Pressure canners have become an essential kitchen utensil for home cooks and chefs alike. These cookwares serve multiple purposes. From cooking meat and canning fresh produce to whipping up staples such as oatmeal - there’s a lot you can achieve with a pressure canner.
There are two types of canning: boiling water bath, which is exactly what the name suggests, and the other is pressure canning. The former is used for pickles, fruits, and jams, while the latter is used for vegetables, fish, meat, poultry, and other low-acidic food. Pressure canners are designed to carry out the pressure canning process without any trouble. But modern pressure canners are not limited to just pressure canning. The best pressure canners in today’s market are equipped to also function efficiently as pressure cookers, steamer, and more. Find out more about them in this article.
Best Pick
All American 21-1/2-Quart Pressure Cooker Canner is our best pick on the list. The canner features a hard-wearing hand-cast aluminum with an elegant satin finish. It has a strong phenolic top handle with no gasket to replace. Equipped with three pressure settings, over-pressure plug, and stay cool Bakelite handle for added safety.
Budget Pick
Our Budget pick goes to Presto 01781 23-Quart Pressure Canner and Cooker. The canner is affordable with a warp resistant aluminum and a deluxe pressure dial gauge. Equipped with safety features and also doubles as a hot water canner for conserving low acid fruits.
Quick Comparison: Top 10 Best Pressure Canners
| Product | Material | Capacity | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| All American Pressure Cooker Canner | Aluminum | 21.5 Quart | A+ |
| Presto 01781 Pressure Canner | Aluminum | 23 Quart | A+ |
| T-Fal P25107 Pressure Cooker | Stainless Steel | 6.3 Quart | A |
| Mirro 92122 Pressure Canner | Aluminum | 22 Quart | A+ |
| Granite Ware Pressure Canner | Anodized Aluminum | 20 Quart | A |
| Presto 02144 Digital Pressure Canner | Stainless Steel | 12 Quart | B+ |
| Carey DPC-9SS Smart Pressure Canner | Stainless Steel | 9 quart | B+ |
| Barton Pressure Canner | Polished aluminum | 22 quart | B |
| Zavor EZlock Pressure Canner | Stainless Steel | 10 quart | B |
| Buffalo QCP435 Stainless Steel Pressure Canner | Stainless Steel | 37 quart | B- |
1. All American Pressure Cooker Canner
All American is one of the large quantity pressure canners which is professionally designed for all your canning needs. The canner features 19 standard pint sized jars or 7 standard quart size jars which is large enough to accommodate large quantities.
It features a heavy duty aluminum construction which facilitates fast canning and cooking. Aluminum is a good conductor of heat, a great feature which enables this unit to facilitate even heating preparing your foods faster as compared to other cookers.
Its metal - metal seal system covers with convenient clamping locks which line up perfectly with the base to form a tight seal minimizing any heat from escaping out during cooking expediting the cook time. Though the cover locks on the canner top, the canner facilitates easy closing and opening since no gasket is involved.
The edges are double thickened for extra protection on those areas with heavy wear. With this canner, you do not have to worry about excessive pressure. Thanks to its pressure regulator which allows you to set different pressure settings of 5, 10, 15 psi. The canner produces extreme levels of heat which kill more bacteria compared to hot water making it an excellent pick for canning non-acid fruits and vegetables.
Its two venting system is automated to help enhance user safety. Its Bakelite handle stays cool despite the temperatures. Recommended for electric, gas or flat top stoves. Cleaning the canner is easy because of its satin finish which has a smooth and easy to clean surface.
Overall, All American 921 series is professionally designed to make your canning experience unmatched to none. The cooker is equipped with smart features to make the process not only easy but also fun.Highlighted Features
2. Presto 01781 Pressure Canner and Cooker
Presto 01781series is one of the best pressure canners for smooth top ranges. The model features heavy-duty aluminum construction which is warp resistant for even and fast heating. The 23-quart canner can be used as a large quantity cooker or as a water boiling canner for conserving fruits, salsas, jellies, jams, and pickles.
The canner is equipped with a Deluxe pressure dial which helps record the full processing pressures ensuring the process is carried out professionally.
The cover vent is designed to allow pressure to generate only when the lock is properly closed and keeps it locked and prevents it from opening until pressure is reduced preventing any interference with the canning process or any personal steam injuries.
Whether cooking or canning, the lock locks perfectly well-allowing enough pressure needed to build up. Its pressure gauge keeps pressure monitored for optimal results. When pressure inside is too high than the required levels, the canner releases it through the overpressure plug keeping the levels well regulated.
Comes with a cooking rack designed to fit on the bottom of the canner to prevent jars from the bottom, allowing the liquid to circulate beneath. A cookbook with over 50 recipes is also included to allow you to prepare different meals faster without losing its flavor. Aside from using a smooth top stove, this canner is also ideal for use with regular stoves. However, the dial gauge is frail and requires proper handling. Instructions on how to handle it are on the manual.
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3. T-Fal P25107 Pressure Cooker
In case you may be in need of the best pressure canner for all heat sources then this T-fal could be the end of your canning woes. The cooker is designed using high-quality stainless steel for unmatched performance and easy maintenance.
With its secure lock lid, you can easily keep the cooker closed without losing heat expediting your cook time without your food losing its flavor. When pressure is high, the locking lid prevents you from opening it increasing your safety.
Better still; the cooker has a steam gauge valve for releasing excessive pressure and ensures the levels are well regulated for user safety giving you peace of mind. Through the pressure control valve, you can easily set the preferred canning or cooking pressure levels for different meals in two settings of 10 and 15psi giving you flexibility and the ability to can or prepare varied foods.
That’s not all; the cooker has a patented BugLock zipper for keeping bugs from entering or escaping. Through its sleep miracle membrane surface, T-fall cooker prevents any bug from feeding via the fabric keeping high levels of hygiene.
The T-fal 6.3-quart pressure cooker is a great addition to your kitchen for those who may be looking for an easy, efficient, safe and fast canning solution. The cooker is equipped with great features to make your cooking fun and easy with everything controlled to make sure no overcooking that may destroy your food nutrients or flavor.
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4. Mirro 92122 Pressure Canner
Mirro 92122A series is a 22-quart pressure cooker designed using durable and rust-proof aluminum material that withstands the test of time. The cooker features 16-pint-sized jars, a secure locking system and a re-usable ultra-pressure plug for efficiency.
For better results, this 92122A keeps the cooking pressure well regulated with its three pressure settings of 5, 10 and 15psi without destroying the food nutrients and flavor.
Its sleek design adds a touch of elegance in your kitchen. Included are a cooking rack and a manual with cooking tips to help you unleash your skills.
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5. Granite Ware Pressure Canner
This Granite Ware canner can be utilized as a water-bath canner or steamer. The model comes along with all the racks to allow you to utilize the unit effectively.
The canner boasts of its sturdy anodized aluminum construction which can withstand the test of time without getting stained or rusting. The 20-quart cooker can accommodate 24 half-pint sized jars, or 8 one pint jars or 7-quart jars making the preparation of family meals easy and manageable.
With it's three easy to adjust pressure settings, you can keep the canning pressure well maintained without much hassle at different altitudes. Compared to traditional cookers, this Graniteware model delivers unmatched performance by reducing your cook time while tenderizing hard foods like meat without destroying the nutrients and flavor.
It also features a pop-up pressure indicator which helps keep the lid tightly closed for user safety. Its stay-cool handles provide a comfy and secure grip.
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6. Presto 02144 Digital Pressure Canner
Presto is a familiar name in the cookware industry and needs very little introduction. The Presto 02144 Digital Pressure Canner lives up to the name and delivers excellent results in the kitchen. This offering is considered one of the pioneers of the digital pressure canner and it comes with all the necessary guidelines for processing fish, poultry, or meat safely.
As you unbox the package, the first thing that’s bound to catch your eyes is the elegant design of the cookware. It comes in a beautifully polished black finish with a hint of neon color.
The next thing you’re likely to notice is the wonderfully efficient LED display that will guide you through the entire process of canning or cooking using the pressure cooker. In addition, you can regulate the cooker using this touch-screen display.
Moreover, an innovative sensor in the canner will hold the ideal temperature required for pressure canning of each individual food. It will not require any further adjustments or monitoring once the temperature is set. This is extremely convenient if you’re cooking at high altitudes. It also features a built-in timer that will guarantee an accurate canning process.
Besides pressure canning, you can also make use of the product by preserving fruits, pickles, or jams using the water boiling process. So it serves multiple purposes in the kitchen. In addition, the product comes with several built-in safety features and alert symbols that will ensure a safe time for the chef in the kitchen.
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7. Carey DPC-9SS Smart Pressure Canner
Carey DPC-9SS Smart Pressure Canner, soon after its launch, became the market standard for digital pressure canners. Its stainless steel body is crafted to last a long time and serve your kitchen with flawless canning processes. In addition, the body comes with a black and silver finish that is meant to fit into any kitchen, particularly in modern kitchen decor.
It is essentially an all-in-one canning solution as the product can carry out both pressure canning and water bath canning. Not only that, but it can also help with steaming, pressure cooking, slow cooking, and whatnot. Full meals will be prepared in no time with this canner, so what’s not to like.
The product features all the critical safety functions, including lid lock protection, automatic pressure release from the pot, fuse protection, and a pressure-limiting valve. As a result, the chef can cook a meal safely without any worry. The product is crafted to release any excessive pressure that might build up inside the pot and will also turn off the power when the temperature goes beyond the set limit. Moreover, the lid is fitted firmly on top of the pot, and the process won’t initiate until it’s placed correctly, protected by the lid lock system.
Keep in mind that the product has a capacity of 9.5 quarts, but you can only use the entire pot while pressure cooking. However, when you’re canning, the pot can only hold jars with 4-quarts of capacity, so you’ll need to run the canning process in multiple batches.
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8. Barton Pressure Canner
Barton Pressure Canner is made out of polished aluminum and yields exceptional results in the kitchen. The product features a relatively large pot with a capacity of 22 quarts. This is particularly useful for people who plan on canning in large quantities or pressure cooking an entire meal in a single batch. Being traditionally designed, the product is easy to use. It doubles as a boiling water canner, pressure cooker, and steamer.
The pressure canner comes with several safety features including a spring safety device. It is designed to prevent excessive pressurization of the cooker. Besides, the sure-locking lid system will ensure that the inner pot doesn’t produce too much pressure even before the lid is correctly closed. This ensures the safety of the chef.
The heavy-gauge body is made of rust-proof and wear-proof material that is meant to serve you for years on end. There’s also a deluxe pressure gauge dial that ensures a very convenient pressure monitoring system. It doesn’t rely on any high-tech monitoring system, making the product very easy to navigate, even for beginner chefs. To further add to your convenience, the package includes a manual that will walk you through the ins and outs of the pressure canner. If you have difficulty understanding how to assemble, disassemble, or operate the product, the manual will quickly come to your rescue.
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9. Zavor EZlock Pressure Canner
The Zavor EZlock Pressure Canner stands out in the market for its wonderfully polished looks. The product is designed by incorporating the latest innovative technologies, including an automatic self-locking mechanism that ensures that the lid is correctly locked as soon as both ends meet.
The lid does not require any particular alignment, you can lock it through any place in any position. Pressure will not start to build up unless the lid is locked correctly, and once pressure is built inside it will not unlock.
The product comes with two pressure settings - high and low. So the chef has the flexibility to cook anything from the rarest dish to the most delicate dishes on the Earth. The pressure ranges between 15 psi to 8 psi. The canner can also be used as a pressure cooker, steamer, and such. It is designed to cook dishes faster than any other cookware and save the chef’s time, effort, and energy. In addition, the product is known to keep the original flavor and taste of the food intact despite being cooked at high pressure.
The pot is made of 18/10 stainless steel, which promises a sturdy body that is meant to last a long time. It is compatible with all kinds of domestic stoves, including gas stoves, electric stoves, induction cookers, and so on. However, keep in mind that the product itself is not powered by electricity.
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10. Buffalo QCP435 Stainless Steel Pressure Canner
Buffalo QCP435 Stainless Steel is by far the largest pressure canner on our list and it serves well in the kitchen when you’re preparing a meal for a large group. This commercial-grade product has a capacity of 37 quartz, which is an ideal choice for restaurants or home cooks who do large-quantity canning.
The product is designed and manufactured in Taiwan, and its heavy build promises a long-lasting service. It features stainless steel handles designed to offer stable support when dealing with heavy-duty food items in the pot.
Moreover, it comes with a power burner that is great for commercial use. The pressure canner is compatible with gas stoves, ceramic stoves, electric stoves, and halogen cooktops. However, it is not to be used on induction stoves as the heavy load may not work on or damage the cooktop.
The canner also features German gear with mortise and tenon joint design. It also comes with a simple switch for user convenience. It is built to release any excessive pressure from within the pot thanks to the efficient Pressure Indication Valve.
Users will also find two steam racks inside the package, which can offer a great deal of convenience for anyone who’s trying to get something steamed on the pot. Considering the size of the canner, it is built to serve multiple purposes to maximize its efficiency. It’s going to take up a lot of storage space, so we might as well make the most of it. You can use it as a steamer, pressure cooker, boiling water bath canner, and more.
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Benefits of Using Pressure Canners
Pressure canners make home canning of low acids foods like vegetables easy helping you save some space on your freezer. The method is one of the safest ways of preserving food that has been approved and bringing this technology right to your home will help you enjoy massive benefits which among them include:
Economize resources
Pressure canning allows you to can multiple jars of different sizes within a short time. The method does not use a lot of water and heat, making the entire process easy and economical.
Flexibility
Modern pressure canners have different pressure settings to allow you to easily customize the settings to suit the type of food and altitude. This great feature ensures all foods are properly preserved in a healthy way.
Versatile
Aside from preserving different foods, pressure canners can also be used to prepare varied types of foods faster than the regular cookers. Besides, modern brands are recommended for use on different heat sources giving you flexibility and the freedom to choose your preferred type.
Handy
Preserving food with a pressure canner is not hard and does not require you to have any skill which gives every homeowner a reason to own one.
Factors to Consider When Purchasing a Pressure Canner
Owning a pressure canner is one of the greatest investments you can do as a homeowner. But one thing you should understand is that as much as pressure canners are designed to help you preserve food, they not the same. And a wrong choice will always give your poor results. To identify the right one for you, you should consider the following.
Material
Pressure canners may either constructed using stainless steel or aluminum material. Both aluminum and stainless steel are good conductors of heat and facilitate even transfer of heat. In regards to weight, aluminum canners are lighter than the stainless steel models and will stain after heavy use which with time will impact its appearance. Though aluminum pressure canners may lose their shiny appearance this will not affect their performance but will require you to maintain it to avoid oxidation from taking place.
Though heavy, stainless steel pressure canners do not lose their aesthetic looks even after being subjected to heavy use. However, they take time to conduct heat as compared to aluminum metal
which explains why it will take slightly longer to heat a stainless steel pressure canner. But this does not impact the heat transfer during the canning process. Due to their heavy duty construction, pressure canners made of stainless steel tend to retain heat which reduces the heating time when preserving large quantities. Note that you will have to part with extra bucks to own a stainless steel pressure canner.
Pressure indicators
During the canning process, pressure has to be controlled and monitored for different types of foods and altitudes. Most modern canners have pressure dials or weighted gauge for monitoring the pressure levels inside. While all these two monitoring methods will help you keep track of the levels, models with weighted gauge are highly recommended.
What weighted gauge pressure tracking method does is jingle severally while keeping the levels in check. However, this does not mean models with dials are bad but the dial will require to be checked at least once annually to ensure the dial is working properly. So owning a canner with a pressure dial is not a big deal if its performance and quality are okay. Remember this is a personal choice and whatever works or is convenient for you will depend on personal preferences.
While pressure monitoring is essential during the canning process, high levels are not good. A canner which has an overpressure expelling valve can help keep the levels well maintained.
Size
Pressure canners are of different sizes and this will depend on personal preferences. Their size is usually quantified in quarts and most large models may allow you to double stack different sized jars. Using your canner along with a rack may reduce the number of jars your unit can hold at a time but are a great addition for reducing any chances of food from sticking at the bottom.
Lid locking mechanism
Different canner models will feature a different lock mechanism with different features. Most models feature the twist locking mechanism which features a rubberized gasket which sits perfectly well between the canning unit and the lid.
Latest canners have removable lids which are automated and have features like vent pipes for added user safety.
To be on the safe side, go for models which have a safety feature which prevents opening or closing when the lid is not properly closed or when the pressure has not gone down. These features are essential for user safety and for preventing interference with the canning process.
Recommended heat source
Most pressure canning models will feature more different heating methods to allow you to use your preferred method. However, while some models will allow you to use almost all the heating methods including induction, others will limit you.
Never assume, always check out if the model you intend to buy is recommended for the available heating methods available at your home, otherwise, you will be forced to incur more costs. Note that using a wrong heating method will ruin the canning process and you may end up risking your safety.
In case your canner allows you to use gas, ensure you do not use any gas range above 12,000BTU. Using a gas above this range can cause the canner bottom to warp, or cause personal injury or damage of property. Always take precaution and read the manufacturers manual to determine the recommended heat range.
Ease of maintenance
To keep your canners lustrous look and improve its durability, you ought to give it loving tender care. While cleaning your pressure cook regularly is one of its maintenance measures you should put in place, you will be required to keep the pressure monitoring device in check especially if you are looking forward to investing in a canner with pressure dial. This is because pressure settings may alter, and doing an inspection once a year can help keep the levels properly monitored.
Replacement parts
With time some of your canner parts may wear out calling for a replacement. A good example is canners with gaskets. Most of the gaskets will last you three to five years with proper care. In case you opt to go for a model with gasket ensure the spare parts are available. You may contact your manufacturer to get to know if the spares are readily available.
Common Pressure Canner Problems and How to Troubleshoot Them
Sometimes your pressure canner may not function properly. This can bring the canning process into a standstill or ruin the results. Knowing how to troubleshoot the problem will help you get the problem quickly fixed and detailed below are some of the problems you may encounter and how to resolve them.
Pressure regulator neither jiggling nor blowing steam out
Normally, this occurs when there is not enough pressure in the pot. Increasing the fire will allow enough pressure to build up. Be careful when putting the fire up to avoid the canner bottom to warp.
Gasket not sealing
Turn off the burner and place the canner in a cool place and wait for it to cool down before troubleshooting the problem. Boil hot water and soak your gasket for around 15 minutes then return it, in case it feels loose, you can gently turn it to get it fixed properly. If this does not combat the issue, you can use vegetable oil to lubricate the gasket. If still loose, replace it with a new one.
New gasket won't seal
One of the primary cause for new gaskets to fail is using the wrong type. To double check, if the newly installed gasket is the right one, simply turn off the burner and slide your canner down and leave it to cool down. Remove the gasket and look at its manufacturing date. You may consult your manufacturer to help you identify the right one for your canning unit.
Lid not sealing
There are several reasons why this may happen. One of the causes is re-using metal lids. Never-recycle canning lids unless they are Tattler lids.
Another cause of this phenomenon is dirty rims. Before placing your lids, ensure the rims are clean.
Dropping the canning pressure artificially can also cause lid sealing problem. This is due to the negative heat levels inside the pot causing reduced pressure which is not enough to get the lids sealed. Avoid reducing canning pressure in a bid to reduce the cooling time but rather leave the canner to cool down by itself.
Bubbles inside the jar
This is one of the canning problems you will encounter and it usually happens when hot air gets trapped inside the jar. An improper seal can also trigger this problem and you ought to ensure proper seals are used and are tight to prevent the food inside from going bad.
Bringing the canner near the canning jar top and try to pour faster can help prevent any hot air from getting trapped inside.
Pressure canning tips
Before canning, ensure your pot is extremely clean and the jars too. To be sure, you can inspect to avoid any chances of blocking the stem which may eventually ruin the entire results.
Avoid reducing pressure artificially or pouring cold water over the lid to expedite the cooling process. Doing this may cause some of the lid functions to fail or steam injuries. Leave the pot to cool down naturally by turning off the burner and sliding it in a cool place.
In case the canning pressure goes down than the recommended levels, you should start the whole timing process all over again.
After completing the canning process, safely remove your jars after the unit has depressurized using a jar lifter. Let the jars sit for 12 to 24 hours undisturbed. Label your jars and store them in a cool dry place. Remember also to clean the pressure canner and store it properly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a pressure cooker and a pressure canner?
Pressure cookers and canners differ primarily on their functionality, build quality, and size. Pressure cookers are typically smaller in size, equipped to cook roasts, poultry, and larger cuts of meat items in a short time under tremendous pressure.
On the other hand, pressure canners are equipped to cook low acid food items such as vegetables, poultry, meat, fish, and more. They are also great for storing jars; pressure canners are large enough to accommodate jars, making them quite larger than pressure cookers.
A typical pressure canner can hold four-quart jars, and it can go up to as many as seven-quart jars as well. That is to say, pressure cookers are generally half to one-third the size of a standard pressure canner. So for home cooks and chefs who plan on pressure canning or even boiling water bath canning, using a pressure cooker instead of a canner is likely to yield under-processed results.
Can you use pressure canners for high-acid food?
Yes, the best pressure canners in the modern market offer great versatility and can be used to can both high and low-acid food items. High-acid food items can be canned using the water bath canning process, while low-acid food can be canned using pressure canners. Most of the products on our list are designed to accommodate both of these processes.
Should you cover the jars that are placed inside a pressure canner during the process?
It’s not necessary to cover the jars inside a pressure canner during pressure canning. However, it would be necessary to carry out a boiling water bath canning process to prevent water from entering it and mixing with the food items.
Conclusion
It is beyond any reasonable doubt that using pressure canners is the safe, effective and convenient way of preserving food. These preservation equipment have evolved for years now and more and more advanced models are streaming the market making the process easy and fun.
They are now more versatile than ever, equipped for carrying out several processes besides pressure canning. The best pressure canners will also allow you to carry out water bath canning, steaming, pressure cooking, slow cooking of larger meat cuts, and so much more. Check out our buying guide to identify what kind of model you should get, and you won’t go wrong with the purchase.
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