Canning Newbie canning question

xtreme_right

Veteran Member
Go easy on me. I’m just now getting around to learn how to pressure can. Years ago, I did a little water bath canning.

I just got my Mirro 16 quart pressure canner and read the pamphlet. It says to always place jars on canning rack, never place jars directly on bottom of pressure canner.

The list of parts shows 2 canning racks but notes that it only comes with the 22qt version.

Did they short me a canning rack? Do I need one?
 

summerthyme

Administrator
_______________
No, the 22 quart can stack jars, so they include the second rack to place between two layers of pints. Yours will only hold one layer of pints. If you did want to, say, can pulled pork in half pints, you can buy a rack separately... you could stack those two high in your canner.

Summerthyme
 

phloydius

Veteran Member
Is this the one you have?


From the website:
"Built with three separate safety features: an overpressure gasket release window, an overpressure plug, and safety pin locking handles. Its sturdy aluminum construction will keep it functioning reliably for years. Please note this canner includes 5, 10 and 15lbPSI weights. For a canning rack see this model's parts page here We also offer a canning kit that includes this pressure canner, the essential Ball Blue Book, and a set of canning tools. Please note: Can only be used for canning at 15PSI. 5 and 10PSI are for cooking only."
 

phloydius

Veteran Member
"Can only be used for canning at 15PSI. 5 and 10PSI are for cooking only."

This part worries me: Are you at an elevation that you would use the 15lb or the 10lb weigh?
 

xtreme_right

Veteran Member
"Can only be used for canning at 15PSI. 5 and 10PSI are for cooking only."

This part worries me: Are you at an elevation that you would use the 15lb or the 10lb weigh?
I’m at 390’. It says to only use the 15psi for canning. It doesn’t mention anything about elevation.
 
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xtreme_right

Veteran Member
No, the 22 quart can stack jars, so they include the second rack to place between two layers of pints. Yours will only hold one layer of pints. If you did want to, say, can pulled pork in half pints, you can buy a rack separately... you could stack those two high in your canner.
They provide two racks though. I’m guessing the first goes between the canner bottom and the first layer of jars. If processing a double layer or jars, you’d use the second rack.
Even doing just one layer, wouldn’t you need a rack? The instructions say to never place jars directly on the bottom of the canner.
 

phloydius

Veteran Member
I’m at 390’. It says to only use the 15psi for canning. It doesn’t mention anything about elevation.

Pressure Canning, typically varies the lbs of pressure based on elevation (See the Ball Blue Book for lots of canning information). More lbs needed in the mountains vs sea level. I just don't recall ever seeing a pressure canner say only use this one weight. But I am not an expert, maybe someone more knowledgeable can chime in. Where I live at about 600', I use 10lbs of pressure.


Below is the general recommendation (from the internet).
Here are the guidelines for weighted-gauge canners:
  • At up to 1,000 feet above sea level, use 10 pounds of pressure.
  • At above 1,000 feet above sea level, use 15 pounds of pressure.
 

summerthyme

Administrator
_______________
They provide two racks though. I’m guessing the first goes between the canner bottom and the first layer of jars. If processing a double layer or jars, you’d use the second rack.
Even doing just one layer, wouldn’t you need a rack? The instructions say to never place jars directly on the bottom of the canner.
Yes. You always use a rack on the bottom... putting jars directly on the canner bottom results in broken jars.

Summerthyme
 
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