6
• Pitting is caused by the interaction of the aluminum with other metals in the presence of moisture. To minimize pitting, wash,
rinse, and dry the canner body thoroughly after every use. At least once a year, scour the inside of the canner body with an
abrasive cleanser, such as Cameo* Aluminum & Stainless Steel Cleaner. Always store the canner in a dry area.
• Do not leave an empty canner on a heated burner or allow the canner to boil dry. This can cause damage to the canner bottom and/
or the stovetop.
• Do not strike the rim of the canner body with any metal utensil. This will cause nicks, resulting in damage to the rim which may
allow steam to escape from the canner.
• Do not pour water into a dry, overheated canner; this may crack the metal.
• If the body or cover handles of the canner become loose, tighten them with a screwdriver.
Sealing Ring and Overpressure Plug
• Each time the canner is washed, remove the sealing ring and wash it in warm, soapy water. Rinse, dry, and replace it in the cover.
• The sealing ring and the overpressure plug should be replaced at least every 3 years, or sooner if the sealing ring becomes hard,
deformed, cracked, worn, or pitted, or if the canner becomes difficult to open or close. Failure to replace the sealing ring and
overpressure plug could result in bodily injury or property damage. Use only genuine Presto
®
replacement parts.
• If the sealing ring and overpressure plug are exposed to direct high heat, such as that from a hot burner or stovetop, they will
deteriorate rapidly. If direct high heat exposure occurs, replace both of these parts.
• Clean the sealing ring groove in the cover with a brush each time you replace the sealing ring.
• To clean or replace the overpressure plug, push it out of its opening from the top of the cover. After cleaning
it, or when replacing an old one with a new one, reinsert the plug by pushing the domed side of the plug into
its opening from the underside of the cover. The bottom edge should be fully and evenly seated against the
underside of the cover (Fig. I).
• If the overpressure plug is ever forced out of the cover due to excess pressure while canning or cooking, it is important to call the
Presto Customer Service Department at 1-800-877-0441 for assistance.
Do not attempt to use the released overpressure plug.
Air Vent/Cover Lock
• The air vent/cover lock may be removed for occasional cleaning or for replacing the
small gasket. To remove it, grasp and securely hold the cup on the underside of the cover
with your fingers (Fig. J). Using the fingers of your other hand, turn the pin on the top
side of the cover counterclockwise until the pin is free of the cup.
Lift the pin out of the cover and remove the cup from under the cover. Carefully pull
the small gasket off the threaded shaft of the cup. Wash all parts in warm, soapy water,
rinse, and dry. Use a soft cloth or small nylon brush to clean the cover hole.
• To reassemble it, place the small gasket over the threaded shaft of the cup. Reinsert
the cup by pushing the threaded shaft through the air vent/cover lock opening from the
underside of the cover (Fig. J).
Screw the pin clockwise onto the threaded shaft until it is finger-tight. Do not use a
wrench to tighten the air vent/cover lock. Overtightening may cause the rubber gasket
to wrinkle, which will result in the canner not sealing. Periodically check to make sure
these two pieces are tight.
Steam Leakage
If leakage of moisture or steam develops while using your canner, check the following possible causes:
• The formation of a small amount of moisture under the pressure regulator is normal when canning or cooking first begins. This
condensation is a result of the temperature of the pressure regulator being lower than the rest of the canner. If excess condensation
continues, the vent pipe may be loose and should be tightened with an adjustable wrench.
• Leakage between the cover and body is usually caused by shrinkage of the sealing ring after prolonged use. Replace the sealing
ring and the overpressure plug.
• A slight amount of leakage around the air vent/cover lock is normal when canning or cooking first begins. If leakage continues,
the cover handles may not be fully aligned with the body handles and, therefore, the cover lock cannot engage. Clean the air vent/
cover lock occasionally to assure that it operates correctly. Replace the small gasket if it is cracked or nicked.
* Cameo is a registered trademark of Armaly Sponge Company. Presto is not associated with this company.
Fig. J
Fig. I
