I recently purchased an older Wearever pressure cooker No. 3604-K It has a lid that fits inside the pan and is curved downward. I assume it closes automatically as the pressure builds up. It has a jiggle top with a maroon button on top and a black safety plug in the lid. On the handle just below where the jiggle top goes is engraved: Liscensed under vischer patents Nos. 2,282.011 and 2,301,724 It does not have a separate ring seal, but there is a metal ring built into the pan itselv which is on the inside of the pan rim and just above where the curved lid would seal. The handle of the lid locks onto the handle of the pan about 2 inches out from the pan. I would appreciate hearing from you if you have used one of these or know anything about it. How old is it? I have contacted Weavever and they webt out of business in 1987.

-- Fran Switzer (jswitzer@wyoming.com), February 28, 2002

Answers

Found this info online:

If You Have a Vintage Pressure Cooker: 1. Make sure the pan bottom is flat and the handles and pressure vent are free of cracks and nicks.

2. Check the gasket. If it is dried out or won't seal, soak it in hot water for 20 minutes, then dry it and rub it with salad oil. If it's still stiff, discard it and buy a new gasket.

For information about Mirro and Wearever pressure cookers, call (800) 527-7727; to order new parts, call the Cook's Corner Factory Outlet at (800) 236-2433. For Presto pressure cooker information, call (800) 877-0441.

-- Joyce Dingman (joycedingman@yahoo.com), March 01, 2002.