig.5.3): If the pressure-limiting valve and safely open-preventing valve are invalid, or if the cooker is left unattended for too long, inside pressure can increase far over the regular working level. The sealing ring (fig. 1.9) will be squeezed out of the safety window (fig.5.3) to ensure safe decompression.
• Pressure Indicator (fig.5.4): Informs about the pressure level inside, providing reassurance.

Diagram fig. 5: Depicts the pressure cooker lid with its safety devices labeled: 5.1 Safely open-preventing valve, 5.2 Pressure-limiting valve, 5.3 Sealing ring/Safety window, 5.4 Pressure Indicator.

Diagram fig. 6: Shows two views of the pressure indicator. One shows only the blue level, indicating normal pressure. The other shows both blue and red levels, indicating abnormal pressure.

4 Getting Started and How to Cook

4.1 How to open the lid before cooking

a) The pressure cooker comes with the lid closed on the body (see fig.7A).

b) Place the foldable handle (fig.1.2) straight up (fig.7B).

c) Turn the foldable handle clockwise to its straight position. The clamps will open, and the cover can now be lifted (fig.7C). Pay attention to the moving parts. Icons on the face plate (fig1.4) indicate the direction to open (and close).

Diagram fig. 7A: Shows the pressure cooker lid closed on the body.

Diagram fig. 7B: Shows the foldable handle (1.2) lifted upwards.

Diagram fig. 7C: Shows the foldable handle turned clockwise to open the clamps and lift the lid.

4.2 Before you use your Eclipse pressure cooker for the first time

Remove all labels.

Wash the pot, cover, and rubber ring with a mild dish-washing liquid, then rinse and dry thoroughly.

Fill the pressure cooker with water to half its volume and heat for 30 minutes under pressure, following the regular procedure as described in sections 4.3 to 4.5. Use only water for this cleaning operation.

Diagram fig. 8: Shows the underside of the lid, highlighting the valves and the rubber ring (1.9) to be checked before closing.

4.3 Before closing the lid

To check the safety and pressure valves as indicated in fig.8, do this with the cover knob (fig.1.1) in the closed position. Turn the foldable handle (fig.1.2) counter-clockwise. See also the face plate (fig.1.4) to ensure they are not obstructed.

• Check if the safely open-preventing valve (fig.1.8) can be moved freely.
• Check if the rubber ring (fig.1.9) is in its place.
• Check the valves by pushing them from the inside of the lid: if they can be pushed upwards and return to their original position, they are okay.
• Ensure the pressure indicator (fig.1.3) is still covered with a transparent silicone cap.

Now you can start the closing procedure.

4.4 How to close the lid

You turned the foldable handle (fig.1.2) to its closed position to check all valves before cooking. Remember to turn it back to its open position before placing the cover on the body of the pressure cooker.

a) Position the cover on the pot so the face plate (fig.1.4) aligns with the lower body handles.

b) Turn the foldable handle (fig.1.2) counter-clockwise until the clamps have closed completely around the rim.

c) Place the foldable handle (fig.1.2) back in its flat position.

4.5 How to cook

Always add water or another liquid when cooking in the pressure cooker to produce steam. Never fill it beyond 2/3 of its capacity. However, the cooker should always contain a minimum of 1/4 liter of liquid.

When cooking food that produces foam, like soup or certain vegetables, do not add more than 1/4 of the total capacity in liquid.

The cooking process

BergHOFF stainless steel cookware is suitable for induction, electric, gas, halogen, and vitro ceramic cookers (see icons on the base). Always place the cooker on a burner that fits its base size, positioning it in the center of the burner. When using a gas burner, prevent flames from extending beyond the base.

Ensure the pressure limiting valve (fig1.7) is aligned with the dot icon (see fig. 9).

Start with the temperature at the highest setting.

Diagram fig. 9: Shows the pressure limiting valve (1.7) aligned with a dot icon on the lid, indicating the correct position for starting cooking.

Cooking times begin from the moment the pressure inside reaches a regular working level (80Kpa), meaning when the pressure limiting valve (fig1.7) releases extra steam for the first time. Do not leave the pressure cooker unattended, as you need to adjust the setting. It is normal for a little steam to seep from the safely open-preventing valve (fig.1.8) after heating for a while; this stops once the safely open-preventing valve (fig.1.8) has risen (at 4 Kpa). This confirms the cover is correctly closed. As this valve closes the cover completely, steam level inside the pot can safely increase to the working pressure level.

The pressure indicator (fig.1.3) will slowly rise with the steam pressure. The blue level indicates the pressure is in the safe zone.

Once the working pressure level (80Kpa) is reached, the pressure limiting valve (fig1.7) will release steam violently. Reduce the cooking power until the pressure limiting valve (fig1.7) drops down, releasing little or no steam. This is the working pressure level to be maintained. The pressure indicator (fig.1.3) will have risen by about 5 to 8 mm, showing only the blue, safe level.

Cooking times

The cooking times below are a reference and can be influenced by food quantity, heat source, etc. Feel free to adapt them based on your practical experience and taste.

After cooking times have expired, turn off the heat and place the cooker on an even surface.

Handle with care; the lid and body will be very hot. Use only the lower body handles (fig.1.11). Never use the foldable handle to carry the cooker.

[Important Safety Notice] DO NOT OPEN THE COOKER UNTIL YOU'VE READ THE FOLLOWING INSTRUCTION ON HOW TO RELEASE THE PRESSURE AND TO OPEN THE LID.

5 Releasing Pressure and Opening the Lid

Do not try to open the lid immediately after cooking times have expired. Pressure must drop before opening. There are 3 ways to cool the cooker and drop the pressure. Handle the pressure cooker with care.

5.1. Natural cooling down

As soon as heating time has expired, turn off the power.

Position the cooker with the pressure limiting valve (fig.1.7) pointing away from people or subjects.

Leave the cooker for a while waiting for the pressure to drop.

When the pressure indicator (fig.1.3) falls down, the cooking process is complete, and steam has escaped.

When the safely open-preventing valve (fig.1.8) has also dropped down, it is safe to turn the lid's knob to the position described in fig. 7 and lift off the lid.

Do not try to open the lid if the indicator (fig.1.3) is not down yet.

Do not open the lid until the safely open-preventing valve (fig.1.8) has dropped down too.

Wear a glove to avoid burning injuries when opening the cover.

When cooking doughy food (that tends to foam), gently shake the pressure cooker before opening to avoid food ejection and scalds.

5.2. By using the pressure-limiting valve to release steam

Position the cooker with the pressure limiting valve (fig.1.7) pointing away from people or subjects.

Switch the pressure limiting valve (fig.1.7) from the dot icon to the steam release icon (see fig.10).

Be careful of escaping steam.

Diagram fig. 10: Shows the pressure limiting valve (1.7) switched from the dot icon to the steam release icon, indicating the method for releasing steam.

When pressure has dropped, the pressure indicator (fig.1.3) and the safely-open preventing valve (fig.1.8) will fall. It is now safe to open the lid. Opening the lid is similar to point 1 and fig. 7.

5.3. Cooling down quickly with running water

Place the cooker gently on a level surface in the sink and shower it slowly with cold water until the valves drop down.

Opening the lid is similar to point 1 and fig.7.

Avoid water penetrating the cooker through the valves.

6 Cleaning and Maintenance

6.1. Prepare for first use

Before using the pressure cooker for the first time, remove all labels. Wash the pot, cover, and rubber ring with a mild detergent, then rinse and dry thoroughly.

Add water (1/2 volume) and heat for 30 minutes under pressure, following the regular working procedure. Be sure water is the only content. This will clean the pressure pot and remove any smells.

6.2. Cover

Always clean the cover by hand using a soft sponge or cloth; never put it in the dishwasher.

Before each use, ensure valves are not obstructed by food particles or other materials. See 4.3.

Valves do not need cleaning every time the cooker is used, but should be cleaned periodically when dirty.

Remove the sealing rubber ring (fig.1.9) from the lid. Wash (and rinse) the rubber ring (fig.1.9) with warm water and a mild detergent after each use. Wipe off water and keep the sealing ring dry. Once dry, fit it correctly back in place. If the pressure cooker will not be used for a long period, store the ring separately in a flat position, ensuring it is not twisted and maintains its round shape. To ensure correct functioning, the ring should be replaced annually. Tip: Apply a little oil to the rubber ring to extend its duration and improve its functioning.

6.3. Body

Wash the body with warm water and a mild detergent after each use. Use a soft sponge or cloth; abrasive cleaners or scourers may dull the polished finish. Dry thoroughly after washing. The body of the pressure cooker can be washed in the dishwasher (not the cover!).

Do not scrape the cooker surface with hard materials like metal to avoid abrasion.

Do not touch the cooker with other kinds of metal to avoid electrochemical corrosion.

From time to time, scale, stains, or marks may appear depending on the food cooked and water hardness. These do not affect performance. Rubbing the body with vinegar will remove stains (or use "BergHOFF's magic for stainless steel!").

Never leave bleach (even diluted) or tomato sauce inside the pressure cooker for long periods to prevent corrosion.

If the pressure cooker will not be used for a long period, clean the body and cover and keep them dry. Prevent the body and cover from banging together to avoid deformation.

After use, store the pressure cooker in a cool, shaded place with the cover upside down to prevent deformation of the rubber ring.

6.4 Valves

Check the steam-releasing pipes of the pressure-limiting valve (fig.1.7) and the safely open-preventing valve (fig.1.8). If obstructed, clear them, possibly using a dredging needle, then wash and rinse the pipes with water.

Dismantle the pressure limiting valve (fig. 1.7) and wash as follows:

Diagrams in Section 6.4: Show the pressure-limiting valve (1.7) and safely open-preventing valve (1.8) and how to clean them with water.

Caution: Do not lose small parts like the pressure-limiting valve (fig.1.7).

It is normal if the color of the sealing ring (fig.1.9) changes. The sealing rubber ring (fig.1.9) should be replaced annually, or immediately if it shows damage or shape change. Contact your dealer for spare parts. Never use substitutes.

If any anomaly is noticed, turn off the power immediately. Take the cooker to a level place and shower it slowly with water to reduce temperature and pressure. Find the reason and solve the problem.

7 Practical Advice

Do not attempt to modify parts or assemble them in any way other than indicated. Use only manufacturer's spare parts (available from your dealer).

Diagrams in Section 7: Illustrate problems with the pressure cooker, such as steam escaping from the lid, leaks from the safety valve, sealing ring forced out, and the safety valve not rising.

8 Warranty

This pressure cooker is covered by a two-year warranty, starting from the date of purchase from an authorized dealer. The dealer will replace or repair the product if it has material or manufacturing defects and has been used under normal conditions as recommended in the manual. Please send the product for repair or replacement in its original packaging and proper shipping packaging (shipping & handling costs are not included in this warranty).

This warranty excludes damage caused by misuse, fire, overheating, theft, dropping, or intentional damage.

Minor imperfections (discoloration, small scratches) may occur but do not affect performance and are therefore not covered by the warranty.

The use of harmful detergents that affect the anti-oxidation layer and cause corrosion is not covered by this warranty.

Enjoy your new pressure cooker!