Do you like to eat berries in the Winter and pumpkin in the Summer? How about sharing those shrimp you caught in Florida with your family in Wyoming? Canning is a fantastic way to preserve seasonal food that you want to enjoy throughout the year. Pressure canners (over a water bath canner) are essential for preserving low acid food like fresh vegetables, red meats, and seafood.
Pressure canners are fast becoming a must-have appliance in kitchens all over the World. They come in all shapes, sizes, and prices! So, which is the best pressure canner for you?
We’ve put together a list of our top picks to help make choosing the perfect pressure canner for your needs as easy as can be…
The Best Pressure Canners Reviews
1. All American 21.5 Quart Pressure Cooker Canner
An All American Hero…
First on our list is the industry-leading All American 21.5 Quart Pressure Cooker Canner. This canner is 15-3/8 inches high with a 12-1/4-inch inside diameter. Its capacity is impressive – it holds approximately 7-quart jars or about 19-pint jars.
It is made of durable hand-cast aluminum for fast and even heating. With its easy to clean satin finish, it is an attractive addition to your kitchen. It also has double thickness edges for additional protection on points of heaviest wear.
Gasket free design…
The lid of this pressure canner has an easy release and clamping cover with positive action clamping wing nuts. It also features a stay-cool bakelite top handle. The best part is that there are no gaskets to burn, crack, replace, or clean! This pressure canner is designed with an exclusive “metal-to-metal” sealing system, so you get a steam-tight seal, with no gaskets!
This All American Pressure Cooker Canner has an easy to read geared steam gauge, with an automatic overpressure release. It comes with a three settings valve complete with 5, 10, and 15 psi settings.
Nicely vented…
With the added safety feature of two automatic venting features, you can rest assured you won’t get a build-up of excess pressure. It should be noted that this pressure cooker canner is not recommended for use on glass top ranges.
Whether you’re new to canning or an expert, the All American Pressure Cooker Canner is very easy to use. It comes with a comprehensive instruction manual to guide you safely through all you need to know about the canning world. As well as a great recipe book to help you create delicious meals for you and your family.
PROS
- Strong and durable hand-cast aluminum body.
- No gasket required.
- Three pressure settings for different food types.
- Large capacity.
CONS
- Heavy.
- An expensive option.
2. Presto 01781 23-Quart Pressure Canner And Cooker
Two for the price of one…
Next on our list is the Presto 01781 23 Quart Pressure Canner and Cooker. What we love about this pressure canner is that it doubles as both a pressure cooker as well as a pressure canner. It also comes with a very attractive price tag.
First things first…
The Presto 23 Quart Pressure Canner and Cooker measures 15-1/2 inches high with a 17-1/2-inch diameter. It has an impressive capacity of up to 7-quart jars, 20-pint jars, or 26 half-pint jars.
It is constructed of warp-resistant heavy-gauge aluminum. Fantastic for fast, even heating. It also has an attractive polished aluminum finish. This pressure canner and cooker is designed to work on regular electric, smooth-top, and gas ranges.
Keep your cool…
The Presto 01781 23 Quart Pressure Canner and Cooker features quality plastic handles that are specially designed so that they stay cool to the touch throughout the entire canning process. The easy-to-read pressure gauge automatically measures pressure so that pressure can be easily maintained during processing.
It also registers the complete range of processing pressures, an important feature for people living at higher altitudes. The air vent and cover lock only allows pressure to build when the cover is properly closed and it prevents the cover from opening until the pressure is safely reduced.
Perfect for preserving fruits…
This best pressure canner can also be used as a water bath canner, perfect for preserving fruits, jellies, jams, pickles, and much more. But that’s not all. This pressure canner is also useful as a spacious pressure cooker. It comes with a handy recipe book so you can be cooking a feast for your family in no time!
PROS
- Wallet-friendly price.
- Doubles as a water bath canner and pressure cooker.
- Durable aluminum construction.
- 12-year limited warranty.
CONS
- It’s a little heavy and bulky.
3. Fagor Innova Premium 10-Quart Pressure Cooker And Canner
Small but mighty…
Do you have a compact kitchen? Do you prefer to can small batches of food? Then this pressure canner could be for you. The Fagor Innova Premium 10-Quart Pressure Cooker and Canner is the smallest on our list. However, what it lacks in size it makes up for in quality.
This 10-Quart Pressure Canner is made of 18/10 stainless steel. What we love about this product is that it comes with two lids. The pressure cooker lid and an extra tempered glass lid so you can use it as a regular pot.
Extra versatile…
This Pressure Canner is designed to work on all cooking surfaces, including induction. This feature makes the Fagor Innova Premium 10-Quart Pressure Cooker and Canner the most versatile on our list!
The pressure cooker lid is designed with sleek ergonomic handles. It also has an exclusive triple safety valve system, as well as a safety lock-on handle. This prevents the lid opening before all the pressure is released.
Release the pressure…
The two independent over-pressure release valves also ensure no excess pressure builds-up. When you’ve finished canning, simply select the automatic pressure release position to release pressure. A visual pressure indicator on the handle shows when all pressure has been released from the cooker, and it is safe to open. Simple!
The Fagor Innova Premium 10-Quart Pressure Cooker and Canner has two pressure settings: 8 and 15 psi, ensuring you are able to can a variety of foods safely and efficiently.
Fancy a stew?
When you’re not canning, simple switch the canning lid to the tempered glass lid, and you’ve got a traditional stockpot. Also included is a versatile Stainless Steel steamer basket that can be used to create endless healthy dishes.
Add to this the cookbook with over 50 recipes, and we think this little gem is a worthwhile addition to any kitchen, big or small!
PROS
- Additional tempered glass lid to convert the pressure canner into a traditional pot.
- Can be used on all cooking surfaces, including induction.
- Quality 18/10 stainless steel construction.
- Includes a steamer basket.
CONS
- Smaller canning capacity. Holds approximately 4 pints at one time.
- A little pricier than some bigger capacity pressure canners.
4. Mirro 92122A 22-Quart Pressure Cooker And Canner
Looks can be deceiving…
This Mirro 92122A 22 Quart Pressure Cooker and Canner may look a little basic, but it has some great features. It also doubles as a pressure cooker, making it a versatile addition to your kitchen. For pressure canning, it has a capacity of 7-quart size jars, 16-pint size jars, or 26 half-pint size jars.
It is constructed of rustproof heavy-gauge aluminum, making it great for equal heating. The polished finish is both attractive and easy to keep clean.
Keep it locked down…
The sure locking lid system makes sure the lid doesn’t open when the canner is pressurized. Its reusable overpressure plug allows easy steam release if the cooker develops too much pressure. The Mirro 92122A Pressure Canner also has the added feature of a safety window. This will release pressure via the side rubber gasket if the overpressure plug and vent tube becomes blocked.
You know you’re in safe hands using this pressure canner…
The Mirro 92122A 22 Quart Pressure Cooker and Canner also feature three cooking pressure options: 5, 10, and 15 PSI. These are perfect for maintaining steady pressure without having to manually adjust it.
Add to all this the cooking rack, user manual, and a recipe book, and you have everything you need to start your canning journey!
PROS
- Heavy-gauge aluminum construction for even heating.
- Doubles as a pressure cooker.
- 10-year warranty.
- Safe release of pressure by the side gasket.
- Sure lid-locking system ensures lid stays in place when pressure builds.
- Wallet-friendly price.
CONS
- 1-year warranty on replacement parts.
- Smaller capacity than others.
- Gasket pressure release can lead to break down and gasket replacement.
5. Granite Ware 20-Quart Pressure Canner/Cooker/Steamer
A three in one marvel…
The Granite Ware 20-Quart Pressure Canner/Cooker/Steamer is everything your kitchen could need. Not only is it a pressure canner, but it also acts as a pressure cooker and a steamer. In addition, it can also be used as a water bath canner. It has an impressive capacity of 7-quart size jars, 8-pint size jars, or 24 half-pint size jars.
However, this pressure cooker canner is not recommended for use on glass top ranges.
This 3-in-1 appliance is constructed of heavy gauge hard-anodized aluminum for strength and will not rust or stain. It also features stay-cool handles and a locking stainless steel lid. The included canning jar rack has handy folding handles, making it safe and easy to lift out of the canner.
Select the perfect pressure…
The Granite Ware 20-Quart Pressure Canner/Cooker/Steamer features three different pressure levels: 5, 10, and 15 psi, which is ideal for canning at different altitudes.
The safety features of this pressure canner include a vent pipe in the center of the lid. If this fails or gets blocked, there is an additional black-capped safety valve that will go off, and a second metal safety valve will expel any residual pressure while sounding a whistling alarm.
The stainless steel lid locks in place during canning, with the lid gasket sealing ring forming a pressure tight seal during use.
Perfect for steaming…
For steaming, there is an included steamer insert that sits two-thirds from the top. This gives plenty of space to steam ribs, seafood, roast meats, vegetables, and much more.
The large capacity and versatility of the Granite Ware 20-Quart Pressure Canner/Cooker/Steamer makes it a great option to create healthy, economical family-sized meals with ease.
PROS
- 3 in 1 pressure canner/cooker/steamer makes it an economical addition to your kitchen.
- Heavy gauge hard-anodized aluminum construction.
- Includes canning rack and steamer.
- Extra safety feature of whistling alarm.
CONS
- Gasket sealing ring can need replacing.
6. T-Fal 22-Quart Pressure Cooker And Canner
Safety first…
Last, but certainly not least, is the T-fal 22-Quart Pressure Cooker and Canner. As the name suggests, this is a 2-in-1 pressure cooker and canner. With two included canning racks, it has the capacity to hold 7 quart-size jars, 16 pint-size jars, or 26 half pint-size jars.
It is constructed of heavy-gauge, rustproof aluminum with an attractive polished finish. Like the Mirro Pressure Cooker and Canner we reviewed above, the T-fal 22-Quart Pressure Cooker and Canner also features a sure locking system, ensure that the lid can’t accidentally be opened while pressurized. In addition, it also has a pressure monitoring device built into the handle.
With a deluxe pressure gauge dial and three cooking-pressure options: 5, 10, or 15 PSI, you can easily can a variety of different foods without having to manually adjust the pressure.
We love the safety systems of this pressure cooker and canner…
Not only does it feature the sure locking system and in-built pressure monitor, but it also has a vent tube for effective pressure release. For even more added safety, the backup steam-release components include a reusable overpressure plug. If more release is needed, the gasket-release window will push out from the lid opening.
All these features ensure that you and your family can use this pressure canner safely.
What’s in the box?
This versatile and budget-friendly pressure cooker and canner has been designed for use over stovetop ranges. It comes with a user manual and a recipe book, perfect for both novice and experienced canners.
PROS
- Sure locking lid ensures no accidental spillage.
- Pressure gauge ensures easy monitoring of pressure.
- Plenty of safety features.
- Attractive, heavy-gauge, rustproof aluminum construction.
- Includes two canning racks for maximum efficiency.
- Wallet-friendly price.
CONS
- Gasket system is prone to needing to be replaced.
Best Pressure Canner Buying Guide
We’ve given you a pretty comprehensive list of the best pressure canners currently available on the market. Whatever pressure canner you’re thinking of buying, we’ve put together a check-list of things we think are important to look out for when making your purchase.
Material
Most pressure canners are made of either aluminum or stainless steel.
Aluminum is less expensive than stainless steel and relatively lightweight. Aluminum is also excellent at distributing heat evenly; however, it doesn’t tend to last as long as stainless steel.
Stainless steel is more durable than aluminum, and your pressure canner is likely to last longer, although stainless steel is less effective than aluminum at distributing heat evenly.
Consider these factors when thinking about how much you want to spend on your pressure canner, and how often you plan to use it.
Size And Capacity
Pressure canners come in a variety of sizes. We’ve reviewed from 10-Quart (holding a capacity of approximately 4 pints) to 23-Quart (holding a capacity of approximately 20 pints). If you’re planning on canning for a family or want to can all your food for the year, we would recommend you buying a larger capacity pressure canner. Somewhere between a 16-Quart to 23-Quart should be sufficient.
You can buy larger capacity pressure canners, but they can be heavy and cumbersome. Smaller pressure canners (like the Fagor Innova) are perhaps more intended to be used for cooking, with the occasional need for canning.
Safety
For the uninitiated, pressure canners can look a little scary. All that steam and pressure building in your kitchen, what if the lid flies off and your kitchen is covered in pumpkin, and your kitchen ceiling is missing?
In reality, there’s no reason to be scared of pressure canners. Of course, they should be treated with respect; after all, there is steam and pressure building!
Most presser canners come with the safety feature of an automatic over-pressure release. This enables pressure to automatically release if the pressure canner is becoming too high.
Make sure to check what over-pressure release features the pressure canner you’re looking at has.
Price
Perhaps the most important factor to consider when buying a pressure canner is the price. Ideally, you want to find a pressure canner that is within your budget and has the features that you will utilize the most.
Are you planning on using the pressure canner as a pressure cooker? Will you utilize the steamer function on a pressure canner? Do you plan to also use the pressure canner as a water-bath canner (by removing the lid)?
Check the features and functions of the pressure canners and consider which ones you will realistically utilize. Don’t waste money on features you won’t use, but equally, don’t scrimp on quality for a low price.
But What’s The Best Pressure Canner?
We hope our list above has helped narrow down your options and pointed out some details to look for when searching for your pressure canner. Perhaps you’ve already chosen?
For us the…
Presto 01781 23-Quart Pressure Canner And Cooker
…is the best pressure canner. We love the wallet-friendly price and the fact we can use it on regular electric, smooth-top, and gas ranges. It has a large capacity for pressure canning, and we also like that it can double-up as both a water bath canner and a pressure cooker. It has a sleek, modern design but is made of heavy-gauge aluminum, perfect for fast, even heating.
Other features we love about Presto 01781 23-Quart Pressure Canner and Cooker are the easy to read pressure dial gauge and the extended 12-year limited warranty.
