When you go to buy a pressure canner it is very easy to become overwhelmed by pricing, quality, and what the differences actually mean for your canning experience.
Well, don’t worry because today we are going to walk you through the buying process and give you our opinion on some of the best canners.
The 5 Best Pressure Canners
- Presto 01781 Pressure Canner and Cooker
- All American 921 Canner Pressure Cooker (Our Top Pick)
- Granite Ware Pressure Canner/Cooker/Steamer
- Power Pressure Cooker XL
- Mirro 92122A Polished Aluminum 5/10/15-PSI Pressure Cooker/Canner Cookware
Our Top Pick for the Best Pressure Canner
Our top pick for the best pressure canner is the All American 921 Canner Pressure Cooker. This canner has it all. You will be able to can what you want when you want and do so safely when using the All American 921 Pressure Canner.
Check the price on AmazonWhy Should You Can?
1. You Save Money
Canning is quickly becoming a lost art. It is so easy to simply run to the grocery store and pick up what you want – for a price.
That is the thing with canning, though. You can grow your own food and preserve the excess so your food will only cost you pennies.
2. You Know What You Are Eating
Beyond saving money, you also get the luxury of knowing what exactly goes into your food.
So you know how you look at the storebought labels and can’t pronounce half of the ingredients? Well, those days are over when you begin canning.
3. You Know You Have Food
Whether you are just someone that likes to put food away for the winter or you consider yourself a prepper, canning is something you can do.
So if you like to be prepared then what better way is there than to grow your own food for pennies, preserve it, and know that it is there whenever you need it?
Pressure Canner vs. Water Bath Canner
If you have spent any time studying canning or shopping around for a decent canner then you’ve probably seen both pressure canners and water bath canners.
So what is the difference?
Well, a water bath canner is a large pot that you can boil water in. You can water bath foods like jellies and pickles. Basically, most high acid foods can be water bath canned.
However, what about all of the other foods like vegetables, meat, poultry, etc.?
Well, they require a pressure canner. They must be cooked under pressure for a longer amount of time than what high acid foods require in a water bath canner.
That is why you will find me recommending only pressure canners today. Because pressure canners can double as both a water bath canner and a pressure canner.
Plus, you can also use it to can any kind of food you desire. Whereas a water bath canner can only be used for very few items.
Choosing the Right Pressure Canner
1. Space
Some canners hold 7-quart jars and then others hold up to 19-quart jars. It will depend on the amount you plan to can as to whether you need a larger canner or not.
However, I will say this: having a larger canner does get the job done a lot faster.
So if you have a larger family or can almost all of your food for the year then you will certainly appreciate having a larger canner to complete the job.
2. No Gaskets
Gaskets can be a pain in the neck when canning. If they fly loose or are not in their spot securely it impacts whether or not you can build pressure.
And when you have canners with gaskets (as some of my canners do) they will eventually warp and have to be replaced.
So how do you avoid this from the start? Buy one of the newer canners that have no gaskets that can offer a tighter seal and no replacement is necessary down the road.
3. Automatic Over-Pressure Release
Chances are you’ve heard horror stories of someone cooking with a pressure cooker or canning with a pressure canner. Well, don’t be afraid of a pressure canner. You should certainly respect it as it does build up a lot of pressure.
However, don’t fear that the lid will suddenly fly off and make a hole in your roof while it throws green beans all over your kitchen either.
Why? Because now most pressure canners come equipped with an automatic over-pressure release. This means if the canner starts to build up too much pressure this little flap will fly open to automatically release the pressure. That is a great feature to have.
5 Best Pressure Canners – Reviews
1. Presto 01781 Pressure Canner and Cooker
This Presto 01781 Pressure Canner and Cooker comes in 2 different sizes. One is a 23-quart so it should hold 14-quart jars and the other holds 7-quarts.
It is made of heavy-gauge aluminum that is warp-resistant. This means that your canner will stay in good shape for many years to come.
And that you will also have even heat all through the canner which equates to the pressure building faster too. This canner offers a lot of great qualities at a pretty decent price.
Pros
- Two different sizes that make for faster canning
- 12-year limited warranty in case anything needs replacing or repaired in the future
- Made of heavy gauge aluminum so the heating will be equal throughout the canner and build pressure easier and faster
Cons
- Doesn’t come with a jiggler. I personally prefer that because then I can listen to see how the pressure is building in the canner without having to hover over the canner
2. All American 921 Canner Pressure Cooker
The All American 921 Canner Pressure Cooker is made to fit just about all the canner’s needs. It comes in sizes ranging from 10.5-quarts all the way up to 41.5-quarts.
It also has a metal-to-metal seal so there are no gaskets involved in this canner. That is a great feature as it will make a better seal and less maintenance for the canner itself down the road.
This canner also has an automatic over-pressure release. That is an excellent safety feature that can offer peace of mind while canning.
Another amazing feature is that it holds 5, 10, and 15 PSI of pressure. That is great for a variety of canning recipes.
Pros
- Has a safety release when too much pressure builds up
- Comes in a variety of sizes
- No gaskets
- Offers different ranges of PSI
Cons
- Price is not in everyone’s budget
3. Granite Ware Pressure Canner/Cooker/Steamer
The Granite Ware Pressure Canner/Cooker/Steamer is one of simplicity. It has a 3-piece pressure regulatory system in place. It also comes with a canning rack and steamer.
Another amazing feature of this canner is that it comes in 2 sizes. You can buy the 12-quart version or the 20-quart version. The 20-quart holds up to 7-quart jars, 8-pint jars, or 24 half-pint jars. While the 12-quart version holds 4-quart jars, 7-pint jars, and 8 half-pint jars.
So if you are looking for a basic canner this one should certainly do the job.
Pros
- Comes in 2 different sizes
- Great price that will work for almost any budget
- Includes canning rack
- Uses a jiggler over-pressure gauge so you can ‘hear’ the pressure
Cons
- Appears to still have gaskets
4. Power Pressure Cooker XL
The Power Pressure Cooker XL is not your typical canner. It is one meant for smaller jobs but it also has more functions than the average canner, too.
So this canner can be used for pressure cooking, canning, rice cooking, soup making, and as a steamer.
It is also available in 2 other sizes: 8-quarts or 10-quarts. This canner has a manual steam release and has dishwasher-safe parts.
Pros
- Cans everything with a push of a button
- Versatile kitchen tool
- Has dishwasher safe parts for easy cleanup
Cons
- Very small
- Has a bigger price tag since the size will make canning less efficient.
5. Mirro 92122A Polished Aluminum 5 / 10/ 15-PSI Pressure Cooker/Canner Cookware
The Mirro 92122A Polished Aluminum 5 / 10/ 15-PSI Pressure Cooker/Canner Cookware looks very basic but has some great features. It is constructed of heavy-gauge metal which makes it warp-proof and also great for equal heating throughout the canner.
It comes in 2 great sizes: 16-quarts and 22-quarts. The 22-quart holds 5-quart jars at a time. While the 16-quart holds 5-quart jars as well.
The pressure canner has the 5, 10, and 15 PSI ability. It also comes with a 10-year limited warranty which is great for keeping this kitchen tool for years to come.
Also, it has an overpressure release option and a sure-locking lid system to make pressure canning that much safer.
Pros
- Comes in 2 sizes
- Offers the option of canning with 5, 10, or 15 PSI
- Has an overpressure release option and a sure locking lid system
- Good price
Cons
- Doesn’t hold many jars
Our Top Pick for the Best Pressure Canner
Our top pick for the best pressure canner is the All American 921 Canner Pressure Cooker. This canner has it all. You will be able to can what you want when you want and do so safely when using the All American 921 Pressure Canner.
Check the price on Amazon
