Product Review Monday

(Below is Don’s book review this week.)

My book suggestion for today is tiny…but oh so packed with information: The Pocket Ref.

At only 5.5 inches tall, this is truly a pocket book. I’ve had a copy of the Pocket Ref in my possession for years. If for some reason you were magically sent back in time to the 1800s and could only take one book that could fit in your pocket, this is that book.

The Amazon link has an astoundingly long list of the diverse kinds of critical information this volume contains. Much of the information that makes up our modern civilization is included in this tiny, dense book.

Frankly, this is the perfect “guy” stocking stuffer. Highly recommend.

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Today’s product recommendation is something near and dear to my heart: A pressure canner.

The two most common types of (American) pressure canners are All American and Presto. The advantage of an All American is its heavy-duty quality, the lack of a gasket (it has a metal-to-metal seal), and its incredibly study build. The All American quality is such that it can be used for generations. The disadvantage is cost – depending on size, prices range from about $350 to $650 (the best-selling model #921 is about $450).

The advantage of a Presto canner is its cost (about $125). The disadvantage is the gasket on the lid – it must be checked and replaced every so often to ensure a proper seal. Additionally, the Presto is not as heavy-duty as the All American, and frankly is not built to last as long.

I’ve owned my All American (model #921) for 35 years and adore it. I have used a Presto once or twice (while teaching friends to can) and, while I didn’t like it as much, a lot of that was due to my unfamiliarity with the product. However it should be noted that every canner becomes passionately attached to his or her particular brand and model, so go with whatever brand you prefer. Both brands have a long history of home-canning excellence. (It’s worth noting, however,  that neither canner can be used on a glass-top stove.)

I have no experience with Mirro canners and therefore cannot make a recommendation. Ditto for Presto’s new electric canner – the National Center for Home Food Preservation has not approved the electric canner, though they stop short of saying it is unsafe (they just haven’t tested it yet).

I’m a passionate canner and have canned literally thousands of jars of food in my All American pressure canner. A pressure canner is the ultimate tool for those interested in food preservation.

(Obligatory disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Affiliate, if you purchase through those links, we earn a small commission.)

Source: http://www.rural-revolution.com/2025/07/product-review-monday.html