Knowing how to choose the best pressure canner for you and your family is one of the first step towards becoming more self-sustainable. A pressure canner will help you put up a greater variety of foods to stock your pantry and food storage. I warn you, once you begin to see how many things you can put up and how quickly homemade from scratch meals can be made from home pressure canned foods… well, you might become a canning addict like myself.
Many people will tell you a certain brand of pressure canner is the absolute best and the only way to go. I believe you have to take in several different factors to choose the best pressure canner for you and your family. No worries, we'll go over all of them!
I get this question a lot, “What is the best pressure canner to buy?”
That question gets me excited because it means someone is getting ready to enter the world of canning. I have a confession to make, I'm a canning addict… and I have no plans on quitting. This post will help you decide which pressure canner is best for you and your family. And I'm going to be doing a happy dance when you get it. (Yes, I plan on having more pressure canning posts, recipes, and a video or two for all of you joining the canning ranks this year)
Quick review, all non-acid foods must be canned with a pressure canner. That includes, beef, poultry, seafood, vegetables, and combination recipes. I also pressure can my tomato sauce (you can technically water bath or pressure can tomato sauce). I find a pressure canner to be faster than water bath canning and it uses less water.
How to Choose the Best Pressure Canner
There are five things to consider when buying a pressure canner
What size pressure canner do I need
1.Choosing which size pressure canner to buy. Pressure canners come in different sizes. If your children are little (will eat more as they grow), you have a large family, or plan on almost exclusively using home-canned foods, then a larger pressure canner would be your choice. If you're one person or a couple without plans of having many people to feed regularly at meals, then you'll want to choose a smaller pressure canner.
I always recommend choosing a pressure canner that will hold both pint and quart-sized jars. You don't want to limit yourself to pint-sized jars only. My smaller 8-quart pressure canner holds 7-pint jars or 4-quart jars.
If you're wavering between sizes, go with the larger pressure canner. It's just about the same amount of work to put up 7 jars of beans as it is 14 jars and if I can process them all at the same time instead of two separate runs (a run is the amount of time it takes to fully process/can the jars of food).
You'll see pressure canner sizes listed by quarts. For example, my All American 21.5-quart pressure canner holds 19-pint jars or 7-quart jars, not 21.5-quart sized jars (it's 21.5 quarts of water if you were to fill it with liquid). Make sure you read how many jars they hold for a more accurate idea of size.
If you're wanting to put up a whole lotta food at once, you'll want to look into a pressure canner that allows you to stack the jars more than one level deep. The All American 21.5 quart is the smallest canner that still allows for double stacking, the All American 41.5 quart is the largest home pressure canner and allows you to can 32 pints or 19 quarts, it's a big boy!
Pressure canners for glass top stoves
2. Consider your stovetop. If you have a glass stovetop, you cannot use the heavier pressure canners and are limited to pressure canners that specifically say they are safe for glass tops. This pressure canner states it is safe for glass top stove ranges.
I have an electric range and it works just fine for pressure canning. If you use a gas range, be sure not to heat it on too high of a setting.
For induction stovetops you need to use a stainless steel-clad base canner, this is the only one I'm aware of, 23-Quart Induction Compatible Pressure Canner.
What's the best pressure canner for the price
3. Price. Let's face it, the price of an item always comes into play. When I grow the food at home and only have the cost of the canning lid, I estimate the cost of the food is about $.12 a jar. Pretty economical. We put up around 300 jars of food in the summertime and continue to add to that throughout the winter months by canning our meat and using frozen berries to replenish our jam and jelly supply. That means even the more spendy pressure canner pays for itself in one year.
If you're just getting into canning and don't have the extra funds, then starting with a Presto pressure canner is the best choice. I used this economic pressure canner for almost 15 years old and it is still going strong though I'm passing it along to another canner.
If you only want to purchase one canner for your lifetime, then the All American canner will be the one you want to consider. As its name states the All Amercian canner is made in the in United States in Wisconsin. It's earned a reputation as being a premier pressure canner.
4. Replacing parts. A gasket based pressure canner like Presto requires replacing the gasket when it begins to wear out. I've replaced my gasket once in 15 years. You'll need to check your gasket regularly for cracks or fatigue and oil it occasionally. I recommend having a replacement on hand before you need it. The gaskets are less than $15.
Depending upon your model, you'll also want to have an extra pressure release value on hand. I've purchased both of these at our local hardware store. Again, I've only replaced each once in 15 years.
The metal on metal seal of the All-American means no replacement parts as far as the gasket is concerned.
Do I need to maintain a pressure canner
5. Maintenance care. A dial gauged pressure canner will require taking it in once a year (especially important when it is brand new and before your first use) and having it checked at your local county extension office. They'll make sure the dial is accurately showing the correct PSI (stands for per square inch of pressure).
A weighted gauge pressure canner does not require this. The weighted gauge is the control that jiggles, hisses, and rocks back and forth. This is the kind of pressure canner I use and prefer.
Best economical choice for a pressure canner
If money is an issue, I'd go with the Presto pressure canner, if you have the funds and want to invest in a canner you'll use forever I'd go with the All American pressure canner. However, the truly most important thing is both of these pressure canners will get the job done and allow you to safely can food at home.
New to pressure canning and want to make sure you're doing it correctly? Take my free 4 part video series teaching you how to safely operate a pressure canner, including what you can and cannot safely can at home, even with a pressure canner.
Are you just starting with canning? Which pressure canner do you recommend?
Thanks for the tips! I can a ton using a water bath, but I’d love to get into pressure canning. I’ve been afraid to so far!
Melissa,
The first time is intimidating, but it’s really pretty easy. Don’t let fear hold you back, pressure canning opens up a whole new door to canning!
Me too! I know waterbath canning, but pressure canning is new and scary. 🙂
I forgot to say thanks for the tips. I’m heading to All American to backorder a pressure canner for next year’s harvest.
[…] one of my favorite questions to answer because it means someone is getting into canning. Here are my 5 tips to purchasing the best pressure canner for […]
My mom has a canner, i think it’s a Presto, is about 50 years old and still going strong.
I can hardly stand store canned soup anymore. Do you know how long and at what pressure I can pressure can my own soup?
Mickey,
It depends on your altitude and what ingredients are in the soup. It is not recommended to can anything with dairy in it at home. Your pressure canner should come with a recipe guide to help you or the Ball Complete Book of Home Canning has safe soup recipes for home canning.
I have always been afraid of presure cookers because one of my childhood friends was burned by a pressure cooker exploding and throwing boiling water and food on her. I just bought one of the new electric ones but I don’t know how to determine the pressure and length of time. Can you please help?
Barb,
Newer pressure canners have pressure relief valves and are much safer than older versions. However, you cannot can in a pressure cooker, it must be a pressure canner. I don’t believe any pressure canner is electric, so you won’t be able to can in it.
I have a. Electric Nutriionist by Russell Hobbs. Would that suffice?
Presto makes a good product! Love hearing your mom has been using the same canner that many years.
[…] New to canning? You need to read my 5 tips for choosing the best pressure canner for you. […]
Thank you for the tips! My Mom canned everything when I was growing up. I have never had a pressure canner in all my marriage though. A few years ago I started water-bath canning. I have pickled so many foods! But I would like to get a pressure canner. Every time I look they are over $100 and I never see them in Goodwill or Thriftstores. If I were to find one second-hand, what would you recommend I look for to make sure it is safe to use? I’m a little bit afraid of pressure canners because I’ve heard they can explode. But I want to be able to can meats, so I’d like to get one. Any tips on buying a used canner would be appreciated. Tax refund is slim this year so that isn’t going to be an option this time.
Laurene,
If it’s a dial gauge, you’ll want to take it to an extension office to be checked. If it’s a weighted gauge, then you’ll want to make sure the lid secures. You can replace the rubber gasket and pressure release valve for about $10. Look for any big dents on the bottom that would stop it from sitting evenly on the stove top.
I have never canned before but I am excited to try. I have a pressure canner, can I use just that for everything or are some recipes ONLY for waterbaths?
Karen,
I use my pressure canner for everything except pickles and jams/jellies. I like crunchy pickles so the waterbath works better. But, as long as it is tall enough, you can use it as a water bath canner by just using the rack and pot and not using the pressure gauge or sealing it.
Hello, I’m looking on eBay for a used 8 qt pressure canner because I have a small kitchen and I only do it in small batches anyways, is it still safe to pressure can in the 8 qt as long as the equipment is in excellent condition? What have you pressure can in your 8 qt? Thank you 🙂
As long as it’s a pressure canner (not just a pressure cooker) then it should be safe. Just check the seals and if it has a pressure gauge dial, take it to your local county extension office for testing before the first use (you should do that with new ones too).
I have the Wolfgang puck canning pressure cooker and his smaller pressure cooker. They are electric. I love them. I live in an apartment and growing up We had an electric stove my mother would destroy while canning. I hope to start canning this spring.
Eric,
Can’t wait for you to join the canning revolution!
I went with the All American! I’m a young’un and plan to pressure can for the rest of my life, so I thought it’d be best to start with a bang. I bought model 921 (holds 7 qts). For the first time this summer I pressure-canned bone broth, beans, meat and meat sauce! I absolutely love having canned food on hand. My favorite thing is the quickness with which I can make steamed puddings! My pressure canner does an amazing job!
Autumn,
Thanks for sharing, I got an All American for Christmas this year!
Another consideration for size of canner comes along as you age. (Doesn’t everything?) lol I’m buying a new pressure canner this year & will go with the smaller version because the larger on is just to heavy. I found a smaller waterbath canner last year & really enjoyed it.
I’ve had my large presto canner 40 years and it’s still going strong. It can also be a lifetime investment. I just keep extra seals around to replace every few years. I can probably 700 jars a year. Best investment we ever made.
They have canners for glass top stoves also.
Thank you for the information on the pressure canner.
I have been afraid to start.
Gwenda
You’re welcome and I hope to hear of your many successes!
Thanks for the info, just one question. Can the All American canner go on a glass cooktop if I’m careful? I use my water canner on it.
Thanks! Sue
Sue, I don’t have a glass cooktop but the All American canner is pretty heavy. I have some people say they do so without a problem but I don’t have any personal experience. I would say only proceed with caution and perhaps contact All American customer service department to ask them.
[…] if you plan on canning vegetables, you will need a pressure canner (see which is the best pressure canner) and that is an expense. I started out with an $80 pressure canner over 16 years ago, which is $5 a […]
Hi Melissa.
I have been looking on ebay and amazon, and have noticed that a lot of the pressure cookers and canners do not have a separate valve on the lids. Is that a normal thing with the new ones.
My pressure cooker has the safety release as well as the pressure guage, and it is an old ( maybe 40 years old.)
Thanks, hope you can help sort this out for me.
Hi Sharon,
All pressure canners I use have a weighted gauge that goes on top of the vent pipe as well as an over pressure relief plug on the lid, both my All American and my Murro model.
What is the difference between the 21.5 quart and a 25 quart all American pressure canner‘s? They seem to have the exact same capacity.
Thanks so much for explaining how a pressure canner works.
We recently renovated and now I have an induction stove top. Because the material of the canner is aluminium- it won’ t work. Do you know any pressure canners that work on induction?
Hoping you have a positive answer!
hi Hanna
i think i have same concerns as you regarding my glass too stove.
i’m considering buying the presto model from amazon. Melissa says that model Is suited for glass top stoves 🙂
good luck and success
Hanna, you might need to buy one of those stand alone burners to use just for canning. That’s what I plan to do for my glass top. You could also go to the store and see if a magnet will stick to the bottom of any pressure canner before you buy it. Magnet must stick for it to work with induction.
am getting ready to get my canner :)))
will be fun !
our stove is a glass top stove. it turns on an intense red glowing curcular grid when tyrned on.
i do not understand well why the all american canner us too heavy for my glass stove. too bad thats fine. i’ll go then for the presto model.
lots of thanks for the all detailed infos troubleshooting and nice amazon links
all the best y’all
am getting ready to get my canner :)))
will be fun !
our stove is a glass top stove. it turns on an intense red glowing curcular grid when tyrned on.
i do not understand well, why the all american canner us too heavy for my glass stove. too bad thats fine. i’ll go then for the presto model.
lots of thanks for the all detailed infos troubleshooting and nice amazon links
all the best y’all
Hi Melissa,
Thanks so much for your teachings.
Do you have any recommendations for pressure canners that work on an induction stove?
Best,
Nancy
I haven’t found anything, I think your best bet is to use a propane burner on a stove outdoors.
Where did you get the weighted gauge you use in the videos? Also, can you use it on any pressure canner? The Presto is sold out on Amazon so I’m thinking about purchasing a Mirro.
It comes with the canner. You can only use it on canners that originally come with it.
The reason I have a glass top stove is because the fumes from gas stoves irritates my autoimmune issues. The canner that you suggested in this article for a glass top is primarily aluminum. I’ve been told not to use aluminum in the kitchen. I found a stainless steel canner, but you are saying that they can’t be used on glass top stoves. So, I’m at a loss trying to make a decision about what to purchase. In your opinion, do you think the aluminum canners will leave any residule in the jars?
No, the jars are completely closed, you’re not actually cooking in the aluminum and your food isn’t touching it.
Hi, I have an electric stove top and would like to purchase the 23 quart model of the Presto pressure canner that you recommended.
Question: Is it ok to use it on a large-sized burner that’s 11 inches in diameter? (That’s the largest burner on my stove)
Asking because I read on a website that the canner should only be 1 inch wider than your burner (for an electric stove top). My understanding is the diameter of the 23 quart pressure canner is 14.8 inches, which makes me think my stove is too small for it… Any advice would be very welcomed.
Thanks!
I see some folks asking about different canners now. I purchased the 23 qt Presto model 01781 to use on my glass top stove. It comes with a dial gauge and a fixed 15lb psi regulator, BUT Presto sells a weighted gauge that is adjustable – 5lb… 10lb..15lb that IS compatible with the Presto I purchased. I’m still waiting on it, as it was purchased through Amazon, and they ended up changing the shipping time to almost 6 weeks!
I purchased the canner from Wayfair (only ones that had it in stock). I see they have gone up to just over $100 for that model in the past few weeks. I decided to hold off on my first foray into pressure canning until I receive that regulator. Every blog I have read says it makes canning so much better! Hope this info can help someone else.
Hi Deborah,
Do you have a link to the weighted gauge for the Presto canner? I was on the Presto website and couldn’t find it. I even put the canner into the parts lookup – it only showed the dial gauge.
Thanks,
Marie
Melissa,
Your links to the Presto pressure cookers on Amazon are listed as, “Currently unavailable. We don’t know when or if this item will be back in stock.” This is true for both your recommended Presto canner and the safe-for-glass-tops links.
I’m guessing that Presto is replacing these with similar newer models. Please check this out and update your affiliate links.
No, it’s because Presto can’t keep up with the demand right now, not replacing.
So this is another effect of the COVID-19 mess. Hopefully we’ll see them come back in stock soon.
I am amazed at the shortage of seeds and gardening supplies this spring.
Very good article my name is Darren I’ve been canning for a number of years my family is all Mormon and my mom has been canning I remember when I probably have five 8 quart Canter kettles but the one I like the best is my All American because it doesn’t have any gaskets you don’t have to worry about anything to replace they’re very pricey but well worth money
I need a new water canner but would also like to get a pressure canner. Should I just get a pressure canner and use it for water bath canning too or get one canner for each method.
I use my pressure canner with a cookie sheet as the lid for water bath canning, you just need to make sure it’s deep enough (I have the 21.5 quart All American) if using quart jars that the liquid level will go 1 to 2 inches over the top of the jars. My previous smaller pressure canner wouldn’t let me water bath quarts in it.
Melissa,
My stove has the traditional coil with sensi-temp
technology. Can I use a pressure canner on this?
I don’t know what the sensi-temp tech is, the heat must be constant so the pounds of pressure doesn’t fluctuate.
Hi I’m new to canning. Have a glasstop stove so looking at purchasing a Presto pressure canner. The ones I’ve seen have the dial gauge and a pressure relief valve that looks different than the ones in your videos. It’s more like a flat black knob. Will that work the same as far as checking to make sure it’s rattling the 1-4 times per minute?
Also they have a 16 & 23 quart. If I’m not sure how much canning I’ll be doing is it best to start small. Can you use the larger one if the amount you’re canning doesn’t fill it completely?
Thanks!
Which electric pressure canner do you reccomend ?
I don’t, you can’t safely pressure can in any electric pressure device, only stove top
I am so enjoying the canning videos. I have canned with my grandmother and aunt for many years and I am now canning again and making apple butter with our 4th generation copper kettle. Every other year we have an apple butter making day which includes homemade white bread that we use to clean the kettle by sopping up the apple butter. I am afraid that these traditions will go away with future generations so I am on a mission to teach and pass it on. My grand baby makes breads and jams with me and works the garden with me. Thank you again for sharing your world.