How to Use Your Canner (pressure canner)

Pressure canner - IMPORTANT: Read carefully. Do not attempt to use your Pressure Canner before reading these instructions.

* Before using your canner for the first time, clean according
to the instructions on page Before Using Canner for the First Time (pressure canner).

* Be sure the vent pipe is open before each use by holding the cover up to the light and looking through the vent pipe. If the vent pipe is blocked, excess pressure cannot be released through it. Pressure may then build to unsafe levels. Pressure will continue to build until the overpressure plug is forced out of its cover opening. Therefore, clean the vent pipe with a small brush or pipe cleaner if it is blocked.

* The correct pressure for canning and cooking is indicated by the pressure dial gauge. Pressure is indicated on the gauge which registers the pressure inside the unit at all times. The pointer will move across the dial as pressure is developed or reduced within the canner. The pressure regulator is designed to rock only at 15 pounds pressure.

* Do not strike the rim of the canner body with any cooking utensil as this will cause nicks which may damage the rim and allow steam to escape.

* Use the canner on a level burner and range only. Use on a tilted burner or range may interfere with the operation of the pressure regulator.

* Pouring water into a dry overheated canner may crack the metal.

* The canner has been designed so the cover will go on in only one position and rotate in only the directions indicated for closing and opening. Press down on the cover handles to compress the sealing ring and make the cover easier to close. The cover has the words CLOSE V OPEN embossed on the top surface near a cover handle. Align the “V” on the cover with the mark on the body handle for proper cover and body alignment. Turn the cover in the direction indicated to close until the cover handles are centered directly above body handles. Do not rotate cover beyond this point.

When the cover is rotated to the closed position, the air vent/cover lock passes under the locking bracket. When the handles are aligned, one over the other, the pressure regulator is placed on the vent pipe, and heat is applied, pressure will begin to build within the canner. At this point, the air vent/cover lock lifts and locks the unit. The cover will remain locked as long as there is pressure in the canner. When pressure is completely reduced, the air vent/cover lock drops allowing the canner to be opened. If the cover is not rotated sufficiently (cover handles directly above body handles), the air vent/cover lock will only raise slightly and steam will continue to flow from it, preventing pressure from building.

* (During canning, it is necessary to exhaust air from the canner before placing the pressure regulator on the vent pipe. See page How to Pressure Can Foods. (pressure canner), step 7.) The pressure regulator is placed on the vent pipe as soon as the cover is closed securely when cooking. During canning or cooking, moisture may appear near the pressure regulator, overpressure plug and air vent/cover lock. This is normally due to condensation. This does not affect operation of the canner.

To reduce pressure at the end of the canning or cooking period, turn heat off and/or remove the canner from the burner. Cool according to instructions in recipe. Pressure is completely reduced when the air vent/cover lock has dropped and no steam escapes when the pressure regulator is tilted. Do not remove the pressure regulator until pressure is completely reduced. Always remove the pressure regulator before opening canner.

If the air vent/cover lock remains in its raised position, there may still be pressure in the canner. Do not remove the pressure regulator until the air vent/cover lock drops and no steam escapes when the pressure regulator is tilted. The cover should not be forced open. You may tap the air vent/cover lock lightly with a spoon. If pressure is present, steam will escape and the air vent/cover lock will pop back up. Continue to cool the canner until the air vent/cover lock drops.

HELPFUL HINT: To help yourself understand the operation of the pressure canner and cooker, pour 4 cups of water into the canner and follow the step-by-step instructions beginning with step 5 on page Pressure Can Foods. (pressure canner). For actual usage of the canner/cooker, follow the complete instructions beginning at the bottom of next column for pressure canning and on page will be posts later..:D
pressure canner

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