Answers to Common Questions
Your Questions and Our Answers
1. What sizes of jars can be canned in an autoclave?
You can use all types of jars: 0.5 l, 0.7 l, 1 l, 1.5 l, 2 l, and 3 l.
2. How much water should be added to the autoclave?
The water above the jars in the unit should rise 2-3 cm, but it should not reach the lid of the tank. Even if you do not fill the entire autoclave with jars, the water should cover the jars by 2 cm at most.
3. Can an electric autoclave be placed on a gas stove or open flame?
Yes, of course. All electric autoclaves we produce can operate both from the mains and from an open flame. They are universal.
4. Will the electric heating element be damaged if the autoclave is placed on the flame?
Electric autoclaves are designed to be heated by an external heat source. You don’t need to worry about the heating element, but you should remove the cable from the autoclave sockets or set it aside so that it doesn’t come into contact with the flame.
5. If the electric autoclave is placed on an open flame, will it still operate in automatic mode?
Of course not, the autoclave operates in automatic mode only from the mains. If you place an autoclave on a gas stove, you will need to manually monitor the heating power, temperature, and holding time.
6. How does automation work in electric autoclaves?
A special control unit comes with the autoclave, which maintains the set temperature and holding time. The countdown timer starts only after the set temperature is reached. At the end of the process, the control unit disconnects the autoclave from the mains.
7. What pressure needs to be created in the autoclave and why?
Before heating the autoclave, a pressure of 1 atm (98,066.5 Pa = technical atmosphere) must be created. This is necessary so that when heated, the pressure in the autoclave is always higher than the pressure inside the jars. This guarantees that no lid will pop off during canning.
8. Is it possible to release pressure from the autoclave during or at the end of canning?
No, it is strictly prohibited! If you release pressure while the autoclave is still heated, the lids will pop off the jars and you will ruin your product. Air can be released from the tank only at a temperature of 30°C.
9. Is there a cassette in your autoclaves?
No, there is no cassette and it is not needed. Our autoclaves operate under pressure, which replaces the clamping cassette.
10. What is the difference between a cassette autoclave and yours? Which is better?
Essentially, there is no significant difference. It’s just the technology used to hold the lids. You hold the jar lids from bulging either with a clamping cassette or with pressure. Pressure autoclaves are slightly more convenient to use.
11. How to place jars in the autoclave?
Jars are placed in several rows depending on the model of the autoclave. The bottom row is placed on a special stand that comes with the unit, and the rows are stacked on top of each other. There is no need to use cloths, wooden sticks, burlap, or other inventions in the autoclave.
12. Can an autoclave explode?
No, it cannot. Our autoclaves undergo high-pressure testing. Additionally, they are equipped with a special safety valve in case the pressure in the tank exceeds normal levels.
13. Is it necessary to perform a test run of the autoclave?
No, it is not mandatory, but it is advisable. Although there is nothing complicated in the canning process and everything is clearly described in the instruction manual, it is recommended to run a test cycle with a few jars inside. This way, you will understand how the autoclave works and open your first jar of product. Who knows, maybe you’ll forget to add salt to the stew?
14. How long does it take for the autoclave to reach operating temperature?
Regardless of whether you have an electric or gas autoclave, it reaches operating temperature in 50 minutes to 2 hours, depending on the model. Larger autoclaves may take slightly longer to heat up.
15. How do I know what product should be held for what time and at what temperature?
16. How much product should I fill in the jar?
Fill it so that there is a 2 cm space between the lid and the product.
17. When the autoclave has cooled, how do I release the air?
When the autoclave cools to 30°C, it should still have the same 1 atm pressure you created initially. Release the air gradually. This can be done through the valve or emergency release, whichever is convenient for you.
18. How should I care for the autoclave after use?
If you have a stainless steel autoclave, it doesn’t require much maintenance. However, you should wipe it with a dry cloth; it likes to shine and please the eye. A black metal autoclave must be dried thoroughly and kept in a dry place.
19. What should the pressure in the autoclave be at temperatures of 110°C-120°C?
At 110°C, the pressure in the autoclave rises to 3.5 atm. At 120°C, it is approximately 4.5 atm.
20. Which autoclave is better? Gas or electric?
Both are equally good. Electric is more convenient! You don’t have to watch it; it operates automatically. It’s versatile, working on gas or electricity. You don’t have to lift it and place it on a gas stove.
21. How long does it take for the autoclave to cool?
Turn off the heat. The thermostat should cool down to about 40°C. This will take about 4 hours.
22. How long should I release the air?
To ensure no air remains in the radiator, it takes about 5-7 minutes.
Read also:
- Autoclave Operating Modes
- What is an Autoclave
- Hydraulic Testing of Autoclaves
- How to Use an Autoclave
- How to Choose an Autoclave
