The Importance of Pressure Canner Gauge Testing

Lisa Terry, Glacier County FCS Extension Agent

 

Home canning season is here, and many of you are gearing up to preserve your foods at home. One of the most important things you can do is have your pressure canner gauge tested. 

 

A pressure canner is a very important piece of equipment when it comes to home canning and preserving. It is vitally important to ensure that your pressure gauge is working correctly so that you are not jeopardizing your family's safety by exposing them to food-borne illnesses such as botulism.  So, to avoid any issues with the proper function of your pressure canner, you need to have it checked. The USDA recommends having pressure canner gauges tested annually. 

There are two types of pressure canners – the weighted gauge and the dial gauge. The difference is that the weighted gauge rocks or jiggles while it’s under pressure, whereas the dial gauge has a dial that registers the amount of pressure in the canner. Weighted gauges do not need to be tested because unless there has been significant damage to them, they are always accurate if used correctly. Just make sure you read the manufacturer’s instructions to know what the correct procedure is when using a weighted gauge pressure canner.

The MSU Glacier County Extension office offers FREE testing of your pressure canner gauges and inspection of the seals and safety plugs! I’m going to be doing pressure canner gauge testing on August 24th at the Cut Bank Farmer’s market.  If you’d like your gauge tested, bring your canner lid to our MSU Extension booth.  You can also call me at 406-873-2239 or email me at lterry@montana.edu. If you want your canner gauge tested but cannot attend the Farmer’s Market, stop by the Extension office at 1210 East Main in Cut Bank.