How do you work a pressure cooker?

[RustyOlRanger4x4]

I got this old pressure cooker from my grandmothers and I have no clue how to work it? Ive figured out the opening and closeing it and all but how do you actually cook with it? Ill post a picture here and see if ya`ll can help.

Whats the silver knob thing on top do? It comes off its not screwed on or anything it just sits on a "nipple" and says remove before opening and it has 3 holes around the side ofit and above the holes are the numbers 5 10 and 15 and inside each hole looks different, Im guessing it has something to do with the pressure? Heres a horrible picture of it.

any information on how to cook with this thing would be extremly helpful Thanks,sean

[Who]

There are 4 main parts to check. The pot, the seal, lid, and rocker.
If the seal is cracked it needs to be replaced. The rocker must be for that type cooker as other sizes use different wt rockers. Look on line for info on it.
You need go know the cooking time of the item you want to cook.There is a max fill line, dont go over it.
Close the lid with the seal in place.Place on burner on the temp called for, When the rocker starts lol rocking its time to take it off the heat. DO NOT REMOVE ROCKER OR OPEN LID!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Take it over to the sink and let cool water trickle on the lid till its cool. New ones have a release button on the handle but if not and while water is running on the rocker DO NOT TAKE IT OFF but gently lift and feel if steam is still coming out if so just let it cool more.
Taking off the rocker or trying to open before its cool can cause it to blow up.Also there are places that will test the rocker to make sure its working ok.
Cant think of the office but will check for you.
Not hard to use, you just need to watch it. I have never canned with one like it but I know my grandmother did.
Good luck but check for any damage to the parts.

[RustyOlRanger4x4]

Thanks for the info! I discovered through ebay the thing on top is the pressure regulator but how do you know what pressure to cook something at? Seems like 5 would be just as good as 15?

[etothepii]

I think you have to sit on it!!![8D]

[kevin1]

The higher the pressure the faster it cooks , consult the PC directions for the recipe that you're using to determine the proper cooking pressure and suggested time . Higher pressures can be dangerous , always watch the cooker while it's operating !

[Tree climber]

Place on burner on the temp called for, When the rocker starts lol rocking its time to take it off the heat. DO NOT REMOVE ROCKER OR OPEN LID!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

you remove it from the heat only after it has cook the prescribed time,we do fish in the jar for 1 hr. and 10 min.

if you are cooking a real tough roast or maybe turtle it takes about an hr. to hr. and 1/2 at 10 lbs after it starts to rock or jingle before it gets tender.

we use our's a lot on turtle and beef stew, tough venison. we can venison in jars and use it for BBQ.

[Rebel Hog]

Make sure the gasket on the lid is in good shape.