Best Pressure Canner: Top Picks for Home Canning in 2023

Pressure canning is a popular method of preserving food for a long time without losing its nutritional value. It is a high-pressure cooking method that uses a specialized pressure canner to kill microorganisms and bacteria that could spoil food. Pressure canners are versatile kitchen appliances that can be used to can almost anything, from fruits and vegetables to meat and fish. They are especially useful for home gardeners who want to preserve their harvest.

When looking for the best pressure canner, there are several factors to consider. The first thing to look for is the size of the canner. It should be large enough to hold the amount of food you want to can. Another important factor is the type of pressure canner. There are two types: dial gauge and weighted gauge. Dial gauge canners are more accurate but require calibration, while weighted gauge canners are easier to use but less precise.

We spent countless hours researching and testing pressure canners to identify the ones that make pressure canning easy and safe. In this article, we will share our top picks for the best pressure canners on the market. Whether you're a seasoned canner or a beginner, our recommendations will help you find the right pressure canner for your needs.

Best Pressure Canners

Are you looking for a reliable and efficient way to preserve your food? Look no further than pressure canners! These versatile appliances allow you to safely can a wide variety of foods, from fruits and vegetables to meats and soups.

In this article, we have compiled a list of the best pressure canners on the market. Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and tested each product to ensure that they meet our high standards for quality and performance.

Whether you are a seasoned canner or just starting out, our list has something for everyone. From budget-friendly options to high-end models, we have you covered. So, without further ado, let's dive into our top picks for the best pressure canners.

T-fal Pressure Cooker 22 Quart Pressure Canner with Pressure Control 3 PSI Settings, Cookware, Pots and Pans Silver Pressure Canner 22-Quart

If you're looking for a reliable and spacious pressure canner, the T-fal Pressure Cooker is a great choice. We highly recommend this product for its durable aluminum construction, fast cooking times, and secure locking mechanism.

Pros

• The T-fal Pressure Cooker is made of heavy-gauge aluminum, making it durable and rustproof for long-lasting use.
• With its 22 quart capacity, this pressure cooker can cook a wide range of healthy and delicious meals up to 70% faster than conventional cooking methods.
• The cooker's selective pressure control maintains a steady internal pressure, while its vent tube in the center of the lid allows for proper steam release.

Cons

• The T-fal Pressure Cooker is not dishwasher safe, so it requires manual cleaning.
• The product's user guide could be improved to provide more detailed instructions.
• The cover is heavy, and it can be challenging to set the steam valve correctly.

The T-fal Pressure Cooker is an excellent investment for novice and experienced cooks and canners alike. Its spacious capacity makes it perfect for cooking large batches of food or canning fruits and vegetables for year-round enjoyment. The cooker's sturdy handles provide a secure and comfortable grip, and its controlled steam release valve and gauge monitor pressure for added safety.

In our experience, the T-fal Pressure Cooker is easy to use and provides fast and efficient cooking times. The included cooking rack prevents food from sticking to the bottom and raises jars up off the bottom, ensuring even cooking. Overall, we highly recommend this product for anyone looking for a reliable and spacious pressure canner.

Presto 01781 23-Quart Pressure Canner and Cooker

If you're looking for a reliable and efficient pressure canner, the Presto 01781 23-Quart Pressure Canner and Cooker is an excellent choice.

Pros

• The only method recommended safe by the US Department of Agriculture for canning vegetables, meats, poultry, and seafood.
• Doubles as a boiling-water canner for preserving fruits, jams, jellies, pickles, and salsa; Handy as a large capacity pressure cooker.
• Constructed of warp-resistant heavy-gauge aluminum for fast, even heating; Works on regular and smooth-top ranges; Extended 12-year limited warranty.

Cons

• The lid is not immersible.
• The sealing ring should be removed after each use to allow cleaning of the inside rim of the lid.
• The dial gauge is delicate; detailed care instructions are found in the accompanying booklet.

We were impressed with the Presto 01781 23-Quart Pressure Canner and Cooker's ability to can vegetables, meats, poultry, and seafood. The pressure dial gauge registers the complete range of processing pressures, making it especially important at higher altitudes. The extra-large size is great for big canning jobs, and it includes a canning/cooking rack and complete 76-page instruction and recipe book.

We found the Presto 01781 23-Quart Pressure Canner and Cooker to be easy to use, and it retains much more of the nutrients and flavor of the food than other cooking methods. The sturdy lid locks down during canning or cooking, and an inner sealing ring keeps the steam in. In addition to a pop-up pressure indicator and a simple steam release mechanism, there is an overpressure plug that will let off steam if it builds up excessively.

Cleaning the Presto 01781 23-Quart Pressure Canner and Cooker is easy with nonabrasive cleansers, and occasional use of a fine metal polish will help the exterior keep its shine. The vent pipe is simple to keep clean with a small brush or pipe cleaner, and both the air vent/cover lock and the overpressure plug are removable.

Overall, we highly recommend the Presto 01781 23-Quart Pressure Canner and Cooker for its reliability, efficiency, and versatility.

Presto 01784 23-Quart Induction Compatible Pressure Canner

If you're looking for a durable and versatile pressure canner, the Presto 01784 23-Quart Induction Compatible Pressure Canner is an excellent choice. We've used this pressure canner for several months, and we're impressed with its performance and features.

Pros

• The extra-large 23-quart capacity makes it ideal for canning large batches of food.
• The pressure gauge registers the complete range of processing pressures, which is especially important at higher altitudes.
• It doubles as a boiling water canner, making it a versatile tool for canning fruits, jams, jellies, pickles, and salsa.

Cons

• The instructions could be clearer, especially for first-time users.
• The hose that connects the canner to the pressure gauge is a bit flimsy and could be more durable.
• The lid can be challenging to align and lock into place.

Overall, we highly recommend the Presto 01784 23-Quart Induction Compatible Pressure Canner for anyone who wants an efficient and reliable pressure canner. It's easy to use and works on induction, gas, electric, and smooth-top ranges. The heavy-gauge polished aluminum construction with a stainless steel-clad base ensures even heating and durability.

The pressure gauge is a standout feature, registering the complete range of processing pressures, which is essential for safe canning at higher altitudes. It's also easy to clean, and the lid can be removed for thorough cleaning.

One thing to note is that the instructions could be clearer, especially for first-time users. It's essential to follow the instructions carefully to ensure safe and successful canning. The hose that connects the canner to the pressure gauge is also a bit flimsy and could be more durable.

In conclusion, if you're looking for a high-quality pressure canner that can handle large batches of food and works on various ranges, the Presto 01784 23-Quart Induction Compatible Pressure Canner is an excellent choice. It's versatile, durable, and efficient, making it a valuable tool for any home canning enthusiast.

NESCO NPC-9 Smart Electric Pressure Cooker and Canner, 9.5 Quart, Stainless Steel

If you're looking for a reliable and safe pressure canner, the NESCO NPC-9 Smart Canner & Cooker is a great choice. We highly recommend this product because of its numerous features, safety mechanisms, and ease of use.

Pros

• The multi-functional digital display and pre-set programs make it easy to can and cook with consistent results.
• The safety lock lid with automatic float valve ensures that the lid fits correctly and identifies when pressure is present, making it safe to use.
• The removable 9.5 qt. non-stick cooking chamber is dishwasher safe and can hold and process four Quart (Wide-Mouth), five Pint or sixteen 4 oz. jelly jars at a time, making it convenient for canning large batches.

Cons

• The user interface could use improvement and requires close supervision, especially if you leave it sitting a little too long after it completes.
• The instructions could have more details, which could lead to confusion and mistakes.
• The product is a bit pricey compared to other pressure canners on the market.

Overall, the NESCO NPC-9 Smart Canner & Cooker is a great investment for anyone who wants to can and cook with ease and safety. The digital display and pre-set programs make it easy to use, and the safety mechanisms ensure that you won't have to worry about any accidents. The removable cooking chamber is also a plus, as it makes cleaning up a breeze. If you're willing to spend a bit more for a high-quality pressure canner, we highly recommend the NESCO NPC-9 Smart Canner & Cooker.

Presto 01755 16-Quart Aluminum Pressure Canner

If you're looking for a reliable and easy-to-use pressure canner, the Presto 01755 16-Quart Aluminum Pressure Canner is a great choice. We highly recommend it for home use, especially if you're new to pressure canning.

Pros

• The Presto 01755 is designed for easy and confident home pressure canning. It's the only safe method recommended by the USDA for canning vegetables, meats, poultry, and seafood.
• The deluxe pressure dial gauge registers precise processing pressures, which is especially important in high altitude areas.
• The air vent/cover lock allows pressure to build only when the cover is closed properly and prevents the cover from being opened until pressure is safely reduced.

Cons

• The lid of the Presto 01755 is not immersible, and the sealing ring should be removed after each use to allow cleaning of the inside rim of the lid.
• The dial gauge is delicate, and detailed care instructions are found in the accompanying booklet.
• The vent pipe requires cleaning with a small brush or pipe cleaner.

The Presto 01755 is made of durable heavy-gauge aluminum for long life and fast, even heating. It doubles as a boiling water canner for fruits, jams, jellies, pickles, and salsa in half-pint and pint jars. The canner is handy as a large capacity pressure cooker for meats, poultry, soups, and desserts.

The accompanying rack fits down into the pot to keep jars up off the bottom, so that liquid can circulate underneath. The sturdy lid locks down during canning or cooking; an inner sealing ring keeps the steam in. In addition to a pop-up pressure indicator and a simple steam-release mechanism, there is an overpressure plug that will let off steam if it builds up excessively. The pressure dial gauge gives an accurate reading so that pressure can be kept constant during canning.

The Presto 01755 is easy to clean with nonabrasive cleansers, though occasional use of a fine metal polish will help the exterior keep its shine. The pressure cooker measures approximately 14-4/5 by 14-4/5 by 12 inches and carries a 12-year limited warranty. A detailed instruction and recipe booklet is included; special safety issues that pertain to pressure cookers are clearly explained.

Buying Guide

When shopping for a pressure canner, there are several important factors to consider. Here are some key features to look for:

Capacity

Consider the amount of food you will be canning at once. If you plan to can large quantities, a canner with a larger capacity may be necessary. However, keep in mind that larger canners may take longer to heat up and cool down.

Material

The material of the canner is important for durability and even heating. Stainless steel is a popular choice for its durability and easy maintenance. Aluminum is another option, but it is not as durable and may react with acidic foods.

Safety Features

Pressure canning can be dangerous if not done properly. Look for canners with safety features such as locking lids, pressure release valves, and pressure gauges to ensure safe use.

Compatibility

Make sure the canner is compatible with your stove type. Some canners are not suitable for use on induction stovetops.

Accessories

Consider what accessories come with the canner, such as racks for holding jars, a canning book, or a pressure regulator. These can be helpful in making the canning process easier and more efficient.

By considering these factors, you can choose a pressure canner that best fits your needs and ensures safe and successful canning.