Before we delve into what we believe to be the Best Pressure Canner
However, if you just want to know which pressure canners are the best of those currently available. Based on, size, cost, quality, and performance. Then this shortlist is for you!
| Best Pressure Canners | |
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All American 921 Pressure Canner
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Presto 23qt Pressure Canner
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Granite Ware 20qt Pressure Canner
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T-Fal 22qt Pressure Canner
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Mirro 22qt Aluminum Pressure Canner
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Why is Canning and Having the Best Pressure Canner So Important?
Any prepper or survivalist worth their salt will tell you, long-term food storage is absolutely paramount to one’s survival.
Water bath canning and pressure canning are two methods of food preservation that are relatively easy to master. And both require only a minimal outlay. Especially when compared to buying a food dehydrator or a freeze dryer.
These two reasons underline why canning is the first-choice method of food preservation for most preppers and homesteaders.
Water bath canning is ideal for preserving acidic foods such as fruits, jams, jellies, tomatoes, pickles, etc. Check out our post; How to Can with a Water Bath Canner.
Other non-acidic foods such as vegetables and meat require much higher processing temperatures. Higher temperatures stop the development of toxin-producing bacteria.
One such bacteria is Clostridium botulinum, which is responsible for the potentially fatal illness, botulism.
A high degree of competence and care is needed when canning. Particularly with pressure canning. Get it wrong and it could potentially be fatal!
Getting Past the Fear of Pressure Canning
There is an inherent fear among many people with regards to canning using pressure cooking methods and understandably so.
In days not so long ago, pressure release valves on pressure canners were non-existent. Pressure canning required a great deal of care and vigilance. It was quite commonplace for accidents to occur.
Pressure canning will always come with possible dangers. Cooking at high temperatures and dealing with high pressures is dangerous. If you know what you are doing and have the best equipment, then these dangers will be minimal.
All the safety mechanisms that modern-day pressure canners come with nowadays will dispel most fears. Any that remain will slowly start to dissipate as one becomes more skilled in using a pressure canner.
Modern Day Safety Features of the Best Pressure Canner
Most if not all pressure canners come with a number of safety features nowadays. All of which make it almost impossible to blow one up!
- Lid locks – All modern pressure canners have lids that lock in place. This stops the lid from being blown off or coming undone.
- Pressure locks – As well as having a lid lock, pressure canners have a secondary lock. This operates when the pressure inside the canner starts to build up.
- Gauge and Knocker – Every canner will have a pressure gauge so you can monitor the pressure level inside the canner. As a backup most canners also come with a knocker. This ingenious feature starts to rattle or knock vigorously should the pressure get too high. Providing a much-needed audio alarm. Very handy should you become distracted.
- Rubber pressure plug – Many canners have a rubber plug. This plug fits tightly in a pressure release hole and is only expelled when pressure is excessively high.
Things to Consider Before Buying a Pressure Canner
When all things are considered not every pressure canner is going to be the most suitable for your needs. Work through the following list of considerations. You should arrive at what would be the best pressure canner for your needs.
How big should your pressure canner be?
Pressure canners come in a multitude of sizes but larger ones are far more common than smaller ones. A large canner may seem like the best choice. However, two things that need to be weighed up are the weight and the space needed to use it.
Weight when empty is what you should be judging. You shouldn’t be moving your pressure canner around once in use. The materials used to construct the canner will have a bearing on the weight.
Where you intend to use your pressure canner will dictate how big you can go. Don’t buy a canner blindly without figuring out where you’ll be using it.
Returns vs. Cost
There are many large pressure canners out there that make it possible to process a large amount of food in one cycle. However, most are very expensive. It may be a better to buy two smaller canners for a fraction of the price of a single large one. And they could provide a combined output equal or greater to that of the larger canner.
Aluminum or Stainless Steel
Stainless steel canners are generally considered to be much stronger and last much longer. They do tend to be much heavier than lightweight aluminum canners though. Aluminum canners are much cheaper than their stainless steel counterparts. You need to choose between cost and durability. However, quality aluminum canners do offer years of trouble-free service.
How much canning do you really think you’ll be doing?
What you’re processing and how much you expect to be canning will dictate how big a canner you actually need.
If you expect overall use to be minimal there is no need to go and buy the biggest and most expensive canner going.
But….
If you think, as most preppers do, that you will get more use of it further down the road when you’re fully self-sufficient. The biggest and the best would seem like a sensible investment.
Best Pressure Canner vs. Best Pressure Cooker
One would think that a pressure canner and cooker are one and the same. That is not always the case.
Pressure canners are designed for canning at higher temperatures at different altitudes. They are adjustable. This pressure adjustment is absolutely vital in order to ensure any harmful bacteria is killed off fully.
In general, most pressure cookers do not have the facility to change the pressure settings. Those that do are often too small for the processing volumes required by preppers and homesteaders.
The other benefit of a pressure canner is that it is more versatile than a pressure cooker. And can be used for hot water bath canning when needed.
Best Pressure Canner Reviews
All American 921 21.5qt Pressure Canner Review – Best Pressure Canner
This is one seriously strong pressure canner. If you want the best traditional home pressure canner money can buy and you have the money, then this offering from All American is definitely worth your consideration.
The All American 921 with its beautiful satin finish looks and feels every inch a quality product. With its hand-cast aluminum components providing unrivaled durability. The metal to metal sealing achieved by tightening 6 high gauge screws eliminates the need for gaskets. Rubber, or otherwise. Often a point of failure in many other canners.
The “All American 921”
This 100% US Wisconsin-made pressure canner complies with all the strictest industry standards. It features a geared steam pressure gauge. Changeable psi settings, offering 5, 10, and 15psi options. There is also an automatic pressure release regulator, a very important safety feature.
The gauge is very easy to read although the automatic pressure control makes continual checking of pressure levels unnecessary. The All American automatically releases excess pressure whenever it builds up.
Whereas other canners seem to offer more in the way of technological advances the All American has concentrated on providing a high level of performance and a high-quality build. Without impacting on any safety aspects, the All American has eliminated a lot of the technical elements associated with high-pressure cookers and canners. Keeping it both simple to use and maintain.
Cleaning simply involves washing with warm soapy water and ensuring it is thoroughly dry before storing. It is not dishwasher safe.
Pros
- 21.5qt capacity is perfect for preppers.
- Automatic Pressure Release regulator.
- Geared pressure gauge.
- Extremely durable.
- Simple to use and maintain.
- 3 different psi level settings.
- Canning racks included.
Cons
- Relatively expensive.
- Not suitable for use on glass or ceramic ranges.
- Very heavy particularly when in use.
- Slow to heat up and cool down.
Our Verdict:
There are definitely more affordable pressure canners available. Many are equally as capable of fulfilling the needs of most preppers. However, none offer the long-lasting durability and the high build quality that the All American offers.
If your budget allows for it, then you have to go for the best. The All American is the best without a shadow of a doubt.
For more information on the All American 921 Pressure Canner, including the latest price. Click on the button!
Presto 23qt Pressure Canner Review
The Presto 01781 23qt Pressure Canner is a great choice for fulfilling all your home canning needs. The 23qt volume is more than enough for 7 quart-sized Mason jars.
For its large volume, the Presto only takes up the same range space as a large pan and will fit easily on both gas and glass-topped or ceramic hobs.
The Presto is equally comfortable when being used for water bath canning as well as its predominant role as a pressure canner.
This Presto pressure canner is extremely reliable hence its popularity. It is made using warp-resistant heavy gauged polished aluminum, but the base is stainless steel clad which enables rapid and even heat.
Note: This also means that this Presto pressure canner is one of only a few that can be used on an induction style range.
The Air vent/cover lock is a great safety feature only allowing pressure to build up when the cover has been attached properly and once in use it will not allow the cover to be opened until the pressure level has reduced to a safe level.
There is an inner sealing ring that helps create an airtight seal.
A pressure gauge sits on top of the lid and shows the complete range of processing pressures. The handles are made from a material that stays cool.
The Presto is covered by an extended 12-year limited warranty which is a testament to the degree of faith Presto have in the Presto 01781 Pressure Canner
Pros
- 23qt capacity
- Air vent/cover lock
- Can be used on induction hobs
- Canning rack included
- 12 year limited warranty
- Much more affordable than the All American Pressure Canner
Cons
- The sealing ring and the over pressure plug will need replacing at least every 3 years possibly sooner if the sealing ring has become hard, misshapen, cracked, visibly worn, pitted, or if you start to have difficulty opening and closing the canner.
Our Verdict:
This is a well-priced pressure canner that is extremely popular. It performs consistently well and the 12-year warranty speaks volumes for the item’s durability.
It is one of the few canners that can be used on an induction hob which is a big plus.
However, like so many other canners it does require a new seal and pressure plug every so often so a good supply of spares will be necessary.
It’s not quite in the same league as the All-American but if you are working within a budget and have an induction range then this pressure canner from Presto is a no-brainer at about a third of the price.
For more information about the Presto 01781 23qt Pressure Canner including the latest price simply click on the button!
GraniteWare 20qt Pressure Canner
With its hard-anodized aluminum finish the GraniteWare Pressure Canner can be used for both water bath canning as well as pressure canning.
Although we don’t talk aesthetics much we do pick up the odd vibe from other users on occasions and apparently, the darker anodized finish that this GraniteWare pressure canner has is a winner among those who are not overly keen on the polished aluminum finish that pretty much every other canner has.
Obviously, aesthetics have no impact on the effectiveness of this or any other canner, but it does offer something different!
Features
This GraniteWare Pressure Canner does have other features that are of much greater importance than its appearance such as the adjustable 3-piece pressure regulator which offers 5, 10, and 15PSI pressure options.
A pressure indicator pops up to lock the lid securely in place and will not allow the canner to be opened while there is even the smallest amount of pressure inside.
There is a vent pipe in the middle of the lid and should it clog and fail to vent as intended there are backup safety valves; one has a black cap that will kick into action should the vent pipe fail and also, at the same time, a second metal safety valve will start to release excessive pressure while sounding a whistling alarm.
The lid is extremely strong, as one would expect, and is locked in place whilst the canner is in use; a silicone gasket forms a tight seal between the lid and the main body of the canner.
This GraniteWare pressure canner comes complete with a wire rack, a steamer insert, and a comprehensive instruction manual.
Downsides?
Unfortunately, unlike many of the other pressure canners we cover here, the GraniteWare Pressure Canner doesn’t have a pressure gauge which makes it difficult to monitor the actual pressure, which is a shame.
Although the loss of a physical pressure gauge may be seen as a big negative to some people, the truth of the matter is that it really isn’t needed as the canner is already calibrated.
The Graniteware Pressure Canner is not suitable for use on glass ranges, and because of its aluminum construction, it will not work with induction hobs.
Our Verdict:
The GraniteWare is a well-made canner at an affordable price. It is slightly different in appearance in that it is anodized and not polished aluminum but it functions perfectly well as one would expect it to.
Unfortunately, it has a slightly smaller capacity than our top two choices the All American and the Presto, although the manufacturer assures us it is big enough to still be able to process 7-quart jars, the same as the aforementioned canners.
The lack of a pressure gauge may be off-putting for anyone who likes to physically monitor their pressure levels when canning.
Although the silicon gasket works perfectly well when new, the manufacturer suggests replacing it every canning season which doesn’t bode well when obtaining replacement parts becomes an issue, hence why we prefer the All American pressure canner’s metal to metal seal.
For more information about the GraniteWare 20qt Pressure Canner including the latest price simply click on the button!
T-Fal 22qt Pressure Canner
T-Fal is a very well recognized and trusted brand so it should not come as a surprise that this 22qt canner has made it onto our list of best pressure canners suitable for preppers.
Like the other canners on our list here, it is able to process 7 qt jars or 16-pint jars in one cycle.
The T-Fal has three pressure settings 5, 10, and 15 psi that can all be set by turning the red dial on the lid.
Pressure can be monitored using the lid-mounted gauge.
The T-Fal pressure canner offers a sure-locking lid system, a pressure release valve that automatically vents excessive pressure, and a pressure monitoring device in the handle that will stop pressure from building if the lid isn’t fitted properly and that will also stop the lid from being opened if the canner is pressurized.
Our Verdict:
There isn’t much to dislike about the T-Fal pressure cooker, it is what it is. It does suffer from the fact it does use a silicone gasket that will need replacing every so often, something metal to metal seals don’t have an issue with.
In all honesty, it does the job of canning well, it just seems to be a little lightweight and not as durable as some of our selections at the top of this page.
For more information about the T-Fal 22qt Pressure Canner including the latest price simply click on the button!
Mirro 22qt Aluminum Pressure Canner
The most affordable pressure canner on our list is the Mirro 22qt Aluminum pressure canner.
It is a very basic pressure canner. It has a selective pressure control meaning you can set the canner to operate at 5, 10, or 15psi. This pressure control is fitted on top of the vent tube in the center of the lid.
Emergency pressure release valve is a red button on top of the lid that pops open to vent excessive pressure should the main vent tube fail for whatever reason.
In the unlikely event that both the vent tube and the pressure release valve fail then the third failsafe kicks in which is the safety window. The safety window is an area of the lid where the rubber seal will be pushed out allowing pressure to escape to avoid an excessive build-up.
The lid is held in place when the canner is pressurized by lugs that will not allow the lid to be removed until any pressure is gone
The Mirro is supplied with a canning rack and a very basic manual.
Our Verdict:
The Mirro pressure cooker is the least expensive canner on our list and as such is our budget selection. It really is very basic, and when compared to the other pressure canners here you can understand why the others cost more.
As with all other canners, apart from the All American pressure canner, the Mirro will require a gasket change on a frequent basis which isn’t ideal but if you are on a budget then this canner will still do a job for you.
In short, if your budget allows it, look above this listing if not, then the Mirro will do!
For more information about the Mirro 22qt Aluminum Pressure Canner including the latest price simply click on the button!
Final Word on the Best Pressure Canner
Pressure canning is an essential part of being self-sufficient. It is something that every prepper should strive towards doing on a regular basis.
There are many pressure canners available from which to choose. The vast majority of which will perform the task adequately enough.
However, as preppers, we have to think long-term. This often means looking for equipment or having skills that do not rely on outside input or assistance.
When it comes to pressure canners you want a canner that is very simple in construction. It should have as few parts as possible limiting what can go wrong. Reliability is important as is solid construction. Most importantly, it should not require replacement parts on a regular basis.
Unfortunately, the vast majority of pressure canners will require a replacement seal or gasket every canning season. What are you going to do if you have a whole season’s food to process and you cannot get one?
Our Choice?
The All American Pressure canner may be the most expensive of the canners we’ve listed above. But it’s the ONLY one that ticks all the boxes a prepper will want ticking. That is why it is our number one choice as the best pressure canner for preppers.