Electric pressure canners safely seal canning jars to prevent bacteria from entering and spoiling the food inside. They are a great answer to the question of what to do with extra produce at the end of summer, but they can also be used to preserve food all year long.
Dedicated home canners want the best electric pressure canner that ensures perfectly sealed jars, every time. The NESCO NPC-9 Smart Electric Pressure Cooker and Canner fits the bill.
What to know before you buy an electric pressure canner
Pressure canners are traditionally heated on the stove, but electric pressure canners can be used anywhere there’s an outlet. Here are some crucial considerations when selecting one that works for you.
Capacity
Do you specialize in small-batch canning that captures the essence of a few select summer crops, or are you the type of home canner who stocks the shelves for the long winter?
Are you feeding a large family or just one or two people?
Do you like to make gifts of preserves, jams and jellies year-round?
How you use your electric pressure canner will determine which size is best for you. A larger capacity canner can handle lots of canning but takes up more space. A smaller electric pressure canner is more compact, but you’ll need to run it multiple times for larger batches.
Multifunction vs. unitasker
When space is tight, having a large kitchen appliance on the counter that only performs one function can be challenging. On the other hand, the more functions an appliance has to perform, the less likely they are to do everything well.
An electric pressure canner that is purpose-built will do a better, more consistent job, but a multifunction electric canner increases the possibilities in the kitchen.
Electric pressure canner features
Presets
The easiest-to-use electric pressure canners feature presets. These simple buttons allow you to properly program a specific time and duration of pressure canning, depending on food or the number of jars you are working with.
Easy clean
The first electric pressure canners were complicated and difficult to take care of. Look for easy-clean electric pressure canners that can be washed in the dishwasher or simply wiped clean after each use.
Included recipes
When you are starting out with electric pressure canning, it’s nice to have some guidance. The best electric pressure canners feature recipes that are included with the instruction manual.
Electric pressure canner cost
Electric pressure canners are a small home appliance that should last your family for years to come. Expect to spend between $125-$350.
Electric pressure canner FAQ
Why should you use an electric pressure canner instead of water bath canning?
A. Water bath canning uses the pressure created by boiling water to force air out of jars. This creates a vacuum that pulls the lid of the jar down, creating a tight seal. While this method of home canning works well for highly-acidic foods, low-acid foods may not get hot enough to kill all of the bacteria. This can result in a tasteless form of bacteria that causes botulism, a potentially fatal illness caused by improperly canned foods.
An electric pressure canner ensures that foods inside the jar reach a safe temperature and that air is also completely removed from inside the jar. The lid will still seal in the same way as with a water bath canner, but you can be more assured that low-acid food is safe.
How do you use an electric pressure canner?
A. Your electric pressure canner will come with its own instructions for operating. Take the time to completely read the owner’s manual before beginning your first batch of canning.
In general, you’ll start with jars that have been washed in hot, soapy water and rinsed completely. Add the food you are planning to preserve to the jars, leaving approximately 1/2 inch space at the top. Screw lids on until they just begin to catch (do not over tighten).
Put the rack included with your electric pressure canner in the bottom of the inner container, and fill to the water level with the rack. Place jars on the rack. Using your instruction manual as a guide, set your electric pressure canner to the proper time and pressure for the food you are preserving and the number of jars in the canner.
Allow the electric pressure canner to cycle through the entire process. Make sure that pressure is released before you open the lid when the cycle is completed.
Which electric pressure canner should I get?
Best of the best electric pressure canner
Presto 01755 16-quart Aluminum Canner Pressure Cooker: available at Amazon
Our take: It’s made with home canning in mind.
What we like: The pressure dial gauge indicates precisely the processing pressure. The air vent/cover lock ensures that the pressure only builds up when the cover has been put on right and makes certain that the cover won’t open until the pressure has been reduced so it’s safe.
What we dislike: One person said the bottom of the pressure stopper hissed with water droplets.
Best bang for your buck electric pressure canner
NESCO Smart Electric Pressure Cooker and Canner: available at Amazon
Our take: This is easy to operate and perfect for beginners.
What we like: This canner is nearly 10 quarts which makes it perfect for mid-size home canning operations. It comes with a detailed guide, but its simple operation makes it a great canner for beginners. It has a safety lock lid and an easy-to-read digital display.
What we dislike: This canner takes up a lot of counter space relative to the size inside.
Honorable mention electric pressure canner
Instant Pot Duo Plus 9-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker: available at Amazon
Our take: When it comes to slow cooking and food preservation, the Instant Pot has become a trusted household name
What we like: This model has nine different functions: pressure cook, slow cook, rice cooker, yogurt maker, steamer, sauté pan, sterilizer and food warmer. It’s available in three sizes and comes in Duo Plus and Pro models. This canner is dishwasher safe.
What we dislike: Note that although this is not specifically designed for electric pressure canning, many users report good results.
Suzannah Kolbeck is a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company with a singular mission: to help simplify your purchasing decisions and save you time and money.
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