Canning is a popular way to preserve fruits, vegetables, and other foods for long periods. It helps keep food safe and flavorful by sealing it in jars using heat. Pressure cookers designed for canning speed up the process while making sure jars reach the right temperature to kill bacteria.
Pressure canners are different from regular pressure cookers because they can reach higher pressures needed for safe canning. This is especially important for low-acid foods like meats and vegetables. A good canning pressure cooker must maintain steady pressure, be large enough to fit multiple jars, and have clear, easy-to-read controls.
When choosing the best canning pressure cooker, there are a few key things to consider. Size matters since bigger cookers let you can more jars at once, saving time. Safety features like locking lids and pressure gauges are important too. Also, durability and ease of cleaning should influence your choice. Understanding these points will help us pick the right pressure cooker for reliable home canning.
Best Canning Pressure Cookers
We have tested and reviewed several canning pressure cookers to help you find the best option for your kitchen. Our list includes reliable models that are easy to use and designed to preserve your food safely. Here are our top picks for canning pressure cookers.
T-fal Pressure Canner 22 Qt.
This pressure canner is a solid choice for those who want a large, reliable cooker for home canning and faster meal prep.
Pros
- Large capacity holds many jars at once
- Durable aluminum heats evenly and resists rust
- Safety features include secure locking and steam release
Cons
- Pressure gauge may not be very precise
- Not dishwasher safe, needs hand cleaning
- Some steam can escape during use
The 22-quart size means we can process large batches of food in one go. It fits many pint and quart jars, making it great for seasonal canning projects.
Made from heavy-gauge aluminum, it heats quickly and spreads heat well. The sturdy build promises lasting use without rust problems.
Safety is covered with a locking lid and pressure valve to keep things secure. Although the pressure gauge isn’t perfect, the cooker still maintains steady pressure for effective canning.
We like the included racks to maximize canning space and the recipe booklet helps guide us through the process. It works on gas and electric stovetops, adding versatility.
On the downside, we have to clean it by hand, which takes more effort. Also, some users mention steam escaping during cooking, so it requires monitoring.
Overall, this canner offers good value and large capacity for home canners who want convenience and reliability.
Presto 23 Qt Canner
We recommend this pressure canner for those needing a reliable, large-capacity option for home canning and cooking.
Pros
- Large size fits many jars for big canning jobs
- Accurate pressure gauge helps maintain safe processing
- Can be used as both a canner and a pressure cooker
Cons
- Aluminum interior can discolor with use
- Lid requires careful cleaning and maintenance
- Pressure gauge is delicate and needs gentle handling
This canner offers a classic design made from heavy-duty aluminum that heats fast and evenly. The extra-large 23-quart size is great for preserving many jars at once, saving time on big projects.
The pressure gauge provides clear readings, which helps keep processing pressure steady—important for safe canning, especially at high altitudes. It also locks securely during use, with safety features that prevent opening when pressured.
While it serves well as a pressure cooker, its aluminum body may show discoloration over time. The lid needs to be cleaned and maintained carefully to keep parts like the sealing ring and vent pipe in good condition. Overall, it’s a solid tool backed by a 12-year warranty for peace of mind.
Kilogorge 24qt Pressure Canner
This pressure canner is a solid choice for anyone looking to preserve large batches of food efficiently with added safety features.
Pros
- Large 24-quart size lets you can many jars at once
- Built-in pressure gauge and safety valves improve safety and control
- Comes with useful tools like jar wrench and funnel
Cons
- Instructions could be clearer for beginners
- A bit bulky and heavy to handle
- Not dishwasher safe, so cleaning needs extra effort
The big capacity is great for saving time when putting up lots of food. It speeds up the canning process compared to traditional methods, helping us get more jars done at once.
Safety is clearly a focus here, with a pressure gauge and two relief valves to prevent accidents. The locking lid also stops the pot from opening until it’s safe, which gives us peace of mind during canning.
Included tools like the magnetic lid lifter and canning rack make the process smoother. However, cleaning by hand is needed since it isn’t dishwasher safe, and the instruction manual may make starting a little confusing. Overall, it suits serious home canners who want reliable performance and safety.
Presto 23-Quart Induction Pressure Canner
This pressure canner is a solid choice for anyone needing a large, safe, and induction-compatible option for home canning.
Pros
- Works on induction, gas, electric, and smooth-top stoves
- Large capacity for big canning projects
- Includes safety features like pressure gauge and cover lock
Cons
- Quite large, needs a roomy burner and kitchen space
- Some users want adjustable weights sold separately
- Heavier and bulkier than smaller pressure cookers
This Presto model stands out for its ability to work on induction cooktops, which many pressure canners do not support. Its 23-quart size lets us can large batches of vegetables or meats at once, making it practical for serious home canners or families.
Safety is a key point here. The pressure gauge helps us maintain proper canning pressure, especially important at higher altitudes. The locking cover prevents accidental openings under pressure, providing reassurance during use.
Additionally, it doubles as a boiling water canner, so we can preserve fruits and jams with the same pot. Its heavy aluminum build with a stainless steel base means even heating, although its size and weight may require caution when handling. Overall, it offers versatility and reliability for various canning needs.
Presto 17-Quart Digital Pressure Canner
This pressure canner makes home canning easier and more precise with its digital controls and safety features.
Pros
- Automatically maintains safe canning temperatures
- Large capacity fits quart jars for pressure and water bath canning
- Built-in timer and LED display guide through the process
Cons
- Takes up significant counter space due to its size
- Higher price compared to basic models
- Some users report waiting time for pressure to build
The Presto digital canner is designed to take the guesswork out of home canning. It uses a sensor that keeps the temperature steady, requiring no manual adjustments, even at high altitudes. This can be a big help for anyone new to pressure canning or wanting more control.
Its extra-tall size allows us to fit large jars comfortably. We can use it both for pressure canning low acid foods and boiling water canning for high acid foods. The digital interface is straightforward and shows clear instructions on the LED screen.
Cleaning is simpler thanks to the removable ceramic-coated pot. Presto includes a rack, recipe book, and quickstart guide to help us get started. The many safety features add peace of mind, like the cover-lock system and alerts if something is off during processing.
Buying Guide
Choosing the best canning pressure cooker means looking at a few key features. We want something safe, easy to use, and the right size for our needs. Pressure cookers come with different capacities and functions, so it’s important to know what fits our kitchen and canning projects.
Safety is the first thing we check. A good pressure cooker should have strong locking lids, pressure release valves, and clear indicators. These features help prevent accidents and make us feel confident while canning.
Next, size matters. We should pick a cooker that fits the number of jars we plan to process at once. Smaller models are good for occasional use or small batches, while larger ones suit bigger projects. Also, consider the cooker’s weight and how easy it is to handle.
Some other features to look for are easy-to-read gauges and durable materials. Stainless steel is often best because it lasts longer and cleans well. We should make sure the cooker fits our stove type, especially if we have induction.
| Feature | What to Look For |
|---|---|
| Capacity | Fits jars you plan to can |
| Safety | Locking lid, pressure release valve |
| Material | Durable stainless steel preferred |
| Pressure Gauge | Clear and easy to read |
| Stove Compatibility | Works on your stove type (gas, electric, induction) |
Choosing well helps us can safely and efficiently without worry.
