Old Pressure Canners – Are They Safe to Use?

Old canning equipment can be found at garage sales and auctions. Even though they may appear to be in good shape, many may need replacement parts to make them usable.

The problem is many old brands of pressure canners are no longer manufactured. Therefore, finding replacement parts can be impossible.

If buying a used canner, here are some tips:

• Is the gauge attached or with canner?
• Is the petcock safety valve complete?
• Are the threads of the opening undamaged?
• Does the seal require a gasket?
• Is the canner in “round”? When looking directly into the canner, does it appear to be exactly round and not oblong or bulged in one place? If so, do not use.
• Is the bottom of the canner flat and level? Canners with recessed or rounded bottoms should not be used.
• On wing-screw type canners, check to be sure each screw and corresponding space on lid is in good condition.
• Replacement parts are available at a variety of hardware stores and manufacturers of today’s canners. Such parts may not look exactly like the old part but will serve the same function.
• Many old handles and knobs that have cracked and come off can generally be replaced.

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