A quality pressure canner is a must have piece of kitchen equipment if you do a lot of cooking and canning at home. They not only save time, but also aggravation as they allow you to cook a meal much faster than you would if you used a regular pot or pan. In addition to helping you prepare meals quickly for your family, they can also save space when used on your stovetop or plugged in on your counter. Pressure canners and cookers are also great for anyone who likes to can their vegetables, fruits, sauces, meats and more, as they safely and effectively seal your jars for storage. And the good thing is that there are many makes and models out there to choice from.
After investing over 18 hours researching and comparing 28 different pressure canners and cookers, we created this buying guide, comparison chart and list of the three best units.
Best Overall: All American 921 Pressure Canner & Cooker
The All American 921 is easily our top pick among stove-top models. This aptly named pressure cooker and canner is proudly manufactured in the United States of America. It holds 21.5 quarts, and can retain either 19 pint jars or seven quart jars at a time. It is constructed with strong, durable hand-cast aluminum and has a shiny satin finish. There are no gaskets to this pressure cooker, as it’s constructed with a “metal-to-metal” sealing system that allows for a steam-tight seal when in use. This pressure cooker and canner comes with a geared steam gauge, an automatic overpressure release, and settings of 5 psi, 10 psi, and 15 psi.
The All American 921 is 15 and 3/8 inches tall, has a diameter of 12 and ¼ inches and weighs 20 pounds. Sturdy screws and side clips seal the lid to the top of the pot. It includes safety features that prevent boiling liquids from bubbling over while cooking and canning. While in use, this pressure cooker slowly builds up to the required pressure and maintains it without the user needing to vent off any excess pressure.
Pros
- No gaskets are required, meaning you never have to replace them
- Ideal for canning
- Three-setting pressure regulator valve comes with the product
- Clear pressure gauge for easy reading
- Durable and lasts for years
- Safe for electric stoves
- Does not leak
Cons
- At 20 pounds without cans inside, this canner may be too heavy to move once filled
- Height of the canner may be too big for some stovetops
- Unit takes longer than others to cool down due to the thicker walls
- Cannot be used on ceramic cooktops or smooth glass cooktops because of the weight when full
Best Value: Presto 01781 Stovetop Pressure Canner/Cooker
The Presto 01781, in our opinion, offers the best “bang for your buck” of any pressure canner currently on the market. This unit can double as a boiling-water canner or a large capacity pressure cooker for the kitchen. This unit is made from heavy-gauge aluminum that is warp-resistant. Using this type of material enables the cooker to heat up fast, yet evenly. The Presto 01781 will work on both conventional and smooth-top stove ranges, and comes in an extra-large size that is perfect for anyone who enjoys larger canning jobs. The pressure dial gauge can register the whole range of processing pressures precisely and accurately. This is especially important for those who are canning at higher altitudes.
While in use, the sturdy lid to the unit locks down and the inner sealing ring will keep the steam in. The Presto 01781 also comes with a pop-up pressure indicator as well as a simple steam release mechanism. There is also an overpressure plug that lets off excess steam if too much builds up while the unit is being used.
This unit has a liquid capacity of 23 quarts, and comes with a canning/cooking rack, as well as a recipe book and 76-page instruction booklet that details how to use the canner. In addition, this pressure cooker has an extended 12-year limited warranty for customers. The pressure cooker weighs 12 pounds by itself, is 14 inches in diameter and 15-1/2 inches tall with the lid on.
Pros
- Can be used on a glass stovetop due to its lighter weight
- Handle makes for easier transporting
- Overpressure plug and air vent/cover lock are both removable for easy cleaning
- Multiple safety features make this model one of the safest brands available
- Very long 12-year warranty
Cons
- The emergency plug and rubber gasket will need to be replaced periodically
- May not fit larger quart jars
- Lid of the unit should not be immersed in water
Best Electric Canner: Power Pressure Cooker XL
The Power Pressure Cooker XL is a highly versatile electric pressure cooker that can also function as a canner. This unit uses flavor infusion technology to trap the super heated steam within the pot and force the moisture and liquid right into your food for more taste and flavor. This model is great for canning fruits, vegetables and meat, and can make enough food in a single cooking session to fill up 4 pint-sized jars. This model comes in both six and eight-quart sizes, and also includes a canning book and cookbook.
The silver/black Power Pressure Cooker XL features one-touch preset buttons on the digital display panel that are easy to read and use, an automatic keep-warm mode and a large, lid arm handle that allows for easy opening/closing of the unit. The safe lock lid uses a manual steam release and cannot be opened while being pressurized. The machine’s state-of-the-art display panel allows you to choose one of the functions, press a button, and set it to your desired cooking time. Once the unit reaches the correct pressure, the countdown will begin.
Pros
- One-year warranty from the manufacturer
- Unique flavor infusion technology
- Removable inner bowl is dishwasher-safe
- Easy clean-up
- Quiet model
Cons
- Lid is not dishwasher-safe
- Non-stick coating may break or peel
Buying Guide: How To Choose The Best Pressure Canner/Cooker
Electric vs. Stove-Top
One of the biggest factors when choosing a pressure cooker is the difference in the way you use it. Electric pressure cookers are generally more convenient, as you just plug them into a power outlet and go. But they are also less powerful and sturdy as their stove-top counterparts.
Electric Pressure Cookers
These types of cookers are best for anyone who is nervous about using the heat settings on the stove. With an electric pressure cooker, simply set the pressure and the cooker will do the rest. An electric cooker is better for busy individuals who may need to schedule their dinner at a certain time because of work, school or running around with the kids. It allows you to schedule when the dinner starts during the day so that it will be ready when you get home or are ready to eat.
Electric cookers are also good for college students who have limited space in their rooms or dorms, but still wish to cook. Elderly men and women may also appreciate the fact that they are easy to use and do not require them to remember that the gas is on.
Stove-Top Pressure Cookers
A stove top pressure cooker will deliver more power and speed, as they will reach a higher pressure and heat over their electric counterparts. Users who would like durability over convenience will appreciate a quality stove top pressure cooker more than an electric one, as they tend to outlast their rivals. This type of cooker also is great for anyone who really enjoys the cooking process, as you will need to supervise the device to a certain extent.
Size and Weight
There are many different sizes of pressure cookers on the market today. Start by considering how you will be using the appliance and for what. If you plan to use your pressure cooker for cooking and canning, you will more than likely want a larger model that can easily fit large mason jars. Larger models can fit 8-quart mason jars while smaller models may only be able to fit 4-quart jars.
Even if you are only using the pressure cooker just for cooking and not canning, consider who you will be cooking for. If you regularly cook large portions, then you will want to purchase a larger model. Smaller models are of course better for smaller portions and are less cumbersome. Beginners may wish to purchase a smaller model as well, especially if they are not sure whether they will use it often or not.
Weight is also a factor with different pressure cookers. Check the weight listings for any model you purchase to see how heavy it is. Remember, their listing will be before you add liquid and food to it. Some heavier models are not recommended for ceramic or glass stovetops, as they can cause them to crack or break.
Safety Features
Safety features are very important when it comes to buying a new pressure cooker. If overpressure occurs with most models, they will release the extra steam out of a valve stem. If pressure continues to rise, the sealing gasket will push itself out through a safety aperture found in the lid. This allows the unit to safely vent excessive pressure. A lid lip vent is another safety feature that is a back-up to the valve stem. If the first or second release valves do not release the extra pressure from the appliance, it will escape through a small cut-out found in the lid instead.
Safety lid locks are also a very important feature when you are looking for the best pressure cooker. These help prevent potential disasters from happening. When these locks are in place, you cannot open the lid of the cooker. That way, there is never a chance of pressure escaping from the container and burning anyone with steam or water, or bubbling over.
Many pressure cookers also offer an emergency shut-off if the unit goes over the maximum pressure that it should. These auto-shut off valves detect the internal temperature reading of the unit and shut themselves down if it is getting dangerously high or about to malfunction.
Quality Materials (Stainless Steel)
It doesn’t really matter how many new and improved features a pressure cooker/canner may have if the unit itself isn’t made of quality materials. Many well-known cookware companies use the best materials by default, but it is important to check this fact out yourself when you are comparison shopping. A pressure cooker that is made of durable, high-quality stainless steel is the best type to look for. Check the bottom stamp or the label to see whether or not the product is “18/10 Stainless Steel”, which means it has a composition of 10{88454e838380835437410b8dd4980e42836d50c1d7c06d32c28ecbc57e5157a9} nickel and 18{88454e838380835437410b8dd4980e42836d50c1d7c06d32c28ecbc57e5157a9} chromium. A stainless steel product has to have at least 10.5{88454e838380835437410b8dd4980e42836d50c1d7c06d32c28ecbc57e5157a9} chromium in order for it to label itself as stainless. More chromium will add to the strength of the model, as well. Nickel helps to increase the protective layers and also adds a shine to the appliance. Pressure cookers use heavy stainless steel in order to keep the units intact under enormous amounts of heat. This is why anything less, like a pressure cooker made from cheap aluminum materials, would not be a good idea to purchase.
Additionally, pressure cookers that are made from stainless steel will not stain, are much stronger than aluminum and will also not leach dangerous aluminum into your food while you are cooking.
Accurate Pressure Indicators
Pressure cookers use pounds of pressure, or psi, in order to quickly cook your food and can your vegetables. Most pressure cooker manufacturers boast that their products can cook meals at least 70{88454e838380835437410b8dd4980e42836d50c1d7c06d32c28ecbc57e5157a9} faster using their models than if you would cook the same meal on your stovetop or in the oven. That is why the actual pressure of the model is important. The best models will have a pressure of about 15 pounds psi, because anything lower than that will defeat the purpose of using a pressure cooker to make meals. A pressure cooker that is produced with thinner materials may not have a high psi, as they will not be able to withstand a higher pressure. A higher number, such as 15 psi, allows the pressure cooker to operate more efficiently and faster.
Pressure Settings
Pressure cookers should come with at least two pressure settings- “high pressure” and “low pressure”. High pressure is used for food that is dense and takes longer to cook, such as meats and legumes. The low pressure setting will gently cook eggs, fish, pasta and other foods that require less time and pressure. There are some models that offer up to ten pressure settings, and these are mainly for show and not actual use. Many pressure cookers will have the setting on the lid as a switch while others let you touch a button to choose the setting that you would like.
Pressure cookers have been around for many years and have provided a ton of convenience for those who have used them. With the latest technologies applied to the newest models, you are sure to find one that is right for you and your family.
Dual Pressure Cookers
A dual pressure cooker allows users to cook at both a low and high pressure at the same time. That way, meats and other food items can be cooked at the higher psi while more delicate foods, such as vegetables, can be gently cooked at the same time, but at the lower psi.
A pop-up indicator is usually part of the packaging when you buy the latest pressure cooker, but it is still important to check for one. These will indicate that the model has reached the psi level that it is supposed to. Newer models may also come with a quick release option that is built right into the pressure regulator. This lets you easily lower the pressure inside your cooker without the heat being lost.
Non-Stick Coating
It may sound like a great idea to buy a pressure cooker that is non-stick, but many experts recommend against it. The biggest disadvantage of non-stick surfaces is that they generally do not last long enough to be worth the extra cost. The coating of the inside can and will begin to chip and start wearing away over use and time. Not only will you need to replace the lining, this material can slowly leech into your food. You can solve this whole issue by choosing stainless steel and using a little bit of oil on the inside of the cooker each time you use it.
Appearance
Appearance is another factor to take into consideration when looking for the right pressure cooker for your kitchen. Stainless steel is an attractive option and many newer models are fingerprint-proof. Look for a model with easy to read control panels on the front and a built-in timer to tell you when your food is done. While the majority of models are stainless steel or black, you can also find colors that match your kitchen décor.
Accessories
Some pressure cookers come with added accessories that are especially helpful for beginners. For example, many come with cookbooks that offer recipes for canning meats and vegetables, or cooking meals in a pressure cooker. Some also come with detachable baskets that allow you to cook two different things at once, such as meats and vegetables.
Warranty
Purchasing a more expensive quality pressure cooker should ensure that it lasts for years to come. However, it is important to find a product that offers replacement parts and service if something does get broken or lost. A gasket is one replacement part that will more than likely not be covered by lower-quality companies, and this is one part that often needs to be replaced. Check the manufacturer’s page to see what parts and accessories are covered and for how long. Some companies offer a one-year limited warranty while others offer up to three. You may wish to go with a better name-brand company to make sure you receive quality customer service if you need it.
Comparison Chart
Our Top Pick
$$$$$
Stovetop
21.5 qt.
Cast Aluminum
5-15 PSI
20 lbs.
Best Value
$
Stovetop
23 qt.
Heavy-guage Aluminum
Up to 20 PSI
12 lbs.
Top Rated
$$$
Stovetop
10 qt.
18/10 Stainless Steel
8-15 PSI
11 lbs.
Best Electric Canner
$$
Electric
8 qt.
Stainless Steel & Plastic
7.2-12 PSI
17 lbs.
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