TheCG Posted August 10, 2015 Share Posted August 10, 2015 We hit a few pawn shops over the weekend and one of them had an All American pressure canner for $60. I didn't buy it because I don't know what to look for. What do you look for in a used canner to make sure it's still in good condition? Quote Link to comment
WormGuy Posted August 10, 2015 Share Posted August 10, 2015 I would look carefully at the lid and sealing area on the canner for dents, nicks, gouges, etc. Put the lid on & tighten it down to see if it seal properly. Look at the bottom to see if it is flat & not warped. No way to check to see if the guage works, (they are about $25.00). Check the lugs where the clamps go for cracks. Inspect the handles to make sure they are not loose. That's about all I can think of. A new one depending on size is over $200.00. John Quote Link to comment
Daelith Posted August 10, 2015 Share Posted August 10, 2015 I think you covered it all, Wormguy! Need to check if the weight and the rack(s) are included. If I were you The CJ, I would go back and look it over carefully. Offer them $40 for it if it passes all of Wormguys points of inspection. I bet you could get it for $50. They probably didn't give more than $20-30 for it if even that much. Quote Link to comment
The WE2's Posted August 10, 2015 Share Posted August 10, 2015 I agree with all of the above, but be sure it has the canner rack in the bottom. I've found several that did not (but I had some to fit) and told them "this doesn't have a rack etc., I'll give you $. Most of them have no idea what parts are essential or not, and just want it sold. I bought 2 of my smaller ones for $7 or less. The two larger ones I paid $10 for one (told the gasket was shot & no trivet for the bottom) and one large old one that I bought from a farmer before I had any sense, and paid $30 for it. If I could run onto an All American really cheap I'd latch onto it, even if I had to buy a new gauge etc. We have a Mennonite store that's selling them new for $189. Quote Link to comment
kappydell Posted July 18, 2016 Share Posted July 18, 2016 (edited) In some areas the local University extension office can check the pressure gauges for accuracy. I did that with one I got used. Even if they won't hold steam, they make good stock pots, and can still be used for water bath canning, so you might consider bargaining. Edited July 18, 2016 by kappydell Quote Link to comment
Mt_Rider Posted July 18, 2016 Share Posted July 18, 2016 (edited) One way to tell if there is an obvious [as in: not even under pressure] leak..... Ask if you can pour a little water into it [do you carry a water bottle?]. Lock down the lid and tilt it. If an American loses water that way...it's hopeless. AND all the things Wormie said!!! MtRider Since that post was last year, I wonder if TheCG ever went back and got it? Edited July 18, 2016 by Mt_Rider Quote Link to comment
The WE2's Posted July 21, 2016 Share Posted July 21, 2016 Thanks for the heads up MrR...had no idea one could check an All Ammerican that way :-) Quote Link to comment
Mt_Rider Posted July 21, 2016 Share Posted July 21, 2016 Well remember......that only checks for obvious leaks. You'd have to bring it in to check for PRESSURIZED leaks. MtRider Quote Link to comment
TheCG Posted July 27, 2016 Author Share Posted July 27, 2016 One way to tell if there is an obvious [as in: not even under pressure] leak..... Ask if you can pour a little water into it [do you carry a water bottle?]. Lock down the lid and tilt it. If an American loses water that way...it's hopeless. AND all the things Wormie said!!! MtRider Since that post was last year, I wonder if TheCG ever went back and got it? Nope. The ones we saw were in pawn ships a ways away. I think I need to hang out with someone who cans before I go about buying stuff for it. Quote Link to comment
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