So many many questions about using an electric pressure canner. Is it safe? What about the one from Presto? First I’ll say I do not have personal experience using one of these canners. My comments here are only on the safety aspects and what I see coming from extension services and the NCFHFP. You might be pleased to hear what I found.
Presto Electric Pressure Canner
Let’s start with the Presto Electric Pressure Canner – link to purchase on Amazon
It comes down to this. The National Center for Home Food Preservation has not approved the canner, however, they stop short of saying it is unsafe… it is just untested by them. And I don’t believe they really endorse any specific brands anyway.
The Presto company has done their own testing to determine that they comply with USDA recommendations. You have to trust that research. I do think it is a little sneaky putting that little symbol on the box that LOOKS like it is a USDA-approved product. It really is not. Presto has done testing that indicates that (according to Presto) they satisfy USDA recommendations.
There is an article from the Kansas State Extension that is encouraging.
https://enewsletters.k-state.edu/youaskedit/2021/03/17/presto-digital-pressure-canner/
They basically state that you’ll need to trust Presto’s processes and testing methods. The seem to indicate that Presto is on the right track… but don’t specifically endorse it. And they recommend that you use Presto instructions with that canner. NCFHFP recipes are not developed with this Presto electric pressure canner in mind.
It’s a matter of personal choice and comfort level on this one.
I have not totally made up my mind on this but, would lean towards trusting Presto. They have been in the canning business for a long time and have always recommended safe practices in the past as far as I know. It is a personal decision. I am strongly considering getting one and trying it out…. I’ve thought for years that if someone would come up with such a beast it would be a good thing! Just remember it is up to you.
What about other brands of electric pressure cooker/canners?
I would not recommend any other electric appliance for Pressure Canning. They are experts at their niche… pressure cooking. Not home canning. I talk more about canning in pressure cookers here…
What about stovetop pressure cookers with canning instructions?
There are many brands of pressure cookers. Remember a cooker is not the same as a canner. A cooker is a smaller pot that is great for cooking dinner. I talk more about canning in cookers here. Basically, I would not recommend it. Again you’d have to trust the testing process of these companies and their specialty is not canning. I would not feel comfortable doing that and can not recommend it.
“Canning is not Cooking”
SimplyCanning.com
Resources
https://enewsletters.k-state.edu/youaskedit/2019/07/12/new-canner-from-presto/ https://enewsletters.k-state.edu/youaskedit/2021/03/17/presto-digital-pressure-canner/ https://www.gopresto.com/content/support/facs-resources
I just bought this from Amazon Will let you know what I think I am older and lifting my heavy pressure canner on and off the stove is getting harder I can’t always wait for my husband to be around LOL This looks and sounds good to me My only worry is the recipes that come with the canner Hope they work for this home canner Mema
Yes! Let us know what you find out. 🙂
-Rachel (Sharon’s assistant)
I have used the Presto electric canner for canning butternut squash (pressure) and pears (water bath). The process for canning is not fast—jars prewarm for 20 minutes—and it has a sequence of steps that might impose on a longtime canner BUT I feel good using the canner. The pot holds temperature and pressure more consistently than I can. I lose little to no liquid from jars. All jars seal. The big pressure cooker on the gas stove was hard for me to manage so I always needed help before. So far so good.
Thanks for sharing your experience, Dee!
Rachel (Sharon’s assistant)
I just bought this canner thinking it was USDA approved to now seeing it is not. I used it for the first time today and loved it but I’m trying to decide if I should return it and stick with the original canner…???
Jennifer, that is something only you can decide. This article will help point out the pros and cons… but only you know what you’ll be comfortable with. I still have not used it. I’ll probably wait and see if Ball does any further independent testing. But it is looking positive.
Seeking information before i commit to ‘electric pressure canner.” Do very little canning now; thought I might do more with updated equipment. Will take a “wait and see” attitude awhile longer.
If Presto really did do research, you’d think they would be as transparent as possible and make their research available for review. You’d think they’d do everything possible to reassure consumers that their testing was vigorous and met or exceeded standards. That lack of transparency is what prevents me from exploring this canner.