Jump to content
MrsSurvival Discussion Forums

Used Canners?


Recommended Posts

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?

Link to comment

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.

 

 

 

:wormie2:

John

Link to comment

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.

Link to comment

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.

Link to comment
  • 11 months later...

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 by kappydell
Link to comment

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 :canning: Since that post was last year, I wonder if TheCG ever went back and got it?

Edited by Mt_Rider
Link to comment

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 :canning: 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.

Link to comment

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

By using this site, you agree to our Terms of Use.