Does this keep the jars lifted off the bottom of the pot, or do I need to buy a little stand?
943303
No need for a stand. The jars sit in the basket, not on the bottom of the pot.
2092003
It's because the bottom isn't flat and no they don't make one that is flat. Most canners have a raised bottom so the glass jars don't come in contact with the heat source.
197169
I have used the rack from my Ball canner in this pot. The rack holds 7 qt. jars.
602033
It is raised so your cookware cannot hang over the edge. We really haven't had any problems with this and we use large stockpots. If you use a large pot on one of the smaller cook surface you may have to set it off center a little which isn't an issue.
2005479
I'm not entirely sure. But it's metal and sturdy. It does jiggle when you put heavy jars in it and try to lift it, but that's because the handles move. If you leave in the hot water and put the jars into the rack that is in the water there is zero issue with movement. And even if I did choose to put the jars in the rack and then move them to the water I have no worries that the rack will break or fall apart. If you don't like it or trust it many people choose to just remove it and take a kitchen towel and put it in the bottom of the pot so the jars don't touch the bottom. That's all it's really there for. I'm not entirely sure. But it's metal and sturdy. It does jiggle when you put heavy jars in it and try to lift it, but that's because the handles move. If you leave in the hot water and put the jars into the rack that is in the water there is zero issue with movement. And even if I did choose to put the jars in the rack and then move them to the water I have no worries that the rack will break or fall apart. If you don't like it or trust it many people choose to just remove it and take a kitchen towel and put it in the bottom of the pot so the jars don't touch the bottom. That's all it's... » Read More I'm not entirely sure. But it's metal and sturdy. It does jiggle when you put heavy jars in it and try to lift it, but that's because the handles move. If you leave in the hot water and put the jars into the rack that is in the water there is zero issue with movement. And even if I did choose to put the jars in the rack and then move them to the water I have no worries that the rack will break or fall apart. If you don't like it or trust it many people choose to just remove it and take a kitchen towel and put it in the bottom of the pot so the jars don't touch the bottom. That's all it's really there for. « Show Less
2102493
Not sure about that. I bought it to use as a pseudo rack to hold jars when canning. It worked fine for that, but the one time I didn't remove it immediately, the ratchet left marks in my stainless steel pot which remain to this day. I've scrubbed it and tried everything to no avail. When I replace the canning pot, I'll remember that lesson. Hope that helps.
957944
Yes, the jars should not come in contact with the bottom of the pot because they can crack. You can try using jar rings as a rack, but I found them to be a little unstable and one jar tipped. Jars need to remain upright in the canner. If you buy a regular large canner, such as one from Graniteware, it comes with a rack. Wire racks are also available from other manufacturers. I chose this one because it fits in my stockpot. You can read more about canning at http://nchfp.uga.edu/, the National Center for Home Food Preservation.
1708218
There are dividers, however the jars can tip some & therefore touch. Being sure that each jar is set in straight should remedy the tipping. Need also to be able to lift the rack straight up, or the jars may tip when taking them out of the water.
40754
If you are going to keep the saucer under the pot, the plant stand should be about that size. The saucer can overhang the plant stand a bit.
808613
Sorry I didn't respond before this. The bottom opening is 1 1/2", there is a ridge where it starts to widen that is about 2 1/4" it appears that it is designed to fit on top of your jars.
306221
They are metal and attached to the pot so you do need to use pot holders to lift it,
2169686
just checked it on wide mouth canning jar and the strainer is larger so it does not rest, would need to be held to use with wide mouth
957943
Yes it is necessary, the jars can't touch the bottom of the pot. Also this only hold 3 pint jars so if you are planning to can large amounts you would be better off investing in the large canning pot. Also I suggest watching the ball canning video lots of good information. I have been canning for a number of years and found the video informative.
854172
Using the big pot, is not necessary to put plastic tray on the bottom. If using two small pot, it needs to use plastic tray to keep it balance.
518620
You can lift up the weight on top with a pot holder and the pressure will release. You can then screw it off. If you want quick pressure release, run cold water over the lid. It takes less than 15 seconds that way.
2089935
Sorry, do not know. But I use 2-qt. jars, and even steeply tilted, my sprouts do not rest against the lids, so there's very little, very brief contact with the lids themselves.
1587015
It pulls off and you just press another on. I use one of those rubber grips used for opening jars. It's not been difficult.