A New Preserving Unit

Back in 2012 I picked up an old Fowlers stove top preserving unit that came with a few jars and bits and pieces and then later on I got lots of other jars from the op shop.  The preserving unit although old got me started and I got a lot of use out of it.  But it was coming to the end of it's life as the bottom was rusted and I was sure it was going to spring a leak every time I used it.  I considered getting a new base welded in but had not done anything about it.  I also looked into getting a new electric preserving unit but they are over $250 new so again this had not progressed.

While we were in Daylesford on our road trip we just happened to be wandering through a retro and second had store when out of the corner of my eye I spotted a retro orange and yellow preserving unit just like the green one I had at home.  On closer inspection it turns out that the unit is brand new and came complete with the jar opener, recipe book, air remover, bottle brush, thermometer and a brewers thermometer.  I could not believe my luck and it only cost $70 for the lot.
So the preserving unity then had to join us for the rest of our road trip which was no small feat as it is quite bulky.  But as I told Hubby we WILL find room.

My old preserving unit on the left and new one on the right

As you can see the inside of my old unit is very rusty and the base is now very thin.

I really could not believe what I was seeing when I saw it was brand new but I am sure that once we get to New Zealand I will be able to put it to good use and change that.  Mum and Dad have a big veggie garden and orchard for us to take advantage of and I already have some asparagus plants planted there so I am sure it will not be too long till the new one gets christened.