A pressure canner rather than a hot water bath is recommended for canning vegetables and nonacid fruit because it kills more bacteria. If you are canning meat, fish, or mixed dishes (such as soups), then using a pressure canner to preserve the food is essential.

Today’s pressure canners are safe, reliable, and easy to use. Just follow the directions to ensure success every time, even if you’ve never canned before.

Here are five of the best-selling pressure canners on Amazon. Get yours today and be ready to can this year’s garden produce.

1) Presto 1781 23-Quart Aluminum Pressure Cooker/Canner

The Presto 23-quart pressure canner is a professional-quality tool made of heavy-duty aluminum, with stay-cool handles and a strong-lock steel lid. It comes with a canning rack that fits neatly inside the pot, allowing liquid to circulate underneath the jars during processing.

“I had never used a pressure canner before and had no trouble using this the first time. I read the manual and followed the directions very carefully. Everything went fine. Good quality product at a great price.” – C. Merschat

“I LOVE LOVE LOVE this canner! I wish I had 2 so I can double up my canning. So easy to use, cleans up nice, tons of room for all the jars. Very pleased with this canner. I read a lot about canners before ordering for my first time and this is a great size if you like to process a lot of jars at once.” – clarissa

“This pressure canner is wonderful for canning soups, chili, and other items that need pressure to can properly. It is easy to use.” – K. Andrews

“I purchased this pressure cooker because I can about 80-100 jars of homemade pasta sauce each week, so I was looking for something that would help the process move as quickly and easily as possible. I’ve used it about 20 times already and it’s gone without a hitch each time.” – K. Rizzo

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2) All American 921 All-American 21-1/2-Quart Pressure Cooker/Canner

The All-American 21-1/2-Quart Pressure Canner is an outstanding heavy-duty canner made from cast aluminum. It has no rubber or plastic gaskets or rings that can deteriorate. This canner holds 19 pint jars or 7 quart jars and features a three-setting pressure regulator valve.

“It’s more expensive than cheaper brands but this isn’t a lightweight pressure cooker. This is the pressure cooker grandma used when I was a kid so it will probably outlast me and parts are easy to find too.” – FishTech

“I love it, it is built like a tank, and American made. If you are into food storage this is a have to have. There is no rubber seal to go bad in time. It is a metal to metal seal. You just rub a little olive oil around the rim on the first use. Your grandchildren will use this if you hand it down in the family.” – ropers

“Excellently machined and designed. This is the best canner I have ever owned, don’t waste your money on any other canner.” – Mobotus

“If you follow the directions, you should not have ANY problems. Easy to pressure cook with and easy to can with! You will not be sorry with your purchase.” – Beer Drinker

“This was a winner for me. To pressure can meats & veggies, you need something that is tough, durable & built to last – this product meets that & more. Add in USA-made, which means American quality.” – bookluvr

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Buy the All American 921 All-American 21-1/2-Quart Pressure Cooker/Canner on sale from Amazon.com

3) Presto 1755 16-Quart Aluminum Pressure Cooker/Canner

The Presto 1755 16-Quart Aluminum Pressure Cooker/Canner is a slightly smaller canner that holds 7 quart jars or 10 pint jars. It features an easy-to-read pressure gauge, simple steam-release mechanism, and an overpressure release that will let off excess steam if necessary.

“Great product! I can even use it on my glass top range where some other pressure canners are too heavy for glass tops. The instruction manual was also quite helpful with everything I needed to know about pressure canning and recipes.” – S. Austin

“I’m fairly new to pressure canning but so far I have had only great results using this canner. It’s big enough to hold 7 quart jars at one time, but not so big as to be impossible to wash in the sink. It seals tightly, the gauge works perfectly and I feel safe while using it.” – Loveguitar

“I have never used a pressure cooker before, so I was a little concerned about how it would work. However, the instructions were very clear and easy to follow and after I used it once, I felt like a pro!” – M. Moffat

“This canner is just right for canning vegetables, holding a full 7 quarts, but not too heavy to lift off the burner.” – babysteps

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4) All-American 15-1/2-Quart Pressure Cooker/Canner

The classic All-American 15-1/2-Quart Pressure Canner is made from durable, hand-cast aluminum and features a “metal-to-metal” sealing system that does away with the need for rubber or plastic gaskets. It holds 10 pint jars or 7 quart jars and operates at settings of 5 psi, 10 psi, and 15 psi.

“I purchased this canner two years ago when I was blessed with an abundance of homegrown produce and no way to preserve all of it. Although I had minimal (at best) experience with pressure canners, I had no problem using this one. It is heavy, solid, USA-made quality. I felt better as a rookie user seeing the construction and safety features, too.” – G. Hicks

“Extremely well-built, nothing about this is cheap. This will be perfect for my home canning needs, and probably my children’s and grandchildren’s as well. Thank you, All-American, for making such a great product HERE in the USA!” – Freckles

“Excellent canner, our first experience and what an excellent crafted appliance. Highly recommend this canner, it should last a life-time.” – E. Lindsey

“If anyone is thinking of buying any type of pressure canner or cooker, buy the All-American. This is truly trouble free, no gaskets to replace, easy clean-up, a great American product. My grandmother had one years ago, and used it all the time, passed it on to my mother who used it all the time, and now my cousin has it and uses it. It is working great, nothing has ever been replaced on it.” – M. Norfleet

“I’ve put up hundreds of cans with this over the past decade. It has never had any problems. The instruction book is clear, it’s easy to use, and it’s a workhorse.” – J. Patti

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5) Fagor 9 Piece Pressure Canning Set

The Fagor 9 Piece Pressure Canning Set includes all the tools, instructions and recipes you need to start canning at home. It includes the Duo 10-quart pressure cooker/canner, canning rack, stainless steel funnel and ladle, jar lifter, and more.

“We love this, it includes all the tools you need to start canning and also has wonderful recipes for pressure cooking.” – dani

“The nine piece canning set includes the tools to can a variety of fruits, vegetables, and much more. The Fagor line of pressure cookers may cost more, but the quality and design are what sets Fagor apart from other products.” – canman

“Excellent quality and everything you need to get started.” – lorietherese

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Buy the Fagor 9 Piece Pressure Canning Set on sale from Amazon.com

6-quart pressure cooker shown – click here to see it on Amazon.

Preparing food with a pressure cooker speeds up cooking time and preserves vitamins and minerals. When you get a new pressure cooker, it’s essential to read the instruction manual, even if you’re used this type of equipment before. Each manufacturer has its own way of doing things. You can save yourself some trouble and keep the utensil in good working order by following the directions carefully.

Here are some of the features of the Fagor Splendid 4-Quart Pressure Cooker, the Fagor Splendid 6-Quart Pressure Cooker, and the Fagor Splendid 10-Quart Pressure Cooker/Canner :

• - Reduces cooking times by up 70 percent
• - Advanced safety features prevent excessive pressure build-up
• - Constructed of high gauge 18/10 stainless steel with an aluminum encapsulated bottom that guarantees even heat distribution
• - Includes instruction manual and recipe book
• - 10-year warranty

The large 10-quart cooker/canner is also suitable for canning in small quantities, with capacity to hold up to 4 quart jars at a time.

Here is what current owners have to say about the Fagor Splendid 4-Quart Pressure Cooker:

N’Tucky Mnkey: I’ve always wanted a stainless steel pressure cooker, and this one performs admirably. It does not have a lot of complicated features or mechanisms to get in the way of its intended purpose. It’s just complicated enough to get the job done, and get it done safely… I just got done making homemade chili using a recipe that comes with the pressure cooker. In 15 minutes time on the stove I had a chili that tasted like it cooked for over an hour. The onions were so soft they melted in my mouth.

If you’d like more information about the Fagor Splendid 4-Quart Pressure Cooker, you can get further details, customer comments, and the latest special price here on Amazon.

Here is what current owners have to say about the Fagor Splendid 6-Quart Pressure Cooker:

N. Zabowski Bought this and made my hocks in about 35 min…so soft and juicy, ready to be added to a bean soup or some greens. You can make the best falling-off-the-bone-ribs using the p.c. Cook ribs for about 20 min, then finish in a 275 oven with your barbeque sauce for about 30 min….yumm!! Corned beef brisket comes out tender and juicy after about 35 min, 10 or 11 min for potatoes for your potato salad and it’s full flavored, you don’t leave all the vitamins and flavor in the water to be thrown out.

If you’d like more information about the Fagor Splendid 6-Quart Pressure Cooker, you can get further details, customer comments, and the latest special price here on Amazon.

Here is what current owners have to say about the Fagor Splendid 10-Quart Pressure Cooker/Canner:

Gordon Cappelletty: This is a simple to use, easy to clean way to have delicious food for a family in a hurry. From taking a chicken out of the refrigerator to dinner on the table is often less than 40 minutes. While this is also true of other pressure cookers, the Fagor Splendid cooker has easy to use locking mechanisms, and its simple design makes it reliable and easy to clean.

A couple of suggestions: Read the instructions. While this cooker is simple to use and clean, the instructions contain a number of very useful hints. Had I read the instructions beforehand, my first dish would have been less of a hassle than it was. Second, buy accessories. This pot is just a pot – no trivet, no basket, no spoons, nothing else. To do serious pressure cooking, you need some of these other utensils.

If you’d like more information about the Fagor Splendid 10-Quart Pressure Cooker/Canner, you can get further details, customer comments, and the latest special price here on Amazon.

Click here to see it on Amazon.

This model has two pressure settings, for low and high. It tends to make a loud hissing noise while cooking, but that’s a minor point. If you’ve never operated a pressure cooker before, it does take a little adjustment in your food preparation methods. Be sure to read and follow the directions in the manual. Once you get used to its speed and cooking efficiency, you’ll be looking for new ways to use your cooker.

Here are some of the features of the Fagor Duo 8-Quart Pressure Cooker:

• - 8-Quart pressure cooker with steamer basket
• - Safety locking handle
• - Ergonomically designed black handle provides a comfortable hold
• - Includes automatic pressure release position and visual pressure indicator
• - Constructed of 18/10 stainless steel; works on all heat sources
• - Instruction manual and recipe book included
• -10-year warranty

Here is what current owners have to say about the Fagor Duo 8-Quart Pressure Cooker:

MissusBruce2B: “After doing some research online, I chose the Fagor cooker. I could not be happier with the results! I can now cook wonderful meals in a fraction of the time needed for traditional methods. The first try was to take a cut up fryer chicken, brown it (in the cooker), add 1/2 cup of wine and some potatoes and carrots, and cook it at high pressure for 15 minutes. IT WAS FANTASTIC! The meat was so moist and falling off the bone, and the veggies were just perfect. I have also used it to make brown rice in 20 minutes, and to steam veggies in 5 minutes or less. I am hooked, and plan to get a second, smaller one to cook rice while I am also cooking other things in the larger pot. Pressure cooking does take a little getting used to and I found I had to experiment with the burner settings and cooking times to get exactly the results I wanted.”

Read the entire original review here

If you’d like more information about the Fagor Duo 8-Quart Pressure Cooker, you can get further details, customer comments, and the latest special price here on Amazon.

Using a pressure cooker, you can cook most foods 3 to 10 times faster than by using ordinary methods. It’s also a great way to save money – you can buy less expensive cuts of meat and tenderize them to perfection in the cooker.

Click here to see it on Amazon

If you’ve never used a pressure cooker before, have no fears about safety. The heavy-duty lid locks down while the cooker is pressurized. There is a pop-up pressure indicator and a steam release mechanism, as well as an overpressure plug that will automatically release steam if it builds up too much. Just be sure to read the directions that come with the pot and you will happily cooking up delicious food in no time.

The pressure cooker can also stand in as a conventional soup pot, making it even more useful in the kitchen. All in all, this is a well made product that performs its job admirably.

Here are some of the features of the Presto 6-Quart Stainless Steel Pressure Cooker :

• - Heavy-duty 6-quart stainless steel pressure cooker
• - Comfortably ergonomic, stay-cool black plastic handles
• - Strong-lock lid with steam vent, pressure indicator and overpressure plug
• - Comes with rack for steaming food or for canning
• - 17 by 8-1/2 inches; 12-year warranty

Here is what current owners have to say about the Presto 6-Quart Stainless Steel Pressure Cooker:

Larry Diamond: “I had no idea what to expect. First off is a little bit of assembly. That went quickly and smoothly. Second is READING the instruction booklet. This is not a pan or a microwave or something like that. It is safe..but also something that is, well, under pressure. And pressure can be dangerous. After getting familiar with the parts of the pressure cooker we cooked our first meal, a pot roast. It was super easy and delicious. We used, frankly, a pretty cheap piece of meat but it came out tasting fantastic. It was quick but something to keep in mind is cooking time does not usually include the time to heat it up and the time to cool it down. Also you can’t just walk away. Once the pressure seals the cooker most of the time you have to then reduce the heat. But it really isn’t that much oversight.”

Read the entire original review here

If you’d like more information about the Presto 6-Quart Stainless Steel Pressure Cooker, you can get further details, customer comments, and the latest special price here on Amazon.

Click here to see this pressure cooker on Amazon

Maintaining constant pressure is important during canning. The accurate pressure dial gauge on this cooker makes it easy to monitor and control pressure for the best results. In addition to a pop-up pressure indicator and a simple steam release mechanism, there is an overpressure plug that will let off steam if it builds up excessively.

This pressure cooker may not be right for ordinary family use or for novice canners, simply because of its size. But it’s a good choice for serious home canners or for large-quantity food preparation.

Here are some of the features of the Presto 23-Quart Aluminum Pressure Cooker/Canner:

• - 23-quart pressure cooker/canner holds 20 pint jars or 7 quart jars
• - Constructed of extra-strong, warp-resistant aluminum; suitable for use on regular and smooth-top ranges
• - Air vent/cover lock allows pressure to build up only when the cover is closed properly
• - Easy-to-read gauge automatically registers a complete range of processing pressures
• - Includes cooking/canning rack and complete instruction and recipe book

Here is what current owners have to say about the Presto 23-Quart Aluminum Pressure Cooker/Canner:

Dennis Margoni: “The Presto Pressure cooker was everything as advertised. This was my first time canning anything. The directions were clear and simple. I was impressed with the safety features. My only complaint is with myself. The pressure cooker is much larger than I need. If you are new to canning like I am, I would suggest you carefully evaluate how much canning you will do. Take into account storage both of the items that you can and also the pressure cooker itself. The price I paid was very fair and the pressure cooker works great so there are no complaints from me regarding this item.”

Read the entire original review here

If you’d like more information about the Presto 23-Quart Aluminum Pressure Cooker/Canner, you can get further details, customer comments, and the latest special price here on Amazon.