The 11 ppi for a quart jar pork canning at 90 minutes was found from the trusted canning source, dealing with exact same canner model. The 15 pounds value is so common only because you cannot actually set the 11 ppi pressure with the weighted jiggler (it usually has only 3 fixed pressures available to set and control - 5, 10, and 15 ppi). That's why I'm on the fence about the upgrade. It's not just about the overcooking, but rather about energy saving, especially If I'll have to use a generator, propane, or a wood stove in a survival situation. Actually, it was not much of a hassle to monitor the gauge even for the first time, as it seems very stable as soon as you hit that sweet spot. If I'll find that my marking for that power output is repeatable on the next batch, then it will be a nobrainer to just set it and forget it for 90 minutes.
Who is your trusted source?
The
National Center for Home Food Preservation should be your main source of info.
Yes they call for 11 lbs with a dial gauge but with a
weighted gauge, the pressure is 10 lbs as the weighted gauge typically only has 3 settings of 5, 10 and 15 lbs.
As for the choosing between a weighted gauge and a dial gauge. You are better off with the weighted gauge as the dial gauge needs regular visual monitoring to make sure the pressure is correct and this will rule out your statement above of "set and forget" which is dangerous in more ways then one.
Consider what may happen if you "set and forget" then come back 90 minutes later only to find that the pressure is down 2-3 lbs? That canned food must not be ever considered safe for consumption.
On the other end of the scale, what happens if you do not monitor the dial gauge then the pressure builds too much and the relief valve does not open? Hint, look up to where the lid is impacted into the kitchen ceiling. I don't think your wife would think too much of her now ruined kitchen because you chose "to set and forget." Needless to say, anyone standing in the near vicinity when that canner went nuclear, may have been seriously burned and injured.
Also the dial gauges need to be properly tested in a proper facility. If the gauge is more then 2 lbs out of calibration, it will need to be replaced.
Whereas with the weighted gauge, as long as you are within earshot in the house, out in the yard, in the garage etc and still hear the gauge gently jiggling, no constant visual monitoring is required. Also the weighted gauge never needs testing as it cannot go out of calibration due to their design.
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