All American 1930 21.5qt Pressure Cooker

to small will only hold e bottles

After reading about all the issues with the newer All-American canner I was very nervous about what I would get because I ordered a canner that was listed as like new. In the past I have always been happily surprised that the item was indeed like new but just cost less. I saw the condition of some new ones so I worried about this not new one. Well holding my breath I opened the box and found one ding on the outside of the canner. Everything else looked like new and even the forging marks around the top were only noticeable if you really looked for them and there was no pitting in the lid. I used Vaseline around the lid and pot edge hoping that it would keep it from sticking. Oh my wait was especially anxious because it was to arrive on a Saturday and I had lots of produce that I needed to can or it would surely go bad.

After a quick read of the instructions which had been supplemented by many YouTube videos about using this type canner. First batch was 7 cans of squash since I figured screwing up on them would not be such a loss and I planned on eating them soon after I canned them. Would use them as a practice run. I have canned lots before but always with a hot bath. In hind site I took some chances. Well first batch I did not screw the lids on firmly enough and a good amount of the fluid came out. One lesson learned.

There was a little bit of air escaping around the lid but it held the pressure well. This was described in the manual and said that it would end after a few batches. On my next three batches I did not see this again.

I got no pass-by on the safety seal but the steam vent seems to let some air escape. Hard to tell and I was afraid to tighten it a little more. There was no explanation on this but it did seem to lessen on subsequent batches. The weight to maintain the pressure at the desired setting was very different from my other pressure cooker and I think it will take a little time to figure out when I have the heat set exactly right. The pressure stayed pretty constant as long as I kept it rattling every once in a while but I think it will take some time to learn how to control it better. The first batch I had some problems with getting the lid off. But a slight bump with a screwdriver, (actually a chisel) and it came right open. I did not reapply Vaseline prior to my next 3 batches but I had no trouble getting the lid off. When it drops to zero there still is a slight bit of pressure in there so I loosen the screws, pull the weight and then really loosen the wing nuts and the lid comes right off. I never had a release of steam so even if I opened it wrong there was no steam to hit my skin. The gauge seemed spot on at 10 pounds and read just shy of 15 pounds when the weight was set at 15. As the manual says the gauge is just as a reference but if the weight is releasing steam you are at the right pressure.

My subsequent batches were tomatoes and unlike when I canned using a hot water bath I did have some bottles that would not seal. Apparently some of the tomato pushed through the lid and deposited some seeds. I did some more research and think that I should have cooked the tomatoes first and I would have had less of an issue but everything else sealed up well so I decided to redo these two bottles which were not full of cooked tomatoes. This time I also used 15 pounds and well both sealed well.

Now that I finally bought the canner that I have been wanting for several years I find that thankfully I have no buyers remorse. I guess there might a bit more of a learning curve than I thought but I am always too optimistic and assume that it will go perfect the first time. But in general it is extremely easy to use and compared to my other cooker there is a whole lot less going on where you are wondering if everything is going well. I have a small presto and it seems like it seals in stages so the issue at the steam spout is inconsequential.

It cleaned up easily and has me pretty excited about things I will can vs freeze in the future, such as pasta sauce where I always waited for a cold day where I could set the pot outside to cool. No longer, I can do it on the hottest day. Not too sure about canning meats though except I might do some things like chili or cubes so that I can whip a meal up fast. I usually buy meat on the day I am going to use it so not sure how great a savings it would be. I do think I am going to do soups for lunch.

I would not hesitate to suggest that someone get this canner vs one of the lesser cost ones. I do not doubt that Presto makes a great product but this really is built for a lifetime and made in the US. It seems like it might be more of a hassle to use but I found it pretty simple.

The first time I used this product, I was having issues with the weighted/dial gauge not matching up. I called the manufactured and they sent replacements for both weighted and dial gauge (on separate occasions, as we were attempting to trouble shoot which gauge was the issue). Excellent product as well as customer service!!!

I am so glad I bought this!! I can everything with it! It has never failed me! More than worth the investment!

This is like the ones our Grandmothers used! No seal to mess with, mine holds quart jars and I love it. Just read the manual carefully, follow pressure canning directions for this cooker from the manual because a few things are different like times and pressure are different for this canner. As an extra bonus you will exercise those arms putting it on a shelf! Love it!

Canning