Canned foods are a blessing since they allow you to preserve out-of-season foods safely for later consumption. So, here’s our list of the best pressure canners to help you store food easily. As store-bought canned food may have preservatives and other chemicals, you can prepare canned food at home with these pressure canners. These kitchen appliances sterilize and preserve low-acid foods for later. Generally, there are two types of pressure canners- dial gauge and weighted gauge. Dial gauge ones require manual adjustment of the heat source to maintain pressure. However, the weighted gauge pressure canners hold the pressure themselves. The latter type doesn’t require you to continuously keep an eye on it. With multiple sizes, features, functions, and more, you can go through the available options to choose a suitable one for your pantry.
What Is The Difference Between Pressure Canner And Pressure Cooker?
A pressure cooker cannot be used for canning, but a pressure canner can be used for cooking and canning. As the important part of canning is based on destroying harmful microbes, pressure canners are larger than cookers. They also hold heat and pressure for longer periods than the pressure cooker.
9 Best Pressure Canners
1. Best Heavy-Gauge:Presto Pressure Canner and Cooker
The dial pressure gauge of the pressure canner makes it easy to control the temperature while canning. Its cover lock ensures the pressure build-up if the lid is closed correctly, making it safe for use. The canner can hold up to 20-pint jars, 24-half-pint jars, or seven-quart jars. You can also check this YouTuber’s detailed review to know more about the results after using this product. Pros
12-year limited warranty Large size Warp-resistant heavy-gauge aluminum ensures fast and even heating Includes 76-page instruction and recipe book
Cons
Does not work with convection cooktop
2. Best Aluminum Finish:All American Store Pressure Canner and Cooker
The 10.5-quart pressure canner and cooker can hold up to four-quart jars or seven-pint jars. Made from cast aluminum and a satin finish, the canner is easy to clean. The easy-to-read steam gauge and automatic pressure release are its key features. For a thorough review of the product, have a look at this YouTuber’s video. Pros
No gaskets for sealing Easy to open and close Different ranges of psi Sturdy phenolic top handle
Cons
Heavy to use
3. Best Heat-Resistant:T-fal Pressure Canner
Stove-top pressure canner comes with two canning racks that can hold up to seven-quart size, 16-pint sized, or 26-half-pint size jars. Made from polished aluminum, the T-fal canner has three cooking pressure options – 5, 10, or 15 psi. Check out this YouTuber’s review of the product if you require more details. Pros
Sure-locking system for safe use Heat-resistant Heavy-gauge rust-proof aluminum build Includes cooking rack and recipe book
Cons
Parts may need frequent replacement
4. Best Easy-To-Use:Granite Ware Pressure Canner, Cooker, and Steamer
The Granite Ware pressure canner comes with a three-piece pressure regulatory system. It is simple and easy to use. There are two sizes available – 12-quart and 20-quart. The product also includes a steamer and a canning rack. Pros
Jiggler over-pressure gauge allows you to hear pressure build-up Kills the bacteria found in low acid foods Does not change in the food flavor
Cons
Small pint jar capacity
5. Best BPA-Free:Zavor Duo Pressure Canner Set
The ten-quart pressure canner includes a complete set of canning rack, jar wrench, jar lifter, magnetic lid lifter, BPA-free funnel, BPA-free ladle, BPA-free bubble remover, pressure cooking recipe book, and home canning cookbook. The water bath canning method is best suitable to preserve low-acid foods. Pros
Ten-year warranty Two pressure options at 15 psi and 8psi Allows water bath method and pressure canning method Ergonomically designed handles
Cons
May seem difficult to close the lid
6. Best Sure-Locking System:Mirro Pressure Canner/Cooker
Made from polished aluminum, the pressure canner is rust-resistant and easy to clean. There are three pressure options between 5, 10, and 15 psi. The sure-locking system reduces the risk of spilling and is safe to use. Pros
Durable Safety window to release excess pressure Reusable overpressure plug Limited ten-year warranty for canner
Cons
Uses gaskets might need periodic replacement Less holding capacity
7. Best Dishwasher-Safe:Nesco Smart Pressure Canner and Cooker
The smart pressure cooker is a wonderful choice for those looking to buy a multi-functional appliance. Its digital display has automatic presets for canning, steaming, slow cooking, and pressure cooking. The pot is dishwasher-safe. Pros
Safety lock lid Includes standard and high-altitude limiting valves Side handles for safe handling
Cons
Not compatible with traditional stovetop Small holding capacity
8. Best Rust-Resistant:Barton Pressure Canner and Cooker
Deluxe pressure dial gauge of the canner registers precise pressures important in high-altitude areas. The sure-locking system makes the product safe to use as the lid does not open when pressurized. It comes with canning racks. Pros
Rust-resistant Heavy-gauge aluminum build Prevents food from sticking to the bottom Compatible with most stoves
Cons
Not suitable for recipes above 12 psi Not compatible with induction cooktop
9. Best 100% Recyclable:Instant Pot Max Pressure Cooker and Canner
The product can be programmed easily with a large touchscreen where you can set the time, temperature, pressure level, etc. Its nutriboost technology works towards adding nutrition to the food with its boiling motion. It is made from food-grade 304 stainless steel. Pros
Accurate temperature control UI certified with 13 safety features 100% recyclable packaging
Cons
Small holding capacity
How To Choose The Right Pressure Canner?
Here are a few points to consider while buying a pressure canner.
Size: Choose from the varied pressure canners depending on the size of the family and the food. The sizes are listed in quarts. Stovetop compatibility: Consider your stovetop and check for compatibility of the pressure canner you plan to buy. Parts: Canners with parts, such as gaskets or pressure valves, might need periodic replacement. Maintenance: The weighted gauge canners usually need lesser maintenance.
How To Use A Pressure Canner?
The following points give a basic idea about operating a pressure canner.
Check there are no blockages and calcium deposits. Canner should be positioned at the center above the burner. Use a jar lifter to place jars in the canner. For jam-packed foods, you should take water to 180 °F, and for raw, filled foods, it should be 140°F. Check if the cover of the canner is fastened properly. Adjust the pressure settings according to the foods. Monitor the heat to keep a reliable pressure built-up. Allow canner to cool off naturally once the cooking is complete. If your canner uses a gasket, you can also release the pressure through it to speed up the cooling process. Do not force open a pressure cooker.
Why Trust MomJunction?
Sakshi John is a skilled product writer specializing in home products and kitchenware. After researching several products on multiple websites, she has compiled a list of the best pressure canners for your kitchen. Sakshi has also included a buying guide to help you select the right pressure canner. Moreover, she also tells you about the different types of pressure canners and gives you the basics of operating them.
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