Presto Canners

Converting your Dial Gauge Canner to a Weighted Gauge Canner

I recently advised someone that they could use the 3 piece weight set sold on Amazon to convert their Dial Gauge Canner to a Weighted Gauge Canner and this started a discussion about whether or not is was safe to do this.

In order for me to 100% clarify that it was safe to change the regulators I contacted Presto and ask them them about this.   As you can see from their reply, it is safe to use the 3 piece weight set to convert your Dial Gauge to a Weighted Gauge Canner.  I hope this information will be helpful to all of you.

So if your Presto Canner came with the dial gauge and the 15 pound regulator that looks like this photo.

Then you can buy the 3 piece set that looks like this photo to use on it

If you use the 3 piece set you will not need to monitor your dial gauge, When the regulator is gently rocking that will tell you that your are at 5, 10 or 15 pounds of pressure.

This is what I ask them in my email:

Can you please let me know if the 3 piece weighted regulator set sold on amazon will work with my 23 quart canner model number 0178107 and my 16 quart canner 0175510.  I know that I can't remove the gauge but want to use the weighted regulator.  Here's a link to the one I am speaking of.

Click here to see the 3 piece weighted set on Amazon

Here is their reply to me:

Hello Kathy,

Yes, part 50332 will fit on the vent pipe of the model 0178107 and 0175510 canners.  However, depending on your altitude it may not be necessary to purchase the 3-piece regulator.  If you wish to use the canner as a weighted gauge canner then you will use 10 pounds of pressure for all low acid canning for However, depending on your altitude it may not be necessary to purchase the 3-piece regulator.  If you wish to use the canner as a weighted gauge canner then you will use 10 pounds of pressure for altitudes up to 1,000 feet.  But it you live above 1,000 feet you need to use 15 pounds of pressure.  The pressure regulator on the 23-quart canner is a 15 pound weight, so you could use the canner as it is.

When using the canner as a weighted gauge canner the rocking of the pressure regulator is the indication that the selected pressure has been reached inside the canner.  At that point begin counting down the processing time and adjust the heat on the stove so that a very slow, but continuous rocking motion is maintained for the duration of the processing time.  Do not compare or try to use the weight and gauge simultaneously.  Use only the movement of the variable weight as your indication that pressure has been reached and is being maintained.

If you have questions about this response please get back in touch.

Sincerely,
Nancy
Home Economist
nbecker@gopresto.com
800-368-2194