Top 2 Best Pressure Canners to Use

Top 2 Best Pressure Canners to Use

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When it comes to canning, you need the right equipment to do it safely and effectively. A pressure canner is a must-have for any prepper who wants to store food for long-term use, and particularly for emergencies. In this post, we’ll take a look at two of the best pressure canners on the market today. We’ll compare their features and discuss why each one might be a good fit for your needs. So read on to learn more about these top-rated pressure canners and see which one is right for you!

Top 2 Best Pressure Canners to Use

Why You Need a Pressure Canner

A pressure canner is a kitchen appliance that is used to preserve food. Canning is a process of sealing food in airtight containers, typically jars, and boiling them to kill any bacteria or microorganisms that could cause the food to spoil and be unfit to eat. Pressure canning is a type of canning that uses high pressure and heat to kill these bacteria. This makes it a safe and effective way to store food for long periods of time.

Types of Pressure Canners

There are two main types of pressure canners: stovetop and electric. Stovetop pressure canners are the most common type. They are placed on the stove and heated until the desired pressure is reached.

Electric pressure canners are newer and more expensive. They are plugged into an outlet and have a built-in heating element.

Be aware that there is a difference between a pressure canner and a pressure cooker. Please note, I quote USU Extension: “Study Finds Electric Pressure Cookers Not Consistently Safe For Canning. Preliminary research conducted by Utah State University Extension professors shows that using electric pressure cookers for small batch, low acid canning may not destroy the bacteria that is responsible for botulism poisoning.”

So a word to the wise, cook with an electric pressure cooker, but don’t can!

2 Best Pressure Canners to use

There are a lot of pressure canners on the market these days. So, which one should you buy? Check out my top 2 picks for the best pressure canners to use!

Presto Pressure Canner-16 or 23 Quart Options

The Presto Pressure Canner is one of the most popular canners on the market. It is simple to use and very reliable. Presto Pressure Canner

The canner is made of durable aluminum and has a capacity of 16 or 23 quarts of liquid capacity (not quart jars), depending on the size you buy. It is also very lightweight, making it easy to transport.

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The 16-Quart Warp Resistant Aluminum: Regular-Mouth Mason Jar Capacity: 13 half-pints, 10 pints, or 7 quarts (per GoPresto.com)

The 23-Quart Warp-Resistant Aluminum: Regular-Mouth Mason Jar Capacity: 26 Half-Pints, 20 Pints, or 7 Quarts. (per GoPresto.com)

There is also a 23-Quart Induction Pressure Canner, it works on gas, electric, smooth-top, and induction ranges. (Made of heavy-gauge polished aluminum with a stainless steel-clad base for fast, even heating. Regular-Mouth Mason Jar Capacity: 26 Half-Pints, 20 Pints, or 7 Quarts. (GoPresto.com)

Presto Pressure Canner Features:

  • Recommended safe by the US Department of Agriculture for canning vegetables, meats, poultry, and seafood.
  • Doubles as a boiling-water canner.
  • Constructed of warp-resistant heavy-gauge aluminum for fast, even, consistent heating.
  • Works on regular and smooth-top ranges (check with your manufacturer to be sure).
  • The Deluxe pressure dial gauge registers the complete range of processing pressures.

Pros:

  • Simple to use
  • Very reliable
  • Lightweight and easy to transport
  • Two pressure settings
  • The gasket release system prevents pressure build-up
  • Comes with an Extended 12- year Limited Warranty (does not apply outside the USA or Canada)
  • Pressure regulator weight with settings of 5, 10, and 15 psi

Cons:

  • Can be difficult to find replacement parts
  • Needs a new gasket replaced yearly or as needed

All-American Pressure Canner-921 Pressure Canner

The All-American Pressure Canner is another popular option. It is made in the USA and is one of the most durable canners on the market.

It’s also equipped with an easy-to-read pressure gauge and automatic venting. Plus, it comes with a steam gauge and an overpressure plug for added safety. So if you’re looking for a pressure canner that you can count on, then look no further than the All-American Pressure Canner. All-American Pressure Canner

The 21-Quart professional quality, extra heavy duty cast aluminum construction throughout for fast & even heating: Regular-Mouth Mason Jar Capacity: 19 Pint Jars or 7 Quart Jars

All American Pressure Canner Features:

Pros:

  • Made in the USA
  • Durable construction
  • Easy-to-read pressure gauge
  • Automatic venting
  • Steam gauge and overpressure plug for added safety
  • Pressure regulator weight with settings of 5, 10, and 15 psi

Cons:

  • Heavier than other models
  • More expensive
  • It May be too heavy for your glass stove top (please check with your stove manufacturer)

Specs On Smaller All-American Pressure Canners

All American 915 15 Quart Pressure Canner

  • Capacity – Fifteen-1/2 Quarts (Liquid), 10 Pint Jars, 7 Quart Jars
  • I quote “Please Note: The All American Pressure Canner 915 15 Quart is not recommended for canning SMOKED fish as the size of this canner does not allow for adequate heating and cooling times.
  • All American Pressure Canners are not recommended for use on glass top/ flat ranges without first checking with your stove manufacturer because their weight may cause the glass/ceramic to break.” All-American Website
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All American 910 10 Quart Pressure Canner

  • Capacity – Ten- 1/2 Quarts (Liquid), 7 Pint Jars, 4 Quart Jars
  • I quote “Please Note: The All American Pressure Canner 910 10 Quart is not recommended for canning SMOKED fish as the size of this canner does not allow for adequate heating and cooling times.
  • All American Pressure Canners are not recommended for use on glass top/ flat ranges without first checking with your stove manufacturer because their weight may cause the glass/ceramic to break.” All-American Website

My Top Pressure Canner Pick

Although both brands of these pressure canners are great options, my top pick is the All-American 21-quart Pressure Canner.

When it comes to canning, I want to make sure I’m using the best possible equipment. That’s why I would choose the All American 21-quart pressure canner.

It’s made of durable cast aluminum, so it will last for years. It also has a precision control valve that ensures consistent results. Plus, it comes with a safety valve and a pressure gauge, so I always know exactly what’s going on inside the canner. If something does go wrong, the All American 21-quart pressure canner comes with a 10-year warranty.

Please note I used a Presto Pressure Canner for years, and it worked great.

What to Consider When Choosing a Pressure Canner

Now that you know some of the best pressure canners on the market, it’s time to choose the right one for you. Here are a few things to keep in mind when making your decision:

  1. Size: How much food do you want to be able to process at once? If you plan on doing a lot of canning, then you’ll need a pressure canner that is large enough to accommodate your needs.
  1. Material: Pressure canners are usually made from either aluminum or stainless steel. Aluminum is lighter and easier to move around, but it can corrode over time. Stainless steel is more durable, but it is also more expensive.
  1. Features: Some pressure canners come with additional features like pre-programmed settings, a digital display, or a delay timer. These are all great features to have, but they come at a higher price tag.
  1. Safety: When you’re dealing with pressure and heat, safety is always a concern. Make sure to choose a pressure canner that has a safety valve and an overpressure plug. These features will help to keep you and your food safe. Please have your pressure gauge checked every 6-12 months at your local state extension service.
  1. Warranty: Most pressure canners come with a 1-year warranty. But if you want something that will last longer, then look for a canner that comes with a 10-year warranty, like the All American 21-quart Pressure Canner.

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Final Word

So there you have it, my top 2 picks for the best pressure canners to use. Both of these canners are great options and will help you safely preserve your food. However, if you can afford it, I would recommend going with the All American Pressure Canner. You absolutely can’t go wrong with it, and it will last you for years to come!

What pressure canner do you use and what features made it your first choice? Let me know in the comments below! May God Bless this world, Linda

Copyright Images: Jars of Food AdobeStock_211841631 by pamela_d_mcadams

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21 Comments

  1. I have an All American canner and I love it! Started with a small Presto (which I gifted to a friend just beginning to can). I did a lot of research and even though it was expensive, I found the All American the best bet for me. Love that there’s no gasket to replace. It is a little heavy but I have a gas stove so…
    Great article as usual Linda!

    1. HI Anne, that’s the same one I have. I couldn’t lift much more than the All-American 921 especially when loaded with filled jars! I’m glad you have one! Linda

  2. Hi Linda, I have a electric presto digital canner and I really like it. I also have a electric flat top stove and I’m really afraid to use my presto 23 quart canner on it due to the weight on the glass top. What do you think about the digital electric canner? Thank you

    1. Hi Penny, as far as I know, the USDA has not approved any electric pressure canners. You may want to check with your local state extension to hear their thoughts. I would check with the stove manufacturer for the regular 23-quart Presto quart pressure canner. I had a friend who cracked her glass top so I would check before you try it. The glass tops are all so different. Linda

  3. Great article! I have two pressure canners. One is the large presto that my parents ordered from sears and roebuck in 1954. It is still goihg strong aep extra gasket handy. I find that gasket replacement is needed every 3 to 5 years. My Ace hardware carries 5he gaskets in stock. I also have a all american pressure canner. Often i run both at the same time. My oldest daughter and I canned half a cow last weekend. That is alot of jars of hamburger and stew meat! Such a comfort in these t4y8ng times to se3 all the canhed fo9d we have put up and the canhing season icsnt over yet. Usihg my parents old canner always brings back great memories. Again thank you for keeping the old ways alive.

    1. HI John, oh my gosh I haven’t heard the term Sears and Roebuck for years! I love it! That is a lot of beef to can, you rock! I love seeing those jars lined up! Linda

  4. Just got my 10.5 qt All American canner. Went with the smaller one as it’s just the two of us now. Can’t wait to start canning. Question?? Can I can frozen fruits and vegetables like they were fresh?? Don’t have a big freezer so I can’t take advantage of any sales to stock up but IF I can put the frozen stuff up via canning that would be great.
    Thank you for any advice y’all can give this newbie to pressure canning. By the way I water bath and dehydrate things

    1. Hi Kathy, great purchase! My only concern is the frozen fruit what be mushy, you know what’s it like when it thaws? It would be more like unsweetened jam. I have never done this but that’s my guess. As far as pressure-canning frozen vegetables, I have dehydrated frozen vegetables and some fruits. I can’t recommend pressure canning either one. I would call your state extension service to see if there are any safety issues doing it. Linda

      1. Thank you Linda, Being new to pressure canning , the Ball book( 2021) I have didn’t exactly address that. Appreciate the information.

  5. One of my nieces has the All American Pressure Canner that our Great Grandmother used back in the ’20’s and ’30’s and it still works perfectly.

    I have been using an All American 921 for almost 20 years with no problems. The reason I like it better than any other model is simple. Since it has no gasket, it is more consistent and reliable. Oh, I also love that it’s made in America. And I have used it on glass top stoves–you just have to set it on the stove very gently and don’t slide it around or you’ll scratch the top. Using it is one reason I went with a gas range when we moved to Arizona.

    1. Hi Ray, oh my gosh, that All American used back in the ’20s and 30s is so special!!! I love hearing those stories about what a Grandmother handed down to a niece!! I had to switch to a gas stove as well, I saw a glass stove top after the fact of a friend, a new stove was cheaper than replacing the glass top! Linda

  6. Thanks for the information Linda. I have 2 the first one you mentioned that my son bought me way back in 2000 and another one that my daughter won in a contest last winter and gave me for Christmas. I have to find them as Jack has moved them when he was working on the house. Now I have to find all my books and all my cookware. LOL. Will take me some time

  7. One thing that was not mentioned or touched upon, but is it a waste of water and energy to buy and use a larger pressure canner or even the small sizes, but not fill them with jars?

    Besides the overall size and weight which matters in regards to storage space and the ease of which one can move it around, what would be the advantages to a smaller one or larger one besides capacity?

    Personally, I’m more likely to think larger is better because I can process more jars in a day, but then smaller batches might be quicker as the processing of the food would take less time, being less food, and I would not have as many jars to prepare as well.

    Otherwise the only difference would be the price, but I assume it’s more about choices for the user.

    1. Hi Frank, that’s a great question. I tend to can only when I have a full canner. I can’t handle a bigger canner than the 921 All-American. Let me get the stats for the different sizes. Linda

    2. All American 915 15 Quart Pressure Canner
      Capacity – Fifteen-1/2 Quarts (Liquid), 10 Pint Jars, 7 Quart Jars
      I quote “Please Note: The All American Pressure Canner 915 15 Quart is not recommended for canning SMOKED fish as the size of this canner does not allow for adequate heating and cooling times.
      All American Pressure Canners are not recommended for use on glass top/ flat ranges without first checking with your stove manufacturer because their weight may cause the glass/ceramic to break.” All-American Website

      All American 910 10 Quart Pressure Canner
      Capacity – Ten- 1/2 Quarts (Liquid), 7 Pint Jars, 4 Quart Jars
      I quote “Please Note: The All American Pressure Canner 910 10 Quart is not recommended for canning SMOKED fish as the size of this canner does not allow for adequate heating and cooling times.
      All American Pressure Canners are not recommended for use on glass top/ flat ranges without first checking with your stove manufacturer because their weight may cause the glass/ceramic to break.” All-American Website

  8. I will only use the All American. So easy to not have a gasket
    that could wear out and need replacing!! Bought it over 20 years
    ago. I also use it for water bath canning by not sealing the lid.
    It is worth the cost.

    1. Hi Janet, it lasts forever! I love the idea that I don’t need to replace the gasket because there is no gasket on the All-American. I always say buy right the first time! I love hearing you use it for both pressure and water bath canning. Linda

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