Food Preservation Device Question

[k0xxx]

Ok, we have a pressure cooker - canner and have used it for both purposes. However, I have seen where people have advised not using a pressure cooker for canning certain items.

My question is... What is the differences between a pressure cooker, a pressure cooker - canner, and a pressure canner? AND can a pressure cooker - canner be used for the same things that a pressure canner can. At the moment most of the prssure is in my head trying to decipher this.

 

[freemotion]

I don't have a pressure cooker (well, my booklet says I can use my 23 quart canner as a pressure cooker, but that would take a quarter of a pig! ) but I think the canning issue has to do with being able to regulate the pressure more precisely so that you are certain that you've killed any botulism spores in the canning process.

So any pressure canner can be used as a pressure cooker, but not every pressure cooker can be used to can safely.

I may be wrong on this one, though, having only owned pressure CANNERS.

 

[Farmfresh]

You are right free.

It is the volume that makes the difference... or rather the mass. A pressure canner us bigger so it maintains a consistent heat better than the small pressure cooker. Plus in most cases a pressure canner won't really accommodate anything but the smallest jars.

When you use a pressure canner you can usually fit at least 7 quart jars inside. This makes good use of the energy used to heat the pot as well as your personal energy and time.

All low acid vegetables and meats require a pressure canner system to raise the internal temperatures high enough to kill the bacteria in the jar.

Pickled items, sugary items (like jams), fruits, and acidic vegetables like tomatoes have enough either sugars or acids provide a harsh environment for bacteria to live in and totally stop most bacteria with only the addition of boiling temperatures. That is why pickles, jams, tomatoes etc only need a boiling water bath to safely preserve them.

 

[k0xxx]

Thanks FM & FF for clearing that up for me. My wife has been after me to buy a larger one for some time, so I guess I'll start doing some pricing. Much appreciated!

 

[Farmfresh]

One more recommendation.

Bite the bullet and buy an All American canner.

I learned to can on an All American that was my MIL's when she was young. That thing was 40 years old and still worked like a top! When hubby told me to buy myself a new one, I never hesitated to get another All American and money WELL spent.

 

[k0xxx]

FF, after doing some research I took your advice and we have ordered two All American canners, a 21 quart and a 41 quart. I figure that we'll use the 21 most of the time and the 41 (or both) when we have a truck load to can. Thanks for the advice.

 

[TanksHill]

Jealous!!!!