The University of Minnesota Extension, Becker County is equipped to test pressure canner dial gauges for home canners. 

A pressure canner is essential for canning low-acid vegetables, meats, fish and poultry. 

Two basic types of canners are available. One has a dial gauge to indicate the pressure inside the canner and it is recommended this gauge be tested annually. The other has a metal weighted gauge and is not tested. 

The Becker County Extension Office has a pump dial gauge-testing unit.  This unit uses air rather than steam pressure to test pressure canner gauges.  Call Linda Perrine, extension office manager at (218) 846-7328 to make an appointment to have a gauge tested free of charge.  The extension office is located at 1120 8th St. SE Detroit Lakes.

For general home canning questions, contact the University of Minnesota AnswerLine toll free at (800) 854-1678. Answer Line staff have been answering consumer’s questions for over 30 years providing reliable, research-based answers to everyday questions. Call them to get information about safely cooking, canning and freezing foods, cleaning stains and mildew from homes and clothes and dealing with floods and other household issues. Calls are answered Monday-Friday between 9 a.m. and 12 p.m. and 1-4 p.m. 

Planning ahead can save time, money and frustration with home canning. Make it a happy, successful canning season by getting prepared before the harvest is ready.