Imagine opening your pantry shelves and finding jars of perfectly preserved, home-grown vegetables or delicious homemade jams, bursting with summer’s goodness even in the middle of winter. That’s the magic of home canning, and at its heart often lies a trusty canner pressure cooker. But with so many different kinds out there, how do you pick the one that’s just right for your kitchen adventures?
The sheer variety can feel overwhelming. Do you need a stovetop model or an electric one? What about size? And safety features are super important, right? It’s easy to get lost in the technical details, making the whole process seem more complicated than it needs to be. This can leave you feeling frustrated and unsure where to start your canning journey.
That’s where we come in! By the end of this post, you’ll have a clear understanding of the different types of canner pressure cookers, what makes them tick, and how to choose the best fit for your needs and budget. We’ll cut through the confusion and empower you to make a confident decision so you can start preserving your favorite foods with ease and peace of mind.
Our Top 5 Canner Pressure Cooker Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Canner Pressure Cooker Detailed Reviews
1. Presto 01781 Pressure Canner and Cooker
Rating: 9.0/10
The Presto 01781 Pressure Canner and Cooker, 23 qt, Silver is a versatile kitchen tool that helps you preserve food safely and efficiently. It’s the only method recommended by the U.S. Department of Agriculture for canning low-acid foods like vegetables, meats, poultry, and seafood. This large canner also works as a boiling-water canner for fruits and other goodies. Plus, it doubles as a big pressure cooker for quick meals.
What We Like:
- Safest way to can low-acid foods as recommended by the USDA.
- Can be used for both pressure canning and boiling-water canning.
- Works great as a large-capacity pressure cooker.
- Made from strong, warp-resistant aluminum for even heating.
- Works on both regular and smooth-top stoves.
- Comes with a generous 12-year limited warranty.
- Precise pressure dial gauge is helpful, especially at high altitudes.
- Large size is perfect for big canning projects.
- Includes a rack and a helpful 76-page instruction and recipe book.
- Holds a lot: 26 half-pints, 20 pints, or 7 quarts of Mason jars.
What Could Be Improved:
- The large size might take up significant storage space.
- Aluminum construction, while efficient, might require more careful handling than stainless steel to avoid dents.
This Presto canner is a top choice for home food preservation, offering safety, versatility, and durability for years of use. It’s an excellent investment for anyone serious about canning or simply wanting a large, efficient pressure cooker.
2. T-fal Pressure Cooker Aluminum Pressure Canner
Rating: 9.0/10
Preserve your harvests and create delicious meals with the T-fal 22-Quart Pressure Canner. This large-capacity cooker is built from durable aluminum, ensuring it lasts for years. It’s not just for canning; you can also steam, boil, and simmer your favorite foods. The T-fal pressure canner is the USDA-recommended way to keep meats, vegetables, and seafood fresh for longer.
What We Like:
- Durable Aluminum Construction: The strong aluminum heats evenly and is easy to clean, making it a reliable tool for all your canning needs.
- Versatile Cooking Options: Beyond canning, it works for steaming, boiling, and simmering, offering flexibility in your kitchen.
- Safe and Secure Design: It features a secure locking lid, a steam release valve, and a pressure gauge for safe operation. Sturdy handles make it easy to carry.
- Extra-Large Capacity: The 22-quart size is perfect for canning large amounts of food. It comes with two racks to maximize space and a helpful recipe booklet.
- Fast Cooking: This pressure canner can cut down cooking times by up to 70%, saving you time and energy.
- Wide Cooktop Compatibility: It works well on both gas and electric stoves.
- One-Year Warranty: The product is backed by a one-year warranty for peace of mind.
What Could Be Improved:
- Pressure Gauge Display: The product description mentions that the pressure gauge display may vary, which could be a minor point of confusion for some users.
This T-fal pressure canner is a fantastic choice for anyone looking to preserve food or speed up their cooking. Its large capacity and safety features make it a valuable addition to any kitchen.
3. Nesco NPC-9 Smart Electric Pressure Cooker and Canner
Rating: 9.3/10
The Nesco NPC-9 Smart Electric Pressure Cooker and Canner is a versatile kitchen appliance that helps you prepare delicious meals and preserve your favorite foods. Its large capacity and multiple functions make it a great addition to any kitchen, whether you’re a seasoned canner or just starting out.
What We Like:
- It’s a multi-functional cooker, meaning it can pressure can, pressure cook, steam, and slow cook.
- It comes with limiting valves for both standard and high altitudes, with options for 10 PSI and 15 PSI.
- The digital display is easy to read and has preset programs for consistent results when canning.
- The 9.5 qt. chamber is spacious and the non-stick cooking pot is dishwasher safe.
- It holds four Quart, five Pint, or sixteen 4 oz. jelly jars at once.
- Safety is a priority with a safety lock lid and an automatic float valve.
- It includes a canning rack and steam rack to expand your cooking options.
- A removable condensation catcher makes cleanup much easier.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it offers many functions, mastering them all might take some practice.
- The size might be a bit large for very small kitchens.
This Nesco pressure cooker and canner is a fantastic tool for anyone looking to expand their culinary skills and preserve food efficiently. It offers a great balance of features, safety, and convenience for home cooks.
4. Barton 22-Quart Pressure Canner Pressure Cooker Pressure Gauge with Rack
Rating: 8.7/10
Unlock the secrets to safe and easy home canning with the Barton 22-Quart Pressure Canner. This versatile pot lets you preserve everything from crunchy vegetables to tender meats and delicious fruits. It’s built tough and designed for simple operation, making it a fantastic addition to any kitchen.
What We Like:
- It makes canning vegetables, meats, poultry, and seafood super easy and safe.
- It also works as a boiling water canner for fruits, jams, jellies, pickles, and salsa.
- The deluxe pressure dial gauge shows you the exact pressure, which is really helpful, especially if you live where the air is thin (high altitude).
- Safety is a top priority with a spring safety device that stops it from building pressure until it’s closed tight.
- The lid locks securely, so it won’t open when the pot is hot and full of steam.
- It’s made of strong, shiny aluminum that won’t rust.
- You can use it on gas, electric, induction, and ceramic stoves.
- The included racks give you more space and stop food from sticking to the bottom.
What Could Be Improved:
- The pressure release is set at 13 PSI, but it can vary by 5%, which might be a small concern for some users.
This Barton pressure canner is a reliable tool for preserving your food. It offers great value and peace of mind for home cooks.
5. Supa Ant Pressure Canner 23 Qt with Canning Supplies Starter Kit – Canning Pressure Cooker with Gauge – Water Bath Canner Pot with Rack and Lid – Jar Lifter
Rating: 8.8/10
Get ready to preserve your favorite foods with the Supa Ant Pressure Canner 23 Qt and its comprehensive starter kit. This large-capacity canner is designed for both pressure canning and water bath canning, making it a versatile addition to any home kitchen. It comes with all the tools you need to start canning right away, from lifting jars to removing air bubbles.
What We Like:
- The 23-quart size lets you can a lot of food at once, saving you time and effort.
- Safety features like an overpressure plug and a locking lid give you peace of mind while canning.
- The included starter kit has everything you need: jar lifter, funnel, lid lifter, bubble remover, and a wrench.
- Four sturdy stainless steel racks are included, which fit mason jars perfectly and are rustproof and dishwasher safe.
- The canner is energy efficient, meaning it cooks faster and uses less energy, while keeping your food’s flavor and nutrients.
- A super-sized ladle (holds 1/2 pint) and 90 “Home made” labels are a nice bonus.
- Supa Ant provides excellent 24/7 US-based customer service if you have any questions or problems.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the instructions are clear, a beginner might find the initial setup a bit overwhelming.
- The canning tongs, while functional, could be a bit more ergonomic for extended use.
This Supa Ant Pressure Canner is a fantastic all-in-one solution for anyone looking to get into home canning. Its user-friendly design and complete accessory kit make it easy and safe to preserve delicious food.
Your Guide to Choosing the Best Canner Pressure Cooker
A canner pressure cooker is a fantastic tool for preserving food. It cooks food quickly under pressure, which also helps kill bacteria. This makes your canned goods safe to eat. It’s also great for cooking tough cuts of meat tender in a fraction of the time.
Key Features to Look For
When you shop for a canner pressure cooker, keep these important features in mind.
1. Size and Capacity
- How much food do you want to can? Canners come in different sizes. Smaller ones are good for beginners or small families. Larger ones are better for serious canners or big harvests.
- Jar Size: Make sure the canner is tall enough to hold your canning jars upright. It should also be wide enough to fit several jars at once.
2. Pressure Gauge
- Accuracy is Key: A good pressure gauge tells you exactly how much pressure is inside. This is vital for safe canning. Look for gauges that are easy to read. Some have a dial, while others have a weighted jiggler.
- Weighted Jiggler vs. Dial: Weighted jiggler gauges are simple and reliable. Dial gauges can be more precise but might need recalibration over time.
3. Safety Features
- Locking Lid: The lid should lock securely. This prevents it from opening while the cooker is under pressure.
- Overpressure Plug: This is a safety valve. It releases extra pressure if the main vent gets blocked.
4. Venting System
- Easy to Clean: The vent pipe or system allows steam to escape. It should be easy to clean so food doesn’t clog it.
5. Construction Material
- Durable Metal: Most canner pressure cookers are made of aluminum or stainless steel. Both are good choices.
- Aluminum: It heats up quickly and evenly. It is also lighter.
- Stainless Steel: It is very durable and resists rust and staining. It may take a bit longer to heat up.
Important Materials
The materials used in a canner pressure cooker affect its performance and how long it lasts.
- Aluminum: This is a popular choice because it conducts heat very well. This means your canner heats up fast and cooks food evenly.
- Stainless Steel: This material is strong and won’t react with acidic foods like tomatoes. It’s also easy to clean and looks nice. It’s a good option if you want a canner that lasts a long time.
- Gaskets/Seals: If your canner has a gasket for sealing the lid, check what it’s made of. Rubber or silicone are common. Make sure it’s food-grade and can withstand high temperatures.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Several things can make a canner pressure cooker better or worse.
What Makes It Better:
- Thick Pot Walls: Thicker walls help distribute heat more evenly. This prevents hot spots and burning.
- Sturdy Handles: Strong, comfortable handles make it easy to move the canner, especially when it’s full and hot.
- Clear Instructions: Good instructions help you use the canner correctly and safely.
What Makes It Worse:
- Thin Metal: Thin metal can warp or dent easily. It also leads to uneven cooking.
- Poorly Fitting Lid: A lid that doesn’t seal tightly can lose pressure. This makes canning take longer and can affect results.
- Difficult-to-Clean Parts: If parts are hard to get to, food can build up. This can cause problems later.
User Experience and Use Cases
Using a canner pressure cooker is straightforward once you learn the basics.
Ease of Use:
- Simple Operation: Most canners have a few main steps: add food and liquid, seal the lid, bring to pressure, cook for the required time, and cool down.
- Learning Curve: Beginners might feel a little nervous at first. Reading the instructions carefully and maybe watching a video can help a lot.
Common Uses:
- Home Canning: This is the primary use. You can can vegetables, fruits, meats, and soups. This saves money and lets you enjoy seasonal produce year-round.
- Tenderizing Meats: Pressure cooking is amazing for making tough cuts of meat fall-apart tender. Think pot roast or pulled pork.
- Cooking Dried Beans: Dried beans cook much faster in a pressure cooker than on the stovetop.
Choosing the right canner pressure cooker means looking at its size, safety features, and how it’s built. With a good canner, you can enjoy delicious, safely preserved food and quickly cooked meals.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the main difference between a pressure cooker and a pressure canner?
A: A pressure cooker cooks food quickly. A pressure canner uses pressure to cook food AND to kill harmful bacteria for safe food preservation.
Q: Can I use a regular pressure cooker for canning?
A: No. Pressure canners are designed to hold a specific pressure for a long time, which is needed for safe canning. Regular pressure cookers usually don’t reach these safe canning pressures.
Q: How do I know if my canner is safe?
A: Look for safety features like a locking lid and an overpressure plug. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
Q: How much food can I can at once?
A: This depends on the size of your canner. Larger canners can hold more jars.
Q: What kind of food can I can with a pressure canner?
A: You can can low-acid foods like vegetables, meats, poultry, and seafood. High-acid foods like fruits are usually canned using a boiling water bath.
Q: How long does it take to can food?
A: The time varies depending on the food being canned. It includes the time to build pressure, the cooking time, and the cooling time.
Q: Do I need special jars for pressure canning?
A: No, you use standard canning jars with two-piece lids. The canner itself is the special equipment.
Q: How do I clean my canner pressure cooker?
A: Most canners can be washed with soap and water. Make sure to clean the vent pipe and the lid. Check your manual for specific cleaning instructions.
Q: What is “headspace” in canning?
A: Headspace is the empty space left at the top of the jar between the food and the lid. It’s important for creating a good seal.
Q: Where can I find recipes for pressure canning?
A: Many reliable sources offer pressure canning recipes, including university extension offices, reputable canning websites, and canning cookbooks.
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.