A pressure canner is a tall, heavy pot with a locking lid, a gauge or weight and a rack for jars. It is a different tool from a regular pressure cooker, because it holds several jars at once and is sized for them. Some are stovetop pots, and some are electric countertop units with digital controls.
The six canners below range from 9.5 to 23 quarts. Capacity, jar counts, cooktop notes and weights come from each product’s listing page, and the jar counts are the makers’ own figures. We have not used these canners ourselves. This guide does not cover canning procedure: follow the maker’s manual and a current, approved canning guide for any recipe.
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What to Look For
| Feature | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Capacity and jars | Jar counts show how large a batch fits; compare quarts and pints |
| Stovetop or electric | Stovetop pots need a burner; electric units plug in and have digital controls |
| Cooktop fit | Induction, flat-top and gas notes differ by model |
| Gauge or weight | Dial gauges and regulator weights are read differently |
| Weight | A full canner is heavy; check the empty weight and your counter |
Specs at a Glance
| Canner | Capacity | Type and cooktop | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Presto 01755 | 16 quarts | Manual stovetop; 10.5 lb | Aluminum; jar counts not on the page |
| Presto 01784 | 23 quart title; 7 quarts, 20 pints or 26 half-pints per the maker | Manual; induction, gas, electric | Stainless-clad base; pressure gauge; 12 year limited warranty |
| Presto 02153 digital | 23 quarts; up to 7 quart jars | Electric, 1100 watts; 16.1 lb | Built-in timer; automatic shut-off |
| T-fal 22-quart | 22 quarts; 7 quart or 18 pint jars per the maker | Manual; gas and electric coil; 14.8 lb | Three pressure settings; two racks |
| All American 921 | 21.5 quarts; 18 pints or 7 quarts per the maker | Manual; gas, electric, flat-top; 22 lb | Metal-to-metal seal; made in the USA per the maker |
| NESCO NPC-9 | 9.5 quart title | Electric, 1000 watts; 22 lb | Standard and high-altitude valves; also pressure cooks and slow cooks |
The 6 Best Pressure Canners
1. Presto 01755 16-Quart Aluminum Pressure Canner and Cooker
A 16 quart aluminum stovetop canner and cooker with a manual operation mode and an air vent and cover lock. The page lists 13.5 by 17.25 by 12 inches and 10.5 pounds, a one-year limited warranty and a wattage of 1000, which does not fit a stovetop pot and is likely a catalog error. The page does not give jar counts.
Suits: a smaller canner for smaller batches. Strengths: the lightest and shortest pot here. Weaknesses: no jar counts and a thin product page. Skip it if you want a stated quart-jar count.
View Presto 01755 16-Quart Aluminum Pressure Canner and Cooker on Amazon
2. Presto 01784 23-Quart Induction Compatible Pressure Canner
A full-size aluminum canner with an induction-compatible stainless-clad base, an air vent and cover lock, a pressure gauge and a canning and cooking rack. The maker says it fits 7 quarts, 20 pints or 26 half-pints of regular jars and doubles as a boiling-water canner. The capacity field says 23 liters rather than 23 quarts, so rely on the title and jar counts.
Suits: an induction cooktop owner. Strengths: an induction base and a 12 year limited warranty. Weaknesses: a unit mismatch in the capacity field. Skip it if you want digital controls.
View Presto 01784 23-Quart Induction Compatible Pressure Canner on Amazon
3. Presto 02153 23-Quart Digital Pressure Canner
An electric 23 quart canner with a digital controller, built-in timer, automatic shut-off and locking lid. The page lists 1100 watts, 16.1 pounds, room for up to 7 quart jars and automatic altitude adjustment, and says it handles both pressure and boiling-water canning. Included are the lid, canning rack, body and cord.
Suits: a cook who wants the burner watching done for them. Strengths: digital controls and a timer. Weaknesses: needs an outlet and counter space. Skip it if you prefer a gauge and a stovetop.
View Presto 02153 23-Quart Digital Pressure Canner on Amazon
4. T-fal 22-Quart Aluminum Pressure Canner
A polished aluminum canner with three pressure settings, a locking lid, a steam release valve and a gauge. The maker lists 24 half-pint, 16 wide-mouth pint, 18 pint or 7 quart jars per batch, two racks and a canning guide. The page names gas and electric coil cooktops and lists a one-year warranty and 14.8 pounds. A wattage of 1000 appears, which does not fit a stovetop pot.
Suits: gas or coil stovetops. Strengths: two racks and a guide in the box. Weaknesses: the cooktop list does not mention induction. Skip it if you cook on induction.
View T-fal 22-Quart Aluminum Pressure Canner on Amazon
5. All American 1930 Pressure Cooker/Canner (921)
A 21.5 quart cast aluminum canner with a metal-to-metal seal, clamping wing nuts, a pressure gauge and a regulator weight. The maker says it holds 18 pints or 7 quarts, is made in Wisconsin and works on gas, electric and flat-top stoves. It comes with two racks and an instruction book and is listed at 22 pounds.
Suits: a cook who wants a lid with no gasket. Strengths: a heavy cast build and a stated flat-top fit. Weaknesses: heavy at 22 lb, and induction is not listed. Skip it if you want a light pot.
View All American 1930 Pressure Cooker Canner 921 21.5 Qt on Amazon
6. NESCO NPC-9 Smart Electric Pressure Canner and Cooker
A stainless steel countertop unit with digital controls, preset programs and a timer, plus pressure cook, slow cook, steam and water bath modes. The page lists 1000 watts, 22 pounds, standard and high-altitude limiting valves, a canning rack, a steam rack and a condensation catcher. The inner pot is described as aluminum in one field and nonstick in the bullet text, and capacity reads 9 quarts in one place and 9.5 in the title.
Suits: small-batch electric canning and everyday cooking. Strengths: several cooking modes in one appliance. Weaknesses: the smallest capacity here and inconsistent pot data. Skip it if you want large batches.
View NESCO NPC-9 Smart Electric Pressure Canner and Cooker 9.5 Qt on Amazon
Care and Setup
- Read the whole manual before the first batch.
- Check that vents, gaskets and gauges are clean before each use.
- Have the dial gauge checked as the maker advises.
- Dry the pot and lid fully before storing.
Mistakes to Avoid
- Using a regular pressure cooker as a canner.
- Ignoring altitude instructions in the manual.
- Putting a heavy canner on a cooktop that does not list it.
- Trusting an odd wattage or unit on a listing without checking the title and manual.
Pressure Canner FAQ
Is a pressure canner the same as a pressure cooker?
No. Canners are larger and built to hold jars on a rack. The Presto 01755, the T-fal and the NESCO are sold as both a canner and a cooker, so read the page.
Do they work on induction?
Only the Presto 01784 is listed for induction here. Check each page for your cooktop.
The Short Version
For a smaller stovetop pot, the Presto 01755. For induction, the Presto 01784. For digital controls at full size, the Presto 02153. For two racks and a guide, the T-fal. For a gasket-free cast build, the All American. For a small electric unit, the NESCO.