Per USDA and pressure canner manufacturers’ guidelines, the dial gauge of a pressure canner must be tested annually to ensure food safety. Despite the issued guidance, consumers are finding it more difficult to find local testing sites at county extension offices and hardware stores.  When it cannot be done locally, sending the gauge to National Presto Industries is an option.  Presto will test dial gauges at no charge provided it is one of the following brands: National (National Pressure Cooker Company), Magic Seal (sold by Montgomery Ward), Maid of Honor (sold by Sears, Roebuck and Company), or Presto®.  To facilitate consumers even more, Presto has introduced another option—convert a dial gauge canner to a weighted regulator canner! 

Presto shared the following information in a recent newsletter:

“Most dial gauge canners can easily be converted to a weighted regulator canner, simply by using Presto part 50332 in place of the one-piece pressure regulator that came with your Presto canner, or with most older models using conversion kit, part #85485 which includes the correct vent pipe. When the 10- minute venting period is completed, place the 50332 weighted regulator, with weights (rings) appropriate for your altitude, on the vent pipe instead of the one-piece pressure regulator that came with your canner. You do not need to watch the dial gauge pressure, just rely on the slow, gentle rocking of this weighted regulator as the indicator that proper pressure is achieved.”

“The weighted regulator pressure canner utilizes a 3-piece adjustable pressure regulator to control and maintain the correct pressure inside the canner throughout the canning process. The weighted regulator has removable weights (rings) that allow the user to adjust for 5, 10, and 15 pounds pressure. Desired pressure is obtained when the regulator begins a gentle rocking motion. For 15 pounds pressure leave both rings on the stem; 10 pounds pressure remove one ring; and 5 pounds pressure remove both rings.”

Converting to a weighted regulator has some distinct advantages:

• The weighted regulator does not need to be tested for accuracy—ever!
• The weight will never go out of calibration.
• Great alternative for regions of the country that do not offer dial gauge testing services.
• The ability to hear that proper pressure is being maintained without having to watch the dial is desirable for many consumers.

The regulator parts should be ordered from Presto or reputable online sites.  To be sure you are getting Presto replacement parts, look for the Presto authentic packaging and logo. Parts are available directly from Presto: Parts Lookup – Presto® (gopresto.com). If you are purchasing elsewhere, be aware that not all online vendors purchase parts from Presto. There are many knock-off parts available that do not fit properly.

Once conversion is made, you will need to use the pressure and time charts for weighted gauge pressure canners like those found on the National Center for Home Food Preservation website adjusting for altitude.  See the example from NCHFP for Carrots below.

To see how this conversion works, watch Using a Weighted Presto Regulator on YouTube.  If you are still unsure of what you should see and hear when using a weighted regulator, watch this YouTube video.  For more information, contact Presto Customer Service at 800-877-0441 or contact@gopresto.com.

Source:
Let’s Preserve Together, Issue 2, July 2024.  Presto Test Kitchen.

Iowa State University Extension and Outreach and AnswerLine do not endorse or recommend any products mentioned in this blog. Reference to any commercial product, process, or service, or the use of any trade, firm, or corporate name is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute an endorsement, recommendation, or certification of any kind. Persons using such products assume responsibility for their use and should make their own assessment of the information and whether it is suitable for their intended use in accordance with current directions of the manufacturer.

Marlene Geiger

I am a graduate of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln with a BS in Home Economics Education and Extension and from Colorado State University with a MS in Textiles and Clothing. I enjoy spending time with family and friends, gardening, quilting, cooking, sewing, and sharing knowledge and experience with others.

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