For your safety and continued enjoyment of this product, always read the instruction book carefully before

using.
Cuisinart

Electric Pressure Cooker EPC-1200PC

INSTRUCTION
BOOKLET
IB-9300
Recipe
Booklet
Reverse Side
2
IMPORTANT
SAFEGUARDS
When using electrical appliances, basic
safety precautions should always be
followed, including the following:
1. Read all instructions.
2. Do not touch hot surfaces of pressure
cooker. Use handles only.
3. This appliance should not be used
by or near children or individuals with
certain disabilities.
4. 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
force it to open. Any pressure in the
cooker can be hazardous. See
Operating Instructions, page 5.
5. Do not place the pressure cooker in a
heated oven or on any stovetop.
6. Extreme caution must be used when
moving a pressure cooker containing
hot liquids or foods.
7. Do not use the pressure cooker for
other than intended use.
8. This appliance cooks under pressure.
Improper use may result in scalding
injury. Make certain unit is properly
closed before operating. See
Operating Instructions, page 5.
9. Do not fill unit over
3
5 full. When
cooking foods that expand during
cooking, such as dried vegetables,
legumes, beans, and grains, do not
fill the unit over full. Overfilling may
cause a risk of clogging the pressure
limit valve and developing excess
pressure.
10. To protect against electrical shock,
do not immerse cord, plugs, or outer
vessel in water or other liquids.
11. Unplug from outlet when not in use
or 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.
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. Always attach plug to appliance first,
before plugging into wall outlet. To
disconnect, turn control to Off, then
remove plug from outlet.
18. Be aware that certain foods, such as
applesauce, cranberries, pearl barley,
oatmeal and other cereals, split peas,
noodles, macaroni, rhubarb, or
spaghetti can foam, froth and sputter,
and clog the pressure release devices.
These foods should not be cooked in
a pressure cooker unless following a
Cuisinart

Electric Pressure Cooker

recipe.
19. Always check the pressure release
devices for clogging before use.
20. Do not use this pressure cooker for
pressure frying oil.
SAVE THESE
INSTRUCTIONS
FOR HOUSEHOLD
USE ONLY
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.
Longer extension cords are available
and may be used if care is exercised
in their use.
If a long extension cord is used, the
3
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 counter or tabletop
where it can be pulled on by children or
tripped over.
CONTENTS
Important Safeguards........................... 2
Special Cord Set Instructions .............. 2
Introduction .......................................... 3
Parts and Features ............................... 3
Before First Use ................................... 4
Instructions for Use .............................. 4
Operating Instructions .......................... 5
Pressure Cooker Settings .................... 6
Safety Devices...................................... 6
Cleaning ............................................... 7
Troubleshooting .................................... 7
Warranty ............................................... 8
INTRODUCTION
Youre about to experience a better,
faster, and healthier way of cooking. Your
Cuisinart

Electric Pressure Cooker seals

in steam to cook hotter and faster, and it
seals in nutrients as well. Cook in less
water and experience textures and tastes
that are simply sensational. Features easy
touch-button settings, a countdown timer,
and a cooking pot big enough for a pot
roast with all the fixings. Enjoy!
PARTS AND FEATURES
1. Pressure Limit Valve
2. Red Float Valve (Pressure Indicator)
3. Push Rod
4. Sealing Ring
5. Cooking Pot
6. Condensation Collector
7. Handle
8. Outer Body
9. Heating Plate
10. Base
11. Power Cord
12. Lid Handle
13. Lid
14. Sealing Ring Supporting Cover
15. Rubber Grommet
16. Upper Ring
17. Control Panel
18. Trivet Used for some recipes such
as desserts. See Recipe Booklet.
1
2
3
4
5
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
6
6
4
BEFORE FIRST USE
Remove any packaging materials and
promotional labels from your electric
pressure cooker.
Be sure all parts have been included
before discarding any packaging
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
lid and the cooking pot. The cooking pot
can be cleaned in the dishwasher or with
warm soapy water. Rinse with clean
water, towel or air dry, and place in the
pressure cooker.
1. Place the pressure cooker on a
clean, flat surface where you intend
to cook.
2. Place the condensation collector in
rear of the unit until it clicks into
place (as shown below; also see
#6 on diagram, page 3).
3. Place the pressure limit valve on the
lid, as shown in figures 5 and 5a.
Note: The pressure limit valve does
not click or lock into place. Even
though it will have a loose fit, it is
safely secured.
INSTRUCTIONS
FOR USE
Once the pressure cooker is assembled
properly, you are ready to begin pressure
cooking.
1. To remove lid, grasp handle, turn
clockwise and lift.
2. Remove cooking pot from pressure
cooker and add food and liquids as
the recipe directs. Note: The total
volume of food and liquid must not
exceed 60% of the capacity of the
cooking pot (figure 1). For foods such
as dried vegetables and beans, or
rice and grains, the total volume must
not exceed 50% capacity (figure 2).
Note: Overfilling may clog the
pressure limit valve, which can
cause excess pressure to develop.
Always use at least -cup liquid
when pressure cooking.
3. To lock the lid in place, remove any
food residue from upper rim of
cooking pot to ensure a proper seal.
Make sure sealing ring is securely in
place on sealing ring supporting
cover (figure 3). Hold knob on sealing
ring supporting cover and press
firmly over the center post of inner lid
to secure (figure 4). Place lid on
pressure cooker and turn it
counterclockwise into position.
Note: When placing lid on pressure
cooker, the float valve should be
facing left.
4.
Position the pressure limit valve
(located on lid) as directed in figure 5
and 5a, ensuring it is set to the
position. Note: The pressure limit
valve does not click or lock into
place. Even though it will have a
loose fit, it is safely secured. The float
in handle must be fully down to
properly seal the pot before cooking.


(1) (2)
(3)
(4)
(5) (5a)
5
5. Plug the power cord into the pressure
cooker and then into the wall outlet.
The LED display will show .
OPERATING
INSTRUCTIONS
With the unit on and the LED displayed,
press the MENU button to select the
desired cooking function. The function
light will flash.
After Selecting Browning, Saut,
or Simmer
Press START, and unit will begin to heat
up. When browning, sauting or
simmering is complete, press START/
CANCEL to cancel and cover the cooker
as directed. Press MENU again and
select Low or High Pressure function.
After Selecting Low or High Pressure
Press 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.
Once cooking time is programmed, press
START/CANCEL to start the cooking
process. As the unit heats up and
pressure builds, the red float 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,
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.
The raised red float indicates you are
cooking under pressure. The lid is
double-locked and cannot be opened.
YOU SHOULD NEVER ATTEMPT TO
OPEN THE LID WHILE PRESSURE
COOKING.
Automatic Keep Warm Feature
When LED display reaches , the
pressure cooker automatically shifts to
Keep Warm temperature. The Keep Warm
light will turn on and unit will beep to
indicate cooking is complete.
NOTE: The Keep Warm setting should not
be used for more than 12 hours. The
quality or texture of the food will begin to
change after 1 hour on Keep Warm. In the
Keep Warm setting, a little condensation
in the upper ring is normal.
To Reset or Cancel
Users can reset the function or cancel the
timing setup anytime by pressing the
START/CANCEL button.
To Remove Lid
When pressure cooking cycle is finished,
the unit will automatically switch to the
Keep Warm setting. 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.
1. Natural Pressure Release Following
pressure cooking, allow the unit to
remain on Keep Warm. The 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 30 minutes.
During this time cooking continues,
so it is recommended for certain cuts
of meats and some desserts. When
pressure is fully released, the float
(pressure indicator) will drop and the
lid will unlock to open.
2. Quick Pressure Release Following
pressure cooking you will hear a
series of beeps indicating the
process is finished. Turn off and pull
the handle of the pressure limit valve
forward (see figures 6 and 6a). Do not
touch with your hand. Use tongs or
another tool.
6


Steam will immediately begin to
release through the valve. Keep face
and hands away from steam as it is
released, and do not release pressure
under hanging cabinets, which can
be damaged by steam. When pres-
sure is fully released, the pressure
indicator will drop and the lid will
unlock to open. Using Quick Pressure
Release stops the pressure cooking
immediately. If further cooking is nec-
essary, 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, we have chosen to use
a combination of Natural Pressure
Release and Quick Pressure Release.
Allow Natural Pressure Release for
the time indicated in the recipe (food
will continue to cook slightly) followed
by Quick Pressure Release.
WARNING: USE EXTREME CAUTION
WHEN RELEASING PRESSURE. USE
TONGS OR SIMILAR UTENSIL TO
PULL HANDLE OF PRESSURE LIMIT
VALVE FORWARD.
When the red float is completely down,
turn the lid clockwise and lift to remove.
PRESSURE
COOKER
SETTINGS
1. Low Pressure
2. High Pressure
3. Browning
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.
4. Saut The 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 (Arborio,
brown, Carnaroli, white, etc.) for
pilafs and risottos. Sauting reduces
the time it takes full pressure to build
and pressure cooking to begin.
5. Simmer This preset temperature
allows you to cook liquids at a lower
temperature. It is primarily used to
finish cooking some items, i.e., to
add ingredients to a risotto, sauce,
or stew or to continue cooking
process to achieve preferred texture.
Simmering reduces the time it takes
full pressure to build and pressure
cooking to begin.
6. Keep Warm Holds and keeps
cooked food warm for up to 12 hours.
SAFETY DEVICES
There are seven safety devices installed
in the pressure cooker to assure its
reliability.
1. Open-and-Close Lid Safety Device
The appliance will not start
pressurizing until the lid is closed
and locked properly.
The lid cannot be opened if the
appliance is filled with pressure.
2. Pressure Control Device
The correct pressure level is
automatically maintained during
the cooking cycle.
3. Pressure Limit Valve
The pressure limit valve will release
air automatically when the pressure
inside exceeds the preset
temperature.

Menu
Time
Start
Cancel
Simmer Keep Warm
Browning Saut
Low Pressure High Pressure
Pressure Time
Electric
Pressure Cooker
(6a)
(6)
7
Note: Overfilling the pressure
cooker (see Instructions for Use)
may clog the pressure limit valve,
which can cause excess pressure
to develop.
4. Anti-Block Cover
Prevents any food material from
blocking the pressure limit valve.
5. Pressure Relief Device
When the pressure cooker reaches
the maximum allowable pressure and
temperature, the cooking pot will
move down until lid separates from
the sealing ring, releasing air
pressure.
6. Thermostat
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. Thermal Fuse
The circuit will be opened when the
pressure cooker reaches the
maximum temperature.
CLEANING
1. Unplug the power cord before
cleaning. Allow the unit to sufficiently
cool 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. Rinse with warm water the underside
of the lid including the sealing ring,
pressure limit valve, air escape and
float valve. Dry completely.
4. Clean area under upper ring with
dampened cloth or microfiber cloth.
Do not use chemical cleaners.
5. Cooking pot is dishwasher safe. To
hand-clean the cooking pot, use a
soft cloth or sponge and wipe. Be
careful not to damage the inside
coating. Never use harsh chemicals
or scouring pads.
6. To clean sealing ring, hold the knob
on the sealing ring supporting cover
and pull the sealing ring up. After
cleaning, put the sealing ring
supporting cover back.
TROUBLESHOOTING
Symptom Possible Reasons Solutions
Lid does not lock
The ring is not properly installed
The float is seized by the push rod
Reinstall the ring

Push the rod with hands
Cannot open the lid after air
exhaust
The float is still up Press the float down
Air escapes from the rim of
the lid
No sealing ring was installed
Food residue on sealing ring
Sealing ring worn out
Lid not locked properly
Install the sealing ring
Clean sealing ring
Replace the sealing ring
Rotate lid fully
Air escapes from the float
valve
Food stuck on the sealing ring of
the float valve
The sealing ring on the float wore
out
Clean the sealing ring
Replace the sealing ring
The float will not rise
The pressure limit valve is not
placed properly
Not enough food and water
Air escaping from the rim of the
lid and the pressure limit valve
Place the device to Pressure .
Check recipe for proper quantity
Call our Consumer Service Center
toll free at 1-800-726-0190
8
Note: The
side with
the knob
should face
outward.
Do not put
it upside
down
(figures 7
and 8).
7. To clean
rubber
grommet
located in
center of
sealing ring supporting cover,
carefully remove the sealing ring
supporting cover and clean the
grommet,
then replace
it.
8. To clean the
pressure
limit valve,
remove and
rinse it with water, then replace it
(figure 9).
9. To clean the condensation collector,
remove and clean it with warm soapy
water, then reinstall it.
WARRANTY
LIMITED THREE-YEAR
WARRANTY
This warranty is available to consumers only. You
are a consumer if you own a Cuisinart

Electric
Pressure Cooker that was purchased at retail
for personal, family or household use. Except
as otherwise required under applicable law, this
warranty is not available to retailers or other
commercial purchasers or owners.
We warrant that your Cuisinart

Electric Pressure
Cooker will be free of defects in materials and
workmanship under normal home use for 3 years
from the date of original purchase.
We suggest you complete and return the
enclosed product registration card promptly
to facilitate verification of the date of original
purchase. However, return of the product regis-
tration card does not eliminate the need for the
consumer to maintain the original proof of pur-
chase in order to obtain the warranty benefits. In
the event that you do not have proof of purchase
date, the purchase date for purposes of this war-
ranty will be the date of manufacture.
If your Cuisinart

Electric Pressure Cooker

should prove to be defective within the warranty
period, we will repair it, or if we think necessary,
replace it. To obtain warranty service, simply
call our toll-free number 1-800-726-0190 for
additional information from our Customer Service
Representatives, or send the defective product
to Customer Service at Cuisinart, 150 Milford
Road, East Windsor, NJ 08520.
To facilitate the speed and accuracy of your
return, please enclose $10.00 for shipping and
handling of the product.
Please pay by check or money order (California
residents need only supply proof of purchase
and should call 1-800-726-0190 for shipping
instructions).
NOTE: For added protection and secure han-
dling of any Cuisinart

product that is being

returned, we recommend you use a traceable,
insured delivery service. Cuisinart cannot be
held responsible for in-transit damage or for
9.
7.
8.
9
packages that are not delivered to us. Lost
and/or damaged products are not covered under
warranty. Please be sure to include your return
address, daytime phone number, description
of the product defect, product model number
(located on bottom of product), original date of
purchase, and any other information pertinent to
the products return.

Your Cuisinart

Electric Pressure Cooker has

been manufactured to the strictest specifications
and has been designed for use with the autho-
rized accessories and replacement parts.
This warranty expressly excludes any defects or
damages caused by accessories, replacement
parts, or repair service other than those that
have been authorized by Cuisinart.
This warranty does not cover any damage
caused by accident, misuse, shipment or other
ordinary household use.
This warranty excludes all incidental or conse-
quential damages. Some states do not allow
the exclusion or limitation of these damages, so
these exclusions may not apply to you.
CALIFORNIA RESIDENTS ONLY:
California law provides that for In-Warranty
Service, California residents have the option of
returning a nonconforming product (A) to the
store where it was purchased or (B) to another
retail store that sells Cuisinart products of the
same type.
The retail store shall then, at its discretion, either
repair the product, refer the consumer to an
independent repair facility, replace the product,
or refund the purchase price less the amount
directly attributable to the consumers prior
usage of the product. If the above two options
do not result in the appropriate relief to the con-
sumer, the consumer may then take the product
to an independent repair facility if service or
repair can be economically accomplished.
Cuisinart and not the consumer will be respon-
sible for the reasonable cost of such service,
repair, replacement, or refund for nonconforming
products under warranty.
California residents may also, according to their
preference, return nonconforming products
directly to Cuisinart for repair, or if necessary,
replacement, by calling our Consumer Service
Center toll-free at 1-800-726-0190.
Cuisinart will be responsible for the cost of the
repair, replacement, and shipping and handling
for such products under warranty.
2009 Conair Corporation
Cuisinart

is a registered
trademark of the Conair Corporation
Cuisinart

150 Milford Road
East Windsor, NJ 08520
Printed in China
09CE14043