Buying and Using Used Home Canning Equipment

Old canning equipment often turns up at garage sales and auctions. Though canners may appear to be in good shape, many need replacement parts before they can be safely used. In some cases, old brands of canners are no longer manufactured, which makes finding replacement parts virtually impossible.

 For some models of Kook Kwik, Maid of Honor, and Magic Seal canners, replacement parts are carried by Presto®. Contact the Consumer Service Department at National Presto Industries Inc. . Alternate phone: (800) 877- 0441. Given the value of your time to investigate the potential utility of a used canner, it may be less expensive in the long run to purchase a new one. If, however, you decide to buy a used canner, here are helpful questions and tips from a Colorado State University Extension Web site on evaluating used pressure canners available at:

• Is the gauge attached or with the canner? (Weights and dials can be replaced)
• Is the petcock safety valve complete? (Replacement parts are available)
• Are the threads of the opening undamaged? (Opening cannot be rethreaded)
• Does the canner lid require a rubber gasket? (Most sizes are available)
• Is the metal-to-metal seal smooth around the lid and bottom with the minute manufactured grooves visible?
• Is the canner round? When looking directly into the canner, does it appear to be exactly round and not oblong or bulged in one place? If it is not round, do not use it for canning - it might be a flowerpot!
• Is the bottom of the canner flat and level? A canner with a recessed or rounded bottom should not be used for canning. Flowerpot!
• On wing screw-type canners, make sure each screw and corresponding space on the lid is in good condition.

Many replacement parts can be found at hardware stores, appliance repair shops, and companies that make canners. In some cases, replacement parts may not look exactly like the old parts but will serve the same function. Hole diameters and thread sizes are standard on all makes of canners, so replacements will fit on old canners. Many old handles and knobs that have either cracked or fallen off can usually be replaced. A good cleaning may also help to determine whether it is a bargain - or a flowerpot! Use hot, soapy water. If you need more scrubbing power, use baking soda, which is less abrasive than commercial scouring powders and pastes.

When considering the purchase of a new canner, you will choose between models with either a dial gauge or weighted gauge. A gauge is essential to control pressure and to let you know how much pressure is built up inside the canner.

Dial gauges are visual, indicating the amount of pressure inside the canner with a pointer that moves around the dial face. The benefit of canners with dial gauges is also their drawback: You can more closely control their pressure, but dial gauges should be checked every year as well as after any mishap, such as being dropped, or after potential mishandling, such as after a household move.

Weighted gauges will rock gently or frequently make a "jiggling" noise, indicating maintenance of the correct pressure. Follow manufacturer's instructions to know how a specific weighted gauge should rock or jiggle.

When pressure is released too frequently or constantly, liquid is pulled from the jars inside. This is a common problem in jars canned in a weighted-gauge canner.

If the jars stay sealed after they are cooled, the product inside is safe to use even though the liquid is down. Pulled liquid may keep some jars from sealing because the residue on the jar rim will prevent a complete seal.

Dial pressure gauges can be checked at local University

An accurate gauge will help you avoid having to throw out jars of improperly processed food or exposing your family and friends to serious - and potentially fatal - food-borne illnesses.