The pressure canner is the perfect appliance to use when you have a glut of late-season corn or zucchini or are running low on freezer space. Low-acid foods such as vegetables, meat, poultry, and seafood can only be safely canned using this method. The pressure canner traps steam and creates pressure as it heats water above boiling, thereby killing bacteria, particularly those that cause botulism. Family-friendly canning projects are great for teaching children about seasonal produce and food preservation.
Despite the fact that pressure canners look similar to pressure cookers, they are very different from each other. You must read the fine print and check features more closely to ensure that the model meets safety requirements, even if the pressure cooker is marketed as a dual-purpose pressure canner. A UL approval symbol may be found on the base of the pressure canner pot; this certifies that the model has passed inspection and is safe to use.
Additionally, verify that the preservation jar model has been regulated by the National Center for Home Food Preservation (NCHFP), in order to ensure that the preserved food sealed inside is safe to eat. NCHFP does not issue a seal of approval for pressure canners, but you can verify that your model has certain safety features to ensure safe and efficient operation.
Before using a pressure canner, it is recommended that you read the user manual. You should follow the instructions for your pressure canner and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) instructions in order to ensure the safety of your canned food. These guidelines should be kept in mind when choosing the best pressure canner in 2023.
1. Presto Pressure Canner And Cooker
Features
- Brand: Presto
- Model: 01781
- Color: Silver
- Material: Aluminum
- Capacity: 21.77 Liters
- Weight: 12 pounds
- Dimensions: 15.4 x 15.1 x 14.8 inches
- View at Gopresto
On our next list, we have the Presto 01781 23-quart pressure canner and cooker. Among the things, we appreciate about this pressure canner is the fact that it is also a pressure cooker. We are also impressed with its price. Approximately 15-1/2 inches high and 17-1/2 inches in diameter, the Presto 23 Quart Pressure Canner and Cooker measure 23 qt.
Its capacity is impressive, allowing it to hold up to eight-quart jars, twenty-pint jars, or 26 half-pint jars. It is constructed using heavy-gauge aluminum that resists warping. Ideal for fast and even heating. The finish on this device is a lovely polished aluminum. You can use this pressure cooker and canner on a standard electric, smooth-top, or gas range.
Throughout the entire canning process, the Presto 01781 23 Quart Pressure Canner and Cooker’s handles stay cool to the touch thanks to the quality plastic. It automatically measures pressure when it senses pressure so that pressure can be maintained easily during processing.
It also displays the entire range of processing pressures, a feature that is useful for people at higher altitudes. As long as the cover is properly closed, the air vent and cover lock only allow pressure to build. They prevent the cover from opening until the pressure has been safely reduced.
Additionally, you can use this pressure canner as a water bath canner to preserve fruits, jelly, jams, pickles, and much more. But that isn’t all. As a pressure cooker, it also comes with a spacious pressure tank for storing food. In no time at all, you’ll be cooking something delicious for your family with this handy recipe book!
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Video: Pressure Canner Review by Simply Canning. Presto vs the All American
2. T-Fal Pressure Cooker And Canner
Features
- Brand: T-fal
- Model: P3105231
- Color: Silver
- Material: Aluminum
- Capacity: 22 Quarts
- Weight: 14.77 pounds
- Dimensions: 19.33 x 15.39 x 16.26 inches
- View at T-Falusa
One final product is this 22-Quart Pressure Cooker and Canner from T-Fal. With this 2-in-1 pressure cooker and canner, you can do both cooking and canning. A set of two canning racks included in the set lets you store seven quart-size jars, 16 pint-size jars, or 26 half-pint-size jars.
Built of heavy-gauge aluminum with a polished surface, it is rustproof and attractive. A sure locking system, similar to that featured in the Mirro Pressure Cooker and Canner review above, ensures that the lid cannot be accidentally opened while pressurized. The handle is also equipped with a pressure monitoring device.A deluxe dial and three cooking-pressure adjustments of 5 PSI, 10 PSI, and 15 PSI let you can a variety of foods without manually adjusting the pressure.
This device has not only a sure-locking system and built-in pressure monitor but also a vent tube for releasing pressure. To ensure even greater safety, the backup steam-release components include reusable overpressure plugs. If there is a need for more release, the gasket-release window can be pulled out from the lid opening.
The safety features of this pressure canner ensure that you and your family can use it safely. With this versatile and budget-friendly pressure cooker and canner, you can prepare a wide range of food right over the stovetop. The kit includes a user manual and recipe book, making it ideal for novices as well as seasoned canners.
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3. Presto Induction Compatible Pressure Canner
Features
- Brand: Presto
- Model: 01781
- Color: Silver
- Material: Aluminum, Stainless steel
- Capacity: 23 Quarts
- Weight: 10.3 pounds
- Dimensions: 13.5 x 17.5 x 15.5 inches
You should consider this pressure canner if you need a large one. The canning rack and pressure gauge allow precision processing pressures. In addition, it can hold 18 pints (when stacked) or 7 quarts, making it possible to process large batches at once. This canner also works with the traditional boiling water bath canning method, so if you don’t have a lot of storage space and want to avoid investing in separate pots, I think this is a good option.
Stainless steel clad base ensures compatibility with induction cooktops, which is another advantage of this canner. If you prefer, you can also choose an aluminum version, which is slightly less expensive and cannot be used induction devices.
Cooktops with 12,000 BTUs or less are most commonly compatible with canners; however, not every canner works on all cooktops. The base of this Presto Pressure Canner is made from metal, which prevents aluminum canners from working on induction cooktops.
Video: Testing Dial Gauge Pressure Canners
4. Presto Electric Pressure Canner
Features
- Brand: Presto
- Model: 02144
- Color: Black Stainless
- Material: Stainless Steel
- Capacity: 12 Quarts
- Weight: 23 pounds
- Dimensions: 17 x 14 x 16 inches
There has been no comment yet from USDA or NCFHP on this electric pressure canner, despite the fact that it seems to meet all of their regulations and guidelines. Despite this, this appears to be a pretty safe bet for home canning compared to instant pots and other multi-cookers.
This is an excellent option for people who are a little hesitant about pressure canning. You don’t have to worry about guesswork when you can with this device, all you have to do is load the jars with goodies and it’ll do the rest.
Additionally, this canner can be used to can pints and half pints using water baths. A quart jar can, however, only be pressure canned since the top of a quart jar cannot hold enough liquid. With a weight of approximately 20 pounds, the model can hold up to 10 half-pint jars, 4 quarts, or 8 pints.
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Video: How to Pressure Can with the Presto Precise® Digital Pressure Canner
5. Mirro Pressure Cooker And Canner
Features
- Brand: Mirro
- Model: 7114000221
- Color: Silver
- Material: Aluminum
- Capacity: 23.24 Liters
- Weight: 15 pounds
- Dimensions: 17 x 14 x 17 inches
- View at Pressurecooker-Outlet
A little basic-looking, but this Mirro 92122A 22 Quart Pressure Cooker and Canner have a lot of great features. The pressure cooker also functions as a food processor, so it makes a versatile addition to any kitchen. Pressure canning can be done with a capacity of up to seven quart-size jars, sixteen pint-size jars, or 26 half-pint-size jars.
Due to its high-quality aluminum construction, it is rustproof and provides equal heating. Thanks to its polished finish, it looks elegant and is easy to maintain. The sure locking lid system ensures that the lid doesn’t open while the canner is being pressurized.
The cooker’s reusable overpressure plug allows steam to easily escape if there is too much pressure. Safety window is also an added feature on the Mirro 92122A Pressure Canner. As a result, if the overpressure plug and vent tube are blocked, pressure will be released via the side rubber gasket.
It is also possible to select one of three cooking pressures on the Mirro 92122A 22 Quart Pressure Cooker and Canner: 5, 10, and 15 PSI. They deliver steady pressure without the need to adjust it manually. The set comes with a cooking rack, user’s manual, and recipe book so that you can get started canning right away!
6. Zavor EZLock Pressure Cooker & Canner
Features
- Brand: Zavor
- Model: ZCWEZ22
- Color: Stainless
- Material: Stainless steel
- Capacity: 12.7 Liters, 4 Liters
- Weight: 10.7 pounds
- Dimensions: 15.3 x 11.6 x 12 inches
The Zavor EZLock Stovetop Pressure Cooker & Canner has lots of great features, but we love its automatic self-locking mechanism which makes it simple for home cooks to use. Because the lid requires no alignment, it can be locked into place at any angle. Moreover, it provides two simple pressure settings (high and low), allowing users to cook a variety of dishes without feeling intimidated.
Approximately four 1-quart Mason jars or five pint Mason jars can fit in the 12.7-quart interior, which is just enough for all your home canning needs. We love it because it is made of 18/10 stainless steel and can be used with a variety of stovetops such as gas, electric, ceramic, and induction. An Amazon reviewer praised the product, calling it perfect for part-time canners!
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7. Granite Ware Pressure Canner
Features
- Brand: Granite Ware
- Model: F0730-2
- Color: Black
- Material: Aluminum
- Capacity: 18.93 Liters
- Weight: 10.5 pounds
- Dimensions: 14.5 x 14.25 x 13.38 inches
- View at Walmart
This 20-quart pressure cooker, pressure cooker, and steaker from Graniteware are just what your kitchen needs. Besides acting as a pressure cooker and steamer, it also serves as a pressure canner. Furthermore, it can also be used as an immersion circulator. With its impressive 7-quart capacity, 8-pint capacity, and 24 half-pint capacity, it is suitable for home use. It is not recommended to use this pressure cooker canner on glass-topped ranges.
Heavy gauge hard-anodized aluminum makes this 3-in-1 appliance strong, rust-proof, and stain-resistant. Stainless steel handles and a locking lid complete this beauty. Featured in the canner is a handy folding canning jar rack with handy handles that make it easy to remove. This Granite Ware 20-Quart Pressure Canner/Cooker/Steamer can be set to three different pressure levels: 5, 10, and 15 psi, which is ideal when canning at altitudes with varying temperatures.
The lid of this pressure canner is fitted with a vent pipe for safety purposes. In case this fails or becomes blocked, an additional safety valve will go off, and the second safety valve will sound a whistling alarm and expel any remaining pressure. When it is in use, the lid gasket seal forms a pressure-tight seal, securing the stainless steel lid in place.
To steam, there is a steamer insert included on the top two-thirds of the way down. Various items can be steam steamed here, including ribs, seafood, roast meats, vegetables, and much more. The Granite Ware 20-Quart Pressure Canner/Cooker/Steamer isn’t only large, but it’s versatile, making it a good choice to create family-sized meals that are healthy and economical.
Buying Guide: Best Pressure Canners
There are several excellent pressure canners currently available on the market, as shown below. Whatever pressure canner you decide to buy, we’ve compiled a list of features to look out for when making your choice.
Video: WATCH THIS BEFORE YOU BUY A PRESSURE CANNER🚨 BUYER BEWARE!
Material
Pressure canners are commonly made from either aluminum or stainless steel. In addition to being less expensive than stainless steel, aluminum is also relatively lightweight. Although aluminum is also very good at dispersing heat evenly, it does not hold up as well as stainless steel.
Aluminum can be more fragile than stainless steel, so your pressure canner will last longer. However, it’s less efficient at distributing heat evenly than stainless steel. If you are considering what to spend on a pressure canner and how often you plan to use it, keep these factors in mind.
Size And Capacity
Pressure canners are available in an array of sizes. There are a variety of sizes we have reviewed, ranging from 10 quarts (each holding approximately 4 pints) to 23 quarts (each holding approximately 20 pints). Our recommendation is that if you’re planning on canning for a family or want to make all your food for the year in a pressure canner, you should go for a larger capacity machine.
You should be able to use somewhere between 16- and 23-quart containers. Pressure canners with higher capacity are available, but they tend to be heavy and cumbersome. Pressure canners (like the Fagor Innova) are probably intended more for use in the kitchen, with occasional canning requirements.
Features
In pressure canning, microorganisms are killed by combining heat and pressure. For this to be done responsibly and effectively, pressure canners must be approved by UL and follow NCHFP guidelines. Furthermore, they should have the following key features: removable ventilated racks, locking lids, automatic vent/cover locks, steam vents, pressure gauges or regulators, and safety plugs.
Safety
For starters, printers can be a bit overwhelming. All the warmth and your cooking attachment are ready. On the contrary, there is no reason to fear publishers. Yes, they should be treated with dignity; after all, there is steam and construction! Most printing boxes are self-protected. This allows you to release the pressure only when the pressure is too high.
Price
It’s easy for people who are not familiar with pressure canners to be alarmed by them. There’s no need to be afraid of pressure canners. It is only right that they are treated with respect; after all, steam and pressure are rising!
Almost all vacuum canners come with a safety feature that automatically releases excessive pressure. In this way, if the pressure canner becomes too high, it will release itself automatically. Check the features that are available for over-pressure release on the pressure canner you’re interested in.
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Frequently Asked Questions
There is a reason pressure cookers are used for fast cooking. Steam is trapped inside the sealed cooking chamber, increasing pressure and, most importantly, temperature inside the vessel, which reduces cooking times.
The purpose of pressure canners, meanwhile, is to destroy dangerous pathogens through regulation of temperature and pressure. Besides enabling a long shelf life, the high-pressure, high-temperature environment also removes oxygen from the jars.
You’ll often see used pressure canners at estate sales and online marketplaces, and they’re perfectly fine to purchase. Consider used canners made after 1960, as they come with safety-release valves not found on older models. To make sure your canner is safe, you can also take steps. It is still worth buying a second-hand canner even if the rubber seals need to be replaced and the safety value has been lost.
You can replace the gauges on a dial gauge canner if you’re considering one. Luckily, replacement gauges are universal, so even if you find a used Menomonee Canner (an excellentcanner that is no longer available), you can use a new Presto gauge. The final step is to make sure that your canner is working properly. Be wary of canners that have any cracks in their vessel or lid, and ensure the safety valve opening is clear.
It is important to use canning jars made specifically for home canning and lids with rings to keep them in place while they are sealing. A jar lifter is also essential when it comes to moving hot, full jars and making sure they don’t spill. An additional jar rack allows jars to be stacked in a pressure cooker. Markers and labels are handy for keeping track of things like what’s inside the jars and when they were canned.