Is canning in a pressure cooker safe?

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I’ve been asked if it is ok to use a pressure cooker for canning.

This article is for a standard stovetop pressure cooker. The first thing to note is I have nothing against pressure cookers! I use one for cooking dinner but using a pressure cooker for canning is totally different. Remember canning is not cooking.

Presto pressure canner sitting next to a smaller pressure cooker on the stove.
Canner on the left is much bigger than the Cooker on the right.

When the USDA tested and came up with the time needed for pressure canning, they figured in the time that it takes the foods to heat up to pressure and then to cool down. The smaller pressure cooker will heat and cool much faster than the larger pressure canner, therefore shortening the total time. Even though you processed for the recomended processing time at the reccomended pressure, the TOTAL time is less because of the shorter heating up and cooling down time. And there are other differences between a canner and a cooker.

Testing has not been done by the USDA for the smaller pressure cookers.

Here is a quote from the NCFHFP.

Some manufacturers may offer process directions for smaller pressure cookers. Consumers using this equipment will need to discuss processing recommendations with those manufacturers; the USDA and National Center for Home Food Preservation recommendation is to not use them for canning with our processes.

https://nchfp.uga.edu/publications/nchfp/factsheets/pressurecookers.html
canning in pressure cooker

So you would need to refer to the manufacturer’s recommendations for canning AND you need to trust that company’s testing procedure. I don’t can in my pressure cooker so I have never researched it. I can’t give my opinion on those procedures and their safety. That would be a decision you need to make.

What is the difference between Pressure Cookers and Pressure Canners?

According to the USDA, a pressure cooker/canner will only work safely for their processes if it is at least large enough to hold 4-quart jars, upright on a canning rack with the lid on.

Anything smaller should not be used for processing.

The pot should also have an accurate way of venting prior to the processing time and it should have a way of monitoring the pressure so you know that it has maintained the proper pressure for the proper time.

Some cookers don’t have these requirements.

Sharon

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Helpful articles on Pressure Canning

How Pressure Canners Work – How to Use Your Pressure Canner

Pressure Canner Reviews – Which canner should you choose?

Pressure Canning Confidence – A few videos to get you started.

Source – https://nchfp.uga.edu/publications/nchfp/factsheets/pressurecookers.html

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