What kind should I buy, How big and How much are they?????

I know nothing about these ands all information is needed

Thank you

-- sonneyacres (jtgt12@ntelos.net), January 21, 2002

Answers

i prefer miramatic the wheight regulates the presure and does not seem as dificult as keeping an eye on the guage presto is alo a good one but i prefer the mirrimatic keep an eye out at yard sales and flea markets get an idea of new price and price of a replacement gasket,there are also gasketless brands but i am not experienced with operating them .i woulld sugest getting a small one too because they are so handy for quik cooking just be carful and follow directions .

-- george darby (windwillow@fuse.net), January 21, 2002.

we have a med-large Presto that holds about 8 quart jars when canning. it has worked fine although I've heard that the Mirro cookers have a better regulator and require less watching. if you will be using it for cooking I think George has the right idea. if you want one for canning you might check out the gasketless ones offered in the Lehman's catalogue. if I didn't already have one I think I'd go that direction. they sound like they'll last forever.

-- B. Lackie (cwrench@hotmail.com), January 21, 2002.

All American Pressure Canner

metal to metal seal (no gasket to replace or keep track of) It controls the pressure by Weighted

the size really depends of you. I have 2 pressure cookers (large one is an all american and weighted, smaller one is unknown brand and pressure gauge...both are metal to metal seal), one is small holding 5 quart jars and keep that in the house in my cupboard. I use this one almost every day to preserve left overs. The second one is Huge! model 910. It holds 14 quart jars and 19 pints. This is really, really big and heavy and gets stored in the canning room. I only use this one when I am doing large batches of food (butchering time, harvesting time, and when I find stuff on sale).

Prices? well, the smaller ones will cost you right at $100.00 while the largest canner known to mankind LOL! is the All American 930 and that is about $350.00 (but it holds 19 quart jars! and that is really big)

I have never used the other brands that have been mentioned so I can't say if I would like them better or not.

-- westbrook (westbrook_farms@yahoo.com), January 21, 2002.

I agree with the person who said the All American. It is great. The cheapest place I have found to buy them is Shetlers Wholesale. It is an Amish run business in Indiana. They do not have a phone. You don't have to have a wholesale license to order either. I would caution you that if you do buy a pressure canner of any kind at a thrift store, garage sale, etc. to have it tested. I have heard that if it was dropped, it can have a hairline crack that could be a problem. I love mine. I love the idea the other person gave on having a small one to keep in the house to can leftovers. That is a GREAT idea. God bless.

-- Marci (Marci@amazingrazefarm.com), January 22, 2002.

Your local cooperative extension can check the pressure canners for you. They'll check the gauges too. It is recommended to do this yearly, but I haven't done it that often.

-- Charleen in WNY (harperhill@eznet.net), January 22, 2002.

I have to agree with westbrook and Marci. The american canner my be more expensive in the beginning but no rubber gaskets. I also have a mirro with a gasket, last few years it has gotten harder to find the gaskets!!! Enjoy not having to use a gasket....

-- Suzanne (weir@frontiernet.net), January 22, 2002.

Another "All American" owner here! I've only had mine for six years, but hope to keep it for the rest of my life. For just the two of us, I bought the 10 pint/7 quart size. It has a 15½ qt. liquid capacity. Cost me $165.00 from Cumberland Gen. Store, but I believe the price is up to $170.00 now. Well worth it though!!

-- Marcia (HrMr@webtv.net), January 22, 2002.

I have canned now for several years and use my Mirro Pressure Canner. I do hope to buy an All American. From what I have heard this is the best and although the investment may seem high it will last me the rest of my life and then be passed on to someone else who will get plenty of use from it. I plan to get the one that does 7 qts and I believe either 9 or 10 pts. It is just the two of us home now and this will fit our needs perfectly. I can mostly in pint size jars anyway. Happy Canning!!

-- Irene Burt (renienorm@aol.com), January 22, 2002.

By the way I found this site that has very reasnable prices for the All American canner www.conquestinc.com/cooker/pressurecookers_canners The one I want is $120.

-- Irene Burt (renienorm@aol.com), January 22, 2002.

sorry I messed up in my model numbers...bought mine a long time ago, I have the 930. It is really large and very heavy and I even have a single burner I use to heat it on (one of those burners that come with one of the Turkey Fryers) as it is just too big for my small stove.

Here are two links with information about canners. One has several brands of canners the other is specifically All American. I did not do a price comparasion, but picked the All American site because I thought it showed more details.

http://www.pressurecooker-outlet.com/

http://www.appliances.com/apo94915.html

-- westbrook (westbrook_farms@yahoo.com), January 22, 2002.