Presto Vs All American: Best Pressure Cooker for Mushroom Farming

[@Robebabu]

My thoughts: First, you forgot to vent. The rockers should be put on 10-15 minutes after steam begins to escape, not right when the heat is turned on. Second, the volume of the AA is smaller, and this could account for the faster time to reach pressure. Third, you did not measure the total cook time, including cool-down. That would have been the most important thing to know, as most people report that AA's take much longer to depressurize compared to Presto's. Perhaps this is because they are much heavier aluminum (not steel). And, as someone already mentioned...never take a screwdriver to your pressure cooker! Those things are expensive, and you don't want to risk damaging one. And when talking about saving time and money, I would suggest switching to gas. A hotplate is just another expense, whereas most people already have a stove. Gas is a lot less expensive than electricity, and you will be able to cycle your PC faster, as it won't take an hour and a half just to reach pressure. I use gas, and my 23 quart Presto only takes 20-30 minutes to reach pressure. I would rather save time and money by buying a cheaper, more lightweight PC that cools down faster. If I buy three Presto's for the same amount of money as one AA, I've already tripled my productivity. Having to replace a seal once in a blue moon is a negligible expense for maintenance.

[@Lemonz1989]

I use my induction cooktop for my Presto. It’s super fast getting up to temperature. :) But I don’t think the older models work with induction, so that’s just something to be aware of.

[@kingdav5794]

​@@Lemonz1989i've red that induction cooker does'nt heat aluminium

[@Lemonz1989]

@@kingdav5794 They don't work with aluminum, but there is steel in the bottom of the new models of the Presto, but not in the old ones. The new pots have been made so they work with induction cookers. :)

[@kingdav5794]

@@Lemonz1989 thanks

[@PolskiZielarz]

Yeah gas is better, but what if you want to scale ? I'm a bit scared of putting 9 prestos on gas :) I need to try induction tho

[@shagdawg420]

ive had the same 23 qt presto for like 14 years

[@LarsLarsen77]

Me too, I let one run dry once though and the bottom bulged out under pressure, so it's not flat anymore at all. I gave it to a friend who is STILL using it today without any issues.

[@l.slayer551]

@shagdawg420, I have a presto that’s old enough to drive.

[@CarverSean]

I've been using two all american sterilizers since 2010 love um! Btw theyr'e aluminum Gary not steel😮

[@FreshfromtheFarmFungi]

thanks for the correction! This nonchalant video has taught me more than I ever imagined 🙏🏻🍄❤️

[@akashicrecord2120]

The difference in speed isn’t because of the difference in cookers, but rather your burners. Those burners are really weak compared to gas stoves. Same goes for induction cooktops. They take forever to get your PC up to pressure. My 23qt presto reaches 15psi from cold water in 22 minutes when I run them on a gas stove.

[@FreshfromtheFarmFungi]

comparing gas to electric heat is different from comparing two cookers using electric. I think the difference if heating time is from the extra volume and lower gauge steel.

[@falconhoof6]

I was going to say... my Presto hits 15psi in about 20 minutes on a gas burner. Seems to me that the price difference doesn't justify buying an AA.

[@akashicrecord2120]

@@FreshfromtheFarmFungi yeah but you can’t say that the presto heats 20 minutes slower than the AA when the heating element used for the test isn’t strong enough to accurately test whether the time difference is because of the cookers or not. If you were to run the same test again using burners that are adequate for heating a 13” diameter 21 & 23qt vessel, I’d bet that the presto actually wins. Then there’s the $280 price difference on top. I have an 1800w commercial induction cooktop from a restaurant & the induction compatible Presto in my lab that I got for making agar and I don’t even use it because it isn’t a strong enough heating element to power the presto in a reasonable amount of time. It takes 4 hours to make a liter of agar, but it’s not to say that the induction compatible presto is to blame; but rather the inadequate induction burner. So my point is that the presto is designed to be used on a gas stove of no more than 12,000 BTU’s (for legal reasons-but can take far more than that) and when it is used on the proper heating element it will out compete the AA at a fraction of the cost.

[@john-smith.]

Don't use a screwdriver on the AA, lube the metal seal with a very thin layer (on a paper towel) vegetable oil, or get some silicone grease even better, and apply with your finger. I've had my AA for over 30 years and never needed a screwdriver. I use silicone grease i have on hand as a home brewer, and only need to reapply after about 6 runs or more, as silicone grease is the bomb.

[@Mikehatespigs]

Do you have what they call their electric pressure sterilizers? I just got mine a few months ago and wonder about the power knob if I have to calibrate it because when it's all the way down it still goes all the way to the red line 20psi then shuts off

[@JamesButler-od5qm]

I have five all American 25x that I run on a 4 hour kettle timer takes an hour to get to temp pressure and I let the run for 2.5 hours .... I am in Texas and I've tried 90 minutes and I get 40% contam at that but at the higher run time I'm able to mitigate the issues in part my partner/ mentors are biochem and microbiology people and I am 1 year in putting together my first farm .... From tattoos to fungi

[@nextmycology394]

I love my Presto's! For the price, they cannot be beat. I have 2 of them with the Cadco burners! I think I would go with the induction plates if I did it again.

[@jerrykearns6344]

I bought 2 Presto induction + 2 Duxtop Pro induction burners for about $600 total.

[@mycologylids]

You're the man Gary. Awesome video!

[@youngdutchmaster9629]

Love the content but just a tip your supposed to allow the PC to vent for 10 minutes before placing the weight on top that way your are sterilizing with steam and not just compressed air

[@FreshfromtheFarmFungi]

Thanks but this method works well and is 10 minutes faster.

[@MutantMycoGenix]

i came to say the same thing.

[@john-smith.]

@@FreshfromtheFarmFungi But that's bad advice, and not normal OP.

[@Robebabu]

You aren't even saving time, just running them wrong. It even says in the manual you're supposed to vent.@@FreshfromtheFarmFungi

[@Yoggoth]

Well, somebody needs to conduct an experiment to prove this. Probably is is better to vent but with no venting it is still good.

[@MrJackson66]

If you keep the presto gasket oiled it doesn't need replaced, ive had mine for over 6 years, and still using the same ole gasket, still in pristine shape. Nice video.

[@MrJackson66]

@jasheedalbahari3204 yes, vegetable oil or canola oil...

[@LarsLarsen77]

You can't do that with the pressure release valve though, you need to replace that and it COMES with the gasket, so there's no reason not to replace both.

[@LarsLarsen77]

I use Vaseline @jasheedalbahari3204

[@MrJackson66]

@@LarsLarsen77 just keep it clean... Have had mine going over 7 years now, no need to replace unless it doesn't do the job... You can waste as much money as you want, but I don't replace anything until it's bad, I don't add to the problem of trash being used once and tossed away... They have a rubber safety blow off valve, it will let you know if the main valve isn't working by leaking or blowing out...but just don't be nasty, and clean your stuff every time you use it, and lightly oil it afterwards...

[@diegosalazar9844]

I have both of these and both are great. However, I can not justify the cost of the All American, it is WAY more expensive for the same results. I will continue to use Presto over All American.

[@KotoBish]

0:55 you state the All American has nice grade steel. Isn't it Aluminium?

[@FreshfromtheFarmFungi]

ah yes - this is true and explains a lot as a better conductor of heat. Not really comparable

[@Dan_Soundgar]

I was thinking about adding the all american electric element and controls to my all American stove top, (bottom).

[@Nico_Myco]

Grain prep with a view! living the dream. Would you say the Cadco burners are safe? I have a glass stove top and I stopped prepping grain on it since I'm paranoid the stove would break. What model are you using? thanks

[@FreshfromtheFarmFungi]

amzn.to/46dzB7C this is the one I use - they are excellent

[@donmandotron]

I noticed you sealed your bags before cooking them. I have heard this can damage the air vent unless it's a 5 um filter which most people don't use for grain. What are your thoughts on that?

[@TomWilson-t9f]

20 minuets longer could very well be due to a variations of the heat sources. Not comfortable with the run time conclusion without first level matching the BTU of each burner.

[@john-smith.]

I have both, Canners/sterilizers, and use natural gas....the AA with more mass always takes a little longer because of the mass. Sure you could blast it, but do ya want to melt (or pop) the bags, and find out after all is said and done.

[@Dan_Soundgar]

Should cool em in laminar HEPA flow Incase cool down draws non sterile air, no?

[@Grawlix7]

Any advice on using a PC for activating the sterilization pouches for tools?

[@SubFlow22]

Also, the flow hood makes my mushroom grow.

[@giovannipascal4404]

Which cado burner do you use, because my current burner is too weak

[@FreshfromtheFarmFungi]

amzn.to/3Z2RRyn

[@bowzerdude5646]

Why did you not get the one that plugs in?

[@christopher69681]

Which model cadco hot plates are you using or reccomend?

[@FreshfromtheFarmFungi]

I use these ones they work great amzn.to/3TOJgN5

[@christopher69681]

@@FreshfromtheFarmFungi thank you! I've been having issues since I moved, new gas stove top is taking an hour and a half to get my 23 qt presto up to 15psi. Dosnt seem to have any leaks, I think it's my stove

[@Dan_Soundgar]

I like the Idea of a rubber seal, I had to hand lap my All American Sterilizer top to the bottom, to get it to seal better, A hotplate didn't have the output to counter the leaking seal. Do not try to lap the metal seal cuz you could really screw it up.

[@Dan_Soundgar]

You have to shim the lid off the bottom while lapping to prevent it from being to far out of parallel

[@kevinfox2370]

Notice that you seal your bags before sterilizing. Have you had any challenges with bags exploding?

[@FreshfromtheFarmFungi]

nope they work great for our temporary lab setup with injection ports going from LC

[@kevinfox2370]

Thanks for the quick reply. Have you had a percentage of bags contam with only running 90 minutes?@@FreshfromtheFarmFungi

[@themyceliumnetwork]

@@FreshfromtheFarmFungi you impulse seal your bags before sterilizing?

[@FreshfromtheFarmFungi]

@@themyceliumnetworkyes for this setup it helps keep contams down and then I use injection ports

[@themyceliumnetwork]

@@FreshfromtheFarmFungi awesome, i gotta try this thanks!!

[@protodank]

What size bag do you use for grains?

[@FreshfromtheFarmFungi]

amzn.to/3t5435u

[@cyberroth1]

I suspect that your heater plate(s) do not have adequate power (for a fair comparison). At least not in an un-insulated room exposed to the elements. You did not vent the cookers for the recommended 15 mins or so prior to placing to rockers. I use a Presto 23 with a stove top burner and it never takes 1 1/2 hours to reach 16 lbs pressure.

[@mr.ganja42O]

You forgot to vent first... And presto has 2 models. A all aluminum one which sucks on electric heating element then you have the aluminum one with steel on the bottom which is meant for electric heating elements. all aluminum presto is more for gas stoves less you put a steel plate of some kind under the all aluminum Presto. That would work

[@FreshfromtheFarmFungi]

thanks!

[@danielmcardle3476]

Propane is quicker to adjust temps than electric jobs IMO.

[@FreshfromtheFarmFungi]

yes but it also is annoying to fill

[@mikes8839]

Where do you buy your grain

[@FreshfromtheFarmFungi]

I get it wherever I can get good deals. Golden Organics in arvada is a great local supplier - other local feed stores, sometimes amazon to test new grains etc.

[@jedz86]

Are you autoclaveing agaqr with these\?

[@FreshfromtheFarmFungi]

yes 👍

[@themyceliumnetwork]

why don't you cover your bags in the PC with a trivet? that is not a recommended habit.

[@FreshfromtheFarmFungi]

it isn’t necessary in my experience and a waste of time - Ive been using this setup for 5+ years without issues.

[@RDens4d]

You should have read the manual for the All American. That weight should never have been placed on the pipe until it had vented 10 minutes of steam. The lubricant should ALWAYS be applied to the lid and upper portion of the lid, so you don’t have to mar the finish with a screw driver. 🤦🏻‍♀️

[@danielmcardle3476]

He got it for a good price, presumably because he is in YT... Maybe we value things that cost us more, and he was not the best person to appreciate these items.

[@FreshfromtheFarmFungi]

I got this second hand from a friend who upgraded for 40$ if I remember correctly. It still works like it did the first time over a year later, I have all my original equipment and it all still works even without this 10 minute purge cycle. I don’t get why it’s necessary when the steam vents out the rocker and the threaded screws keep it on nice and snug

[@Gorkilein]

Sure the presto is behind! 1. It stands more in the wind at the opening of the shed and cools down more 2. It has larger volume which takes a bit longer to heat up! And BOTH can get air back while cooling through the rocker! I never ever ad contamination after cooling in any pot. Even the one I used for years definitely sucks air in while cooling.

[@john-smith.]

My rocker on my AA will hold a vacuum if you have the orange/red sterilzer plug. Also the petcock instead of rocker will also hold vacuum.

[@JohnnyHarness-e9t]

I don't seal my grain bags when pressure cooking I just fold them and then fold another 1 inch cold they seal perfectly. It's crazy to watch other mycologist and seeing how we all get the job done but in different ways.

[@FreshfromtheFarmFungi]

I normally don’t pre seal our bags but this season was an exception because our buildout is taking longer than expected we have our make shift temporary lab and using LC’s to grain with injection ports. It is more time consuming but the only option to keep contamination at bay while our clean rooms get built out 👍 business is about being nimble

[@Lemonz1989]

I read on the Unicorn Bag website that you are only supposed to pre-seal the bags with the larger filters, since the bags with fine filters might burst in the pressure cooker, if they can’t release the air fast enough :) I don’t know how much of a problem that is in real life, but I just do what they say, and don’t seal the bags :)

[@LarsLarsen77]

You can unload a PC in open dirty air no problem. Just clamp the bags as soon as each one comes out.@@FreshfromtheFarmFungi

[@LarsLarsen77]

I did pre-sealed bags for years having the same concerns he did, but I realized I was wrong. And yes you have to use 0.5micron bags or they ABSOLUTELY will explode.@@Lemonz1989

[@Mean_Mr_Grinch]

Great timing! I'm in the market for a new pressure canner.

[@zeratul600]

hey man thanks for sharing this amazign video, I want to give back something to you, so I recommend you to look for this video in youtube "How to Run An All American Pressure Cooker for Mushroom Cultivation" by "mushroom revival" it's a sweet and very knowledgeable lady explaining in depth how to properly use the AA pressure cookers, I found specially helpful the part about closing the lid in balanced way, Its hard to explain because english is not my first language, but basically you put your lid on the cooker but don't tight all the way the locks, you do it in pairs preferably and trying to do it only 2 o 3 full twist per lock in order to make the lid fall in position all over the cover, so you wont have one side full settle while the diagonally opposed side is way up and you can't fix it... Its like tightening the nuts of a car's wheel. Also be careful using metal tools on the AA because the metal on metal seal its very precise and any deformation would probably be a headache :D

[@themyceliumnetwork]

there is also the T-Fal 22 qt pressure cooker. (P3105231) it has a silicone gasket but no weight, it has a 5, 10, 15 psi settings valve with a leaver, way better system than the presto. imo, the AM is not worth the money

[@jerrykearns6344]

"it has a 5, 10, 15 psi settings" -- 15 psi is the only one that is useful.

[@themyceliumnetwork]

@@jerrykearns6344 you need to boost your knowledge!!

[@mattyb3490]

Love the experiment. I was just about to grab 8 prestos, so happy I didn’t grab it

[@l.slayer551]

Given the additional mass of the AA canner I would have expected the presto to come up to temp faster- same with respect to cooling. This is an interesting comparison but I would suggest an important factor to consider is the energy output of the burners. On a regular electric or propane range, my 23 quart prestos come to pressure in less than half an hour-including a 10 to 15 minute steam purge. I suspect these burners just don’t have the necessary output for rapid pressurization. In most cases, from the moment I turn the burners on, my canners are cooling in front of the flow hood about two hours later. With that said, it may not even matter provided a prospective grower’s workflow is adjusted to accommodate these cook times. I know plenty of people who use atmospheric sterilizers with run times that are 10 times longer than what’s required of my presto fleet. And they are killin’ it!

[@LarsLarsen77]

You should use a pressure STERILIZER not a pressure cooker.

[@FreshfromtheFarmFungi]

thanks for the correction

[@MrJackson66]

The ONLY reason to buy the AA, is to buy an American built product , otherwise save yourself some cash and get the presto...

[@SubFlow22]

I just found your channel and I'm extremely impressed at the depth of your content. There is so much bad information out there it's really fantastic to see someone actually put the relevant questions to the test. Thank you very much.

[@user-yq8he1hu6m]

🔥👍👍

[@pb2959]

First. Yes, I'm a child. 😂

[@RenegadeMushrooms]

Good stuff, love those cadco burners 👍 Get ready for the arm chair pressure cooker nazis to yell at you for not letting steam escape for 10 minutes before placing your rocker. Maybe they'll leave me alone for a little bit 😂

[@john-smith.]

That's standard practice...take shortcuts at your own pearl.

[@FreshfromtheFarmFungi]

I just found out that this topic is another “iphone vs android” cataclysm! ha

[@ChristineBestdotcom]

Just for kicks..have you switched the Presto on the other burner in case there is a difference in the Cadcos...?? ;^) MushLove

[@FreshfromtheFarmFungi]

yes - it seems to be consistent - I will be upgrading my lab soon with larger circuits it might be negligible at that point