Steamer canners are incredibly versatile and useful tools for any home cook, well-known for their ability to can a variety of foods such as fruits, vegetables, and jams. Originating in America, these simple yet efficient canners have become a must-have in kitchens around the globe. Nonetheless, to ensure that your steamer canner lives up to its full potential, it’s essential to choose the right one.
The ideal steamer canner should be durable, offer efficient heat distribution, and be easy to clean. Its size should be proficient for your specific needs, and it should be compatible with your stove-top. Using an inadequate steamer canner might lead to uneven cooking, extended processing times, and food spoilage.
When purchasing a steamer canner, it’s paramount to consider the material it is made of. The canner should consist of a heavy-duty metal, often stainless steel or aluminum, to ensure it can withstand high temperatures and prolonged uses without warping or corroding. It should also include an essential safety feature like a steam gauge to help prevent accidents and ensure accurate canning.
In this article, we aim to guide you through the process of choosing the best steamer canner for your cooking needs. Having researched, tested, and appraised various models, we’ve identified the ones that optimally combine safety, function, and durability. By the end of this article, you’ll have all the information needed to ensure your canning processes go smoothly.
Best Steamer Canner
Picking the right steamer canner is crucial for efficient canning and, ultimately, delicious results. It should be durable, offer even heat distribution, and be compatible with your stove. Considering the multitude of choices available, it can be quite overwhelming to find the perfect fit. In this article, utilizing our first-hand experience and extensive research, we have compiled a list of the best steamer canner options to facilitate your decision-making process.
Cooks Standard Canning Juice Steamer Extractor Fruit Vegetables for Making Jelly, Sauces, 11-Quart Stainless Steel Multipot with Glass Lid, Clamp, 2-Pcs Hose
If you’re looking for a reliable and efficient canning pot, the Cooks Standard Canning Juice Steamer Extractor Fruit Vegetables for Making Jelly, Sauces, 11-Quart Stainless Steel Multipot with Glass Lid, Clamp, 2-Pcs Hose is a great option to consider.
Pros
- The multipot is made of high-quality stainless steel, which makes it durable and long-lasting.
- The removable basket and lid make it easy to cook and can, and the pot can be used as a steamer, canner, and multipot.
- The pot has a 11-quart capacity, which is enough to process 7 standard-mouth jars or 4 wide-mouth jars at once.
Cons
- The pot’s legs can be a bit wobbly, which can make it difficult to move around.
- The pot’s handle can get hot during use, which can make it uncomfortable to touch.
- The pot’s lid can be a bit difficult to remove, which can make it challenging to check on the food while it’s cooking.
We’ve used the Cooks Standard Canning Juice Steamer Extractor Fruit Vegetables for Making Jelly, Sauces, 11-Quart Stainless Steel Multipot with Glass Lid, Clamp, 2-Pcs Hose and found it to be a great investment for anyone who loves canning. The pot is easy to use and clean, and it’s versatile enough to be used for a variety of cooking tasks. The removable basket and lid make it easy to cook and can, and the pot’s large capacity means that you can process multiple jars at once, which can save you a lot of time and effort.
One of the things we really like about this pot is its durability. The stainless steel construction is solid and sturdy, and it’s resistant to rust, corrosion, and scratching. This means that the pot will last for years, even with regular use and cleaning.
Another great feature of this pot is its versatility. The removable basket and lid make it easy to cook a variety of foods, from vegetables and fruits to meats and grains. You can use the pot as a steamer, canner, or multipot, depending on your needs.
While there are a few minor drawbacks to this pot, such as the wobbly legs and hot handle, they are minor inconveniences that don’t detract from the pot’s overall performance. Overall, we highly recommend the Cooks Standard Canning Juice Steamer Extractor Fruit Vegetables for Making Jelly, Sauces, 11-Quart Stainless Steel Multipot with Glass Lid, Clamp, 2-Pcs Hose to anyone who loves canning and wants a reliable and efficient pot to do it with.
Steam Canner with Temperature Indicator (Aluminum Steam Canner)
If you’re looking for a pressure cooker that can make canning safer and faster, the Steam Canner with Temperature Indicator is a great option.
Pros
- The aluminum material ensures even heat distribution and makes the pressure cooker lightweight.
- The temperature indicator helps to monitor the canner’s temperature accurately, ensuring safe and effective processing of canned goods.
- The adjustable pressure release valve allows for precise pressure control, making it easy to adjust the pressure to the desired level.
Cons
- The maximum filling volume is only 7 cups, which may not be enough for larger families or those who want to can in larger batches.
- The pressure cooker is not dishwasher safe, so it will require manual cleaning after use.
- The locking lid can be difficult to open, especially when the pressure cooker is still hot.
We’ve used the Steam Canner with Temperature Indicator to can a variety of foods, including vegetables, fruits, and meats. The aluminum material ensures that the pressure cooker heats up quickly and maintains a consistent temperature, making the canning process faster and more efficient.
The temperature indicator is a particularly useful feature, as it allows us to monitor the canner’s temperature accurately and ensure that the canned goods are processed safely and effectively. We appreciate that the pressure cooker comes with a detailed user manual and a steam rack with a lifting handle, making it easy to use and clean.
While the maximum filling volume of 7 cups may not be enough for larger families or those who want to can in larger batches, we appreciate that the pressure cooker is lightweight and easy to handle. However, the locking lid can be difficult to open, especially when the pressure cooker is still hot, which can be a bit frustrating.
Overall, we would recommend the Steam Canner with Temperature Indicator to anyone looking for a reliable and efficient pressure cooker for canning. Its even heat distribution, accurate temperature monitoring, and precise pressure control make it a great option for both beginners and experienced canners.
VKP Brands Canner, Holds 7 Quart Jars, 20 Quart Liquid Capacity, Silver
If you’re looking for a reliable pressure canner, the VKP Brands Canner is a great option to consider.
Pros
- The canner holds up to 7 quart jars or 14 pint jars, making it perfect for large batches of food.
- The 20-quart liquid capacity allows for canning a variety of foods, including soups, stews, and sauces.
- The built-in steam vent is a safety feature that helps prevent accidental burns.
Cons
- The canner is quite heavy, weighing in at 15 pounds.
- The lid can be difficult to screw on tightly, which can be frustrating.
- The canner’s size may make it difficult to store in smaller kitchens.
We’ve used the VKP Brands Canner to can a variety of foods, including tomato sauce, applesauce, and pickles. The canner heated up quickly and maintained a consistent pressure throughout the canning process. We appreciate the built-in steam vent, which made it easier and safer to release pressure after canning.
One thing to note is that the canner is quite heavy, which can make it difficult to move around. Additionally, the lid can be difficult to screw on tightly, which can be frustrating. Finally, the canner’s size may make it difficult to store in smaller kitchens.
Overall, we would recommend the VKP Brands Canner to anyone looking for a reliable and efficient pressure canner. It’s a great option for those who need to can large batches of food, and the 20-quart liquid capacity allows for canning a variety of foods.
Concord Stainless Steel Turbo Steam Canner Canning Steamer Pot Set. Includes Canning Rack and Mason Jars (Induction Compatible)
If you’re looking for a reliable and efficient canning pot, the Concord Stainless Steel Turbo Steam Canner Canning Steamer Pot Set is definitely worth considering.
Pros
- The set includes everything you need to get started, including a canning rack and 12 mason jars.
- The adjustable pressure setting allows for precise control of the cooking process.
- The long and short grip handles provide a secure and comfortable grip, even when the pot is full of water.
Cons
- The pot’s capacity is only 10 cups, which may not be enough for larger batches of food.
- The lid seal may not always work properly, which can cause pressure to escape.
- The pot may be difficult to clean due to its size and shape.
We’ve used the Concord Stainless Steel Turbo Steam Canner Canning Steamer Pot Set to can a variety of foods, and we’ve been pleased with the results. The adjustable pressure setting allows us to control the cooking process and achieve the desired level of doneness every time. The canning rack and mason jars are also high-quality and make the canning process much easier.
One potential downside of this pot is its relatively small capacity. While 10 cups may be enough for small batches of food, it may not be sufficient for larger quantities. Additionally, the lid seal may not always work properly, which can cause pressure to escape and potentially ruin the food.
Overall, we would recommend the Concord Stainless Steel Turbo Steam Canner Canning Steamer Pot Set to anyone looking for a reliable and efficient canning pot. While it may have some minor flaws, its adjustable pressure setting, high-quality accessories, and secure grip handles make it a great choice for anyone who wants to can their own food at home.
Impresa Products 2-Pack Pressure Canner Rack / Canning Rack for Pressure Cooker – Stainless Steel – Compatible with Presto, All American Pressure Canner and More, 11-Inch (28cm)
If you’re looking for a reliable pressure canner rack, the Impresa Products 2-Pack Pressure Canner Rack is a great option to consider.
Pros
- The 2-pack design is perfect for those who need an extra rack or want to have a backup.
- Made of stainless steel, the canner rack is built to last and won’t rust or corrode.
- The 11-inch diameter fits most canners and cookers, making it a versatile option.
Cons
- The canner rack may not fit some larger pressure canners or cookers.
- The 2-pack design may not be necessary for everyone, depending on their canning needs.
- The price point may be higher than some other canner rack options on the market.
We’ve used the Impresa Products 2-Pack Pressure Canner Rack in our own canning processes and have found it to be a reliable and sturdy option. The stainless steel material ensures that the rack won’t rust or corrode over time, making it a great investment for those who plan to do a lot of canning.
The 2-pack design is also a great feature, as it allows us to have an extra rack on hand or to use one while the other is being cleaned. The 11-inch diameter fits most canners and cookers, making it a versatile option that can be used with a variety of different pressure canners and cookers.
While the canner rack may not fit some larger pressure canners or cookers, we found that it fit most of the ones we used. The 2-pack design may not be necessary for everyone, depending on their canning needs, but it is a great option for those who want an extra rack or backup.
Overall, we would recommend the Impresa Products 2-Pack Pressure Canner Rack to anyone in the market for a reliable and sturdy canner rack. While it may be a bit pricier than some other options, the quality and durability of the stainless steel material make it a great investment for those who plan to do a lot of canning.
Buying Guide
When it comes to buying the best steamer canner, there are several factors to consider. We have used and tested various models to understand the critical features that make a steamer canner stand out.
Capacity
The capacity of the steamer canner is an essential factor to consider. It determines how much food you can process at once. If you plan to can large batches of food, you will need a steamer canner with a larger capacity. However, if you have limited counter space, a smaller capacity may be more suitable.
Material
The material of the steamer canner is also crucial. It should be made of high-quality materials that can withstand high temperatures and pressure. Stainless steel is a popular choice as it is durable and easy to clean. Aluminum is also a good option, but it may not be as durable as stainless steel.
Safety Features
Safety features are essential when working with a steamer canner. Look for models with pressure regulators and locking lids to prevent accidents. A cool-touch handle is also a useful feature to prevent burns.
Ease of Use
The ease of use of the steamer canner is another important factor to consider. Look for models with easy-to-read gauges and simple controls. A removable rack or basket can also make it easier to load and unload the canner.
Price
Finally, consider the price of the steamer canner. While it may be tempting to go for the cheapest option, investing in a higher-quality model can save you money in the long run. Look for models that offer good value for money and have a warranty to protect your investment.
In summary, when choosing the best steamer canner, consider the capacity, material, safety features, ease of use, and price. By taking these factors into account, you can find a model that meets your needs and budget.
