A very kind friend gave us a like new cider press. It was in its original box but contained no information on cleaning and caring for it. I have tried to contact the manufacturer, Berarducci Brothers in McKeesport PA, only to find they are are no longer in business.

I would really appreciate this information even if it's on another brand or just suggestions from someone who knows about such things. I would be happy to reimburse for photocopies and postage. My trees are still too young to produce but I have a friend who owns a u-pick orchard where I can get apples at low cost.

Thanks in advance.

-- jerry (rainbow@ktis.net), September 06, 2000

Answers

I have the same brand apple press and was able to find the parts catolog. You are correct that the company is out of business. The catolog that I have shows that they made these presses in up until the 20's. Mine is a 15 gallon size and the base alone is too heavy to be moving around much. I keep mine up on my covered porch. I've had it up there for a few years and have not noticed that it's done much damage. Before each use I pour hot water with about 10% bleach mixed in, over the entire press and all the parts(my porch floor boards have gaps for drainage). I than hose it off really good. Laying a bit of cheese cloth over the container of your 1st batch will strain any bits of rust that come off the base of the press. I wouldn't treat the wood with any oils or anything like that, you wouldn't want that in your cider. Same goes for the cast iron parts that come in contact with the cider. If you need any help figuring out how it goes together e-mail me.

-- Peggy Adkins (adkinsonthefarm@hotmail.com), September 07, 2000.

We have an old press that had been in my husband's family since the early 1900's. We still use it. Treat it with mineral oil after use, esp. the cast iron, same as for wood chopping blocks. Mineral oil is edible. I got mine at the drug store. Helpful hint on chopping apples: we wizz them thru the food processor. Nothing better than fresh cider from your own press.

-- sharon WT (wildflower@ekyol.com), September 13, 2000.

I have one of these presses. I bought it from a coworker and have been using it as a wine press. You're right about the weight. I am missing pieces to hold the barrel together. If any of you have a picture or details I would love to see/read more about the equipment. Thanks for any contributions.....

-- Ron Renziehausen (ronrenzie@yahoo.com), January 01, 2002.