Top 2 Best Pressure Canners to Use

When it comes to canning, you need the right equipment to do it safely and effectively. A pressure canner is a must-have for any prepper who wants to store food for long-term use, and particularly for emergencies. In this post, we’ll take a look at two of the best pressure canners on the market today. We’ll compare their features and discuss why each one might be a good fit for your needs. So read on to learn more about these top-rated pressure canners and see which one is right for you!

Why You Need a Pressure Canner

A pressure canner is a kitchen appliance that is used to preserve food. Canning is a process of sealing food in airtight containers, typically jars, and boiling them to kill any bacteria or microorganisms that could cause the food to spoil and be unfit to eat. Pressure canning is a type of canning that uses high pressure and heat to kill these bacteria. This makes it a safe and effective way to store food for long periods of time.

Types of Pressure Canners

There are two main types of pressure canners: stovetop and electric. Stovetop pressure canners are the most common type. They are placed on the stove and heated until the desired pressure is reached.

Electric pressure canners are newer and more expensive. They are plugged into an outlet and have a built-in heating element.

Be aware that there is a difference between a pressure canner and a pressure cooker. Please note, I quote USU Extension: “Study Finds Electric Pressure Cookers Not Consistently Safe For Canning. Preliminary research conducted by Utah State University Extension professors shows that using electric pressure cookers for small batch, low acid canning may not destroy the bacteria that is responsible for botulism poisoning.”

So a word to the wise, cook with an electric pressure cooker, but don’t can!

2 Best Pressure Canners to use

There are a lot of pressure canners on the market these days. So, which one should you buy? Check out my top 2 picks for the best pressure canners to use!

Presto Pressure Canner-16 or 23 Quart Options

The Presto Pressure Canner is one of the most popular canners on the market. It is simple to use and very reliable. Presto Pressure Canner

The canner is made of durable aluminum and has a capacity of 16 or 23 quarts of liquid capacity (not quart jars), depending on the size you buy. It is also very lightweight, making it easy to transport.

The 16-Quart Warp Resistant Aluminum: Regular-Mouth Mason Jar Capacity: 13 half-pints, 10 pints, or 7 quarts (per GoPresto.com)

The 23-Quart Warp-Resistant Aluminum: Regular-Mouth Mason Jar Capacity: 26 Half-Pints, 20 Pints, or 7 Quarts. (per GoPresto.com)

There is also a 23-Quart Induction Pressure Canner, it works on gas, electric, smooth-top, and induction ranges. (Made of heavy-gauge polished aluminum with a stainless steel-clad base for fast, even heating. Regular-Mouth Mason Jar Capacity: 26 Half-Pints, 20 Pints, or 7 Quarts. (GoPresto.com)

Presto Pressure Canner Features:

• Recommended safe by the US Department of Agriculture for canning vegetables, meats, poultry, and seafood.
• Doubles as a boiling-water canner.
• Constructed of warp-resistant heavy-gauge aluminum for fast, even, consistent heating.
• Works on regular and smooth-top ranges (check with your manufacturer to be sure).
• The Deluxe pressure dial gauge registers the complete range of processing pressures.

Pros:

• Simple to use
• Very reliable
• Lightweight and easy to transport
• Two pressure settings
• The gasket release system prevents pressure build-up
• Comes with an Extended 12- year Limited Warranty (does not apply outside the USA or Canada)
• Pressure regulator weight with settings of 5, 10, and 15 psi

Cons:

• Can be difficult to find replacement parts
• Needs a new gasket replaced yearly or as needed

All-American Pressure Canner-921 Pressure Canner

The All-American Pressure Canner is another popular option. It is made in the USA and is one of the most durable canners on the market.

It’s also equipped with an easy-to-read pressure gauge and automatic venting. Plus, it comes with a steam gauge and an overpressure plug for added safety. So if you’re looking for a pressure canner that you can count on, then look no further than the All-American Pressure Canner. All-American Pressure Canner

The 21-Quart professional quality, extra heavy duty cast aluminum construction throughout for fast & even heating: Regular-Mouth Mason Jar Capacity: 19 Pint Jars or 7 Quart Jars

All American Pressure Canner Features:

Pros:

• Made in the USA
• Durable construction
• Easy-to-read pressure gauge
• Automatic venting
• Steam gauge and overpressure plug for added safety
• Pressure regulator weight with settings of 5, 10, and 15 psi

Cons:

• Heavier than other models
• More expensive
• It May be too heavy for your glass stove top (please check with your stove manufacturer)

Specs On Smaller All-American Pressure Canners

All American 915 15 Quart Pressure Canner

• Capacity – Fifteen-1/2 Quarts (Liquid), 10 Pint Jars, 7 Quart Jars
• I quote “Please Note: The All American Pressure Canner 915 15 Quart is not recommended for canning SMOKED fish as the size of this canner does not allow for adequate heating and cooling times.
• All American Pressure Canners are not recommended for use on glass top/ flat ranges without first checking with your stove manufacturer because their weight may cause the glass/ceramic to break.” All-American Website

All American 910 10 Quart Pressure Canner

• Capacity – Ten- 1/2 Quarts (Liquid), 7 Pint Jars, 4 Quart Jars
• I quote “Please Note: The All American Pressure Canner 910 10 Quart is not recommended for canning SMOKED fish as the size of this canner does not allow for adequate heating and cooling times.
• All American Pressure Canners are not recommended for use on glass top/ flat ranges without first checking with your stove manufacturer because their weight may cause the glass/ceramic to break.” All-American Website

My Top Pressure Canner Pick

Although both brands of these pressure canners are great options, my top pick is the All-American 21-quart Pressure Canner.

When it comes to canning, I want to make sure I’m using the best possible equipment. That’s why I would choose the All American 21-quart pressure canner.

It’s made of durable cast aluminum, so it will last for years. It also has a precision control valve that ensures consistent results. Plus, it comes with a safety valve and a pressure gauge, so I always know exactly what’s going on inside the canner. If something does go wrong, the All American 21-quart pressure canner comes with a 10-year warranty.

Please note I used a Presto Pressure Canner for years, and it worked great.

What to Consider When Choosing a Pressure Canner

Now that you know some of the best pressure canners on the market, it’s time to choose the right one for you. Here are a few things to keep in mind when making your decision:

1. Size: How much food do you want to be able to process at once? If you plan on doing a lot of canning, then you’ll need a pressure canner that is large enough to accommodate your needs.

2. Material: Pressure canners are usually made from either aluminum or stainless steel. Aluminum is lighter and easier to move around, but it can corrode over time. Stainless steel is more durable, but it is also more expensive.

3. Features: Some pressure canners come with additional features like pre-programmed settings, a digital display, or a delay timer. These are all great features to have, but they come at a higher price tag.

4. Safety: When you’re dealing with pressure and heat, safety is always a concern. Make sure to choose a pressure canner that has a safety valve and an overpressure plug. These features will help to keep you and your food safe. Please have your pressure gauge checked every 6-12 months at your local state extension service.

5. Warranty: Most pressure canners come with a 1-year warranty. But if you want something that will last longer, then look for a canner that comes with a 10-year warranty, like the All American 21-quart Pressure Canner.

More on Canning

• What is Water Bath Canning
• Home Canning Do’s and Don’ts

Final Word

So there you have it, my top 2 picks for the best pressure canners to use. Both of these canners are great options and will help you safely preserve your food. However, if you can afford it, I would recommend going with the All American Pressure Canner. You absolutely can’t go wrong with it, and it will last you for years to come!

What pressure canner do you use and what features made it your first choice? Let me know in the comments below! May God Bless this world, Linda

Copyright Images: Jars of Food AdobeStock_211841631 by pamela_d_mcadams