Choosing the best pressure cooker for canning is one of the most important decisions you can make for home food preservation. I learned this after years of trial, error, and research. Initially, I thought any pressure cooker would suffice. I later found that a pressure cooker and a pressure canner are quite different.
That is why pressure canners exist. They safely preserve low-acid foods. This includes meat, vegetables, poultry, and beans. These are common recipes people like to preserve. For safety, follow USDA canning guidelines. They protect your food and your family.
In this guide, i will walk through five popular models. I will explain what makes each one special. At the same time, i will keep everything easy to understand. If you are a beginner or an experienced canner, this article will help you choose cofidently.
My pressure canner story |
At the very begining, i a
Why Choosing the Right Pressure Canner Matters
Canning is not just cooking. Instead, it is a preservation method that must destroy harmful bacteria. Low-acid foods can contain botulism spores, which are invisible and dangerous. These spores can only be destroyed at very high temperatures.
Because of this, boiling water is not enough.
Pressure canners solve this problem. They trap steam and increase pressure inside the pot. As a result, the temperature rises above 240°F (116°C). This is the level required for safe canning.
Therefore, using the wrong equipment is risky. Choosing the right pressure canner is essential.
USDA Guidelines for Pressure Canning (Very Important)
Before reviewing any model, we need to talk about USDA guidelines. These rules exist for safety, not convenience.
According to the USDA and National Center for Home Food Preservation:
Only pressure canners are approved for canning low-acid foods
Most pressure cookers are NOT approved
A pressure canner must:
Hold at least 4 quart jars
Reach and maintain 10–15 PSI
Allow accurate pressure control
Additionally:
Dial gauges must be tested regularly
Weighted regulators must match recipe pressure
Processing times must never be shortened
Because of this, digital pressure cookers are usually not recommended for canning low-acid foods, even if they claim high pressure.
We will explain this more when reviewing the Presto Digital Pressure Cooker.
Pressure Cooker vs Pressure Canner: Simple Explanation
There are solid differences between a pressure cooker and a pressure canner. They look similar, and both use pressure. I used a pressure cooker at the beginning for everyday cooking; later i purchased a pressure canner to preserve my apple juice. However, you can use it for preserve food, meat and vegetables.
Pressure cooker |
A pressure cooker is made for everyday cooking. I use it to cook rice, lentils, meat, and vegetables faster. I use a pressure cooker because when I cook rice in a rice cooker, it requires more time, but using a pressure cooker, it just takes 15 minutes to cook. The reason behind the faster cook is that it uses high pressure to cook. Also, it is perfect when I am busy and want a quick meal. Most homes already have one, and it is easy to use.
pressure canner |
On the other hand, a pressure canner is made for food preservation. People use it to store food like meat, fish, vegetables, and sauces for a long time. It reaches a higher and more controlled temperature than a pressure cooker. Because of that, it can safely kill harmful bacteria. This is very important when you want to store food in jars for months.
Now, here is the main difference. A pressure cooker is for eating now, while a pressure canner is for eating later. Even though a pressure cooker uses pressure, it is not safe for canning low-acid foods. That is why experts do not recommend using it as a pressure canner.
Comparison Table: Best Pressure Cookers for Canning
| Model | Capacity | USDA Approved | Pressure Control | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Presto 16-Quart | Small | Yes | Weighted | Small batches |
| Mirro 22-Quart | Medium | Yes | Weighted | Home canners |
| All-American 921 | Medium | Yes | Weighted + Dial | Long-term reliability |
| Presto 23-Quart | Large | Yes | Weighted + Dial | Best value |
| Presto Digital | Varies | ❌ No | Digital | Cooking, not canning |
Best overall pressure canner |
Reason to Buy |
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Deana J. Murphy has over a decade of hands-on experience testing and reviewing kitchen tools and appliances. She has personally used and compared a wide range of products to help home cooks and bakers make confident choices. Her practical insights and honest reviews are shaped by real-world use, ensuring that every recommendation is both trustworthy and easy to follow. Deana’s passion lies in making cooking simpler, more enjoyable, and more rewarding through the right tools.