pressure canning question regarding vent and psi

[Arduinna]

ok so I decided to practice with my pressure canner by canning water LOL. Anyway, I don't get some of the instructions.

What are they talking about when they say to allow it to vent for x amount of time before closing the vent?

Do they mean don't put the pressure regulator on until then? I'm used to using a pressure cooker where I just leave the pressure regulator on all the time. Honestly, that steam is really hot and flows out really strongly.

The instruction manual lists all kinds of different pressures to process foods at like 6 lbs, 13 lbs ect. How do I get maintain those odd numbers? I noticed that using the 10 lb regulator it was showing as actually 11 lbs on the dial gauge.

[velochic]

Originally Posted by Arduinna

What are they talking about when they say to allow it to vent for x amount of time before closing the vent?

The venting lets the air inside the canner to be released. If you don't vent, then you can't be sure that the correct temperature inside is being reached. There needs to be no air in the canner when you put the petcock on.

Originally Posted by Arduinna

Do they mean don't put the pressure regulator on until then?

Yes. The regulator (petcock) shouldn't be put on before, usually 10 minutes of venting.

Originally Posted by Arduinna

The instruction manual lists all kinds of different pressures to process foods at like 6 lbs, 13 lbs ect. How do I get maintain those odd numbers? I noticed that using the 10 lb regulator it was showing as actually 11 lbs on the dial gauge.

If you have vented properly, you should be able to, with adjusting, get those pressures, then maintain it with the same level of heat.

[Arduinna]

Originally Posted by velochic

If you have vented properly, you should be able to, with adjusting, get those pressures, then maintain it with the same level of heat.

Adjusting what?

[Arduinna]

oh I forgot to say my water came out great LOL and I'm doing my stock now.

[velochic]

Originally Posted by Arduinna

Adjusting what?

Adjusting the burner. Once you achieve the appropriate pressure, you shouldn't have to raise or lower the heat to keep the correct pressure, if you've vented it properly and there is no air left inside.