Best pressure canners for home canning (2026): Presto and All American
A pressure canner is the only safe way to can vegetables, beans, meat, poultry and seafood at home. CDC says pressure canning is the only recommended method for those low-acid foods, because a boiling-water canner doesn't get hot enough to protect against botulism. This page compares the stovetop canners we list on size, how many jars they hold and how they seal. We haven't used these ourselves; every spec is from the listing.
By Tom Calder · Updated October 24, 2026 · 4 products, prices indicative
Our picks
Presto 23-Quart (01781)
Most kitchens: the canner most beginners start with
Presto 23-Quart Induction (01784)
Induction cooktops
All American 915
A gasket-free canner built to last decades
All American 930
Big harvests: 14 quarts a load
All 4 compared
| Canner | What it is | Capacity | Jars it holds (maker) | Stovetops | Warranty | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Stovetop pressure canner, dial gauge · 23 quarts · Not given on this listing · Regular and smooth-top ranges · 12-year limited Most kitchens: the canner most beginners start with | Stovetop pressure canner, dial gauge | 23 quarts | Not given on this listing | Regular and smooth-top ranges | 12-year limited | |
Our verdictOur verdictResearched The standard American pressure canner: 23 quarts of heavy-gauge aluminum with a dial gauge, a 12-year limited warranty, and a second life as a boiling-water canner for jams, pickles and salsa. A dial gauge has to be accurate to be safe, and CDC notes that many county extension offices will check gauges, so get it checked before canning season. It works on regular and smooth-top ranges; for induction, Presto's 01784 is the version to buy. Best for Most kitchens: the canner most beginners start with Good
Worth knowing
Who shouldn't buy it: Don't buy it if you cook on induction: buy the induction-compatible Presto 01784. | ||||||
Stovetop pressure canner, stainless-clad base · 23 quarts · 7 quarts, 20 pints or 26 half-pints · Induction, gas, electric and smooth-top · 12-year limited Induction cooktops | Stovetop pressure canner, stainless-clad base | 23 quarts | 7 quarts, 20 pints or 26 half-pints | Induction, gas, electric and smooth-top | 12-year limited | |
Our verdictOur verdictResearched The same big Presto canner with a stainless-clad base, so it works on induction as well as gas, electric and smooth-top ranges. By the listing it holds 7 quarts, 20 pints or 26 half-pints, doubles as a boiling-water canner and carries the 12-year limited warranty. As with any dial-gauge canner, have the gauge checked for accuracy. Best for Induction cooktops Good
Worth knowing
Who shouldn't buy it: Don't buy it if you don't cook on induction: the 01781 does the same job. | ||||||
Stovetop pressure canner, metal-to-metal seal · 15.5 quarts · 10 pints or 7 quarts · Gas and electric stovetops · See the listing A gasket-free canner built to last decades | Stovetop pressure canner, metal-to-metal seal | 15.5 quarts | 10 pints or 7 quarts | Gas and electric stovetops | See the listing | |
Our verdictOur verdictResearched All American's machined metal-to-metal seal means there's no rubber gasket to wear out or replace, and it pairs a pressure gauge with a weighted regulator. It's cast in Wisconsin from heavy aluminum, holds 7 quarts or 10 pints by the listing, and it's heavy at 18 pounds. It costs more than a Presto; the reason to pay is a canner you expect to hand down. Best for A gasket-free canner built to last decades Good
Worth knowing
Who shouldn't buy it: Don't buy it if you're trying canning for the first time on a budget: the Presto 23-quart costs much less. | ||||||
Stovetop pressure canner, metal-to-metal seal · 30 quarts · 19 pints or 14 quarts · See the listing · See the listing Big harvests: 14 quarts a load | Stovetop pressure canner, metal-to-metal seal | 30 quarts | 19 pints or 14 quarts | See the listing | See the listing | |
Our verdictOur verdictResearched The big All American: 30 quarts, holding 14 quart jars or 19 pints a load, with the same gasket-free metal-to-metal seal as the 915. That's double-stacked batches for a big garden or a side of beef, and it's a lot of canner to lift and store. Check it fits under your range hood and on your burner before you buy. Best for Big harvests: 14 quarts a load Good
Worth knowing
Who shouldn't buy it: Don't buy it if you can a few batches a year: the 915 holds 7 quarts. | ||||||
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Before you buy
Get one big enough.
CDC says to use a pressure canner that holds at least four 1-quart jars sitting upright on the rack. Every canner on this page holds 7 quarts or more by its listing.
Gauge and seal.
Presto's canners use a dial gauge and a gasket; All American's use a machined metal-to-metal seal with no gasket, plus a gauge and a weighted regulator. A dial gauge must be accurate, so have it tested.
Check your stovetop.
Presto's 01781 works on regular and smooth-top ranges and the 01784 adds induction; check a big canner fits under your range hood.
A pressure canner also works as a boiling-water canner for jams, pickles and fruit, so you don't need to buy both.
We verify every product's specifications against at least two independent sources, re-check its US price and stock on a schedule where we can track it automatically, and cross-check safety-relevant claims against official guidance. Every review is labeled Researched or Used and reviewed by us: where we've bought a product, or been sent it free, and used it ourselves, its review says which; where we haven't, our verdict is a considered spec-and-evidence comparison, not a hands-on test — and commissions never change a ranking either way. Read our full methodology →
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Common questions
Do I need a pressure canner, or will a water bath do?
For vegetables, beans, meat, poultry and seafood you need a pressure canner. CDC says pressure canning is the only recommended method for low-acid foods and not to use a boiling-water canner for them, because it will not protect against botulism. A water bath is for acid foods such as fruit, jams, pickles and tomatoes with added acid.
Can I use an Instant Pot or other electric pressure cooker to can?
No. CDC says not to use an electric multi-cooker appliance for canning, even if it has a canning or steam canning button.
Presto or All American?
Presto's 23-quart canners cost less, double as boiling-water canners and carry a 12-year limited warranty, but use a dial gauge and a gasket. All American's are heavier and cost more, with a gasket-free metal-to-metal seal, a gauge and a weighted regulator, and are made in Wisconsin.
Do I need to adjust for altitude?
Yes. The USDA guide says using sea-level process times can cause spoilage if you live at 1,000 feet or more, so follow the altitude adjustments in a tested recipe.