This guide contains all the information you need to know to get your new gear up and running, along with handy links to any available accessories and other relevant information. If you require technical support, please contact our support team for assistance. Contact details are contained within this guide.
Please ensure you have read through ALL warnings prior to setting up your product
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CAUTION: HOT SURFACE - The metal wall of the unit can get hot while in operation. Keep away
from children when in use. - CAUTION: ESCAPING STEAM - The unit builds pressure while in operation and can release hot steam during cooking, as well as at the end when manually depressurising.
- When manually depressurising after cooking, keep face away from steam vent.
- Do not fill the inner pot past the FULL line (marked FULL or 4/5).
- Before use, check the lid for damage to the seal ring to ensure air-tightness.
- Do not cover or otherwise obstruct the pressure release valve.
- Keep the bottom of the inner pot and the heating element clean.
- Clean the inner pot and lid thoroughly after each use, and wipe down before each use.
- Use wooden or plastic utensils for handling food inside the inner pot to reduce the chance of
damaging the surface coating. - Do not open the lid until the pressure release valve float is down.
- Do not move the unit using the handle on the lid. Use the two side handles on the base of the unit.
- Discontinue use if the power cable is broken.
- Do not modify the unit in any way.
- Disconnect the unit from power when not in use, and store safely.
PRODUCT OVERVIEW
The Hardkorr 12V Pressure Cooker is a 5L (4L max. cooking), 420W electric pressure cooker designed to run directly from a suitable 12V DC power system. The appliance provides preset cooking options, along with adjustable portion sizes and cooking times for adjustability.
| 1 | Lid handle | 4 | Side carrying handles |
| 2 | Lid and locking rim | 5 | Control panel |
| 3 | Pressure release valve | 6 | Power lead and connector |
Package Contents
| 1 | Rice scoop |
| 2 | Measuring cup |
| 3 | Drip collector |
POWER SOURCE AND FUSE GUIDE
The Hardkorr 12V pressure cooker is a high-current appliance and MUST be supplied by a correctly designed 12V DC circuit that can supply 40A @ 12V DC continuous.
Note:
- 12V DC supply only. Do not connect the pan to 24V DC or 240V AC.
- The pressure cooker can draw up to 35A. The outlet, cable and connectors must be rated for sustained 40A current.
- Protect the supply circuit with the specified 40A midi-fuse. Never bypass a fuse or fit a larger/smaller fuse.
- Have the circuit checked by a qualified automotive electrician when its suitability is uncertain.
BEFORE FIRST USE
- Remove all packaging, including the plastic covering the inner pot.
- Wash the inner pot, lid components and removable accessories in warm soapy water, then rinse and dry them thoroughly.
- Wipe the cooker body and heating plate with a soft, slightly damp cloth.
- DO NOT use abrasive brushes or utensils on the cooking surface as it will damage the coating.
- Fit the drip collector to the corresponding slot on the back side of the unit.
FILL LEVELS
Minimum
Do not operate the cooker with less than the minimum quantity, 2 cups (1/5).
Expanding Foods
Foods that expand, foam or thicken during cooking must remain below 10 cups (3/5).
Maximum - FULL
Do not exceed the FULL line. Maximum cooking capacity is 4 L (4/5).
CONTROL PANEL AND DISPLAY
The control panel provides four one-touch cooking presets, portion-based time adjustment, manual time adjustment, delay start, keep warm and cancel functions.
DEFAULT STATE
Unit reverts to this state after pressing Cancel.
SELECTION STATE
Shown when food has been selected and/or timer settings are used.
HEATING STATE
Shown after 5 second delay from previous state. Unit is now heating.
COOKING STATE
Shown when unit has heated and timer is counting down.
COMPLETE STATE
Shown when timer has finished and cooking is complete. DOES NOT ACTIVATE KEEP WARM.
DELAY START
- Select a cooking preset and make any required portion or time adjustments.
- Press Delay Start, then use ▲ or ▼ to set the required delay.
- Leave the controls untouched. The delay time remains on the display and cooking starts automatically when the delay expires.
- Press Cancel to stop the delay and return to the default state.
KEEP WARM
- Press Keep Warm. The indicator illuminates and the display shows ON.
- Press Cancel to stop the function.
- Do not keep food warm for more than 8 hours.
Note: Keep Warm is a manual function and does not start automatically when cooking finishes.
PORTION ADJUSTMENT
Press Portion to cycle through the three fill-volume indicators. The cooker changes the preset cooking time to suit a smaller, medium or fuller load. Select the indicator that most closely matches the amount in the inner pot, then fine-tune the time with ▲ or ▼ if required.
| Indicator | Use for |
| Low fill | Smaller quantities near the lower safe fill level. |
| Medium fill | Typical everyday use around the middle of the pot. |
| High fill | Larger loads near the maximum fill line. |
RELEASING PRESSURE AND OPENING THE LID
WARNING: Escaping steam can cause severe burns
- Keep your face, hands and body away from the steam outlet. Never place a hand, cloth or object over the release valve.
- Do not attempt to open the lid until steam has stopped and the float valve is fully down.
- Steam and/or liquid can release in an upwards direction. Ensure there is ample room above the appliance before releasing the pressure.
There are two methods to release pressure from the cooker:
- Natural release - Once the coking cycle is complete, leave the cooker undisturbed. Do not move the pressure release valve while the float is raised, wait until the float valve drops naturally. This method is suited to high liquid recipes such as soups, or expanding foods such as rice.
- Manual release - Stand to the side and slowly move the pressure release valve to the exhaust position. Keep clear of the steam and/or liquid and wait until the float valve drops.
When opening the lid:
- Press Cancel when required and disconnect the cooker from the 12V power source.
- Confirm that steam has stopped and the float valve is fully down.
- Hold the lid handle and turn the lid clockwise to the open position.
- Lift the lid upwards using the handle, keeping clear of any remaining steam and hot condensation.
WARNING: If the lid will not turn, do not force it. The cooker may still be pressurised. Leave it closed and wait for the float valve to drop, or manually release the pressure using the release valve.
OPERATING THE PRESSURE COOKER
- Place the cooker on a stable, level and dry surface. Make sure the appliance and power connection are protected from moisture.
- Turn the lid clockwise to the open position, then lift it away using the lid handle.
- Remove the inner pot and add the ingredients and liquid. Keep the contents within the applicable fill limits above.
- Wipe the outside and base of the inner pot dry. Check that the heating plate is clean, then place the pot into the cooker body and rotate it gently to ensure full contact.
- Check that the sealing ring is correctly seated inside the lid and is clean, flexible and free from damage.
- Align the lid with the cooker, lower it into place and turn it counter-clockwise until it is fully locked.
- Make sure the pressure release valve is correctly seated, the anti-block cover is clear and the float valve is down.
- Connect the cooker to a suitable 12V DC power source only after all lid and valve checks are complete.
- Press Rice, Stew, Poultry or Shanks. The selected preset illuminates and the display shows its cooking time.
- Press Portion to select the fill-volume setting that best matches the amount of food in the pot (this selects between small, medium and large).
- Use ▲ or ▼ to fine-tune the displayed cooking time when required (up to a maximum of 60 minutes).
- Leave the controls untouched. After approximately 5 seconds, the cooker begins heating.
- As pressure builds, the float valve rises and locks the lid. When cooking pressure is reached, the timer counts down.
- When cooking is complete, the display shows DONE. Follow the pressure-release procedure before opening the lid.
Note: The heater cycles on and off as the cooker maintains pressure. This is normal.
CLEANING AND STORAGE
- Disconnect the cooker from power and allow it to cool completely before cleaning.
- Remove the inner pot and wash it with a soft sponge or non-metallic brush. Rinse and dry thoroughly.
- Wipe the cooker body and control panel with a soft, damp cloth. Never immerse the body or pour water into it.
- Remove the sealing ring, wash it and inspect it for cracking, stretching or wear. Refit it evenly inside the lid.
- Move the float valve gently up and down while rinsing around its sealing area to remove residue.
- Remove the pressure release valve, rinse it with clean water and reinstall it securely.
- Clean the anti-block cover and steam passages so they remain free from food residue.
- Remove and empty the condensation collector, wash it and refit it.
- Wipe the heating plate and the outside of the inner pot until both are clean and dry before reassembly.
- Store the cooker disconnected, clean and dry.
Note: Use wooden or plastic utensils, and clean the inner pot with a soft sponge or non-metallic brush.
PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS
| Construction | Stainless steel, ABS plastic |
| Power | 13.2V DC / 420W ±10%, 35A max. discharge |
| Capacity | 5L total, 4L max. cooking capacity |
| Max. temperature | 120°C |
| Max. pressure | 80kPa |
| Fuse size | 40A |
| Inside dimensions | 240 (Dia.) x 140 (H) mm |
| Outside dimensions | 280 (Dia.) x 300 (H) mm |
| Weight | 3.75kg |
| Protections | Overheat protection |
| Connection | 1x 50A Anderson-style connector |
TROUBLESHOOTING
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
| Lid will not lock | The sealing ring is not fitted correctly, or the float valve is raised or obstructed. | Refit the sealing ring evenly. Make sure the cooker is depressurised, the float is down and the valve area is clean. |
| Steam leaks around the lid | The sealing ring is missing, dirty, worn or damaged, or the lid is not fully locked. | Clean and refit the sealing ring, then lock the lid again. If the seal is damaged or the leak continues, stop use. |
| Steam leaks from the float valve | Food residue is preventing the float valve from sealing, or its seal is worn. | Clean the float valve and surrounding seal. |
| Float valve does not rise | The pressure release valve is in the exhaust position, there is insufficient food or liquid, or pressure is leaking from the lid or valves. | Seat the release valve correctly and check the fill level, lid lock and sealing ring. Stop use if pressure still does not build. |
| E1 | Temperature sensor connection or sensor fault. | Contact Hardkorr. |
| E2 | Temperature sensor short circuit. | Contact Hardkorr. |
| E3 | Overheating, commonly caused by insufficient liquid. | Cancel the program. Allow the cooker to de-pressurise and cool completely, then check the liquid level before restarting. |
| E4 | Insufficient pressure or a pressure-control fault. | Check the lid, sealing ring, float valve and pressure release valve. If the code returns, disconnect the cooker and arrange service. |