I'm so glad you posted this, I was about to search for another thread I'd seen that recommended the All-American.
There have been two things keeping me from canning before (if you don't count general procrastination and lack of knowledge!) - a fear of poisoning my entire family, which I think I'm getting over, after reading more, and an exploding canner. I know, I read the reassurances and precautions, but I can't get the idea out of my head. I have similar issues with gas stoves. In fact, when I was a kid, while visiting my aunt, one of her neighbors was canning on a gas stove, and there was an explosion, so I have that association with both to this day. Aggh! But I'm determined to do this...
So far, I like what I have read about the AAs, and not having to replace a gasket, plus all of those clamps look reassuring. If I can find one for a decent price, or decide to just go for it, is there a certain model/size I should watch for? Do they all have the weight, in addition to the dial gauge? Is it a bad idea to buy one on ebay? LOL, can you tell that I am clueless?