" the pressure canner which states to use the 15 lb weight for canning "

No something is wrong but I'm not sure what. What brand and model of pressure canner do you have? Do you have a 5 and 10 and 15 lb weight for the canner? Can you tell me exactly what the manual says, the context, when it says you must use the 15 lb weight? Manuals are often wrong which is why we don't recommend using them.

If you are at an altitude of under 1000' then the processing time and pressure you should use depends exactly which of the 4 methods you are using.

Are you new to pressure canning? On the off chance this is a Presto 23 qt. canner then you have to buy the 3 weight set separately and what the manual is talking about is the 15 lb counter-weight that comes with the canner and you adjust the weight you use by using the gauge which is very difficult to do without first having it tested and then doing several trial runs with it to get experience.

Dave

Hi I purchased a Mirro by t fal and the manual is a little vague. Firstly had to google the jiggling action as to what it really meant and I think I have worked out that it needs to vent 4-5 a minute. Then in the manual under using the opperating valve it states Low A3 for cooking delicate foods and vegetables 5psi Medium A2 for cooking fish and meat. 10psi and finally High for cooking frozen foods and canning. 15psi. It should state that all the weights are for canning not just the 15psi it also doesn't tell you to vent for 10 mins prior to putting on the weight.

Sorry but it sounds as if you bought a pressure cooker, not a pressure canner. Wearever makes Mirro's canners. T Fal only makes their pressure cookers.

I would need the exact model number or at least an online link to info on it to know for sure. But those the instructions one normally finds on pressure cookers.

Dave

The model is Mirro T fal 92116CA and I think the instructions are generic for both the regular pressure cooker and the canner. As they do discuss cooking food in this item as well as canning.

Forgot to say I live in Canada.

Ok found it on amazon.ca. Unusual model and the weight is unlike most Mirro weights. But it is supposed to be either:

a 3 piece weight that comes apart into 3 pieces and you use 2 of them to = 10 lbs, by twisting it

or a one piece unit that can be twisted to align with markings on it for 5-10-15 lbs.

So you need to examine the weight closely. There also seems to be some sort of problem with the handles from what I read in reviews about it but it wasn't clear exactly what the problem is. And many reviews mention it can't be used on glass stop stoves if that is relevant.

You are also going to have difficulty getting the weight in place as the canner is venting steam without getting burned so take care.

But if you can get the weight set on 10 lbs. then that is all you need for tomatoes at your altitude.

Dave

Thanks for all your help. This model does have three separate weights so will give it a go tonight. Thanks again.