On Aug 21, 9:04 pm, Susan Hogarth > wrote:
> My husband and I bought a Mirro a couple of months ago and just
> started working on canning with it (100+ tomato plants!!!). We are
> having an issue, though, that the release valve doesn't seem to 'rock'
> the way it is described in the manual, but instead does nothing for a
> minute or two then vents for 5-10 seconds continuously. We thought
> this was a defect, but this review on epinions talks about Mirro's
> service line saying this is normal:
>
> http://www.epinions.com/content_400848686724
>
> " The product must have changed since the other reviewers bought it.
> The instructions tell when to start timing the processing: "When
> control jiggles vigorously, reduce heat so that control rocks or
> jiggles gently."
> Guess what? The control has been changed so that it does not rock or
> jiggle at all.
>
> The instructions have not been updated. I found this out doing a test
> run. When the control would not move in the least bit, I called the
> customer service number listed. The tech told me, "Oh yeah, it doesn't
> rock, it just hisses. The instructions are wrong. Sorry about that." "
>
> I am going to call Mirro tomorrow, but is there any insight into this?
> Thanks!
>
> - Susan

(de-lurking)
That sounds about how my older Mirro behaves. As long as it "hisses"--
and you know
it is releasing steam--it's probably okay. However, pressure canners
aren't something
to mess around with, so you definitely want to be sure. If you have a
county extension
agency at your county courthouse, they usually have someone who will
check out
pressure canners for free. (plus, they have lots of good literature
food preservation).
HOpe you get the issue resolved with Mirro to your satisfaction for
your own peace of mind
& safety though.
It's a sombering thought when you realize that for anyone to operate
any steam machinery that
holds 15 pounds of pressure must hold a boiler's license. I think
about that everytime I see the
needle start creeping up anywhere close to the "15" on the dial.

Sherry