Are steam canners safe to use?

greenspun.com : LUSENET : Countryside : One Thread

I'm thinking about getting a steam canner so we won't have to heat up vast amounts of water for the boiling water bath. I've heard that steam canners are iffy, though. Are they sfae to use for anything that would go in a boiling water bath, or they best used for sterilizing jars, only?

-- Rebekah (daniel1@itss.net), October 15, 2000

Answers

I don't like to use the water bath, it takes too much time to heat the water and is messy. I use a regular pressure canner for everything. Uses only a quart of water and there is no guesswork. I've heard from USDA extension personnel that the steam canner is not recommended. I'd invest in a good pressure canner. It will last you nearly forever.

-- melina b. (goatgalmjb1@hotmail.com), October 15, 2000.

I have never heard a recommendation FOR the steam canner from anyone in an official capacity. A regular canner and a pressure canner are both efficient and within range financially, with a little planning, that I would say that a steam canner or anything else, is a waste. Try buying used if you need to. good luck, as canning is very rewarding and always makes me feel rich!

-- Anne (HT@HM.com), October 15, 2000.

My mother had a steam canner and we both used it. It was great! Less water and less heating time. We fully checked it out before purchasing it. We couldn't find any bad reports and in fact we knew alot of people using them. She gave hers to my sister-in-law. I sure wish I had it. The water bath takes so much longer.

-- Cheryl Cox (bramblecottage@hotmail.com), October 16, 2000.

Our over 30 year old "pressure canner", which can also be used as a steam or boiling water canner has canned thousands of jars of goodies. Seems to me we paid nearly a hundred bucks back in the late 60's, but that's a dim recollection. Point is - it's one of our best investments. We have replaced the gasket, but nothing more. Buy one, and GL!

-- Brad (Homefixer@SacoRiver.net), October 17, 2000.

I have used one for over 30 years and have been very pleased. If you happen to purchase a used one please take it to the Cooperative Extension Office near you and they will check the lid for pressure for FREE. You should also have your lid checked every year even if it is a new one too. I find they are faster and safer than a water bath. I prefer the kind with the dial/clock on the top instead of the weights. Good Luck and hopefully many happy years of canning !!

-- Helena , (windyacs/@ptdprolog.net), October 17, 2000.


Here in northern calif. I asked my county extension agent about two weeks ago how to set up having them check the fantastic old pressure canner I was just given, and they didn't even know what I was talking about! They told me they have not done that for a long time. so I asked them if they knew where I could get it checked, and they informed me there wasn't anywhere to do this because nobody cans anymore!And this is still a very rural, ranching and farming area.I was given a old "burpee" canner,(not the seed company), but this company went out of business years ago. I am looking around for a manual though. this canner has no gaskets,with a metal to metal seal and looks like it has never been used.Anyone have any ideas?(it has a gauge, and a little flippy vent,but I don't see any way to control the pressure...I'll have to look again.)

-- maureenb (firegirl102@hotmail.com), October 18, 2000.

Almost 23 years ago when our oldest daughter marries, I bought a steam canner for her. She's been canning with it ever since.Tomatoes, veggies and fruits. Everything keeps nicely. Saves on water,and time. As far as I know she's not canned any meat that way. Personally, I find the idea of the pressure canner or hot water bath best for meats.

-- Clare Baldwin (clare_baldwin@hotmail.com), October 21, 2000.

Moderation questions? read the FAQ