Canning Equipment, #10 and #2/3

[joseph97297]

Hello. One of the families that we are close with is getting a new machine for canning and they asked us if we wanted to buy their older equipment. They are in great shape, but I haven't gotten the Model number or anything yet. They are upgrading to an electric model and no longer want the hand operated ones

They have a sealer for #10 cans and one that does #1/2/3 cans. They don't have any cans or lids that they are getting rid of but they are willing to part with them(the sealers) for 100 dollars and two rabbit cages that my Hubby will build.

Is this a good deal, or should I use that money to buy more canning jars? Does anyone here still seal using the metal cans? Hubby said it would be a good way to store our dehydrated fruit and veggies and to seal the wheat in manageable servings. But he says that it doesn't matter to him one way or the other.

I am just unsure as to whether this would be an asset or just a side road? any suggestions or advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks
Mandy

[Callieslamb]

If you don't have access to an LDS church or LDS Bishop's store house...
If you do have access to the cans and lids
If you are going to put a LOT of stuff in cans - then, yes, it is a great deal. The #10 can sealers are usually over $700.

I would do it in a minute!

[Common Tator]

I have looked into getting that equipment myself and couldn't because it was so expensive! That is a great deal!

Search on line for the cans, and see if you can find them locally.

I did some canning in #10 cans with the hand crank model with some Mormon friends. It was so nice, to put in my dry food, and an oxygen absorber and seal the can, and have it stay good for so many years!

For canning other foods that would otherwise be perishable, I was looking at the owners manual for my All American Pressure Canner, and they sell similar can sealing equipment, and it seems you can seal foods in your metal cans, then process in a pressure canner just like jars!

If I were you, I would jump on it!

[Windy in Kansas]

Before you decide whether it is a good deal or not price the cost of supplies. I tend to remember that cans and lids are much higher than jar lids. Cans are one time use whereas jars are recycled with just lid replacement needed.

After looking for cans and such on the Net just now I'm not finding many suppliers. I guess that I would rather have a jar which I can buy a lid for almost anywhere. And yes I know that jars break as a downside. Unless kept for a very long time cans can rust.

Lehman's Hardware sells the can sealer for about $240. I suppose they have the cans to but I couldn't find them on their site. Good deal? Your decision but I would advise to check prices for supplies.