All American Canner what size should I get?

by Gail
(Virginia )

I am new to pressure canning and before I invest in a canner I am trying to decide on the right size. I am pretty sure I would like to purchase an All American canner.

I was told not to purchase anything smaller than a fifteen quart because it doesn't process enough at one time. I have a family of six and I'll will be canning a lot of meat.

The trouble is, I don't think my electric range will accomodate a 30 quart or larger model. I measured my range and I would need to have both the front and back burner on and the pot would have to sit off center--which doesn't seem safe!

Also, I am worried about damaging the stove knobs/clock and/or countertops. How do people use these "home" canners on their ranges? I've read customer reviews and no one seems to mention this as a problem.

I came across someone on the internet that used an outdoor propane cooker--like the ones you use for frying turkeys--but they seem a bit dangerous ( I tried fried turkey once and will never do it again due to the danger)

My sister suggested I purchase an electric burner from Walmart, but I don't know if that will produce enough heat to bring the canner to the correct pressure/temp. Also, I don't have granite countertops and I would be afraid of damaging my corian.

Also, about how long from start to finish should I expect the canning process to take? I am only guessing, but would three hours seem about right to can 14 pints?

Please share your thoughts--Thank you in advance for your advice and help!

Comments for
All American Canner what size should I get?

Average Rating

Click here to add your own comments

Rating

All American Pressure Canner
by: Sharon

Hi Gail, I would think if your stove is a standard size then you would not have a problem.

One thing to keep in mind is the height. Make sure your stove has enough room for the canner to fit.

The rule of thumb is that if the canner is big enough to hold at least 4 quart jars you can safely pressure can in it. However if you are planning on a lot of canning I would really recommend getting one that holds at a minimum 7 quart jars. That is the size that I have. A model that will hold 14 quarts is even better.

I looked at the description of this 30 quart All American Canner.

It states that the inside dimension is 12 1/4 inches. I measured my presto canner and the inside dimension is 12 inches. Mine fits on my burner fine. I am not familiar with the thickness of the walls of the All American but I can't imagine it is too much bigger.

As far as alternate heat sources. I have heard that using a cast iron propane burners works. You need to be sure it is on a level surface and the canner is stable. I am not certain of an electric burner, especially if you get the larger canner.

Since I have never heard of size being a problem (other than height) and assuming you have a standard size stove, I don't think you will have a problem with size. The same goes with the knobs and such. Mine are on the front of my stove so they are well out of the way. Each stove is designed differently. I've never heard of it being a problem.

Check the return policy from wherever you purchase it. That way if you find that it is a problem you can return it.

I have heard nothing but good things about the all american canner so I think you would be making a good choice.

X Close Editor

Rating

Submitted by: Sharon

Title

Comment
Hi Gail, I would think if your stove is a standard size then you would not have a problem. One thing to keep in mind is the height. Make sure your stove has enough room for the canner to fit. The rule of thumb is that if the canner is big enough to hold at least 4 quart jars you can safely pressure can in it. However if you are planning on a lot of canning I would really recommend getting one that holds at a minimum 7 quart jars. That is the size that I have. A model that will hold 14 quarts is even better. I looked at the description of this 30 quart All American Canner. <iframe src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=simpcann-20&o=1&p=8&l=as1&m=amazon&f=ifr&md=10FE9736YVPPT7A0FBG2&asins=B0002808Z2" style="width:120px;height:240px;" scrolling="no" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" frameborder="0"></iframe> It states that the inside dimension is 12 1/4 inches. I measured my presto canner and the inside dimension is 12 inches. Mine fits on my burner fine. I am not familiar with the thickness of the walls of the All American but I can't imagine it is too much bigger. As far as alternate heat sources. I have heard that using a cast iron propane burners works. You need to be sure it is on a level surface and the canner is stable. I am not certain of an electric burner, especially if you get the larger canner. Since I have never heard of size being a problem (other than height) and assuming you have a standard size stove, I don't think you will have a problem with size. The same goes with the knobs and such. Mine are on the front of my stove so they are well out of the way. Each stove is designed differently. I've never heard of it being a problem. Check the return policy from wherever you purchase it. That way if you find that it is a problem you can return it. I have heard nothing but good things about the all american canner so I think you would be making a good choice.

Cancel Delete Delete & Ban

throbber Updating Comments page...

Rating

Choosing a Pressure Canner
by: Gail

Sharon, Thanks for your reply--your comments were very helpful.

I called the All American 800 number and they told me the following information which you and others may find helpful: 1. There needs to be at least a 5 inch clearance from the top of the canner to the bottom of a microwave which is installed over a range. 2. Outdoor gas burners can be used if they do not exceed 12,000 BTU's and are placed in a draft free area on stable ground. (All American didn't say this but I think I read that gas burner manufacturers do not recommend their products to be used for canning) However, as far as AA is concerned their product can safely be used on one.

I have one additional question if you don't mind: I know your reply to my question suggested purchasing a canner that could process 14 quarts at one time. I can definitely see the wisdom in that. However, I wonder if you think there is any advantage in using two canners that process smaller amounts at a time--say 7 quarts each (i.e. two AA 921 models).

Although I am a beginner, I was just thinking that one canner could be processing while I prep the other and then while the first is cooling I could process the second. I also think the bigger canners might be harder to lift and would take longer to get to the proper pressure.

I wouldn't be able to purchase two right away but I could get started with one. It is however, less expensive to purchase one big canner (model 930 or 941) versus two smaller models. Is bigger really better? Since you have more experience, what's your opinion regarding this?

Also, do I have to can a full canner each time or can I can partial amounts? (For example, only can 4 quarts in a canner that has a 7 quart capacity.) The reason I am asking is because I've come across recipes that yield 2 quarts and 4 quarts of product. For example: Ball's Blue Book to home canning has a recipe for Chicken A La King that yields 4 pints or 2 Quarts. In order to can 7 quarts, I would have to triple the recipe and precook 14 lbs of chicken--Now consider if I had the bigger canner that could process 19 quarts at once. That's a lot of chicken and prep work in one setting!

Plus, I see myself purchasing meat when it goes on sale and canning it a little at a time as I can afford it. I am just thinking that maybe the largest All American (model 930 or 941) might be too big for me.

Although, I can see the benefit of using a larger canner if I had a prolific garden that produced more vegetable than I could eat at one time. But, I don't plan on canning many vegetables as I don't have the garden space to grow them. I would appreciate your thoughts and experience regarding this. It's a lot of money, and a purchase I only want to make once.

Thank you very much for your time in answering my questions, and for helping me to select the right canner. Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas.

Gail

X Close Editor

Rating

Submitted by: Gail

Title

Comment
Sharon, Thanks for your reply--your comments were very helpful. I called the All American 800 number and they told me the following information which you and others may find helpful: 1. There needs to be at least a 5 inch clearance from the top of the canner to the bottom of a microwave which is installed over a range. 2. Outdoor gas burners can be used if they do not exceed 12,000 BTU's and are placed in a draft free area on stable ground. (All American didn't say this but I think I read that gas burner manufacturers do not recommend their products to be used for canning) However, as far as AA is concerned their product can safely be used on one. I have one additional question if you don't mind: I know your reply to my question suggested purchasing a canner that could process 14 quarts at one time. I can definitely see the wisdom in that. However, I wonder if you think there is any advantage in using two canners that process smaller amounts at a time--say 7 quarts each (i.e. two AA 921 models). Although I am a beginner, I was just thinking that one canner could be processing while I prep the other and then while the first is cooling I could process the second. I also think the bigger canners might be harder to lift and would take longer to get to the proper pressure. I wouldn't be able to purchase two right away but I could get started with one. It is however, less expensive to purchase one big canner (model 930 or 941) versus two smaller models. Is bigger really better? Since you have more experience, what's your opinion regarding this? Also, do I have to can a full canner each time or can I can partial amounts? (For example, only can 4 quarts in a canner that has a 7 quart capacity.) The reason I am asking is because I've come across recipes that yield 2 quarts and 4 quarts of product. For example: Ball's Blue Book to home canning has a recipe for Chicken A La King that yields 4 pints or 2 Quarts. In order to can 7 quarts, I would have to triple the recipe and precook 14 lbs of chicken--Now consider if I had the bigger canner that could process 19 quarts at once. That's a lot of chicken and prep work in one setting! Plus, I see myself purchasing meat when it goes on sale and canning it a little at a time as I can afford it. I am just thinking that maybe the largest All American (model 930 or 941) might be too big for me. Although, I can see the benefit of using a larger canner if I had a prolific garden that produced more vegetable than I could eat at one time. But, I don't plan on canning many vegetables as I don't have the garden space to grow them. I would appreciate your thoughts and experience regarding this. It's a lot of money, and a purchase I only want to make once. Thank you very much for your time in answering my questions, and for helping me to select the right canner. Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas. Gail

Cancel Delete Delete & Ban

throbber Updating Comments page...

Rating

Choosing a Pressure Canner
by: Sharon

Hi Gail,

Thanks for passing on that information from the All American Canner company. It is helpful.

I've been thinking about your question regarding 2 canners vs 1 big canner. I only have one canner so I do't have experience but here are some points to consider.

As far as moving a full hot canner. You could, but it would be difficult. You really don't have to move the canners when they are full. In fact I would not reccomend even trying to move it. Even when the pressure comes down they are still very hot. In addition, while moving it you would be jiggling the weight and releasing pressure. It would be difficult to move without shaking the jars as well I don't even move my standard size. I let it cool sitting right where it is on the stove.

I can definitely see the benefit of working with 2 canners at the same time though. I could fit 2 canners on my stove if I use burners diagonally. (one front and one back) You'd have to measure your stove to see if 2 would fit.

I am not sure if the larger canner takes longer to come to pressure. That is a good question. I don't believe it would. In a pressure canner you use 3-4 inches of water in the bottom of the canner. Even in the larger it would not actually have more water but there is more space so it is possible that it would. I don't think the difference would be extreme but I'm just not sure.

I guess in considering all you've told me I'd recommend the standard size canner. I really don't see the point in anything smaller, yet since you are not sure yet just how much you will be doing and you are not planning on canning vegetables as well, larger might be overkill.

If you are buying used you can possibly get a good deal on e-bay or somewhere. The All American would have good resale value so you could always get the larger one later and sell your standard one. You might not get full price but my guess is you'll not loose much. Keep all the paperwork and box etc. That will add to the resale value.

Yes you can process less than a full load with no problem. It always seems like wasted space to me so I try to double batches when possible to keep the canner full, but sometimes you just don't have enough.

I am so glad to help. Let me know what you decide and how your first batch goes!

Sharon
SimplyCanning.com

X Close Editor

Rating

Submitted by: Sharon

Title

Comment
Hi Gail, Thanks for passing on that information from the All American Canner company. It is helpful. I've been thinking about your question regarding 2 canners vs 1 big canner. I only have one canner so I do't have experience but here are some points to consider. As far as moving a full hot canner. You could, but it would be difficult. You really don't have to move the canners when they are full. In fact I would not reccomend even trying to move it. Even when the pressure comes down they are still very hot. In addition, while moving it you would be jiggling the weight and releasing pressure. It would be difficult to move without shaking the jars as well I don't even move my standard size. I let it cool sitting right where it is on the stove. I can definitely see the benefit of working with 2 canners at the same time though. I could fit 2 canners on my stove if I use burners diagonally. (one front and one back) You'd have to measure your stove to see if 2 would fit. I am not sure if the larger canner takes longer to come to pressure. That is a good question. I don't believe it would. In a pressure canner you use 3-4 inches of water in the bottom of the canner. Even in the larger it would not actually have more water but there is more space so it is possible that it would. I don't think the difference would be extreme but I'm just not sure. I guess in considering all you've told me I'd recommend the standard size canner. I really don't see the point in anything smaller, yet since you are not sure yet just how much you will be doing and you are not planning on canning vegetables as well, larger might be overkill. If you are buying used you can possibly get a good deal on e-bay or somewhere. The All American would have good resale value so you could always get the larger one later and sell your standard one. You might not get full price but my guess is you'll not loose much. Keep all the paperwork and box etc. That will add to the resale value. Yes you can process less than a full load with no problem. It always seems like wasted space to me so I try to double batches when possible to keep the canner full, but sometimes you just don't have enough. I am so glad to help. Let me know what you decide and how your first batch goes! Sharon SimplyCanning.com

Cancel Delete Delete & Ban

throbber Updating Comments page...

Rating

working with 2 pressure canners
by: Kim

I have often used 2 pressure canners and it is a great thing. By the time I get the second one filled and going the first one is usually done and ready to be filled again.

It can be a tight squeeze if you need to have boiling water going for your bottles but it is great if you are canning a lot of stuff. I just got a new 5 burner gas stove so I'm really excited to have the extra space.

I have the 30 quart All American canner and I love it. I can fit about 18 pints in it with the rack, but I rarely do pints anymore.

I'm planning on buying another one so I don't have to borrow my mother in law's anymore.