What is the story on the American pressure canner? Can I buy it in a store or is it only available on the Internet? Do you use the normal glass canning jars? Does it plug in or sit on top of a stove? Can it can fruit and vegetables? Thanks.

-- Amy (leoneamy@aol.com), July 12, 1999

Answers

Try this question on TB200 Prep Forum, hotlink under "About." I'm sure there's been discussion of this before, too, probably filed in the Food archive. Suggest search on "canner."

-- Old Git (anon@spamproblems.com), July 12, 1999.

LOL! It's really getting bad when you don't know which forum you're on! Okay, hands up, how many of you have almost done the same thing!

-- Old Git (anon@spamproblems.com), July 12, 1999.

Amy,

I got one here for my mother. They have canning supplies as well. I think you'll find all the info here. Ken will take care of whatever you need. Forgot I need to order more cans soon.

http://www.cobra-net.com/wellscan/canning.html

-- nothere nothere (notherethere@hotmail.com), July 12, 1999.

Check Wal-Mart they have Presto canners. I've been stocking up on jars there, under $5.00 doz for pints w/lids. Canners work on to of stove.

-- && (&&@&&.&), July 12, 1999.

Amy,

Youu can often find them at hardware stores. You use normal glass canning jars, it sits on the stovetop, yes you can can fruits and vegetables.

Here is a home canning forum http://www.homecanning.com/forum/

Home Canning Supply & Specialties will send you a catalogue 1-800-354-4070

-- flora (***@__._), July 12, 1999.

Thanks! I am going to get my husband a canner for his birthday. He has a garden and he always grows too much!!!

-- Amy (leoneamy@aol.com), July 12, 1999.

Don't be fooled by cheaper prices on Wal-mart canners. All-American IS the best. Metal-to-metal seal and alluminum so no rust out ...have had mine 30 years and going strong. Be sure to have it the pressure guage checked by your cooperative extension office every couple of years...mine is still ok but wanted to be safe and sure.

-- MUTTI (windance @train.missouri.org), July 12, 1999.

Hi,.... found the All American at the good ol' Ace Hardware store two weeks ago. They had three sizes of it.

-- Mumsie (Shezdremn@aol.com), July 12, 1999.

I wonder if there would be a way to check the pressure myself, if the "extension office" ceased to exist.

I have a pressure cooker and have also just bought an All American Pressure Canner adequate to process gallon jars. These are non-electric pots, not appliances. I got mine thinking that I would use it in the after times. I'm not using it much this year because it's quicker to buy store bought food, at this point.

If shortages develop and I'm no longer able to get canned foods or food in jars from the grocery store, I may start canning at that point. Fresh fruits and vegetables may still be available for a while after shortages begin on storage foods. Most people won't be in a position to can the fresh foods, and it will be too late to order & receive their canners and learn how to use them.

-- Y2K, ` la Carte by Dancr near Monterey, California (addy.available@my.webpage.neener.autospammers--regrets.greenspun), July 13, 1999.