I hope to find a used one. Is there anything I should know before I purchase one? Thanks
Best answer:
Answer by sensible_man
Check it for any damages. Really check the rubber seal for cracks and replace if it has any. Hopefully, you can find one that has the instruction manual with it. Follow all the directions carefully.
What do you think? Answer below!
I've had one for years and my mother has had one for even longer without any kind of incidents happening.
ReplyDeleteIf you buy a used one make sure you know the make and model number. This is vital. You will need this info should you need to replace the seal or other parts. I have been canning for over 30 years and never had an accident. I follow directions to the letter and check the seal often. Your county extension office will gladly check the seal on your canner and show you what you need to look for.
ReplyDeleteIf you plan on using yours as a cooker be careful with the new electric ones. I know a lady who accidentally hit the wrong button and it opened the canner. She was burned badly.
Such cookers are quite safe when used according to instructions. When shopping for used, check to see that the rim of the kettle has not been unduly beat up from spoon banging or similar. Nicks in that edge can prevent proper pressure sealing. Also purchase a new seal, if available.
ReplyDeleteFor maintaining the unit, be sure that the vent tube to the pressure regulator remains scrupulously clean. A clogged vent tube can prevent proper pressure regulation and cause the safety valve to release. (You do NOT want that to happen, because the contents will spew out of the cooker until the pressure is gone). Replacement of the safety valve every few years isn't a bad idea either.
And do NOT cook anything like split peas or navy beans in the unit. These foam up while cooking and can clog the vent tube from the foam, which will give you that safety valve release described.
pressure cookers a good addtion to your kicthen for canning/cooking many things. if you get a used one, take it to your county extension office, they will insecpt it and test it, think they even do the repairs, if needed, for cheap. they may even have or be able to tell you where to get a book on your canner if it did come with one. i have a very old book, it is real good, tell all kinds of things can do with canner/cooker. i may be able to copy it and e-mail it to you.
ReplyDeletei have found that if you put a little vegie oil on the rubber gasket before you put the lid on, it helps seal better and make it easier to get lid off. the pressure for most things is only 10#, you do have to keep close watch on it and adjust the heat, gas is easier to adjust than electric, i've found, just read the manual and you should be just fine. happy canning!