Pacific Northwest PNW 421 Using Manual - Using Your Pressure Canner
After each use of the pressure canner, remove the gas-
ket and wash it in warm, sudsy water. Rinse, dry, and
replace the gasket in the lid.
Gaskets on older-model canners may require a light
coating of vegetable oil once per year. Gaskets on
newer-model canners are prelubricated and do not need
oiling. Check your canner's instructions if you don't
know whether your gasket has been prelubricated.
Some gaskets can be reversed after a period of time to
ensure a tighter seal. A gasket that is worn, stretched, or
hardened should be replaced with a new one.
Inexpensive replacements are available at most local
hardware stores or household appliance centers. They
can also be ordered from the canner manufacturer.
Petcock, vents, and weights
Be sure the petcock, vents, and weights are clean.
Take off removable petcocks and wash and dry them.
Occasionally, soak these parts in vinegar and then wash
and dry them. You can further clean the vent port or
petcock opening by drawing a string or narrow strip of
cloth through it. Be sure to put all parts back together
correctly.
Replacing parts
Replacement gauges and other parts for canners are
often available at stores offering canning equipment or
from canner manufacturers. When ordering parts, give
your canner model number and describe the parts needed.
Using your pressure canner
Some stovetops or heat sources may be inappropriate
for pressure canning. Both Presto and Mirro pressure
cooker/canners are not designed to be used on an out-
door liquid propane burner or on a gas range over
12,000 BTUs because excessive heat will warp the can-
ner bottom. Mirro pressure cooker/canners are not
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