Thursday, February 10, 2022

Just in case

In the last month, I've been canning up some veggies. During the process, I noticed the gauge on my pressure canner didn't seem quite accurate.

To compensate – and until I had the time to get the gauge checked – I canned the veggies at a higher-than-recommended pressure, just in case.

When I mentioned this concern to Don, he immediately got online and ordered a replacement gauge ... just in case.

I called our county's Extension Service about testing the gauge, and found I could have it tested on a walk-in basis. So last week I brought my canner's lid with me and visited the Extension office.

I never knew how a gauge was tested, so it was interesting to see the tiny compressor she used. She had to make sure the fitting was correct before pumping the compressor with a small hand pump.

It took her mere moments to confirm yes, my gauge was off. She recommended the purchase of a new gauge (which Don had already done). I don't know why I always thought gauges could be "adjusted" if they were off, but apparently that's not the case.

I bought this pressure canner shortly after Don and I got married in 1990, and of the many times over the years I've had the gauge tested, this is the first time it's been off. I guess 30+ years is plenty long enough to ask any gauge to last.

The new gauge came in the mail the same day I got my old gauge tested. I'll get this new gauge tested as well, before using it (that was the Extension agent's recommendation).

Then – because we believe in the philosophy that two is one and one is none – Don ordered another pressure gauge ... just in case.

If anyone has a pressure canner, getting an extra gauge – just in case – is a smart idea.

13 comments:

  1. I bought several pressure canners and thrift stores. The first thing I did was replace the gauges and seals. I was able to get everything I needed and Red Hill General store. https://www.redhillgeneralstore.com/

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  2. Being that I hardly can this is something that never occurred to me, my American canner is like new (got it new) but I will for sure order another gauge, just in case. Thanks for the tip.

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  3. Or you can get the variable weight (5#, 10#, 15#) and not rely on the gauge.

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    1. Since my lid is pretty "modular," I rigged my lid with both the 5-10-15 rocker weight PLUS the gauge and I can do approximate tests myself by comparing the gauge and the weight.

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  4. https://www.cookingandcanning.net/
    I have an all american too and I deal directly with the company. I have extra bits and pieces for my canner..don't forget the little rubber gooby thing on the lid ...I have two extra. The site I posted seems to cover all the bases, though I haven't used them yet.

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  5. Thank you- that is a good idea. I never really thought about them not working when I need them to (which is a little scary.)

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  6. i have the weights for mine. Kind of hard to get a weight to read wrong. Mine also has a gauge that has been tested.

    kathy in MS

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  7. These are relatively cheap gauges, so no, they can't be adjusted. Expensive gauges can be, but those are $60 or more - usually not worth it for home use.

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  8. Back in about 2008 I joined a canning club, to learn how to can along with others. It was fun and we did alot of MASS canning...as a group. We canned our own stuff too, then had trading times that were also fun, and you got to get jar of someone else's something! HOWEVER....I found I simply did not like pressure canning at home by myself. It was a chore, but I did some. Then alot of time went by..as in years. Well, I knew when it was time for every good prepper to start canning in earnest. ((( whinning ))) BUt I dont' like canning!! Anyhow, as of late, I am totally into and ENJOYING fermenting, pickling, water bathing, and filling my already overflowing pantry shelves with new jars of cools stuff!

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    1. ....and dehydrating and vacuum packing!

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  9. What size of pressure canner do you all have? Looking at buying my first. We've always borrowed mom's, but would like to have our own.

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  10. Years ago there was a place in Spokane called House of Hose that tested my gauge. Don't know if they're still around.
    And speaking of canning...Lehmans sent me an email Fri night saying they have bulk wide mouth lids in. When I ordered on Sat morning I told the lady on the phone I wanted to get them ordered before you put the word out on RR!

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  11. Anyone know where to get a gauge tested in British Columbia, BC Canada? Thanks
    SJ in Vancouver BC Canada

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