The Best Steam Canner Options: Which One Should You Choose?

Canning, whether using a steam canner or the more traditional water bath method, has long been used as a way of preserving food. Canning works by heating jars of food to a high temperature and then maintaining them at that temperature long enough to remove oxygen from the jars, heat-sterilize both the jars and their contents, and vacuum-seal the jars to prevent contamination. When canners are used in adherence with proper guidelines and the prepared jars are cooled and stored properly, their contents of the jars can be preserved for safe consumption.

Steam canners and their close cousins, steam pressure canners, are often used to can food. These methods are preferred by many users because they enable rapid processing. Further, this process uses less water and creates fewer cleanup requirements than the water-bath canning method.

A standard, typical steam canner is limited in processing time and capacity because the relatively small amount of water boils away quickly. As a result, there are definite limits on what foods can be canned and preserved safely this way. Today's pressure canners, however, are able to maintain higher temperatures and have longer potential processing times than their predecessors, which allows a wider range of food products to be safely processed.

Product FAQ

1. What Is A Steam Canner?

A traditional steam canner has a shallow base into which water is poured and a lid to cover both the water and the jars placed in it for processing tightly. The water is brought up to its boiling point, but the limited amount of water required by steam canners also limits their maximum processing times.

There are also pressure steam canners on today's market. These are essentially kettles with sealing lids that enable regulation of pressure by the operator. Pressure canners can reach temperatures of 240 degrees Fahrenheit, whereas traditional steam canners are limited to the 212-degree temperature at which water boils. Higher maintainable temperature and longer potential processing times allow for a wider range of foods to be preserved with a steam pressure canner.

2. Are Steam Canners Safe To Use?

While you do need to observe basic safety guidelines, the risk of using steam canners is similar to the risk associated with cooking. Many canners have safety features to help further reduce any risk of spoilage or contamination.

3. Is Food Preserved With A Steam Canner Safe To Eat?

There are certainly potential health issues if foods are not properly prepared for canning or if one tries to preserve the wrong types of foods. Steam canners are typically able to safely preserve pickles and jams, and their capabilities vary by model to some extent. The USDA has provided recipes and guidelines for use with steam canners.

4. How Does A Steam Canner Work?

Steam canners work by bringing the food in the jars up to a specific temperature and keeping the food at that temperature for the amount of time specified in the canning recipe. This process removes oxygen from the jar, heat-sterilizes the contents, and forms a vacuum seal which prevents contaminants from entering (or re-entering) the jar. The length of time required for processing depends on several factors, including the specific contents of the jars and their sizes.

5. Is A Steam Canner Difficult To Use?

Steam canners are not generally or inherently difficult to use, but it is essential to work carefully and adhere to all guidelines when using one.

How We Reviewed

The following canners were reviewed based on their features, some notable pros and cons of each product, costs, and warranty coverage, among other aspects of their design, performance, and overall value

Overall Price Range

We found a surprisingly broad range of prices for steam canners on today's market, with some simpler models starting at around fifty dollars and some highly featured and large-capacity models reaching prices around $500. The more expensive models often double as pressure cookers and some offer unique features like exterior spouts and/or electric heating bases.

What We Reviewed

Features

This 22-quart pressure cooker and canner includes two canning racks. When double-stacked, it can hold up to sixteen standard pint jars, twenty-six standard half-pint jars, or seven standard quart jars. Constructed from heavy-duty aluminum, this large pressure cooker canner is a great choice for making large meals or canning in-season produce to savor all year.

The dial-style pressure gauge on this T-fal unit allows for easy reading, with settings adjustable between 5 psi, 10 psi, and 15 psi. This pressure cooker canner has a five-point security system that includes a sure-locking lid system, over-pressure steam release measures, a pressure-monitoring device built into the handle, and a lid that cannot be pressurized while opened .... or be opened while pressurized.

Features

This pressure cooker and canner holds approximately 19 standard pint jars or seven standard, regular-mouth quart jars. Crafted from hand-cast aluminum, the inside of this durable pressure cooker/canner unit measures about 16 inches in height and 12 inches wide with an easily cleanable satin finish. This pressure cooker/canner features an easy on-off cover that fastens with positive-action clamping nuts and a metal-on-metal seal. The steam gauge is easy to read, and you can operate the canner at 5 psi, 10 psi, or 15 psi. This All American appliance has an automatic over-pressure release, too.

Features

This canner holds up to 22 quarts of liquid and eight-pint jars or seven quart-sized jars, and it can be used for both steam canning or water bath canning. The bottom of this stainless steel canner is flat-clad for even heating on any range, and it can be used on induction ranges. This canner from Victorio has a temperature indicator with three clearly marked elevation zones housed in a tempered glass lid. A stainless steel canning rack is included as well.

Features

This pressure cooker and canner holds up to seven standard, regular-mouth pint jars or four standard quart jars. Crafted from hand-cast aluminum, the inside of this durable unit is just short of 12 inches high and about 10 inches wide. It sports an easily cleaned satin finish. This pressure cooker/canner features an easy on-off cover that fastens with positive-action clamping nuts and a metal-on-metal seal. The steam gauge is easily read, with settings for 5 psi, 10 psi, and 15 psi. This compact pressure cooker canner has an automatic over-pressure release for safe operation.

Features

This pressure cooker and canner can hold up to 16-pint jars or 7-quart jars. If the jars are double-stacked, this pressure canner can hold up to 26 pint jars. Mirro constructs each unit from rust-proof, heavy-gauge aluminum so that it can serve as a long-lasting addition to your kitchen. Its features include a reusable over-pressure plug, a sure-lock lid system, and side gasket pressure-release functionality. This pressure cooker canner has pressure settings of 5 psi, 10 psi, and 15 psi. It comes with a canning rack, and the user guide includes recipes.

Features

This aluminum steam canner can hold up to eight-pint jars or seven-quart jars. It should be used to process high-acid foods only due to its limited water capacity and other factors. The aluminum construction of this steam canner allows for rapid heating and cooling down The built-in temperature indicator on this lightweight, compact canning device includes three elevation zones.

Features

This pressure cooker and canner can hold up to 24 half-pint jars, 20-pint jars, or seven-quart jars. Constructed of warp-resistant, heavy-gauge aluminum, this unit can be used on smooth-top stoves. It features a deluxe pressure gauge especially useful for those cooking at high altitudes. It will not pressurize if the cover is not securely fastened and will not open while pressurized, so safety is built right in to a great extent. This Presto unit can double as a boiling water-bath canner. The product comes with a nice canning rack, and its instruction guide includes recipes.

Features

This electric water bath canner and multi-cooking unit from the famed jar-maker can hold up to eight-pint jars, seven-quart jars along with up to 21 quarts of liquid. This electric canner has a tempered glass lid. Its features include a temperature control knob, an exterior drain spout that can drain hot water or be used to dispense hot drinks, and a detachable base that nests within the receptacle for compact storage. It comes with a canning rack and recipe book.

The Verdict

The best steam canner for your kitchen will depend on a number of factors, including the type of stove that you use, any specific needs that you might have, and whether you would like to have a steam canner only or are interested in a multi-function kitchen investment. Of course, cost is always a consideration as well when we shop for an item such as this. Now, we'll present a summary of 3-4 entries on our list of the best steam canners that offer superior value in our view.

For those who are interested in a traditional steam canner, the aluminum steam canner by Victorio is an excellent choice. This steam canner is lightweight and compact; it also includes temperature readings for multiple elevations, and it is inexpensive. It's a great choice for those who may not be able to lift some of the heavier canners on this list or for someone pursuing the most cost-conscious option.

For those interested in a steam pressure canner, the higher-capacity All American pressure cooker and canner is a fantastic option. This canner does not require additional seals or gaskets and can also be used as a pressure cooker, allowing for multiple usage options which can help save valuable kitchen storage space. Its large size makes it possible to process large batches of jars, cook meals for a group, or make large portions for the purposes of canning later. Should you require a smaller or lighter canner, you should consider the 10-1/2-quart version of this All American appliance.

Finally, for anyone interested in additional features or for whom freeing up stovetop space is critical, the Ball FreshTECH entry on our list can ably fulfill those objectives. This canner can be used as a traditional steam canner, but it also cooks and steams foods. This canner can additionally be used to serve as a hot drink urn because of the drain spigot, making it an excellent choice for someone who might use that feature while hosting.