Pressure Canner Parts: Gaskets, Plugs, Racks and How to Find the Right One

What is my canner doing?

Your manual has a labeled drawing. Our manuals page helps you find it.

When should I replace a gasket or sealing ring?

Presto says "sealing ring" where most other sources say "gasket." The sources differ a little on timing, so here are all of them.

• Presto's 01755 and 01781 manual, and its 02153 and 02154 digital manual: at least every three years. Replace right away if hard, misshapen, cracked, worn, pitted or unusually soft.
• Presto's 2019 care sheet: every two to three years, or when the canner cannot build or hold pressure.
• Penn State Extension: a gasket may need replacing as it shrinks. It usually lasts two or more years with normal use.

Condition decides. Look at the ring before each season. Presto also says to take the ring off after each use and let it dry. It warns that direct heat, such as a hot burner, wears out rubber parts quickly.

How do I find the right part?

1. Find the model number. Presto says it is on a tag on the cover, stamped on the bottom of the body, or stamped on the side just below the handle. The part must match this number.
2. Use the maker's parts list. Presto's parts lookup searches by model. If your number is not there, call Consumer Service at 1-800-877-0441.
3. Prefer the maker's part. Presto's manuals say to use only genuine Presto replacement parts. They warn that look-alikes may not work the same way. They say the parts are sold at most hardware stores or directly by Presto.

For example, Presto lists its 09985 pack, one sealing ring plus one overpressure plug, for these models among others: the 16-quart 0175510, the 23-quart 0178107, the induction 0178410, and the digital 0215305 and 0215406.

The original-style digital canners use a sealing ring on a metal frame. They are not on that list. The 02144 manual says to order by model and series number. Check your exact number on the parts page.

What about plugs, regulators and gauges?

• Overpressure plug. Presto says it pops out and lets steam escape if the vent pipe is blocked. Replace it with the sealing ring, or sooner if it shows wear.
• Regulator. Presto's care sheet says it needs no special care or testing. The vent pipe under it must be clear before each use.
• Dial gauge. The USDA, the National Center and Presto say to check it before each season. The National Center says to replace a gauge that is off by more than 2 pounds. It says gauges that read too high cause under-processing. Presto says to have it rechecked if the cover was dropped or went under water, or if the needle is off zero. Presto says your county extension office (free local food-safety advice) can usually check it.
• All American. It seals metal to metal, says Penn State. Our All American page covers that family.

What about racks?

The rack keeps jars off the bottom. Presto says the one that came with your canner must be used. It says no rack is needed between stacked layers. A spare can be ordered through Consumer Service. So look to the maker first.

We link no third-party rack here. We read no maker's document for the ones we found, so we cannot say whether any fits. Presto says to use only genuine replacement parts. Its July 2024 newsletter warns of knock-off parts that do not fit properly.

If your maker can no longer supply a rack, measure the inside of your canner. Ask the maker or your county extension office before you buy one elsewhere.

What about older canners and other brands?

For Mirro and other older or discontinued brands, we read no maker's parts document. So we will not guess which part fits. Look up the model first. Ask your county extension office if you need help with an old canner. Our page on used and vintage canners covers what to check.

If a safety part cannot be found, please stop using the canner rather than improvise. A part made to almost fit is not a repair.

When does a new canner make more sense?

If the body is warped, the rim is nicked or the parts are gone, a replacement may be the sensible step. Presto warns that nicks in the rim can let steam escape. Our pick is the Presto 01781^* (paid link), explained on the stovetop canner page. For the bigger picture, see the overview of all machines.

If a digital machine shows a code, start with the Presto error code page.