Pressure Cooker Parts

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Replacing Pressure Cooker/Canner Parts, Frequently Asked Questions



How (and why) do I find my model number? explain Presto's 409a UL stamp.


To guarantee replacement parts properly fit, they should be ordered according to the cooker or canner's model number. Model numbers are regularly stamped into the metal cooker/canner body like under the handle, on the bottom, or on the cover. If the numbers are too worn and hard to read try making a pencil scratching over the area on white paper. You will also be successful if you have the part number from the manufacturer instruction manual.

Mirro: The month and year your cooker was made, if it's stamped into the metal, will appear as a fraction (see figure a). Not all mirro cooker and canners have dates stamped onto their body (slightly to the left of the center on the bottom of the pot). Generally, most model numbers are stamped right into the middle on the bottom of the pressure pot.

Presto: Some models (the newer, the more likely to) have their number stamped onto the side of the cooker or canner (see figure b). It could also be etched into the bottom or just underneath the handle. Old models will have a label that will be attached to the top of the cover. Older units have model numbers such as 603, 204, 50, 40, etc.

Most Presto cookers and canners will also have a 409a stamped into the bottom of the pot (in the center). This is not the model number. 409a notes that this Presto pressure canner or cooker was built and meets the listed Underwriters Laboratory (UL) standards for safe household pressure cooking and canning (These requirements cover household-type cooking utensils known as pressure cookers or pressure sauce pans which operate at a nominal pressure of 15 psi (103 kPa) or less. They are intended for use over gas- or electric-top burners of residential type cooking ranges.). 

All American Canners and Cookers: The model number is printed on the top of the pot. The last two numbers on the bottom of the pot generally indicate the model too.

All American Sterilizers: The model number on electric units appears above the heat control knob (fig e).



date on bottom of pressurecooker      Presto model number side      Presto 409a      all america sterilizer model numbers



How do I replace the rubber gasket? How often?


A Rubber Gasket fits into the cover of a pressure canner or cooker to create a secure pressurized seal during cooking. Over time heat exposure can contribute to the sealing ring deformation and shrinkage (and on Presto cookers, the automatic air vent may become hard and deformed). When this happens, replace both the sealing ring and automatic air vent (Mirro and All American do not feature an automatic air vent). Anytime you order any of the Presto sealing rings, you will receive the automatic air vent in the box.

  • Sealing rings are manufactured to arrive up to 1" too large to be resilient to normal shrinkage.
  • Soaking your gasket in warm water for 10 minutes before installing it can increase pliability.



How To Replace Pressure Gasket A

1 Turn Cover upside down and remove the old ring. Scrub the sealing ring groove in the lid thoroughly with a brush to eliminate all foreign matter. Lay the new ring loosely on the inside of the cover and insert a small section into the sealing ring groove.
How To Replace Pressure Gasket B

2 As you pick up the next section of ring, push it toward the portion just inserted, while at the same time pressing it firmly into the groove. The sealing ring must be squeezed together section by section as you insert the made slightly oversized ring. Work your fingers all the way around the inside edge of the sealing ring to be sure it is fully in place.
How To Replace Pressure Gasket C

3 When putting the cover on the body, press one hand down on the area opposite the handle to help compress the ring. If necessary, to help make the cover easier to open and close, a very light coating of cooking oil may be applied to the underside of the body lug.



Testing and Replacing your pressure canner gauge.


Pressure Canner gauges should be tested once a year especially when canning at higher altitudes. You can have your gauge tested at a local extension office or at Red Hill General Store's Hillsville, VA Retail location.



Demonstration of gauge being tested.



Replacing your gauge can be easily done using an adjustable wrench.



How do I care for my gasket?



Handle canner and cooker lid gaskets carefully and clean them according to manufacturer directions. Nicked or dried gaskets will allow steam leaks during pressurization.

After each use, remove the gasket and wash it in warm, sudsy water. Rinse, dry, and replace the gasket in the lid. Gaskets on older models may require a light coating of veggie oil once per year. Gaskets on newer models come pre-lubricated and do not need oiling.



Caring for pressure vents, weights (and old-time petcocks):


Be sure the petcock, vents and weights are clean. Cool your pressure cooker and canner according to your model instruction manual and the recipe's directions. Take off removable weights (and petcocks for the older models) and wash and dry them by hand.



Is the toggle switch (control value / petcock) on old All American Canner replaceable?


Yes you can exchange the toggle switch with the new vent tube and regulator and it will work just like the new ones. It's a great idea to purchase the instruction booklet too, because vent tube/regulator do work a little differently then petcocks.

Click here to find the parts that you are going to need to make the exchange and to order an instruction booklet. All American no longer manufactures Canners and Cookers with petcocks.




I have a vintage pressure pot that's missing the lid. Can I get a replacement?


Sorry, most major pressure cooker and canner brands have changed styles many times throughout the last 100 years. They did not keep producing the lids or the kettle bottoms as the models were updated.



Which safety fuse / over pressure plug do I need?



Of course, you can use your pressure cooker/canner model number to find correct over pressure plug. It may also be helpful to know that the over-pressure-plugs that fits your pressure cooker or canner is one of the three variations made and available to you. You can very easily determine if you need the metal safety fuse (below left). Simply inspect the lid's underside and if there is a hexagon or stop-sign-like plug that screws into the lid, you need the 9888 metal safety fuse. Safety fuse color may differ from original. The other options, rubber-only over pressure plugs, pop into the lid (below right). The rubber from your old pressure plug may have become hard should be removed and replaced.


Metal Saftey Overpressure Plug    M 0404 37 Over Pressure_plus

Over pressure plugs under lid (left) 6-sided metal screw-in (right) pop-in rubber safety fuse color may differ from original



Is measuring a gasket helpful in finding the replacement?



Pressure gaskets differ not only in diameter but also in thickness and rubber shape. Due to the volume of gaskets with the same diameter, varying by millimeters we're sorry we cannot properly fit gaskets from measurements.

To order your replacement gasket, we'll need your model number. or the actual gasket that needs to be replaced. If you cannot see the model number, you can mail us your old gasket (or part) to our office in Virginia.


Pressure Cooker Outlet
1035 Sylvatus Highway
Hillsville, VA 24343



What is the difference between gaskets 3440 and 9882?


This is one example of how difficult proper gasket selection can be without searching by your pressure cooker or canner model number. The diameters of 3440 and 9882 are equal. The 3440 is about a millimeter thicker on the outside and has a differently shaped inside. Although both gaskets may fit into your lid, a gasket too small will leak around the sides while a gasket too big won't allow a lid to close.

gasket outside large    gasket inside large
Thickness comparison of sealing rubber gasket 9882 (shown on the top) and rubber sealing ring gasket 3440 (bottom).
Watch this video for more information on the 3440 and 9882 gaskets.



The Mirro regulator weight & vent pipe you list for my model look different than the original. Are they safe?



If your cooker-specific model number page lists different parts than your model, those parts have likely been updated. Many older Mirro pressure canners and cookers were manufactured using vent tube B. Check out this mirro model number M-035 with the discontinued vent pipe and regulator. For some Mirro models (like the M-0536 pictured below) when replacing the old regulator ( the vent tube must also be replaced and vice versa.

Mirro Vent Pipe    M 0536 11 Regulator Side  
  M 0536 11 Regulator and Vent    M 0536 11 Bottom Model Number

Mirro model M-0536-11 with discontinued regulator and vent pipe (left and center). The model number and liquid capacity are stamped onto the bottom (right)



I live in BC, Canada. Is there a parts distributor in Canada?


We ship to all locations in Canada.



Leakage under the pressure regulator



  1. There should be a slight leakage under the pressure regulator when cooking is started, do not be alarmed. This is usually due to condensation formed because the temperature of the pressure regulator is lower than the rest of the cooker. This condensation will disappear as the cooking progresses.
  2. Another possibility is the vent tube is loose, in which case it can be tightened with a crescent wrench. Care should be taken not to not to nick the upper surface of the vent pipe.
  3. After considerable time, the vent pipe may become worn and should be replaced.



Leakage between the cover and the body


  1. When first beginning to cook it is normal for moisture to form on the cover and between the handles.
  2. Leakage between the cover and the body is typically due to shrinkage of the sealing ring after a prolonged period of use. If this condition develops, both the sealing ring and automatic air vent (on presto) should be replaced. Be sure the groove the sealing ring fits into is clean and free of all foreign matter.
  3. If the leakage persists after a new sealing ring is in place, it may mean the rim body or cover flange has been damaged. In this case, the complete cooker should be serviced.

Leakage around automatic air vent



A slight amount of leakage around the automatic air vent is a normal operating condition . The automatic air vent acts as a valve and will completely seal the cooker. Continued leakage may mean that foreign matter has collected among the edges of the automatic air vent. This may be corrected by removing and washing the automatic air vent with hot soapy water.

CAUTION: Whenever you see excessive leakage from the cooker, remove it from heat immediately. Reduce pressure completely. Remove pressure regulator from vent pipe.



Pressure Cooker Leaking Steam?


Experiencing issues with your older pressure canner failing to seal properly even after fitting it with a new gasket? This helpful troubleshooting video specifically addresses Mirro and Matrie's pressure cookers and canners that use the 98510 gasket. The information provided is applicable to Mirro models 92012 and 92022, as well as Maitre's 12 and 22 quart sizes. Watch the video for how to stop steam leakage and seal your pressure cooker.




Pressure Canner lid sticking? (Even after pressure drops?)

1. First line of defense is changing the gasket.
2. Always clean around all groves, holes, and fasteners of the pot lid and body on with hot soapy water and a brush to remove grease and food buildup.
3. Practice proper pressure canner storage

When do I need a new gasket?

1. Gasket has shrunk
2. Gasket is hard, broken, sticky or tacky
3. When the lid is difficult to open or close
4. The National Center For Home Food Preservation recommends routinely changing gaskets every two years.
5. Presto canner manual Opc85655 recommends, "replacing the sealing ring at least every three years, or sooner if it becomes hard or inflexible."
6. Of course some folks say they will replace their gasket every 5 or 10 years, but it also depends on how frequently you use your canner and how well the gasket is stored. Testing the limits beyond recommendations beyond three years can lead to gasket blowout. Once seal gets hard and less stretchy
7. Some people say they replace their gaskets every five years (but don't say how often they use the canner). If you use a gasket for 6 years or more, eventually it will fail. Over time, gaskets become brittle and less flexible. You won't realize how bad it can get until an old, weak pressure canner gasket blows out while you're using it.

Helpful Tips when replacing canner gasket

1. Use hot soapy water and a small brush to clean the Aluminum areas where the gasket goes to remove food and grease buildup.
2. May appear too large. Gaskets tend to shrink over time. Normal to squeeze them together with some elbow grease to fit them in properly. See our 9907 installation video.

Best practices for storing a pressure canner. Store your canner in:

1. No extreme temperatures
2. The pot and lid should be completely clean and dry
3. Place your lid upside down to protect the gauge during storage.

Pitting is caused by water or food/grease left inside a canner.

How to make a sealing ring last longer

On a pressure canner any nonmetal part or ring goes through wear and tear. The better you maintain your canner the longer they work.

How do you replace a threaded canner pressure gauge?




 
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