How to Use a Pressure Canner?

Read the pressure canner manual before use

Inspect the gasket, vent pipe, lid, and gauge for damage

Wash jars, lids, and bands in hot soapy water

Prepare the food using a tested pressure canning recipe

Fill jars with hot food or raw-packed food as directed

Remove air bubbles with a nonmetallic utensil

Wipe jar rims clean

Place lids on jars and apply bands fingertip-tight

Add the amount of water required by the canner manual

Place the filled jars on the rack in the canner

Lock the lid in place

Heat the canner on medium-high until steam vents steadily

Vent the canner for the required time

Close the vent or place the weight on the vent pipe

Bring the canner to the correct pressure

Adjust heat to maintain steady pressure

Start timing only when the correct pressure is reached

Regulate pressure throughout the full processing time

Turn off heat when processing is complete

Let the canner depressurize naturally

Do not force-cool or open the canner early

Check that pressure has returned to zero

Remove the weight or open the vent if required by the manual

Wait a few minutes before opening the lid

Open the lid away from your face

Remove jars with a jar lifter

Place jars on a towel or rack to cool undisturbed

Leave jars undisturbed for 12 to 24 hours

Check seals after cooling

Remove bands, wipe jars, label, and store

Discard any unsealed jars or reprocess them as directed by the recipe

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