Do you dream of filling your pantry with jars of perfectly preserved fruits, vegetables, and meats, all ready for delicious meals year-round? It’s a wonderful goal, but the thought of choosing a canner pressure cooker can feel overwhelming. There are so many brands, sizes, and features, it’s easy to get lost in the details and wonder where to even begin.
This is where we come in. We understand the confusion and the desire to get it right the first time. You want a canner that is safe, reliable, and makes the canning process as smooth as possible. Picking the wrong one can lead to wasted time, money, and even spoiled food, which is the last thing any home canner wants.
In this post, we’re going to break down everything you need to know about canner pressure cookers. We’ll explore the different types, what makes them work, and the essential features to look for. By the time you finish reading, you’ll feel confident in choosing the perfect canner to help you preserve your harvest and enjoy homemade goodness all year long.
Our Top 5 Canner Pressure Cooker Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Canner Pressure Cooker Detailed Reviews
1. T-fal Pressure Cooker Aluminum Pressure Canner
Rating: 8.8/10
Get ready to preserve your harvest and cook delicious meals faster with the T-fal Pressure Cooker Aluminum Pressure Canner. This large 22-quart canner is your new best friend in the kitchen, whether you’re canning fresh produce or whipping up quick weeknight dinners. Its durable aluminum construction makes it a reliable tool for years to come.
What We Like:
- Durable Aluminum Construction: This canner is built to last, providing even heating and easy cleanup for all your canning needs.
- Versatile Cooking: Go beyond canning! Use it for steaming, boiling, and simmering, and it’s the USDA-recommended way to can meats, veggies, and seafood, keeping them fresh longer.
- Safe and Secure: It features a lock that keeps it shut tight, a steam release valve, and a pressure gauge so you can monitor everything. Sturdy handles give you a good grip.
- Extra-Large Capacity: The 22-quart size is perfect for canning big batches. It even comes with two racks to maximize your canning space and a recipe booklet to help you get started.
- Fast Cooking: Save time in the kitchen! This pressure canner cooks food up to 70% faster than regular methods. It works on both gas and electric stoves and has a one-year warranty.
What Could Be Improved:
- The pressure gauge display might vary, which could be a bit confusing for some users.
- While it’s great for preserving, it’s important to follow the instructions carefully for safe canning.
Overall, the T-fal Pressure Canner is a fantastic addition to any home cook’s arsenal, offering both efficiency and versatility.
2. Presto 01781 Pressure Canner and Cooker
Rating: 9.2/10
The Presto 01781 Pressure Canner and Cooker, 23 qt, Silver is a versatile kitchen tool. It’s the only method the US Department of Agriculture trusts for canning vegetables, meats, poultry, and seafood safely. You can also use it as a boiling-water canner for fruits, jams, jellies, pickles, and salsa. Plus, it works great as a large pressure cooker.
What We Like:
- It’s the safest way to can many foods, as recommended by the USDA.
- It can do more than just pressure canning; it’s also a boiling-water canner and a pressure cooker.
- It’s made of strong aluminum that heats up fast and evenly.
- It works on all kinds of stoves, including smooth tops.
- It comes with a long 12-year warranty, which is a great promise of quality.
- The pressure dial gauge is very accurate, which is important for perfect results, especially if you live at a high altitude.
- The large size is perfect for big canning projects.
- It includes a rack for canning and cooking, plus a helpful 76-page book with instructions and recipes.
- It can hold a lot of jars: 26 half-pint jars, 20 pint jars, or 7 quart jars.
What Could Be Improved:
- The size might be too big for small kitchens or for people who don’t can a lot.
This Presto canner is a powerful tool for anyone who loves preserving food or cooking with pressure. It offers safety, versatility, and a great capacity for all your kitchen needs.
3. Presto 01755 16-Quart Aluminum canner Pressure Cooker
Rating: 9.0/10
Unlock the secrets to safe and delicious home canning with the Presto 01755 16-Quart Aluminum Canner Pressure Cooker. This versatile appliance is your key to preserving everything from hearty meats and fresh vegetables to sweet fruits and zesty pickles. It’s designed for home cooks who want to confidently can their favorite foods, ensuring safety and quality every time.
What We Like:
- The USDA recommends pressure canning for vegetables, meats, poultry, and seafood, and this canner makes it easy and safe.
- It’s not just for pressure canning; you can also use it as a boiling water canner for fruits, jams, jellies, pickles, and salsa.
- It works on all types of stoves: gas, electric, and smooth-top ranges.
- A deluxe pressure dial gauge shows exact processing pressures, which is super important if you live in a high-altitude area.
- The air vent and cover lock system ensures pressure builds only when the lid is on right and stops you from opening it until it’s safe.
- It’s also a fantastic, large-capacity pressure cooker for making tender meats, flavorful soups, and yummy desserts.
- Made from heavy-gauge aluminum, it’s built to last and heats up quickly and evenly.
- Comes with a handy cooking/canning rack and an 80-page instruction/recipe book filled with helpful tips and recipes.
- You can can 12 half-pints, 10 pints, or 7 quarts at a time (half-pints and pints only for boiling water canning).
- It includes a 12-year limited warranty for peace of mind.
What Could Be Improved:
- To keep your canner working perfectly and safely, you must use only genuine Presto replacement parts.
The Presto 01755 is a reliable and adaptable tool for any home kitchen looking to expand their food preservation skills. It offers safety, versatility, and ease of use, making it a top choice for canners and pressure cooker enthusiasts alike.
4. MegaChef 24 Quart Large Capacity Aluminum Stovetop Pressure Cooker/Canner for Induction and Gas Stove-Tops
Rating: 8.7/10
Get ready to cook for a crowd with the MegaChef 24 Quart Large Capacity Aluminum Stovetop Pressure Cooker/Canner. This big pot is designed to handle all your family gatherings, holiday feasts, and dinner parties. Its lightweight aluminum build makes it easy to move around and store, and it heats up fast and evenly for perfect cooking every time. Plus, it works on both gas and induction stoves!
What We Like:
- Huge 24-quart capacity is perfect for feeding lots of people.
- Made of lightweight aluminum, so it’s easy to carry and put away.
- Heats up quickly and cooks food evenly.
- Works on both gas and induction stovetops, giving you lots of options.
- The safety locking lid keeps everything secure while cooking.
- Cleanup is a breeze because the parts are dishwasher safe.
What Could Be Improved:
- The large size might be too big for some kitchens.
- Aluminum can sometimes dent if dropped.
This MegaChef pressure cooker is a real workhorse for anyone who loves to cook for big groups. It makes cooking efficiently and safely a breeze.
5. Barton 22-Quart Pressure Canner Pressure Cooker Pressure Gauge with Rack
Rating: 8.7/10
The Barton 22-Quart Pressure Canner is a versatile kitchen tool. It helps you can many kinds of food safely at home. You can preserve vegetables, meats, poultry, and seafood. It also works as a boiling water canner for fruits, jams, jellies, pickles, and salsa. This makes it useful for all your preserving needs.
What We Like:
- It makes home pressure canning easy and safe.
- You can can vegetables, meats, poultry, and seafood with confidence.
- It doubles as a boiling water canner for fruits, jams, jellies, pickles, and salsa.
- The deluxe pressure dial gauge shows exact processing pressures. This is great for areas with high altitudes.
- It has a pressure release of 13 PSI (+/- 5%).
- A spring safety device stops the cooker from pressurizing until it’s closed securely.
- The sure-locking lid system stops you from opening it when it’s pressurized.
- It’s made of heavy-duty, rustproof polished aluminum.
- The 22-quart size offers time and money savings.
- Racks are included. They help you can more food and keep food from sticking to the bottom.
- It works on gas, electric, induction, and ceramic stovetops.
What Could Be Improved:
- The gauge’s pressure release is +/- 5%, which might not be precise enough for some strict canning recipes.
This Barton canner is a solid choice for anyone looking to get into home canning. Its many features and wide compatibility make it a valuable addition to any kitchen.
Your Guide to Picking the Perfect Pressure Canner
What is a Pressure Canner?
A pressure canner is a special cooking pot that uses steam to cook food really fast. It’s different from a regular pressure cooker. Pressure canners are designed to reach higher temperatures, which is needed to safely can low-acid foods like vegetables, meats, and poultry. This high heat kills harmful bacteria that can grow at lower temperatures.
Why Use a Pressure Canner?
Using a pressure canner helps you store food safely for a long time. You can preserve fresh produce from your garden or buy in bulk when things are on sale. This saves you money and lets you enjoy seasonal foods year-round. It’s also a great way to control what goes into your food, avoiding preservatives and extra salt.
Key Features to Look For
1. Capacity
Canners come in different sizes. Think about how much food you usually can. Smaller families might be fine with a 7-quart canner. Larger families or serious canners might want a 20-quart or even larger model. More jars mean less time spent canning.
2. Jars it Holds
Check how many pint or quart jars the canner can hold at one time. Some canners are designed for specific jar sizes. Make sure it fits the jars you plan to use most often.
3. Pressure Gauge or Regulator
A good pressure canner needs a way to control and show the pressure.
- Weighted-gauge canners have a weight that jiggles or whistles at the correct pressure. These are simpler and often cheaper.
- Dial-gauge canners have a gauge that shows the pressure with a needle. These can be more accurate but need to be checked for accuracy each year.
4. Vent Pipe and Over-Pressure Plug
These are important safety features. The vent pipe lets out steam to build up pressure. The over-pressure plug is a safety device that releases extra steam if the pressure gets too high.
5. Locking System
The lid should lock securely onto the pot to prevent it from opening during the canning process. This is crucial for safety.
Important Materials
Aluminum vs. Stainless Steel
Most pressure canners are made from either aluminum or stainless steel.
- Aluminum canners are lighter and heat up quickly. They are also usually more affordable. However, aluminum can sometimes react with acidic foods, which can cause discoloration.
- Stainless steel canners are more durable and resistant to corrosion. They don’t react with food. Stainless steel canners are heavier and often cost more. Many have a clad bottom, which means they have layers of different metals for even heating.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Construction and Finish
A well-made canner will have smooth seams and a good finish. Look for sturdy handles that are riveted or welded securely. A thick, heavy base helps with even heating and prevents scorching.
Ease of Use and Cleaning
Consider how easy it is to put the lid on and take it off. Is the gasket easy to clean? Some canners have parts that are dishwasher safe, which can be a big help.
Brand Reputation and Reviews
Read reviews from other users. Brands that have been around for a long time often have reliable products. Positive reviews can point you toward a quality canner.
User Experience and Use Cases
What Can You Can?
Pressure canners are essential for canning low-acid foods. This includes:
- Vegetables (beans, corn, carrots, potatoes)
- Meats (beef, chicken, pork)
- Poultry
- Fish
- Soups and Stews
How to Use
Using a pressure canner involves a few steps. You fill jars with food and liquid, place them in the canner with water, seal the lid, and bring it up to the correct pressure. You hold that pressure for a specific amount of time, depending on the food you are canning. After the time is up, you let the canner cool down naturally. This process ensures your food is safely preserved.
Tips for Success
Always follow tested recipes and processing times. Make sure your canner’s seal is in good condition. Practice using your canner before you start a big canning project. Proper use guarantees safe and delicious preserved food.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: What is the difference between a pressure canner and a pressure cooker?
A1: A pressure canner is specifically designed for safely preserving low-acid foods by reaching higher temperatures. A pressure cooker is used for faster cooking of everyday meals.
Q2: Do I need a pressure canner to can vegetables?
A2: Yes, you need a pressure canner to safely can low-acid foods like vegetables. Water bath canners are only safe for high-acid foods like fruits and pickles.
Q3: How long does it take to can food in a pressure canner?
A3: The time varies depending on the food being canned. It usually involves heating the canner to pressure, holding the pressure for a set time (often 20-75 minutes), and then cooling down.
Q4: What is the ideal pressure for canning?
A4: The ideal pressure is usually 10-15 PSI (pounds per square inch), depending on your altitude and the type of gauge your canner uses.
Q5: Can I use a pressure cooker as a pressure canner?
A5: No. Pressure cookers do not reach the high temperatures needed for safe food preservation. They also lack the specific safety features of pressure canners.
Q6: How do I know if my pressure canner is working correctly?
A6: You should monitor the pressure gauge to ensure it reaches and maintains the correct PSI. Weighted gauges will jiggle or vent steam at the correct pressure.
Q7: What happens if the pressure drops during canning?
A7: If the pressure drops below the recommended level, you must bring it back up to pressure and restart the processing time from the beginning.
Q8: How often should I check my dial gauge?
A8: Dial gauges should be checked for accuracy by a local extension office or testing lab once a year.
Q9: What are the safety risks of not using a pressure canner for low-acid foods?
A9: Not using a pressure canner for low-acid foods can lead to the growth of Clostridium botulinum, a dangerous bacteria that can cause botulism, a serious illness.
Q10: Can I use a gasket on a pressure canner?
A10: Yes, many pressure canners have a rubber or silicone gasket that creates a seal. This gasket should be inspected for wear and tear and replaced if it looks damaged.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.