Parts of a Pressure Cooker & Canner (Diagram)
Every stovetop pressure cooker and canner has the same basic parts. Use this diagram to learn their names, what each one does, and when to replace it. Then find the exact part for your model.
1Pressure regulator (weight)
What it does: Sits on top of the vent pipe and keeps the pressure steady. It lets off steam and rocks or jiggles once the cooker reaches 5, 10 or 15 psi. A 3-piece regulator lets a canner use any of the three pressures.
Replace it when: Dropped and dented, missing a ring piece, or it won't rock or jiggle at the right pressure.
2Vent pipe
What it does: The tube the regulator sits on. Steam leaves through it, so it has to stay clear.
Replace it when: Bent, loose, or clogged with food. Clean it with a vent tube cleaning rod before every use.
3Air vent / cover lock
What it does: Pops up when there is pressure inside, which locks the lid so it can't be opened. Older Presto models use a rubber automatic air vent (9911). Presto 16/23 qt canners use the 85407 air vent/cover lock with a small 85659 gasket.
Replace it when: Rubber is hard or cracked, or it sticks up or down.
4Sealing ring (gasket)
What it does: The rubber ring in the lid groove. It seals the lid to the pot so pressure can build. This is the part replaced most often.
Replace it when: Steam leaks around the lid, the cooker is slow to reach pressure, or the ring is hard, cracked, flattened or stretched. Replace the overpressure plug at the same time. All American canners don't use a gasket.
5Steam gauge (dial)
What it does: Shows the pressure inside a dial-gauge canner. Canning at the right pressure depends on it reading accurately.
Replace it when: Needle doesn't return to zero, cracked glass, or the yearly accuracy test shows it more than 2 psi off.
6Overpressure plug (safety fuse)
What it does: A backup safety release. If the vent pipe clogs, the plug pops out and lets the steam escape.
Replace it when: Rubber is hard or cracked, or it has popped out. Replace it every time you replace the gasket.
7Cover handle
What it does: The handle on the lid. On many Presto models, it lines up with the body handle to show the lid is locked.
Replace it when: Cracked, burned, or loose.
8Body handle
What it does: The main handle on the pot.
Replace it when: Cracked, burned, or loose.
9Cooking / canning rack
What it does: Keeps jars off the bottom of the pot so they don't crack. It also holds food above the water for steaming.
Replace it when: Missing, rusted or warped.
10Helper handle
What it does: A small second handle on larger cookers so you can lift with both hands.
Replace it when: Cracked or loose.
11Body (pot)
What it does: The pot itself. Aluminum or stainless steel.
Replace it when: Warped rim, deep dents, or pitting around the sealing edge. Replace the cooker, not the parts.
12Lid (cover)
What it does: Holds the regulator, vent pipe, gauge and safety parts. All American lids clamp down with wing nuts instead of a gasket.
Replace it when: Warped, or the lock lugs are damaged. For All American canners, replacement wing-nut knobs, clamp bolts and handles are sold separately.
Not sure what you have?
Look for the model number stamped on the bottom of the pot or on the side near a handle, then use the model number lookup. Or call us at 1.800.251.8824, Monday-Friday 8:30-5:00 Eastern.
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