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Post by daylilydude on Apr 6, 2015 16:36:28 GMT
I picked this up at a yard sale in November last year and was wondering if there is a safe and easy way of testing it at home?   It will hold 14 quart jars at a time. Lets see some pictures of your canners... This will be my first year with pressure canning so Ima gonna have lots of questions... I mainly use a water bath but I don't want to pickle so much this year... lol! |
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Post by Deleted on Apr 6, 2015 17:27:44 GMT
I think I'd run that over to the County Extension office and get the gauge tested, for starters.
Is there supposed to be a rubber gasket in there? What make/model is it?
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Post by Deleted on Apr 6, 2015 17:28:36 GMT
We use an All American Canner. Metal-to-metal, so no worries about gaskets going south. Don't have a pic right now (at work on my lunch hour), but I'll try to remember when I get home, if there's time after we get the woven wire up.
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Post by paquebot on Apr 6, 2015 18:05:12 GMT
Never saw a 2-piece one before. What's the brand and model number?
Martin
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Post by daylilydude on Apr 6, 2015 18:12:57 GMT
It's says Burpee Aristocrat Can Sealer Part No. #1901699
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Post by hermitjohn on Apr 6, 2015 18:27:33 GMT
This one has that band clamp like the Kwik Kook models. They didnt have gasket. But they were older and cast aluminum. This looks like a more modern one made of stamped aluminum.
And it has a tall top. If memory serves, there were some sold under Burpee name that looked like this. I have no personal experience with them but think they were well liked.
When I've bought either canner or cooker, I set them up with both a modern replacement jiggler AND a gauge. The jiggler lets you know if the gauge is working properly and the gauge is a check on the jiggler in case it gets plugged up.
By way you dont need to get an official genuine factory replacement gauge if you replace it. Just look for a 30# gauge (preferably without plastic parts) that can handle steam (most you find can) and has the correct diameter threads (either be 1/8 NPT or 1/4 NPT) 15# then is easy to remember, it will be right in middle of the gauge. Generic 30# gauge usually less than $10 shipped, whereas if you insist on genuine factory replacement gauge, if its still available, it will be some crazy price like $25.
Now on the older canners/cookers, there is a threaded bung, maybe more than one. But I have even added a gauge to a modern stainless Manttra cooker I got really cheap. I made a new hole in lid next to the jiggler (allowing room for both gauge and jiggler installed), and used a brass bulkhead fitting that I then screwed an 1/8 NPT threaded gauge into. Seriously I think having a gauge in addition to whatever kind pressure regulator is a valuable safety plus. By way testing a gauge is never bad, but have seen relatively few gauges off more than a pound or two unless really old, abused, and rusted. Age seems to affect everything...
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Post by Deleted on Apr 6, 2015 20:57:29 GMT
I love working with the jiggler! It really helps so much. No more frantically checking the gauge every 30 seconds.
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Post by paquebot on Apr 7, 2015 4:58:53 GMT
That isn't modern. It's aluminum and should not need a gasket. The band holds the two halves together. Probably 1930s or early 1940s. Last I can find about that company is around 1948.
Martin
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Post by calliemoonbeam on Apr 8, 2015 5:38:27 GMT
That's a very interesting looking canner, never seen anything like it!  I agree with Pony, your county extension agent should be able to check it for you. Some do it for free and some charge a few dollars, but they're very helpful. They may also have some handout info on canning, if you're interested. |
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Post by Deleted on Apr 21, 2015 6:24:43 GMT
When I've bought either canner or cooker, I set them up with both a modern replacement jiggler AND a gauge. The jiggler lets you know if the gauge is working properly and the gauge is a check on the jiggler in case it gets plugged up. Where do you get the parts to install a jiggler? I want to start pressure canning and would prefer to have a jiggler. Thanks |
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Post by paquebot on Apr 21, 2015 14:36:01 GMT
When I've bought either canner or cooker, I set them up with both a modern replacement jiggler AND a gauge. The jiggler lets you know if the gauge is working properly and the gauge is a check on the jiggler in case it gets plugged up. Where do you get the parts to install a jiggler? I want to start pressure canning and would prefer to have a jiggler. Thanks What you want is the Presto pressure regulator weight set. www.gopresto.com/products/products.php?stock=50332 Martin |
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Post by hermitjohn on Apr 21, 2015 14:53:51 GMT
If you want only jiggler to replace gauge, like Martin says, just buy spare threaded stem (that weight sits on) and weight for Presto or Mirro/All American. Make sure its correct diameter to fit your threaded bung. Most pressure cookers with threaded bung use 1/8 NPT thread, but some used 1/4 NPT. For those that want both gauge and jiggler and dont have spare threaded bung as most pressure cookers from recent decades had jiggler only. You make hole add appropriate size brass or stainless bulkhead fitting using rubber washer so it seals air tight. Screw the gauge into that. I got one I used for like $5 off ebay. You pay full retail for bulkhead fitting and it can be bit pricey. Here is example nearly identical, like one I used. This is from quickie ebay search, you can probably do better on price. www.ebay.com/itm/Brass-Bulkhead-Fitting-1-8-Female-NPT-x-5-8-Dia-x-1-5-long-8-705-139-0-/271718990613?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3f43b6c315 |
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Post by hermitjohn on Apr 21, 2015 15:11:58 GMT
Here is what Mirro/All-American vent stem and weight look like:  Here is what Presto looks like:  There are many places to buy. Look on ebay or amazon or www.goodmans.net/ or do google for the part. |
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Post by kkbhf on Apr 21, 2015 17:01:08 GMT
In addition to the fix 15# weight hermitjohn pictured is a variable weight for the Presto that lets you choose 5, 10, or 15#. I prefer the fixed weight for cooking and the variable weight for canning.  |
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Post by Muller's Lane Farm on Apr 30, 2015 15:24:56 GMT
kkbhf, So each of those rings represents 5# of pressure?? I have an electric pressure cooker that has those rings. I've thought about using it for canning those 1 or 2 jars that didn't fit in the AA .... if I could every figure out what weight the rings represent.
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Post by kkbhf on Apr 30, 2015 18:53:42 GMT
Yes, on a Presto the stem is 5# and each ring adds 5#s. In addition to paquebot's link amazon also carries them: www.amazon.com/Presto-Pressure-Canner-Regulator/dp/B000HMBVQ8A word of caution, though, about using a "cooker" for canning. All canning recipes assume a minimum time to build pressure and to cool down afterward. Most "cooker only" do these way too fast for canning and result in an underprocessed product that can give you tummy ache, or worse. Double check your manual and see if your appliance is suitable for canning. |
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Post by Muller's Lane Farm on Apr 30, 2015 19:00:03 GMT
Yes, the stem is 5# and each ring adds 5#s. In addition to paquebot's link amazon also carries them: www.amazon.com/Presto-Pressure-Canner-Regulator/dp/B000HMBVQ8A word of caution, though, about using a "cooker" for canning. All canning recipes assume a minimum time to build pressure and to cool down afterward. Most "cooker only" do these way too fast for canning and result in an underprocessed product that can give you tummy ache, or worse. Double check your manual and see if your appliance is suitable for canning. Thanks, kkbhf. Yes, I know AND agree with the minimum times about the pressure. I've always referred to this as a 'cooker' because that is how I've always used it. I bought it used in the box. The manual was not with it. I have looked online and discovered it is also a canner. |
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Post by hermitjohn on May 1, 2015 9:33:57 GMT
Just point out the Mirro style jiggler, the one piece weight has three holes, its 5, 10, 15 psi depending which hole you put over the vent stem. One piece weight means no rings to keep track of. Also the Mirro/All-American system is stainless steel I think. The Presto weight is pot metal.
Saying that I actually like the gentle rocking of the Presto jiggler over the sort of stuttering of the Mirro jiggler. And there are other brands that do other weird stuff, spin, whistle, and who knows what. I hate the ones that sit there and then suddenly come violently to life in a mini explosion of steam. Dont need a heart attack.
The Presto weight will eventually get so it doesnt do the rocking. If you can clean corrosion out of the hole with nail or ice pick or such, it will usually start working again. If not you get to replace it. The Mirro weight doesnt corrode, its pretty much lifetime design. So even if the Mirro weight gets to looking like it went through WWII battlefield use, it will be functional.
Also be aware of what you are buying. Many sell the jiggler weight separate from the vent stem it sets on. If you are converting a gauge only cooker, or putting different brand jiggler system on your cooker, you need both the vent stem and the weight. The stem and weight have to be made for each other. Cant use a Mirro weight on Presto stem for example, nor vice versa.
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Post by Muller's Lane Farm on May 1, 2015 16:23:46 GMT
I have an AA 915. For the past 3 years I've also had a friend's older AA 915 (on loan until her daughter wanted to start canning).
The older AA had a dial gauge and a steam petcock. Knowing that the gauge on my AA is about 2 lb off, I replaced the petcock with a vent & weight.
The daughter asked for it this spring so I'm saving my pennies for another AA.
I need to decide if I want another 915 or if I should go with a 921. The 921 will just fit under the microwave and holds 9 more pints than the 915. What I'm concerned about is the weight difference. I'm not getting any younger and the arthritis isn't going to go away.
Does anyone have an AA 921 that would give me the weight? Thanks!
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Post by amylou on May 1, 2015 18:39:26 GMT
Mine has been packed away for a couple years. The gasket was good and it worked fine then. Hopefully all still good.
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I agree with Pony, your county extension agent should be able to check it for you. Some do it for free and some charge a few dollars, but they're very helpful. They may also have some handout info on canning, if you're interested. 
