Almore Pressure Pot - Care and Maintenance
Introduction
The base pressure cooker that is used to manufacture Almore’s Pressure
Pot (the bottom and the lid) is made of aluminum. Please refer to the best
practices noted below to maximize the useful life of your pressure pot.
Aluminum is a (relatively) soft metal
•
Banging, knocking or otherwise handling the pressure pot in a rough
manner can cause it to get out of round. If this happens it can be
difficult to install or remove the lid. Handle your pressure pot with
care.
•
When installing the lid, press down gently but firmly on the left and
right sides of the lid to ensure the lid is aligned properly onto the top
of the unit. Ensure that the lid is not tilting at even the slightest of
angles. Once fully compressed and horizontally aligned, you can
then rotate the lid into the closed position and begin your operation.
Gasket inside the lid
•
Never put additives (petroleum jelly, etc.) onto the gasket. Over time, additives can break down the
gasket and cause it to lose its shape. This can lead to air leaks around the gasket during operations.
•
Periodically the gasket should be removed and cleaned with water. Run your fingers around the inside
and outside circumference of the gasket when submerged in water. This helps to eliminate particles
and/or residue on the surface of the gasket that may cause leaks when you run your operations.
Minimizing surface degradation
•
Ensure the pressure pot is emptied when not in use. Standing water over extended periods of time can
lead to corrosion and pitting (depending on the pH of the water you use). It is best to remove liquids
from the unit when not in use and wipe the inside of the pressure pot with a clean, dry cloth.
•
If the water used in the unit has a
high pH
or a
low pH
, over an extended period of time it can affect
the lining of the aluminum and cause pitting. It is highly recommended that the water used in the unit
has a
neutral pH
. If tap water in your area does not have a neutral pH, it is recommended to use
distilled water for your operations.
•
Periodically clean the inside of the pressure pot with a mild household or laboratory detergent using a
sponge or soft cloth. Scouring powders, steel wool or other abrasive pads should be avoided.
