NESCO NPC-9 Smart Electric Pressure Cooker and Canner
OVERVIEW OF COMPONENTS
- LID HANDLE
- LID
- STEAM RELEASE VENT
- BODY HANDLES
- STAINLESS STEEL BODY
- CONTROL PANEL
- LOWER BODY BASE
- REMOVABLE SILICONE
- LID GASKET
- REMOVABLE INNER POT (Non-Stick Interior)
- STEAMING RACK
- CANNING RACK
- REMOVABLE CONDENSATION CATCHER
VENT STEM SUBASSEMBLY
Vent parts can be disassembled for cleaning purposes.
NOTE: Remove the inner vent cap periodically and check the vent assembly. Tighten nut as needed.
- On the outside of the lid, place a washer over the vent hole and insert the vent stem.
- On the inside of the lid, slide the silcone washer, vent cap clip, and washer over the vent stem.
- Attach the nut to the end of the vent stem and tighten securely. Place the vent cap over the assembly and attach to the vent cap clip.
PRESSURE LIMITING VALVE SUBASSEMBLY
- Insert one end of the u-clip into the underside of the limiting valve. Push the other end of the clip inwards and down to lock into place.
BEFORE FIRST USE
- Remove packaging materials such as cardboard, plastics or styrofoam and discard appropriately.
- Wipe clean all the parts with a soft damp cloth or sponge and dry thoroughly.
- DO NOT immerse in water or place in dishwasher.
- The GASKET sets in behind the wire guide. Before your first use, gently pull the GASKET out. (IMAGE 1).
- Hand wash in warm soapy water. Dry, then firmly press the GASKET back in behind the wire guide. Make sure the GASKET is properly installed into the groove inside the LID. (IMAGE 2).
HOW TO OPEN THE LID
When the LID of the cooker is at the “Closed-Lid Position”, hold the LID HANDLE and turn it about 1/8 of a turn clockwise (IMAGE 3), until you reach the “Open-Lid Position”. Lift up on the LID HANDLE.
NOTE: For brand new units, the seal of the LID may be slightly stronger than normal and may be slightly difficult to unlock. Once the LID has been opened and closed several times, it will loosen up
HOW TO CLOSE THE LID
When the LID of the cooker is in vertical position hold the handle and close it downwards at the “Open-Lid Position”. After that, turn it in a counter clockwise direction until you reach the “Closed-Lid Position”.
IMPORTANT: The lid must be closed and turned to the “Closed-Lid” position for the control panel settings to
function. If the lid is not turned to the closed position, the display will illuminate the word “LID” and beep three times continuously.
HOW TO DISMANTLE THE LID
When the LID of the cooker is in the upright vertical position, hold the LID with both hands, and adjust the height between the LID and the upper edge of the cooker to around 4 inches (IMAGE 4). Then turn it in a counter clockwise direction until you reach the “Closed-Lid Position” (IMAGE 5). Then lift the LID up and away from the SMART
CANNER body (IMAGE 6).
RULE: NEVER fill a pressure cooker more than 4/5 full with food. Also, don’t pack food tightly into a pressure cooker. These practices may cause the pressure cooker to operate incorrectly which will affect the outcome of your food.
IMPORTANT: Before you start select the BLACK LIMITING PRESSURE VALVE for all usage unless you are located at altitudes above 1,000 feet above sea level. At altitudes higher than 1,000 feet above sea level always use the GREEN LIMITING PRESSURE VALVE.
For general rules on safe canning guidelines please reference: https://nchfp.uga.edu/
For the USDA’s Complete Guide to Home Canning and tested recipes please reference:
https://nchfp.uga.edu/publications/ publications_usda.html and follow their instructions precisely.
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
PRESSURE COOKING
Pressure cooking is an easy way to seal in the flavor and nutrition of your favorite foods. You can cook single foods like corn on the cob or rice, or an entire pot roast dinner.
- 1. Press the “PRESSURE COOK” function button on the front control panel.
- Add the ingredients from your favorite recipe.
- Close the LID, turn the LID about an 1/8 turn counter clockwise into the “Closed-Lid” position. Set the PRESSURE LIMITING VALVE to the “AIRTIGHT” position.
- Press the TIME (+) to set time for what recipe calls for.
- Press “START” to start the process. The display will circle until the internal pressure is reached. You may notice some clicks as the unit heats up, this is normal. Once the internal pressure is reached, the “Cooking Time” will start counting down to “000” and beep 3 times.
- CAREFULLY move the PRESSURE LIMITING VALVE to the EXHAUST position. A large amount of steam will be released from the PRESSURE LIMITING VALVE, so make sure to keep your face, body and fingers away from the steam.
- Once the steam has been released, turn the LID HANDLE an 1/8 turn clockwise and open the LID.
SLOW COOKING
Sometimes it’s a desired option to slow cook dinners instead of pressure cooking. The “SMART CANNER” allows this option. Simply add your favorite ingredients to the inner pot. Remember not to exceed the 4/5 height rule for filling the cook pot.
- Press the “SLOW COOK” function button on the front panel.
- The Cooking Time display will show 30 minutes, which can be adjusted up (+) or down (-), to a max of 600 minutes (10 hours).
- Close the LID, turn the LID about an 1/8 turn counter clockwise into the “Closed-Lid” position.
- Set the PRESSURE LIMITING VALVE to EXHAUST so the pressure does not build up inside the cooker while slow cooking. You will still seal in liquids for moisture to create the perfect slow cooking environment.
- Press “START” to begin cooking. The “Smart Canner” will beep three times once the time has finished.
HINTS: Consider browning meats that will be slow cooked first by using the BROWN function on the SMART CANNER. It is usually not necessary to add cooking oil or butter to the bottom of the INNER POT when browning meats, but a small amount of liquids such as water, soup stock or fruit juices can help when SLOW COOKING. There are many resources for slow cooking recipes, which can easily be adapted to use with the “Smart Canner”.
BROWNING
The SMART CANNER is versatile enough to handle browning meats prior to slow cooking or pressure cooking. Browning meats help release and develop the flavors you expect and appreciate. The browning function on the SMART CANNER acts similar to a standard fry pan.
- Press the “BROWN” function on the control panel. NOTE: DO NOT close the LID while browning
- Place meat into the INNER POT. It is not necessary to add butter or cooking oil, unless desired for flavor
- Turn and brown the meat as you would as if using a fry pan.
NOTE: Avoid using metal utensils on the INNER POT, as you may damage the non-stick surface.
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
STEAMING
Steaming foods offers a great way to save time, energy and nutritional benefits. Steamed foods don’t require cooking oils, which can save both money and unwanted calories. The steaming process keeps the foods from coming in direct contact with boiling water, so foods cook evenly and gently in their own juices. Nutrients are less likely to be swept
away in the boiling water. Nearly all meats, vegetables, pasta, rice and seafood can be steamed.
HINTS:
- Instant rice can be steamed, but long grain rice is best pressure cooked.
- Check your foods occasionally for desired doneness.
- When cooking several different types of foods, put the items that have the longest cook time toward the bottom of the INNER POT.
HOW TO STEAM FOODS
- Place the CANNING RACK into the INNER POT.
- Fill with hot water to the rack level. (approximately 4 cups)
- Place the STEAM TRAY over the rack.
- Press the “WB/STEAM” function on the control panel.
- Add foods that you wish to steam, not exceeding the 4/5 fill rule of the pressure cooking.
- Close the LID, turn counter clockwise an 1/8 turn, set the PRESSURE LIMITING VALVE to the EXHAUST position.
- Press the “TIME” (+) to set time for what recipe calls for. (Use chart on the next page as a common guide.)
- Press the “START” button.
- Digital Dial Chase will begin to rotate. You will see a constant stream of steam coming from the PRESSURE EXHAUST VALVE when boil has been reached.
- Press “START” again when the constant stream of steam is seen. This will activate the timer.
- CAUTION: DO NOT HIT THE START BUTTON A 3RD TIME. This will result in the unit shutting off.
FOOD PRESERVATION
Ready to enjoy home canning with the SMART CANNER?
Few things are more satisfying than opening a jar of something you’ve canned yourself. Home canning has a long and important legacy for families. You’ll be able to take advantage of many benefits by canning your own fruits and vegetables. It’s more than just the great taste of produce you’ve preserved at their peak, it’s the health benefits of controlling what goes in the foods you eat. Plus, it’s a step toward self sufficiency. You can enjoy the taste of your garden all year! Home canned products make thoughtful and healthy gifts. The SMART CANNER helps make the process easy and safe.
Digital controls will make the process easier, even for first time home canners. The process of pressure canning safely eliminates and protects against unwanted microorganisms. We’ve included some tips on the
basics of canning. Feel free to explore the many recipe resources available online or through your local library. Join a club and learn even more.
BASIC CANNING TIPS
We highly recommend that you familiarize yourself with the canning procedures, the different acid levels of fresh foods and FDA guidelines that can be found on the Internet. http://nchfp.uga.edu/
- There are a wide variety of products that can be successfully canned. However, not every food item is suitable. Check for recipes before proceeding.
- Follow recipe directions carefully.
- Select jar sizes in servings that you and your family will be able to consume in a timely manner. Make sure there are no small chips along the top of jars that would prevent adequate sealing. With proper care, canning jars can be reused for many years. NEVER ATTEMPT TO REUSE LIDS.
- Some handy items that you may normally need include saucepans, measuring cups and
measuring spoons, sharp kitchen knives, large spoons or ladles, cutting boards, nonmetallic spatula, funnels, jar lifters, oven gloves and clean rags. Also, adhesive labels can add a nice look to your final product. - Make sure all utensils, jars and lids are thoroughly clean before canning. It’s best to keep your newly cleaned jars warm to help reduce chance of breakage caused by temperature changes when adding hot foods.
- The “Smart Canner” can seal jars through both pressure canning and water bath techniques—check with your recipe for suggested method.
- Follow guidelines for safety procedures from canning jar and lid manufactures. Never use jars that are not designed for home canning.
- Seasonings intensify during canning, err on the side of caution. Do not use Sage as it gets
bitter.
PRESSURE CANNING (HIGH & LOW)
The Smart Canner make pressure canning safe and easy. You can HIGH PRESSURE CAN most vegetables, fruits, sauces, meats, and soup stocks. Refer to the USDA’s Complete Guide to Home Canning for tested recipes and follow their instructions precisely. https://nchfp.uga.edu/publications/publications_usda.html.
- Place your filled jars to be canned onto the canning rack in the Inner Pot.
- Add 8 cups of hot water.
- Close and lock the Lid. Attach the proper PRESSURE LIMITING VALVE to the LID.
- Select the “HIGH” button from the Control Panel.
- Press the “TIME” button to set the canning recipe required process time.
- Set the PRESSURE LIMITING VALVE to “EXHAUST”.
- Press “START” to begin the canning process. The Digital Dial Chase will begin to rotate and this will continue until the correct internal temperature is reached which can take up to 30 minutes. Steam will begin venting through the PRESSURE LIMITING VALVE, this is normal. Once the pressure canner reaches the correct internal temperature, the canner will beep once, and the Control Panel LED Display will read “E10”. The pre-set “E10” code means: (E) for exhaust mode and (10) equals the number of minutes that will count down.
- The pressure canner will automatically countdown from “E10” to “E0”. Once the Control Panel LED Display shows a blinking “E0” the canner will beep once. At this time the PRESSURE LIMITING VALVE must be set to “Airtight”. Once the canner resumes, the Control Panel will beep again. he required process time entered earlier will now start to count down. During this time your canner will begin to release steam even though the PRESSURE LIMITING VALVE is set to “Airtight”, this is normal. The weighted venting ensures a consistent internal PSI. When the countdown procedure is complete, the canner will beep three times and the Control Panel LED Display will read “OFF.
For more manuals by NESCO, visit ManualsLibraryy
What are the pressure settings on a pressure canner?
Pressure canners operate at different levels: 5 PSI (228°F), 10 PSI (240°F), and 15 PSI (250°F). Higher pressure means higher temperature, which is essential for safely canning low-acid foods.
Can I use the NESCO NPC-9 for canning?
Yes! The NESCO NPC-9 features dedicated Water Bath and Pressure canning functions, making it easy to safely preserve your food. Its 9.5 qt non-stick pot can hold 4 quart jars (wide-mouth), 5 pint jars, or 16 small 4 oz jars.
When should I use a pressure canner instead of a water bath?
Use a pressure canner for low-acid foods like meats, vegetables, and poultry. These foods require high temperatures to kill harmful bacteria like Clostridium botulinum, which can’t be destroyed by boiling alone.
Can the NESCO cooker be used as a slow cooker?
Yes, NESCO offers slow cookers too. They are great for preparing meals ahead of time and bring out rich, slow-cooked flavors. Perfect for everything from small dinners to large gatherings.
How much water should I use when pressure canning in the NESCO NPC-9?
Place the canning rack inside the pot and add hot water until it reaches the level of the rack—about 4 cups of water.
Can I pressure can all types of food?
Pressure canning is ideal for low-acid foods like red meats, poultry, seafood, and vegetables such as green beans and carrots. High-acid foods (like fruits and pickles) are usually canned using a water bath method.
What’s the difference between a pressure cooker and a pressure canner?
A pressure canner is larger and designed to safely can multiple jars (at least four quart-size jars at once). Standard pressure cookers are too small and may not maintain the right temperature and pressure needed for safe canning.
What settings should I use for pressure canning?
Low-acid foods must be processed at 240–250°F. This means using 10 to 15 PSI on your canner, depending on your recipe, jar size, and altitude.