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Best Pressure Canners

Updated November 2023
Bottom line
Pros
Cons
Best of the Best
All American Canner Pressure Cooker
All American
Canner Pressure Cooker
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Best for Experts
Bottom Line

With superb craftsmanship, this pressure canner is built to last through decades of use.

Pros

Ultra-tight threaded bolt seal, which means there are no gaskets to crack, burn, or replace. Equipped with an automatic over-pressure release. Doubles as a pressure cooker. Easy to clean. Made in the USA.

Cons

Pricey option, so it's best-suited for experienced canners.

Best Bang for the Buck
Zavor Duo 10-Quart Pressure Cooker and Canner
Zavor
Duo 10-Quart Pressure Cooker and Canner
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Best for Beginners
Bottom Line

This easy-to-clean model can handle both small canning projects and hearty family dinners.

Pros

A 10-quart pressure canner/cooker made from durable 18/10 steel. Safe for use with glass and ceramic stoves. Two pressure options. Locking handles. The knob can be removed for cleaning.

Cons

Handles are loose, allowing steam to leak. Tightening with a screwdriver may help.

T-Fal Clipso 8-Quart Pressure Cooker Canner
T-fal
Clipso 8-Quart Pressure Cooker Canner
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Trusted Brand
Bottom Line

Earns high marks for its one-hand system for safe, risk-free opening and closing.

Pros

Works on any stovetop, including induction. Instruction booklet with recipes is easy to follow. Quality construction is evident throughout the entire canner, including its plastic components. Has cool-touch handles.

Cons

A few quirks reported, such as water boiling over or burned bottoms.

Presto 23-Quart Pressure Canner and Cooker
Presto
23-Quart Pressure Canner and Cooker
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Feature-packed
Bottom Line

A 23-quart pressure cooker that doubles as a boiling-water canner for preserving jams, pickles, and salsa.

Pros

Built to last with warp-resistant heavy-gauge aluminum. Works on regular as well as induction stovetops. Comes with canning and cooling rack as well as an instruction guide and recipe book. Great for traditionalists. Pressure dial is easy to read.

Cons

The rubber gasket and emergency plug may need to be replaced after a few years of heavy use.

Mirro 16-Quart Pressure Cooker/Canner
Mirro
16-Quart Pressure Cooker/Canner
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Versatile Convenience
Bottom Line

Even though this unit can also be used as a pressure cooker, it functions best as a canner and should last for many years of use.

Pros

Constructed with durable, heavy-gauge aluminum that's built to last. Includes a useful flat steamer rack. Features three pressure settings.

Cons

Cannot be used on magnetic induction stovetops.

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BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.About BestReviews 
HOW WE TESTED

We recommend these products based on an intensive research process that's designed to cut through the noise and find the top products in this space. Guided by experts, we spend hours looking into the factors that matter, to bring you these selections.

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Consumers
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Buying guide for best pressure canners

Although modern food preservation methods have largely reduced the need for home canning, many people still have an interest in the time-proven practice — especially when faced with a bumper crop of fresh fruits or vegetables. Indeed, many cooks love to create homemade jams, preserves, and soups for themselves or as gifts.A pressure canner safely seals the lids of jars or containers. The high pressure inside a canner can also kill bacteria and pathogens that may be present. But with a number of pressure canners on the market today, how do you find the best one for you?

At BestReviews, we aim to simplify shopping for you. We do extensive research, test products in our labs and the field, consult experts, and analyze feedback from real-life owners. And instead of accepting gifts from manufacturers, we buy all the products we test to ensure that our reviews are unbiased and honest.

If you’re ready to purchase a pressure canner, check out the product list above for our five favorites. For more on how to find the right pressure canner for your kitchen, keep reading.

Types of pressure canners

There are two types of pressure canners: dial gauge and weighted gauge. They measure pressure differently.

  • Dial gauge: This type of pressure canner has a dial that shows the pressure level inside. As a safety precaution, it’s important that the dial works correctly, and it should be inspected as part of the regular maintenance of your pressure canner.

  • Weighted gauge: A weighted gauge pressure canner is a good option for those who like to set and forget. These models alert users when they reach the set pressure.

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Expert Tip
Choose the size of your pressure canner based on how many jars you want to can at once.
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What to consider when buying a pressure canner

Size

Pressure canners are sized by quart. Some models allow you to stack jars on top of each other to can more at one time. Pressure canners are large appliances, so make sure you have the storage space in your kitchen.

Material

Aluminum pressure canners are cheaper, lighter, and heat up quickly, but they aren’t very durable. Stainless steel pressure canners last longer, but they are pricier and heat up slowly.

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For your safety
While tomatoes and berries are high in acid, foods like meats and potatoes are not and require a pressure canner for safe preservation.
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Handles

A pressure canner is a hefty piece of kitchen equipment, and you need to be able to get a good grip on it. Make sure it’s comfortable to carry. A pressure canner requires a firm hold to move around, especially when it’s full to the brim.

"Canning is a time-consuming process. Set aside an afternoon to prep and process your food using your pressure canner."
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Lid

  • Twist: Some pressure canner lids twist to lock and seal. A twist lid uses a gasket to ensure a proper seal. These often need to be replaced.

  • Clamp: Other pressure canner lids use clamps. A clamp lid must be lubricated each time a pressure canner is used.
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Did you know?
Today’s pressure canners offer safety features and design elements that take the fear out of the canning process.
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Stovetop compatibility

Choose a pressure canner that’s appropriate for use on your stovetop. Some pressure canners will scratch glass stovetops. Aluminum pressure canners can’t be used on induction stovetops. If you can’t find a model that’s safe for use on your stovetop, you can use a pressure canner on a hot plate or other portable burner.

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Expert Tip
If you have a glass stovetop, look for a lightweight pressure canner that won’t damage the glass.
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How much do pressure canners cost?

Pressure canners range from $50 to over $400. More expensive canners are made of higher-quality materials and are built to last. Larger canners are pricier, too.

However, if you use your pressure canner to preserve food, chances are you’ll pay for the cost of the appliance quickly. Canning summer crops for the winter allows you to avoid buying expensive out-of-season produce.

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Did you know?
Pressure canners quickly pay for themselves. Canning summer crops allows you to avoid buying pricey out-of-season produce come winter.
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FAQ

Q. Couldn’t I just use a hot water bath to can foods?
A.
This is the traditional method used by home canners, but you can’t reach the same temperature with boiling water as you can with a pressure canner. And if you want to preserve foods with low acidity, you must use a pressure canner.

Q. Why is such a high temperature required for canning?
A.
Boiling water is not hot enough to kill off the bacteria responsible for botulism. Botulism spores thrive in the conditions created by improperly canned low-acid foods. Skipping a pressure canner and opting for a hot water bath when canning low-acid foods could lead to dangerous health risks.

Q. What are low-acid foods?
A.
While tomatoes and pickled foods are high in acidity, foods like green beans, meats, and potatoes are not. Even when canning high-acid foods, it’s important to stick to recipes to ensure that the final product is safe to eat, especially if you’re new to canning.

Q. Can my pressure canner explode?
A.
If everything is working correctly, no. Keep any vents on your pressure canner’s lid open during the canning process to ensure there is no possibility for unsafe pressure buildup. When filling your canning jars, make sure to leave some room at the top (called “headspace”) to allow for the contents of the jar to expand. Otherwise jars can break open or not seal properly during the canning process.

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