O.K., here's the deal. For starters there is no such thing as universal
parts. They are very specific to the brands. There are lots of brands but
3 main brands. Presto, Mirro and AA (All American). There is also a Fagor
but it really isn't a pressure canner even though it is advertised as one.
The AA wins hands down for best PC. Now, they don't come cheap but I would
go with a medium sized AA. Once you get going canning you'll find that a
small PC just won't fit your needs. The AA has no gaskets so there are
fewer problems with it.
If you are a total novice, go buy the BBB (Ball Blue Book). For my 4-H kids
I print out the National Center for Preservation "book" off the net. It has
everything you'll ever need to know about canning. Well, almost everything
<g> http://www.uga.edu/nchfp/how/can_home.html
They don't cover steam canners and they don't cover dry canning.
If you've never canned or haven't canned in ages, then I recommend joining
Canning2 AT yahoogroups.com. Friendly folks with an absolute wealth of
knowledge AND very willing to share.
Right now several folks are "testing" the reuseable lids and posting results
on what is happening with them.
they also have all the info on steam canners in their files. personally,
you couldn't pay me enough money to go back to the BWB (boiling water bath)
canners! L-O-V-E my steam canner!
Any other questions, ask away!
Lynda
----- Original Message -----
From: "Selena Simonetti" <selenacanada AT yahoo.com>
There are so many types and brands out there. What's the consensus for the
best
brand of pressure cookers? I'm looking for a small/medium sized one. I need
one
that will be able to accept "universal" parts if needed.
*******
Selena Simonetti
selenacanada AT yahoo.com
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