All American Pressure Canner model 930

by Tom Reese
(Gustine, CA)

I bought an All American Model 930 this year, and couldn't be happier.

First of all, processing 14 quarts at a time, or 16 pints is great with the longer times needed with pressure.

Second, I remember my Mom having to occasionally replace the gasket on her canner when I was a kid, that made me go for the metal to metal option.

The other consideration was size. I wanted to be able to do big loads, so I bought the 14 quart size.

The first time I used it, it leaked a little steam. The book had said it might, so I thought that was okay at the time. I never got it above 9 pounds, and gave up after about 90 minutes. Good thing, since I was down to one inch of water inside.

The next day, I called All American and got a great gal on the phone. She said it shouldn't leak enough to really see it, and I probably didn't have the lid on level. I later realized, that was the problem. With two different bevel angles on the lid and pot, it needs to be close to level in order to seal.

If I would have continued to where it went dry, I would have ruined it.

The next batch, I carefully put the lid on and lightly adjusted the six clamps to where the lid was about level with roughly 1/4 inch gap all the way around. Then I gradually tightened the clamps alternating side to side until they were not much tighter than you would do jar lids. Using that method, I've had zero problems or leaking steam and no water loss in a dozen more loads.

I would also like to say, regarding sticking canner lids, the lady I talked with had great advice. I had seen suggested on another web site, using paraffin to lubricate the metal seal. This lady said to NEVER use paraffin. When the canner cools, it becomes a solid and (a) it won't come apart, the lid sticks, and (b) it won't wash or clean off easily.

That made great sense to me. They recommend using a very lightly wiped coat of olive oil only, and that has worked great, no sticking lid and easy to clean.

If I had to buy another pressure canner today, I would buy the very same one. In my 60+ years, I've bought 'economy' and 'quality'. I've never regretted buying quality, even though it is rarely cheap. This time again, I feel it was well worth it.

Tom, The Happy Canner