Pressure canner not sealing.

by Denise
(Alaska)

I'm using a pressure canner, but it seems the steam is coming out around the lid. Not sure if it has a good seal? and will the jars be ok for eating.

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answer:

If the pressure is not building then your jars will not be sterilized.

I'd suggest turning the canner off. If there is any pressure let it release itself then carefully remove the lid (always tilt it away so steam doesn't hit you in the face). Check the seal and see if it is twisted or dirty or anything. Then try it again.

If it still won't seal you may need to buy a new gasket.

If it does seal then be sure to start your time over for your food. It needs to process for the entire time suggested.

I hope that helps.

Comments for
Pressure canner not sealing.

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All American Pressure Canner Leaks
by: Laura

I have a very large pressure canner with no gasket.

It has big screw down nobs all around it. I bought it because I knew in time I would have to replace gaskets that would be hard to find.

It is leaking moisture now. Twice i lost all the water and was left with a carmelly mess to chisel off the bottom of my canner. I did manage to reach the proper pounds for the proper number of minutes. I expect to do some dear meat soon and I know this isn't going to work for the hour and half it will take to can it. My canner is made of aluminum. I don't know what to do.

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Sharon's reply:

Laura,

It sounds as if you have an All American Canner. This link goes to a page about the All American and some reader reviews. I don't have one of these canners so my advice is just things I would try.

I have read that you can very lighly grease the edge of the canner with cooking oil before you place the lid.

I've also read that you need to screw the nuts down evenly. Working from opposite sides so the lid sits level.

Try these things first with just water in the canner to see if it works before you process another load of food.

You might try calling the manufacturer. If you have the book that comes with the canner there should be a number or just do a search online. Assuming it is an All American Canner I've heard they have good customer service.

Your suggestion worked
by: LuAnn

I used your suggestion to put a little vegetable oil on my All American pressure cooker lid so it would seal. Thank you it worked! My cooker now does seal and comes up to pressure. Thank you for the suggestion.

I found this All American at a thrift store for a very low price. I figured it had some issue but I was willing to take the chance. It wouldn't hold pressure because of leaking around the seal. It now works as good as new. This was one of those $15 miracles.

You are a life saver.

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answer:

Oh my goodness! $15.00! What a deal! I love thrift stores!!

reprocessing?
by: Anonymous

I went to process a big batch of soup last night only to find that steam was escaping from the lid of the canner. I let it depressurize and sure enough it seems like the gasket has shrunk. I left the jars to cool for a moment and then refrigerated without touching the lids or bands. If I am able to replace the gasket today is it safe to reprocess my soup? Can I do so and leave the jars how they are or do I need to use new lids/ etcetera... the canner never gained any pressure.

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Yes it would be safe to reprocess your soup, however you'd need to reheat it and rejar it. The soup needs to be hot going into the canner. As far as your lids. Take a look at the seals. If they are not indented they should be ok to use again.

Please keep in mind this is subjective. It really depends on the condition of the seal. The safest bet is to use new lids... but I'd hate to waste them. Use your own judgment.

Is my chicken usable? Or a waste?
by: Anonymous

I have an All American 921 and I was canning chicken when the pressure cooker began letting steam out of the sides. The pressure got all the way up to where I needed it then started to drop about 30 minutes into the process and I couldn't get it back up.

My meat looks cooked but obviously not long enough. It's been over 24 hours. Can I bag and freeze the chicken to be cooked in casseroles? I did sterilize my jars before use, although unnecessary, and I am hoping my meat is alright to use in some way.
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Unfortunately since it has been over 24 hours, I'd not trust it.

Canner is not sealing.
by: Anonymous

I have a new gasket,but there is steam escaping around the lid. Help!
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The only suggestion I have is to be sure the gasket is clean and the lid where the gasket sits is clean. I've not had problems before with new gaskets but if all else fails try getting another one. If it works fine then perhaps the leaking one is bad. Ask at the store... they may take it back and refund.

Steam escaping but pressure holding
by: Kristin

It's my first time pressure canning and I have one of these canners also. Steam is escaping out the edges of the lid, but the pressure I need is still holding steady. So, I'm going to assume that everything is ok. Ok, Sharon??? Next time I'll try the oil, and tightening the screws more evenly.

And boy, it sure is heating up the house!

As long as you are able to reach pressure for the full processing time it should be ok. Yes, canning does heat up the house! Not much can be done about that. :0)

Pressure canner leaking steam
by: Jane

E had the same issue with steam escaping from around the lid and never sealing.

We found out that after the pressure has built up, if we tap gently on the lid where the steam is coming out, it stops leaking. (We use a meat tenderizer to do this as it is handy, but a rubber mallet would work too.)

If we tapped on the lid before the pressure built up, nothing happoens, so we have to wait.

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