The autoclave is a sterilizer, designed for processing various raw materials or products under high pressure. It is used in various fields of activity (for example, in medicine, chemical industry, biology).

The prototype of the modern autoclave appeared in the 17th century. It was a hermetically sealed cauldron in which meat was cooked under increased pressure due to heating. Approximately 30 years after his invention, a method was invented for long-term storage of products in hermetically sealed jars, which were exposed to high temperatures for a certain time. Later, an autoclave was created, the design of which is close to modern models. Initially, it was used only for sterilizing medical instruments and during chemical research.

Autoclaves for the preparation of preservation at home appeared only in the 80s of the XX century. In Russia, the possibility of acquiring them appeared after another 10 years, but such equipment became widespread relatively recently, so even now not everyone knows what does an autoclave look like.

A modern household sterilizer is a hermetically sealed container into which, before starting work, a certain amount of water is poured and jars of food are placed. Due to the short heat treatment, a maximum of vitamins and nutrients are preserved in the products, and a temperature of 120 degrees kills all pathogenic bacteria.

Types of autoclaves

Household equipment differs in volume, material of manufacture, sterilization method, heating source. The volume determines how many jars can be sterilized at a time. The optimal material for manufacturing is stainless steel, which, unlike ferrous metal, is resistant to corrosion and lasts for several decades. The method of sterilization is preferable to steam rather than water, as it requires less time and energy.

What is an autoclave for?

The autoclave for sterilization is assistant in the kitchen, which makes it possible to reduce the cooking time of seasonal preservation, prepare everyday meals for the family with a long shelf life. It is easy to use, so figure it out How does a sterilization autoclave work?, will not be difficult. It is indispensable for fishermen, hunters, household owners who are faced with the need to quickly process a large amount of meat, fish, vegetables, fruits. In the autoclave, you can also make your own puree for baby food. Its cost will be significantly lower than that of store products, and there is no doubt about high quality.

The main danger of home preservation, which is sterilized in boiling water, is the risk of reproduction in it of the causative agent of the deadly disease botulism. After sterilizing stew or other homemade products in an autoclave, this risk is reduced to zero. This leads to another answer to the question, why do you need autoclave — for your own safety.

The principle of operation of the autoclave for home canning

Operating principle The autoclave consists in sterilizing the contents of the cans at high pressure, which makes it possible to raise the temperature in the container above 100 degrees. Figure out, How does an autoclave for home canning stew work?, will not be difficult. Its action is based on the known laws of physics. In a hermetically sealed container with water and jars, when heated, the pressure gradually increases. Only a small amount of water is converted into steam and it warms up more, without completely evaporating.

Later in this article, we will explain How does a canning autoclave work?which is required for the preparation of tasty and safe homemade preparations.

Autoclave device for home canning

The device is a hermetically sealed container equipped with valves for regulating air pressure and emergency steam release. Sleeves for installation of the manometer and the thermometer are provided in a cover. How it works either model depends on the manufacturer. The principle of operation and the scheme of the autoclave available in his passport, but in most cases the design is standard. Understand the principle of operation and the device of an autoclave for home canning well within the power of every housewife.

Working with the autoclave: step by step instructions

Using an autoclave is not difficult, it is enough to follow a number of simple rules. Already after the first applications conservation equipment, they will become commonplace.

Stages of work:

• Prepare the products according to the recipe, arrange them in jars. Close the prepared cans with lids (roll up with a key or use twist-offs that are twisted by hand).
• Pour in water and load the cans in one or more rows depending on their number and size (in the second case, it is advisable to use an additional false bottom), close the lid.
• Heat the container on the stove or with a heating element at high power until the temperature reaches 120 degrees. Then reduce the heating power and sterilize your homemade items for the time indicated in the recipe.
• Turn off the heat and let the autoclave cool down for at least an hour. Then open the lid and carefully empty its contents.

Autoclave 2in1

Some models of autoclaves are being modernized — a distiller can be connected to them to produce strong drinks, while the autoclave capacity will act as a distillation cube. Such autoclaves are made only of stainless steel and they have a special outlet for a 2-inch clamp for connecting a distiller. A ready-made solution is already on sale — an autoclave with an Izyumovka-light distiller, the equipment is ready to work right out of the box.