Pressure Canner Updates

Induction Pressure Canners

Induction ranges create a challenge for canning with aluminum canners. The Presto Induction Compatible Pressure Canner is a full-sized home pressure canner that works on an induction range and works on gas, electric, and smooth-top ranges of 12,000 BTUs or less. The Presto Induction Canner is aluminum, as most pressure canners are; however, it has a stainless-steel bottom, allowing this canner to work with induction burners. Always refer to the manual for your cooking surface and your pressure canner to ensure other compatibility issues such as burner size and weight of your loaded canner.

Digital Pressure Canners

Digital pressure canners are stand-alone, electric pressure canners with multiple safety features, digital display, their own heating source, and are semi-automated. At first glance, it would seem that they are a good choice for the person who wants an alternative to a smooth top stove. One brand, the digital Presto canner, has a seal that indicates it uses USDA canning guidelines. However, the National Center for Home Food Preservation has written that they have no information on the type or extent of Presto’s research and cannot independently verify the company's statements. Therefore, they recommend that the consumer follow only the digital canner's manual and not instructions from other sources. Other appliances marketed as combination pressure canners and cookers have the same issues as multi-cookers discussed below. Therefore, we cannot recommend them because we do not have the research on their safety.

As multi-cookers continue to appear on the market, erroneously advertising pressure canning capabilities, we renew our call that pressure canners and pressure cookers are not interchangeable appliances. There are significant safety and operational differences. To be considered a pressure canner for USDA canning processes, the canner must be able to:

• hold at least four quart-size jars with the jars standing upright in the canner while the lid is in place
• the canner must have a vent to release air from inside the canner while the canner is pressurizing
• a canner must have a mechanism indicating the pressure inside the canner (either a dial gauge or weighted gauge) to ensure the canner remains at the target pressure throughout the entire processing time

Pressure cookers do not hold consistent temperatures and do not have safety features offered on pressure canners. Please evaluate your equipment to make sure you are using a proper pressure canner. Ensure you and your family's safety during operation and during consumption of foods you have canned.

Did you know that most pressure canners can be used as a water bath canner just by filling it with water that will cover the jars by at least one inch and adding a lid? If using the pressure canner lid, just set it on top without locking it into place.  It is easier to use a separate lid or place a flat baking sheet on top as a lid.

For additional information on pressure canning and safety, check out these Penn State Extension links:

• Let's Preserve: Basics of Home Canning
• Selecting Canners for Home Food Preservation (video)

Happy and Safe Canning! 

Note: Where name brands are mentioned, Penn State Extension is not endorsing these products; rather we are simply using them for illustrative purposes.

References

LaBorde, L.; Zepp, M.; & Hirneisen, A. (2023, March 1). "Let's preserve: basics of home canning". Penn State University.

Reed, S.; Hirneisen, A.; & Zepp, M. (n.d.) Selecting canners for home food preservation. Penn State University.