Need advice on buying a used pressure canner

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I have never owned or used a pressure canner; have canned lots of marmalade and jam with the waterbath method, but that's all. Well, now I have too much goat milk and my freezer is filling up, and I want to buy a pressure canner *now*! The used ones I've looked at have been Mirro, Presto, and Maid of Honor (old Sears brand--I've checked and replacement parts are still made). Which brand is best? What about the guage--weighted or dial? What do I need to check for? There are lots of these at a local junk store. If all this has been answered in the "archives" let me know and I'll go look. I just haven't had time due to two very active little boys. One more thing--would it be better to just go buy a brand new one? I've checked out the All-American 16-quart size and it's around $100.

-- Elizabeth in E TX (kimprice@peoplescom.net), August 14, 2001

Answers

If you only need a canner for the goat milk then don't buy one. When the milk is canned in a canner the milk will carmelize and turn tan in color. It also will have a "cooked" taste.

I use the water-bath method and the milk stays great tasting all year long. To water-bath your goat milk filter the milk into quarts leaving 1/2 inch space. Place in kettle. Fill kettle up to the neck of the jars with hot water and cover with a lid. Bring to a boil and boil gentle one hour. You might want to add water if you boil too much away. The fat will rise to the top over time and that is normal. Just mix it back in. We use our milk for everything that you use fresh milk for without any problems. The cream that rises to the top is great also for recipies calling for fresh cream.

-- miller (smillers@snowcrest.net), August 14, 2001.


My experience is limited to the Mirro I bought new a couple years ago. I have had problems with the emergency vent leaking steam and not building up pressure. I think if I replace that vent plug it will be fixed. Otherwise I think it's a good canner, I just am nervous around it since I haven't used it a lot...(is she gonna blow??!!) It's weighted so no need to go to Extension every year to test a gauge.

-- Susan (smtroxel@socket.net), August 14, 2001.

I want to start canning all kinds of things--not having room to store the milk just triggered my immediate need for it. The milk will be for a baby goat we're getting soon, so the flavor won't be a consideration to us at least (the goat kid might protest though). So it's safe to water bath milk? Well, that'll certainly simplify things; I can empty the freezer tomorrow! Thanks!

Susan, I read just a few minutes ago at some canning website, to check if your stove is level if the vent is leaking steam. I'll see if I can find that site for you in a minute; maybe you won't have to replace the vent plug.

-- Elizabeth in E TX (kimprice@peoplescom.net), August 14, 2001.


Been using a pressure canner for many years and use the water bath method rarely these days. I presently use the Mirro brand but did have a Presto for over twenty years until I wore a hole in the bottom of it. I have the gauge kind. I do have a "weight" one that you have to count the "jiggles" to calculate the pressue and all but that literally drove me nutty so I went to Wal-Mart and purchased the new Mirro one last spring. Bought the "jiggle" one second hand and it's OK I just don't like it. So....I personally like the gauge. You can watch it carefully and it works well for me. I would recommend you taking it yearly to your local cooperative extension office and they will check the gauge and seal right there for you to make sure it is working well for you. I would buy a new one and just pay the cost. Still take it yearly for it's check up though. You will have it for many, many years and it will be worth the money you spend initially. Good Luck !!!

-- Helena Di Maio (windyacs@ptdprolog.net), August 15, 2001.

I have and have used a mirro matic canner. Also a couple years ago I purchased an All American pressure canner for $20 at a flea market. It is without a doubt superior to any I've ever used. Since then I've seen several used ones at flea markets. There are no gaskets to replace but yes you do have to check the gauge yearly but that's no big deal and it is much more accurate than the weighted gauge. The All American is very well made and certainly worth the money, even new and parts are easy to find in the event you should need them.

-- ugly (here@home.com), August 15, 2001.


Two things. First, as far as I can tell from any of my canning books _Stocking Up_, _Ball's Blue Book_, it is absolutely *not* safe to water bath can milk. Now I know that there are tons of differences of opinions on these things, and maybe it is. But milk has an extremely long canning time in a pressure canner, so I'd be cautious (even if all you are going to do is feed the goat - you don't want to lose your investment, and babies of all kind are sensitive to bacteria and contamination.)

Second, I bought a used pressure canner (Presto) on ebay, and it makes me nervous. I took it to the extension office and had it checked, it was a little off, I fixed the problem, but since then it has gone off again. I think I'm going to to break down and buy a new one, although I hate to, and use this as a pressure cooker instead. It just causes me too much anxiety when canning meats and things. I don't necessarily think it is a bad idea to buy used, but very minute things can be wrong with it that are hard to fix. You are taking more of a risk, IMHO, with a canner than with lots of other used items.

Sharon

-- Sharon in NY (astyk@brandeis.edu), August 15, 2001.


I looked at canners on eBay and here's what I found: A 21-qt All- American (model 921), used once, went for $118.01. At Pressure Cooker Outlet online I found the same model, new, for $119.99!! Talk about going for pennies under the price for a new one! It does seem to me, after weighing everyone's advice and checking the older messages under Kitchen Equipment, that I'd be better off buying a new one. It was mentioned, by several people, that if a canner has been dropped it could have fractures that can't be seen, and it should be sent off to be x-rayed. I'm such a safety freak that I think I'm going to spend the extra money and buy a new one, probably the All- American 21-qt. Thanks all for your help:o)

-- Elizabeth in E TX (kimprice@peoplescom.net), August 15, 2001.

Been so worn out lately the thought of waterbath canning ALL day long made me feel even tireder. lol So, I broke down and started looking for a pressure canner. The supposed sale at Walmart didn't happen in my neck of the woods.

So, I took a risk on Ebay and got one yesterday for $30.00 plus shipping. A 16 qt canner for $30 isn't too bad is it? It's a Presto.

-- stephanie nosacek (pospossum@earthlink.net), August 15, 2001.


I use a Mirror 8 Quart Pressure Canner. I am a small person, so this size is ideal for lifting safely. As long as you pay attention to the directions & stay in the room with the canner, you should be safe. I like the weighted guage just fine. Happy canning!

KW

-- Kward (kward64@hotmail.com), August 21, 2001.


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