How to Use a Prestige Pressure Cooker: A Complete Beginner’s Guide (Step-by-Step)

A Prestige pressure cooker is one of the most efficient tools in the kitchen—fast, safe, and perfect for cooking rice, lentils, curries, vegetables, and even meats in a fraction of the time.
If you’re new to pressure cooking or just bought your first Prestige cooker, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know, step by step.

What Is a Prestige Pressure Cooker?

A Prestige pressure cooker is a stovetop cooking appliance that uses steam pressure to cook food faster while locking in flavor and nutrients. Prestige cookers are known for:

• Strong aluminum or stainless-steel build

• Safety valve

• Gasket release system

• Anti-bulge base

• Double-locking system

These safety features make it ideal for beginners.

⭐ Step-by-Step: How to Use a Prestige Pressure Cooker

Step 1: Wash & Inspect Your Cooker

Before first use, wash the body, lid, gasket, and whistle.

Check for:

• Tight-fitting rubber gasket

• Clean vent pipe

• Safety valve in place

• No dents or damage

Step 2: Soak Ingredients (If Needed)

Foods like rice, lentils, beans, and chickpeas cook better when soaked.

Suggested Soak Times

• Rice: 10–15 mins

• Lentils: 20–30 mins

• Chickpeas/Beans: 6–8 hours

Step 3: Add Ingredients + Water

Add your ingredients into the cooker pot.
Follow recommended water levels:

⚠️ Never fill above 2/3 capacity.

Step 4: Insert the Gasket & Close the Lid

Ensure the rubber gasket is fitted inside the lid.
Align the lid with the body and twist to lock.

Step 5: Place the Cooker on Heat

Put the cooker on medium flame.

You will hear steaming; wait for steam to escape steadily from the vent.

Step 6: Attach the Whistle (Pressure Regulator)

Once a strong flow of steam comes out, place the whistle on top of the vent pipe.

This starts the actual pressure cooking.

Step 7: Count the Whistles

Most recipes are based on number of whistles.

Example Whistle Count Guide

• Rice → 1–2 whistles

• Dal → 2–3 whistles

• Chicken → 3–4 whistles

• Beef/Mutton → 6–8 whistles

• Potatoes → 2 whistles

After reaching the required number, turn off the flame.

Step 8: Let Pressure Release Naturally

Wait for the pressure to drop on its own.
Do not force open the lid.

When the safety valve lowers and no steam escapes, the lid will open smoothly.

Step 9: Open & Serve

Twist open the lid gently, facing away from your face.

Your meal is ready to enjoy!

🔧 Safety Tips for Using a Prestige Pressure Cooker

• Always check the gasket for tears.

• Never block the vent pipe.

• Never overfill the cooker.

• Use medium heat—avoid high flame.

• Clean the vent pipe after every use.

• Replace gasket every 8–12 months.

🍲 Common Mistakes Beginners Make

• Adding too little water

• Opening the lid too soon

• Using high heat the entire time

• Not soaking hard grains/beans

• Ignoring steam leaks around the lid

Avoid these and your cooker will last for years.

❓ FAQs (Boosts SEO Ranking)

1. How much water do I put in a Prestige pressure cooker?

Follow the food-to-water ratios listed above and never fill more than 2/3rd.

2. Why is my whistle not blowing?

Possible reasons: blocked vent pipe, too little water, or low heat.

3. Is a Prestige pressure cooker safe for beginners?

Yes—Prestige is one of the safest models with multiple protection features.

4. Can I cook without the whistle?

No, the whistle regulates pressure. It must be used.

🏁 Final Thoughts

Using a Prestige pressure cooker is simple once you understand the whistle system, water ratios, and setup. With practice, you’ll cook meals faster, tastier, and more efficiently.