Is annual checking of the pressure gauge necessary?

by Jessica
(North Carolina)

I have recently read that you should have your pressure gauge checked each year, but it seems as if people who I know, who have been canning for years, are not really doing that. Is it really necessary to have that gauged checked each year?

Thanks

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answer:

Yes you should have your pressure canner gauge tested each year.

The USDA recommends that gauges be checked every year. That way you will know that the gauge is reading correctly.

I confess I also used to skip having my gauge read. But I decided to have it checked on year just because it had been awhile. I found out that my gauge was not reading correctly! Not a good thing.

Now I go ahead and do it regularly.

Better safe than sorry.

Check with your local Ace Hardware Store. Ours has a canning day each year. The local extension comes and checks gauges for a discounted rate.

They offer advice and recipe booklets too.