presto canner question..

[brent]

Hi everyone,
Thanks so much for all of the info on my other question about canner size. Now here is my new question...
I have decided to get a canner with a weight instead of the gauge since I won't be able to get it checked yearly and I understand Mirrors 5/10/15 weight gauge system but how does the Presto work? I see it has a pressure regulator but is it weighted as well like the Mirror? I have a small 4qt. cooker by Presto that I got from my dad's estate but there is no booklet with it to explain its use and I don't see a choice of weights on the cookers regulator either. I don't care what brand of big pressure canner I get, I just want to know what I'm getting and if it will work for what I want. I have google searched for info but its still all mumble jumble to me.....I'm hoping one of you with the know how will educate this poor dumb landlocked flatlander.....
thanks, brent

[Washkeeton]

Make sure what you get is a canner not a pressure cooker. Pressure cookers have a weight also but it is only for letting out the steam. It doesnt have different weights to allow for the canning. All of the Presto's that I have seen so far are pressure cookers or canners with a gage. I have not been able to find one with a weight.

Mirro and all american have the weights. Google canners. Also look at the canning section of your local wally world. I got my jars and the all american at wally world this past yr. They were the lowest place in town. Be expecting to spend a good 100 or more for a canner. You want a very heavy double walled one so it will last.

Dont forget to get you a water bath canner also so you can boil the jars to sterialize them prior to putting the food in them.

[brent]

Thanks Wash,
I don't know much about canning but I did notice that about the Presto. Thanks for the advice, it does help me narrow down my options..thanks, brent