A pressure canner is able to can any kind of foods, fruits, veggies, and soup effectively. And people are curious to know how it works. We receive the question several times, so we have decided to explain how does a pressure canner work in this article.
For you to understand how it works, you must know the functions of its major components. So, we have explained the functions of all the major components of a pressure canner.
Major Parts of A Pressure Canner:
Pot: This is the stainless bowl in which jars of food are placed to get them canned.
Vent pipe: This is the opening on the cover of a pressure canner. It allows steam to escape before the pressure starts building up in it.
Regulator: This is a small component fitted on the vent pipe. It rocks when pressure begins to build up.
Dial Pressure Gauge: This component usually comes with a pressure canner. It is on top of the canner and it measures the pressure inside the canner.
Rack: This is usually placed inside the pressure canner. Jars are placed on the rack to prevent them from coming in contact with the bottom of the pressure canner.
Lid: This is the cover of the canner. You must keep the canner closed for pressure to build inside it.
Now that you know the parts of a pressure canner, let’s explain how a canner works.
How A Pressure Canner Works?
When the jars of food are placed on a pressure canner and it is placed on a fire, you must cover it without putting the regulator on it. As the canner is being heated, steam will escape through the vent pipe. After that, you can now set the regulator on the canner.
As the pressure begins to build up, the pressure canner starts to dance/rock. Add weighted rings on the regulator to estimate its pressure. The pressure canner combines heat and internal pressure and uses it to kill all the bacteria spores on your food so that the food can last for years.
For safety reasons, the lid will lock automatically when pressure begins to build up in it. The safety feature prevents you from being able to open the pressure canner when its internal pressure is high. After you turn off the stove, the pressure in the canner starts to reduce gradually.
When the pressure reduces to a safe threshold, the lid will unlock automatically, so you can open it and remove the jars of food. Apart from canning, many pressure canners can also work as a steamer and a pressure cooker.
Do you cover the jars with water when pressure canning?
No, you should never submerge the jars with water. If you do, you’ll be going against the instructions of the manufacturer. No manufacturer allows you to cover the jars with water. Doing that may allow water to find its way into the jar and jeopardize the canning quality.
What is the benefit of a pressure canner?
The first benefit is preservation. Canning foods like soups, meats, squash, vegetables, tomatoes, and others will preserve the foods for a long time. When properly canned, some foods will last for more than a year. With properly canned fruits and vegetables, you won’t need to visit grocery stores often.
Another benefit of canning is access to quick meals. The foods are canned in a ready-to-eat state. So, you only need to bring out a jar of food, warm it, and your food is ready.
How long does it take for a pressure canner to build up pressure?
The time it takes for pressure to build up in a canner depends on the size of the canner, the pressure and the number of jars in the canner. Remember, before pressure starts building up, the canner has to vent for about 10 – 15 minutes. Generally, it takes about 10 – 30 minutes for pressure to build up in a canner.
Final Words
If you have been reading this article from the beginning, you should understand how a pressure canner works now. More importantly, it is a good idea to study the user manual of your pressure canner before you start to use it. The more you know about your pressure canner, the better you’ll take care of it.
Generally, pressure canners are very easy to use when you take the time to study the manual that comes with them. Studying the manual will help you avoid common mistakes users make. Finally, always remember that your pressure canner will work effectively and last for many years if you take proper care of it.
If you have been reading this article from the beginning, you should understand how a pressure canner works now. In addition, you should be able to explain the functions of some parts of a pressure canner.
Most importantly, it is a good idea to read the user manual of your pressure canner. The more you know about your pressure canner, the better you’ll take care of it.
