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Pressure Canner Tips

About the Pressure cooker

Consult your owners manual for details. These are my takeaways:

• Before using your pressure cooker, give the bits a once over:

  • Be sure that the rubber ring is intact, no cracks. If you find any, replace it. Not a bad idea to have one on hand for the time you need it right away.
  • Check the rubber pressure release valve. Be sure it can move freely.
  • Make sure that the metal pressure lock that pops up is screwed together tightly. They can work themselves loose. If you are getting leakage, consider taking it apart (it threads on) and ensure that all of the parts are clean. This has three parts: the bottom, the shaft and a plastic washer. Be sure all three are there and clean. You can end up with a projectile and a cloud of steam that can cause injury.
  • If you have a pressure gauge, make sure it’s screwed all the way in. No wrenches or pliers.

• Don’t touch it with your hands while it’s heating up.

• While the pressure cooker is under pressure, don’t mess with the things:

  • Don’t jiggle the pressure regulator/rocker (the rattly quart).
  • That said, the metal lock can leak water for a bit as it starts to pressurize. If you have some water leaking out and it seems to have a hard time making a seal. hold it down for a few seconds with a fork or knife, then release it, it will pop up and the pressurization will begin. Again, consider taking this apart and cleaning the parts if you are seeing leakage.
  • Don’t press on the rubber safety valve. It can get pushed in and suddenly there is a stream of steam coming at you.

• Don’t put too much or too little water in the bottom. 2-3 quarts should be enough. Always use cold water.

• Don’t be in a hurry to let the pressure off. Take it off the heat and let it cool by itself.

• When the metal thing pops back in, the pressure inside and outside is even and you can open it. There will be steam coming out, don’t get that in your face.

• The only place where steam/air escapes should be the regulator. A little bit of seepage from the metal lock isn’t too bad.

Turn the heat to high. When the regulator starts to rattle, set your timer.