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[Clansgian AT wmconnect.com]

> >But if the stove is running too hot, the steam can't escape fast enough 
> from 
> the valve. My pressure cooker also has a pressure gauge, and if it's too 
> hot, it can get up to dangerously high pressure, even venting through the 
> valve with the right wieght.

Lynn, I'd be concerned that there was something wrong with the pressure 
cooker.  Unless the vent is plugged, it should be just about impossible on 
any 
electric or gas stove (or wood stove for that matter) to move the pressure 
much 
above that regulated by the weight.  If one turned the flame full force, I 
suppose you could get a few extra pounds. But, on the type of canner where 
the 
weight sits on the vent (rather than screws down to the vent) the force of 
the 
steam should lift the weight clean off the vent before you can get much more 
than 
the pressure the weight regulates.

If the gauge is correct and the vent and weight are operating normally, and 
you can manage 25 lbs/sqin  pressure, I would be concerned that there is 
something dangerously wrong with the cooker.

But remember too, we are talking about 'fine' control, a reason you would 
think gas or electricity is needed for safe canning or pressure cooking.  It 
takes a LOT of heat to get a pressure cooker to exceed the regulated pressure.


James