My mom requested a water pressure canner for Christmas. This seems like a good deal but I'm worried about size and weight (she's 60+). Any feedback?
456582
It's not very heavy. Pretty light, actually. All aluminum. When your mom was young, they would have used thicker aluminum - but this is pretty light. I'm a &gt;60 yr male, in good health, no lifting issues. But I remember the aluminum pressure cookers of my mother's day as heavier. If your Mom is not frail yet, doesn't have serious back issues, this should be A-ok. Let me put it another way - this is an estimate, but I would guess the canner, WITH 7 quarts of stuff to can, AND about 1.5 gallons of water for the canning, would weigh about 30 lbs. But you put all that stuff in when it's on the stove, so the farthest you would carry it that way would be to pick it up to move it off the burner. Other answers I see are good, saying pretty much the same. This size IS for canning larger quantities. If she's only doing some grape jam every other year - or wants something that will double as a pressure cooker, the smaller size might be more appropriate. I don't have room to even keep mine in the kitchen. It lives in my "barn". But, when it comes to pressure canning, this is the best value pressure canner out there. More steam for your buck!
456583
This pressure cooker/canner is aluminum so it is not too heavy. I think she should not have any problem using it. I put mine on the stove, then add water with a measuring bowl, then place my jars in. I never really have to do any heavy lifting unless I need the burner after it has finished cooking. I absolutely love mine.
456584
Cooker is lightweight when empty. It is large good for multiple jars at once. I am over 60 and had no trouble.
456585
This is no different than a large aluminum pot in terms of size and weight.
456586
I believe someone in the 60+ range can handle this. You dont fill it with water, just to approx 1/4-1/3 capacity. The jars go in after you haveplaced it on the burner. My wife is 60 and has no problems with it when canning. Of course every individual is different, i cant speak for yourmothers physical ability.....
456587
This is a big canner but if she is going to use it for canning purposes this 23 qt is awesome for doing large canning projects. If she cans small amounts at a time the 16 qt might be more her size. If she intends to use it to cook meat in, I would consider getting her a much smaller one. It largely depends on what she will use it for. Maybe just say you where going through her list and you noticed that she did not put down a size ont he pressure canner, so you get her what she needs.
456588
the 23 quart pressure cooker is BIG. unless she is going to do canning of quart sized jars I would think its too big. you need to find out what she plans to use it for. as for cooking she would have to be cooking for large groups or as I said canning on large scale. to give you an idea of the size of the 23 quart cooker you can cook 1 bushel of turnip greens after they are wilted, at one time. pressure can 7 quart jars or 20 pint jars at each canning.
909912
Thanks for asking and yes it is a very large pressure cooker which make it so nice for cutting down time and is a slow cooker (there again time is sometimes essential). Also is a pressure cooker for small jobs such as canning small amounts of leftovers. Would probably do a small turkey. Very nice indeed! Is good for large amounts and easy to clean. If you get one I hope you enjoy using it for lots of things.
2110404
Clearly this is a popular toy for that age group, mine was for a couples' 60th anniversary, both 90-ish. Maybe it should say 'suitable for ages 85-95' on the packaging?I hope you manage to get it sorted John. I suppose you'd at least have some evidence (this thread) to back you up if you do end up breaking the thing, but I'm sure you'd rather it didn't come to that.Good luck,Harry
1926445
We did not get it for the pressure. We got it for the ease of cleaning and the size. Our water pressure is fine. We just installed one for my 81 year old mother and she loves it.
778961
It depends on how much you plan on canning and how many people you are canning for. We have a large family so the large canner is nice (the largest that can handle 20 quart jars). You can do enormous batches of food, which is very nice. It is also very heavy. We had a smaller canner that could handle seven quart jars at once, but it wasn't tall enough to do water bath canning. For the quantity of food we process, this one is great. Having nice tools makes doing jobs better. If you get a nice canner, you will probably do it more. We hadn't used our previous canner very much, but use this one more. It depends on how much you plan on canning and how many people you are canning for. We have a large family so the large canner is nice (the largest that can handle 20 quart jars). You can do enormous batches of food, which is very nice. It is also very heavy. We had a smaller canner that could handle seven quart jars at once, but it wasn't tall enough to do water bath canning. For the quantity of food we process, this one is great. Having nice tools makes doing jobs better. If you get a nice canner, you will probably do it more. We hadn't used our previous canner very much, but use this one... » Read More It depends on how much you plan on canning and how many people you are canning for. We have a large family so the large canner is nice (the largest that can handle 20 quart jars). You can do enormous batches of food, which is very nice. It is also very heavy. We had a smaller canner that could handle seven quart jars at once, but it wasn't tall enough to do water bath canning. For the quantity of food we process, this one is great. Having nice tools makes doing jobs better. If you get a nice canner, you will probably do it more. We hadn't used our previous canner very much, but use this one more. « Show Less
757220
I would buy this one again, which is saying something considering how old it is. I bought mine in the late '90s. Electric appliances are great and I've got many. If my power goes out for any period of time, I'm set with a gas range. Additionally, I can disassemble the whole caboodle and put it in the dishwasher. That aside, what are your needs? Alton Brown recommends against uni-taskers and I, with a tee-tiny kitchen, have to agree. For many, many years, until last year actually, I used my pressure cooker as my "heavy bottomed pot" for cooking almost everything in addition to using it as a pressure cooker. In fact, I would be willing to say that it got used more for non-pressure cooking purposes than as a pressure cooker. Now that's my opinion. For yourself, determine what all of your needs are in relation to a pressure cooker. If necessary, write a list; check out cookbooks-are regular pressure cooker cookbooks convertible to electric?
767772
I have the 60QT pot it is great. I am 66 years old still do lots of canning could not do with out it. i didnt go bigger would take lots of heat and time bringing to boil. It fits the burner just right. I even used it on Gas burner you cant go wrong they stand behind the product. contact me if need to enjoy. GAC
829004
Hello Jayne, go for the bigger one. You never go wrong. Small has no room to expand if you want to do bigger.I bought mine at a thrift store for 10 dollars and works fine. Enjoy.
560121
Yes my family has always canned as far back as anyone can remember and this is the kit I purchased to start my daughter out with. It is always a good idea to start with wet bath canning before moving on to pressure canning. Good luck and may your family enjoy it.
1161666
I looked up those canners, they have a steam gauge but it does not appear by the photograph that there is no part resembling this weight. I would look up that old canner and then see if you can order parts. Here is one of the canners and parts? There are several models and this should get you started. Hugs.
778956
Rediranch, This summer I was a beginner also. I LOVE this canner.....it is TOTALLY idiot proof (important for me). It is in fact HUGE! If they come any bigger I don't think we would be able to pick them up even when empty. It is very heavy duty. I only have 1. important note to self.....make sure the little "nitch" on the rim of the pot is facing YOU....this is very important because I can tell you from experience, it's hard to read the dial when it is facing the back of the stove. Depending on how big your kitchen sink is, it's a little difficult to wash but that is a small price to pay for this awesome canner. Hope this helps you.
2109714
actually I bought it for my elderly mother who has muscular dystrophy as well as arthritis and is rather short these days and she says she has no problem lifting it. It is safer than a range top one with a domed top that she would scrape and burn her knuckles on and they can splash and you have to hold that little button back which is rather difficult for weak fingers Is she filling it too full? the max on mine is 1.7 liter which fills a large teapot.The minimum is 0.5 liter which is what we use for a cup of cocoa or a small pot of tea. Perhaps if she made 2 half kettles she could handle it easier. actually I bought it for my elderly mother who has muscular dystrophy as well as arthritis and is rather short these days and she says she has no problem lifting it. It is safer than a range top one with a domed top that she would scrape and burn her knuckles on and they can splash and you have to hold that little button back which is rather difficult for weak fingers Is she filling it too full? the max on mine is 1.7 liter which fills a large teapot.The minimum is 0.5 liter which is what we use for a cup of cocoa or a small pot of tea. Perhaps if she made 2 half kettles she could handle it... » Read More actually I bought it for my elderly mother who has muscular dystrophy as well as arthritis and is rather short these days and she says she has no problem lifting it. It is safer than a range top one with a domed top that she would scrape and burn her knuckles on and they can splash and you have to hold that little button back which is rather difficult for weak fingers Is she filling it too full? the max on mine is 1.7 liter which fills a large teapot.The minimum is 0.5 liter which is what we use for a cup of cocoa or a small pot of tea. Perhaps if she made 2 half kettles she could handle it easier. « Show Less
1965114
I have a huge pressure canner and a water bath canner I use. I only use my deni for cooking meals. But I will order a couple more of them. I enjoy the enlonged shape as opposed to the round shape. And I do not care for the hinged lid pressure cookers. I also love the convience of the electric pressure cooker. No watching or adjusting the heat. My Mom, Aunt, and Grandmothers would have loved this kitchen tool. When it comes to canning, I only use the special canning equipment. I do not want any injuries. Hope that helps you.
498547
I can let you know this afternoon. I was going to put ours on ebay. It is like new and I bought it when she was that size. Do you want to buy mine? I see one is used for $25. I think that is a fair price. LMK. Jen
562702
My grandmother has been enjoying the use of this lovely can now for several months. She weighs apx. 160 pounds.
2109713
With .75 liters of water, it weighs a little over 3 pounds. My mother is 92, and she routinely cooks with iron skillets, so it depends on what kind of elderly you are talking about, I guess.
1644393
You really do need some one there---How frail is Mom?. I'm not joking. My husband and I went through numerous Maxi rub's. Not because they are bad---but it's the greatest and best gift I ever gave my construction worker husband. We used to do each others backs every night for 1/2 an hour each and it really did the greatest number on our backs. He's passed now and I really realize what a great deal of help that massager was doing for both of us. I miss him---and our 1/2 therapy with that maxi. It would be awkward if it was for your Mom to do on her own. If she had a lower back problem she might be able to "prop" it in a chair and lean against it. If she's elderly it might be a problem. I'm 64 and I bought myself a "Shiatsue" massager (sp). If your Mom has siatica (sp) that might be a problem too. Some women who have Calcium deficiancy in their bones might find this uncomfortable. There are cheap models under a 100.00 out there but they aren't much good---the one that's about 125.00 or so is great---My boss borrowed it and 4 friends---I had to threaten one of those to give it back. They are like a matte that you sit on with a back. The good ones have metal or hard plastic balls in the back part that go up and down---mine can go side to side along the spine---you can also use the remote to hit the button to make it stay in one spot. I love mine---If any of this is too much sometimes a plain old heating pad works Let me know if you need more help-I've had back problems my whole life with a handicap child