I'm getting fed up with trying to find a used pressure canner at a decent price. Nobody around here seems to be selling any, and the ones on Ebay are either 100 years old, or selling just a dollar or 2 under the price of a new one. I found a place online (http://www.pressurecooker-outlet.com) that is selling Maitres canners for $10-15 less than the comparable Presto. Anybody have any experience with this brand or store? Thanks, steve.

-- Steve - TX (steve.beckman@compaq.com), April 10, 2001

Answers

I haven't had any experience with that brand of canner, but as a word of caution - be sure there is a good source for gaskets and other replacement parts before you buy. Presto and Mirro are tried and true names and have been around a long time.

-- Joan (egavasnok@email.com), April 14, 2001.

Fingerhut tried to do a "bait-and-switch" on me, sending a Maitres to me instead of the Mirro, which I ordered. After some hassle, they took it back and I bought my 22 qt Mirro canner. In answer to your question, no, I have not used a Maitres and am not familiar with them. But I say, stick with the ones who were here when our grannies were canning. I prefer Mirro, but am sure Presto has a good product, too, and my local Ace Hardware has replacement parts for either. As for eBay, I have had good luck with prices on the smaller pressure cookers. I have not bought a canner on eBay.

-- jonesey (jonesey@bigfoot.com), April 15, 2001.