Summer is here, which means canning season is right around the corner. It is time to take inventory of your canning equipment.
Ensuring your pressure canner is in good condition and working properly is critical to produce safely canned products every year. There are two types of pressure canners, weighted gauge and dial gauge. The main difference between the two is the weighted gauge, in 5-, 10-, or 15-pound increments, rocks and jiggles to regulate pressure. The amount of weight used depends on the elevation of your location. The dial gauge uses a dial gauge to register the amount of pressure in the canner. You regulate the pressure by manually adjusting the stove burner.
If you have a dial-gauge pressure canner, it is important to get its accuracy checked each year. If the dial gauge is not registering the pressure correctly, the appropriate pressure may not be achieved, thus leaving the safety of your canned foods at risk.
Local K-State Research & Extension offices will test pressure canners at no charge. The Harvey County Extension Office can test Presto, Magic Seal, National, and Maid of Honor dial-gauge pressure canners. If you have an All American pressure canner, contact the manufacturer for testing. Sometimes hardware stores are also able to test canners.
It is recommended that dial gauge pressure canners be checked for accuracy every year to ensure safe, delicious, home canned foods all year round. Contact your local Extension offices for testing and assistance with your pressure canner.
For more information about pressure canners, canning recipes, and other food preservation techniques, visit the K-State Rapid Response Center website at https://www.rrc.k-state.edu or call Harvey County Extension at 316-284-6930.
Reference: South Dakota State University Extension, https://extension.sdstate.edu/ testing-dial-pressure-canner-gauges. April 11, 2022.
