Before you start preserving a bounty of vegetables this summer, be sure to have UNH Cooperative Extension test your pressure canner gauge. This free service ensures your pressure canner is safe, usable and accurate — saving you time and money and keeping your family safe.
Why test your canner’s gauge? Inaccurate gauge readings can lead to food safety risks, damaged equipment and other problems. The USDA recommends dial gauges be replaced if they read high or low by more than two pounds at five, 10 or 15 pounds of pressure. Having UNH Cooperative Extension test your pressure canner gauge is the easiest way to learn if your gauge is accurate.
Many pressure canners have a dial gauge for indicating and regulating pressure. Weighted gauges do not require testing. UNH Cooperative Extension’s service uses the Presto Dial Gauge tester. Extension can test accuracy for Presto gauges as well as some older canner models from National, Magic Seal and Maid of Honor.
Getting your gauge tested is easy. Testing can be done by mail or in person at the UNH Extension Education Center, 329 Mast Road, Suite 115, Goffstown, NH 03045.
For in-person testing, call the Education Center at 603-351-3831 and make an appointment. To have your gauge tested by mail, follow these steps:
- Carefully remove dial gauge from canner and package in foam, bubble wrap or newspaper to avoid damage.
- Ship gauge only. If you cannot remove the gauge from the canner lid, send canner lid with the gauge attached.
- Gauges are checked within three working days of receipt and shipped for return.
- Please include your name, mailing address and phone number in the package.
Start your summer off right by having UNH Cooperative Extension test your pressure canner gauge. Don’t wait — have your gauge tested now and save money, save time and keep your family safe.
