I have a pressure canner but not a water bath. Can I use the pressure canner without the lid/seal to do my water bath canning for my peppers? ~ Dede TN
Yes, it is ok to do hot water bath canning in your pressure canner, as long as the food is a high acid food thatdoes not require pressure.
The only requirement for waterbath canning is that the water must be a couple of inches above the tops of the jars.
Be sure your canner is deep enough for this amount of water. My old pressure canner is not tall enough for me to water bath quart jars. It is however deep enough for pints. I have a newer canner that is taller and it is deep enought to water bath quarts.Another tip: If you set the lid on your pressure canner and latch or screw it down it will build up a small amount of pressure. Even if your valves are open and steam is escaping, pressure is inside. This will over cook your food. Be sure if you set your lid on top that it is loose so steam can escape freely.
