1. What is "Virgin Aluminium" and why is it better? Impex pressure cookers are made from high-quality Virgin Aluminium. Virgin aluminium is stronger, safer for cooking, and conducts heat better, ensuring your cooker lasts longer and stays safe. 2. Is this pressure cooker Induction compatible? [For ECO Series only Yes. This Impex aluminium pressure cooker Eco series is coming with a special induction-compatible bas. 3. Does aluminium cook faster than stainless steel? Yes. Aluminium is an excellent conductor of heat - it heats up much faster than stainless steel. This allows the pressure to build up quickly, helping you cook meals faster and save on fuel/electricity costs. 4. Is it safe to cook acidic foods? You can cook acidic dishes in aluminium cookers, but we recommend transferring the food to a serving bowl immediately after cooking. 5. Can I wash this cooker in a dishwasher? No. We recommend hand washing only. Dishwasher detergents are often too harsh for any aluminium and can cause the metal to darken, oxidize, or lose its shine. Wash it with mild dish soap and a soft scrubber. 6. Why does the inside of the cooker turn black sometimes? This is a natural reaction of aluminium with water, salts, or certain minerals during boiling. It is harmless and does not affect the safety of the food. To remove the discoloration, boil water with a squeeze of lemon juice or a little vinegar inside the cooker for 10-15 minutes, then wash normally. 7. What safety features are included in Impex Pressure Cookers? Impex prioritizes safety with a multi-layered protection system: • Weight Valve: Releases excess steam regularly. • Gasket Release System (GRS): A special slot in the lid allows the gasket to bulge out and release pressure safely if the vent tube gets blocked with any of the food particles. • Safety Valve: A metallic plug on the lid that melts to release pressure in case of extreme overheating. 8. Why is steam leaking from the rim of the lid? This usually happens if the rubber gasket (washer) is not seated correctly, is dirty, or is worn out. • Solution: Check if the gasket is clean and free of food particles. If the cooker is old, the gasket may have stretched and needs replacement. Always use a genuine Impex gasket. 9. Do the handles get hot while cooking? No. Impex Pressure cooker is equipped with durable Bakelite handles. Bakelite is a heat-resistant material that stays cool to the touch even while the cooker is hot, allowing you to handle the vessel safely without oven mitts. 10. How do I prevent the safety valve from fusing/melting? The safety valve usually fuses (melts) only when the cooker overheats due to a lack of water. • Tip: Always ensure there is enough water in the cooker before placing it on the heat. Never heat an empty cooker and ensure the vent tube (under the whistle) is clean and not blocked by food particles.