Buying guide for best pressure canners
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Although not as common as it used to be, many people still love to can fresh foods so they become shelf-stable and long-lasting. That’s where a pressure canner comes in. This type of cookware produces pressurized steam to preserve fruits, vegetables and meats in canning jars. By using temperatures around 250 degrees, the canning process kills germs and bacteria and creates a vacuum seal on canning jars. This makes it possible to enjoy home-canned foods long after harvest season.
Whether you’ve been canning for years or want to learn how to can to save money by preserving your garden’s bounty, you need a quality pressure canner. One that’s made of strong materials, fits numerous jars and seals precisely will result in years of canning your favorite foods. Our top pick, the All American 15.5-Quart Pressure Cooker/Canner, meets this criteria, plus it’s easy to clean and can also be used as a pressure cooker.
Editors’ picks
All American 15.5-Quart Pressure Cooker/Canner
Editors’ Favorite
Dimensions: 12.25” D x 12.25” W x 12. 25” H | Weight: 15 lb | Liquid Capacity: 15.5 qt | Mason Jar Capacity: 10 pt or 7 qt | Material: Alumium
The All American 15.5-Quart Pressure Cooker/Canner lives up to its name by being manufactured in the United States. Made of heavy-gage aluminum, it’s constructed to last for years of canning. Because it doubles as a pressure cooker, it's also a versatile small appliance that will come in handy for preparing chili, stew, rice and more.
Designed with reliable locks and a metal sealing system, you can count on this canner to create airtight seals on jars. It’s a generous 15.5-quart model that can accommodate 10 pint or seven quart canning jars. Unlike some models, it doesn’t have a gasket, so there’s no additional component that will wear out and need to be replaced.
We also appreciate that this pressure canner has a steam gauge to help you monitor the progress during canning. A pressure regulator and canning rack are also included. When it’s time to clean the canner, the sleek aluminum finish makes the task easy to accomplish.
Presto 23-Quart Pressure Canner and Cooker
Great Value
Dimensions: 15.5” D x 17.5” W x 13.5” H | Weight: 12 lb | Liquid Capacity: 23 qt | Mason Jar Capacity: 20 pt or 7 qt | Material: Aluminum
Although it’s budget-priced, the Presto 23-Quart Pressure Canner and Cooker has a lot to offer. It’s made of strong heavy-gauge aluminum, so you can expect it to last for many years of regular use.
While it can be used as a pressure canner, those who prefer the traditional method of home canning will like that jars can be processed by boiling them. This method is perfect for those who want to make jellies and jams or preserve a variety of fruits. The steam gauge comes in handy for guiding users during the preserving process.
If you’re new to canning, you’ll also love that this canner comes with a booklet with important instructions and recipe ideas to help you get started. It has a 23-quart capacity and can hold 20 pint jars or seven quart jars, and a canning rack and a cooling rack are included so it’s ready to use out of the box.
Presto 12-Quart Stainless Steel Electric Pressure Canner
Best Electric Pressure Canner
Dimensions: 14” D x 17” W x 16” H | Weight: 20.5 lb | Liquid Capacity: 12 qt | Mason Jar Capacity: 5 qt or 8 pt | Material: Stainless steel
If you’re looking for an electric pressure canner, the Presto 12-Quart Stainless Steel Electric Pressure Canner is the one to buy. Made of stainless steel, it features a digital control panel that makes it easy to operate.
Ten built-in safety functions ensure that both novices and pros are able to can safely and achieve excellent results. The interior pot is removable, which simplifies removing jars for cooling once the canning process is complete. It also means that there is no gasket that will eventually need to be replaced.
In addition to being simple to clean after canning, this modern model’s contemporary design makes it easy to store. Offering a 12-quart capacity, it can fit five quart jars or eight pint jars. Overall, it’s an outstanding choice for anyone who likes the idea of canning using modern electronic technology and digital controls.
How we analyzed
Canning or “putting up” fruits and vegetables is a rewarding yet tedious process, so we wanted to make sure that home canning enthusiasts are able to choose the best pressure canners on the market. We analyzed more than 30 canners and narrowed them down to the top models by looking closely at materials, durability, size and extra features.
Our team took note of each canner’s durability, as the rigorousness and high temperatures of preserving food require superior construction. We looked at capacity, factoring in the number of canning jars each canner can hold. Lids, handles and steam gauges were also assessed. Those who use a pressure canner also want to know how difficult or simple it is to clean, so we took that into consideration as well.
Types of pressure canners
There are two types of pressure canners: dial gauge and weighted gauge. They measure pressure differently.
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Dial gauge: This type of pressure canner has a dial that shows the pressure level inside. As a safety precaution, it’s important that the dial works correctly, and it should be inspected as part of the regular maintenance of your pressure canner.
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Weighted gauge: A weighted gauge pressure canner is a good option for those who like to set and forget. These models alert users when they reach the set pressure.
What to consider when buying a pressure canner
Size
Pressure canners are sized by quart. Some models allow you to stack jars on top of each other to can more at one time. Pressure canners are large appliances, so make sure you have the storage space in your kitchen.
Material
Aluminum pressure canners are cheaper, lighter, and heat up quickly, but they aren’t very durable. Stainless steel pressure canners last longer, but they are pricier and heat up slowly.
Handles
A pressure canner is a hefty piece of kitchen equipment, and you need to be able to get a good grip on it. Make sure it’s comfortable to carry. A pressure canner requires a firm hold to move around, especially when it’s full to the brim.
Lid
Stovetop compatibility
Choose a pressure canner that’s appropriate for use on your stovetop. Some pressure canners will scratch glass stovetops. Aluminum pressure canners can’t be used on induction stovetops. If you can’t find a model that’s safe for use on your stovetop, you can use a pressure canner on a hot plate or other portable burner.
How much do pressure canners cost?
Pressure canners range from $50 to over $400. More expensive canners are made of higher-quality materials and are built to last. Larger canners are pricier, too.
However, if you use your pressure canner to preserve food, chances are you’ll pay for the cost of the appliance quickly. Canning summer crops for the winter allows you to avoid buying expensive out-of-season produce.
FAQ
Q. Couldn’t I just use a hot water bath to can foods?
A. This is the traditional method used by home canners, but you can’t reach the same temperature with boiling water as you can with a pressure canner. And if you want to preserve foods with low acidity, you must use a pressure canner.
Q. Why is such a high temperature required for canning?
A. Boiling water is not hot enough to kill off the bacteria responsible for botulism. Botulism spores thrive in the conditions created by improperly canned low-acid foods. Skipping a pressure canner and opting for a hot water bath when canning low-acid foods could lead to dangerous health risks.
Q. What are low-acid foods?
A. While tomatoes and pickled foods are high in acidity, foods like green beans, meats, and potatoes are not. Even when canning high-acid foods, it’s important to stick to recipes to ensure that the final product is safe to eat, especially if you’re new to canning.
Q. Can my pressure canner explode?
A. If everything is working correctly, no. Keep any vents on your pressure canner’s lid open during the canning process to ensure there is no possibility for unsafe pressure buildup. When filling your canning jars, make sure to leave some room at the top (called “headspace”) to allow for the contents of the jar to expand. Otherwise jars can break open or not seal properly during the canning process.
