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Does anyone use a pH meter in home canning?

9 years ago

My question is about the Wisconsin extension document about pH meters: http://www.foodsafety.wisc.edu/assets/pdf_files/what_is_ph.pdf

They say to get one that is accurate to within .01 if possible. All the models they recommend in that PDF are discontinued and I wondered if someone had found one with that accuracy range that wasn't a million dollars :)

P.S. Yes I do understand that some people will tell me that I shouldn't even think of owing a pH tester, but as much as I appreciate that caution and all the past discussions of it here (such as http://forums.gardenweb.com/forums/load/harvest/msg0113464331140.html) that is not my question. I only make tested recipes from the accepted authorities such as Jarden group, NCHFP, USDA & extensions, etc but I do want to test the results anyway, as unnecessary as it is, out of my own personal interest and curiosity.

This post was edited by RandalOulton on Tue, Feb 3, 15 at 0:44

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digdirt2
9 years ago
With the disclaimer that pH is proven to be unstable (it rises over time in storage) then yes there are several models available that can be used at your own risk. But cost is the break point and none of them are inexpensive.

All of the approved models call for regular re-calibration with a series of fresh buffers and they have a limited shelf life so need to be replaced frequently.

Most of the ones I am familiar with are made by Hanna Instruments. They offer both portable and bench top instruments and prices range from approx. $50 to over $500 depending on the degree of accuracy you want. Examples of many of their models are listed on amazon.com

Dave
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Good news... Though it won't do you much good this season you can get a professional soil test for free in NC. Well, your tax dollars pay for it. These are some high-end professional tests that will tell you exactly what's going on with your soil. If you choose to use this service (it's VERY worth the effort) try to have your soil samples in before October/November for quick turnaround because the lab gets SWAMPED with requests over the winter. The final report will pretty much tell you where you stand with your soil quality and what you need to amend it with nutrient-wise. Here is a link that might be useful: Soil Test Forms & Information
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Here is a comment from the website Journal of Extension joe.org:"A soil probe that was inserted into moist soil in plots provided poor response to soil pH and is not suitable for diagnosis of soil pH problems." Suggest a reading. Also suggest contacting your local county extension agent for advice. Here is a link that might be useful: Journal of Extension
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Linda - I think there are plenty - starting with litmus strIps for $9. My understanding - you do not buy the ones that measure the PH directly - you need the ones that you mix your soil with distilled water - and then measure the PH of the solution. It should be in a range of $30-100. You can use the litmus paper - but then you need to buy new strips every so often. The fact that el cheapo shows you 6.7 - you probably in a good range to start with, but the precision of the stick-in-a-pot meters is not really good -because it depends on how well watered is your plant. I looked at the Amazon - and there are loads... I.
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Oh, that Milwaukee looks good for $90. So does the Cole-Parmer for $100. The Orion the NCHFP recommends is $500 "used" on e Bay and way out of my pickle range. I have seen the really cheap-o's but I don't even buy those for my soil testing. Waste of money IMO. Thanks. For those who are just curious and don't have to be pH specific, the 3.0 to 6.0 litmus papers from indigo.com (50 for 7.50) work just fine. I recommend them for those who can tomatoes. Nancy
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