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Take the pressure off yourself and put it in cooking to help take the pressure off cooking. Confused? Don’t be – well, play on words aside, we are talking about using pressure cookers.
Designed to help speed up the cooking process and making it easy to handle other tasks while it is getting done, pressure cookers are a lifesaver during crunch times. What are the details of such cookers and how do I learn more. Welcome to the Presto Pressure Cooker/Presto pressure canner.
Want to know more? Read on………..
What is a pressure cooker and what is a pressure canner?
A method of cooking in a sealed vessel that does not permit air or liquids to escape below a preset pressure, pressure cooking is based on the principle that the boiling point of water increases as the pressure increases. The pressure built up inside the cooker allows the liquid in the pot to rise to a higher temperature thereby facilitating quicker boiling and cooking. Pressure cookers were invented by French physicist, Denis Papin in 1679. Due to their capacity to hold jars used in canning, in the United States, large pressure cookers are often called pressure canners.
Design
Pressure cookers are generally made from aluminum or stainless steel. Aluminum may be stamped and buffed or anodized and is unsuitable for the dishwasher. Made with higher quality stainless steel, the other variety is made with heavy, three-ply or copper-clad bottom for uniform heating. These are dishwasher safe but some manufacturers may recommend washing by hand.
Forming a gas-tight seal, a gasket or sealing ring prevents air or steam from escaping between the body and the lid and normally, the only way for steam to escape is through a regulator on the lid when pressure has built up. A safety valve, which is a loose-fitting rubber plug in the lid and is held in place by steam pressure, provides a backup escape route for steam. When the pressure goes beyond design limits, the plug pops out of its position to release excess steam pressure.
Some pressure cookers have lid locks with flanges to seal the gasket. This consists of placing the lid on the pot and twisting it (about 30 degrees) to lock it in place. Pressure-activated interlock mechanisms that prevent the lid from being removed while the cooker is pressurized are available on contemporary designs of pressure cookers.
The larger type of cookers used for home canning have oval, oversized lids. The lid is larger than the opening in the top of the pressure cooker and one has to insert the lid at an angle and then turn it to align with the pot opening. Saddling the top of the cooker, a spring arrangement holds the lid in place and pressurized steam keeps the lid tightly in place while cooking thus preventing accidental removal.
What to look for when buying a pressure cooker/pressure canner
- Material used
- Size
- Features – select a brand tested by an independent testing organization
- Type of pressure regulator – weighted valve, modified weighted valve, spring valve
- Cover Interlock
- Cooking Rack
- Pressure Release Method
- Handles
- Base
- Instruction & Recipe Book
- Warranty
- What is the price
Designed use / How does it work
The Presto pressure cooker / canner combination device is designed to be used as a pressure cooker as well as a pressure canner.
What is included?
Pressure canning
Pressure canning is recommended as the only safe method for low-acid foods such as vegetables, meats, and poultry by the USDA.
Pressure cooker
When any meal needs to be put together quickly, this Presto pressure canner can be used in the pressure cooker mode as a Presto Pressure Cooker. Using this Presto Pressure Canner / Presto Pressure Cooker, lean cuts of beef or pork, or cook chicken, fish, or vegetables can be cooked/tenderize faster than in a microwave and without losing moisture.
23-quarts size and made of heavy-duty aluminum
More than adequate for any home canning needs, the 23-quart Presto pressure cooker / Presto pressure canner is a professional-quality tool, made of heavy-duty aluminum.
Stay-cool handles and strong-lock steel lid
It comes with stay-cool handles and a strong-lock steel lid and an accompanying rack fits down into the pot to keep jars up off the bottom, so that liquid can circulate underneath. Doing double duty as a large pressure cooker, it is easy to cook healthy meals with pressure cookers and the food retains so much more of its nutrients and flavor. Locking down during canning or cooking using the sturdy lid; an inner sealing ring keeps the steam in.
Pop up pressure indicator, simple steam release mechanism & overpressure plug
To let off steam if it builds up excessively, a pop-up pressure indicator, a simple steam release mechanism and an overpressure plug are provided.
Pressure dial gauge
To give an accurate reading off pressure enabling it to be kept constant during canning, a pressure dial gauge is provided to gives an accurate reading of it.
Recipe booklet
Containing more than 50 recipes, ranging from basic soup stocks to stews and pot roasts–even sweets like English Plum Pudding or Brown Bread, the recipe booklet comes in really handy. The booklet also has instructions for use and safety issues pertaining to the Presto pressure cooker / Presto pressure canner are clearly explained.
Cleaning Instructions
Occasional use of a fine metal polish will help keep the shine of the exterior. For regular cleaning, non abrasive cleaners are recommended for this Presto Pressure Canner / Presto Pressure Cooker.
Product details / Does it include warranty?
Measuring 14 inches in diameter (17 inches including handles) and 15-1/2 inches tall (including lid), the Presto pressure cooker / Presto pressure canner comes with an extended 12-year warranty.
Ok, so this works but this isn’t the only brand out there – how does it compare
The Presto pressure cooker / canner has been rated highly on its superb performance both as a pressure cooker and a pressure canner as well.
Any Complaints?
A few customers have found that it fits only 18 pints (not 20 pints as advertised) in the pressure canner mode.
What others are saying?
The Presto pressure cooker / canner has earned terrific reviews on the net. Here are a few sample comments from customers
- “Safest way to can vegetables,”
- “Great presure canner,”
- “My BIG helper,”
- “Pressure cooker/canner,”
- “Great value,”
How much should you expect to pay?
The Presto pressure cooker / canner is available online around $110 and upwards. The cheapest we have seen it is on Amazon who consistently sell this Presto pressure cooker / canner for under $75.
Where can you expect to buy the Presto pressure cooker / canner?
You can buy this Presto pressure cooker / canner from Amazon. At the moment they include free shipping and from what I can tell when comparing prices with other online merchants, Amazon do currently have the best deal especially with the free shipping option and you do not have to pay sales tax. Click Here to view on Amazon.
Where can you read more reviews for the Presto pressure canner / cooker?
The best place for reviews from people who actually use the Presto pressure canner / cooker is Amazon. Click Here to read more.