Top-Rated Pressure Canner For Soups and Stews: Hearty Choices

When it comes to canning hearty soups and stews, pressure canning is the go-to method. These dishes often contain low-acid ingredients like meats, beans, and vegetables that require high temperatures to be safely preserved. Pressure canning allows you to store these dishes for months, ensuring you have a convenient, homemade meal ready whenever you need it. However, choosing the right pressure canner for this task is essential for ensuring both safety and quality in your preserved soups and stews.

In this guide, we'll dive into why pressure canning is ideal for soups and stews, the key features you should look for when selecting a pressure canner, and some top-rated options that will meet your needs. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced canner, we'll walk you through everything you need to know to make the most of your canning experience.

Why Pressure Canning Is Essential for Soups and Stews

Soups and stews are packed with ingredients that are typically low in acid, such as meats, beans, and certain vegetables like carrots, potatoes, and corn. Canning these types of foods without applying the proper heat and pressure could result in unsafe preservation, leading to the risk of botulism, a dangerous form of food poisoning.

Pressure canning is the only method that ensures high temperatures of up to 240°F (116°C), which are necessary to destroy harmful bacteria, molds, and yeasts that can be present in low-acid foods. By using a pressure canner, you ensure that your soups and stews are preserved safely, while maintaining their flavor, texture, and nutritional value for months.

Key Features to Look for in a Pressure Canner for Soups and Stews

When selecting a pressure canner specifically for soups and stews, there are a few important factors to keep in mind. Since these dishes often contain a variety of ingredients and require careful temperature control, choosing the right canner will make your canning process smoother and safer.

1. Capacity

The size of your pressure canner plays an important role in determining how much you can preserve at once. Soups and stews often require a larger canning setup to accommodate multiple jars, especially when canning in quart-sized jars. It's essential to choose a canner with a suitable capacity for your needs.

• Smaller Canners (10-16 Quarts): These are better for smaller batches, typically holding 4-7 pint jars. They are ideal for beginner canners or those with limited space.
• Medium Canners (16-22 Quarts): These canners hold up to 7 quart jars and are the most versatile for most home canning purposes, including soups and stews.
• Larger Canners (23 Quarts and Up): Suitable for those who plan to can in bulk, as they can hold up to 14 quart-sized jars at once. These are perfect for larger families or high-volume canning.

2. Material

Pressure canners come in different materials, typically either aluminum or stainless steel. The material of your canner impacts its durability, heat retention, and overall longevity.

• Aluminum Canners: These are generally more affordable and lighter, but they can be less durable than stainless steel. Aluminum canners are prone to warping over time, especially if exposed to extreme temperatures.
• Stainless Steel Canners: Although more expensive, stainless steel canners are more durable and resistant to warping. They're a great long-term investment and can withstand many years of use.

3. Pressure Control

A reliable pressure control system is vital when canning soups and stews, as maintaining consistent pressure ensures that your food is processed correctly. There are two types of pressure gauges to consider:

• Dial Gauge: Provides an accurate, precise reading of the internal pressure inside the canner. Ideal for beginners who want to ensure the correct pressure level at all times.
• Weighted Gauge: This gauge uses a weight to maintain the pressure at the desired level. It's simpler to use than a dial gauge and doesn't require calibration, but it can be less precise.

For soups and stews, a pressure canner with a dial gauge is often preferred since these foods require accurate pressure regulation.

4. Safety Features

Safety should be your top priority when using a pressure canner, especially when dealing with soups and stews that contain hot liquids. A reliable canner should have several safety mechanisms to prevent accidents, such as:

• Safety Valves: These valves release excess pressure if the internal pressure becomes too high, preventing accidents.
• Locking Lid: A lid that locks securely in place prevents hot steam from escaping while the canner is under pressure.
• Overpressure Plug: An additional safety feature that automatically releases pressure if it exceeds safe levels.

5. Ease of Use

Pressure canning for soups and stews can involve a lot of steps, so choosing a canner that is user-friendly is essential. Look for models that come with clear, easy-to-read instructions, simple pressure gauges, and secure lid-locking mechanisms.

Step-by-Step Guide for Canning Soups and Stews

Now that you've selected the right pressure canner, here's a step-by-step guide on how to safely can soups and stews.

1. Prepare the Soup or Stew

Start by preparing your soup or stew. Ensure that the meat and vegetables are cooked through, and that the broth is flavorful. Make sure your ingredients are chopped into uniform pieces for consistent processing.

• Tip: Avoid adding thickeners like flour or cornstarch to your soup before canning, as this can affect the canning process. If you want a thicker consistency, you can add these ingredients after opening the jar.

2. Sterilize Jars and Lids

Before you begin, sterilize your jars and lids. This helps prevent any contamination and ensures that your food stays sealed properly. Boil the jars and lids in hot water for 10 minutes or run them through a hot cycle in the dishwasher.

3. Fill the Jars

Using a ladle and funnel, carefully fill your sterilized jars with the soup or stew. Leave at least 1 inch of headspace at the top of each jar to allow for expansion during the canning process. Wipe the rims of the jars with a clean, damp cloth to ensure a proper seal.

4. Seal the Jars

Place the lids on the jars and screw on the metal bands until they are fingertip-tight. Do not over-tighten, as this could interfere with the sealing process.

5. Prepare the Canner

Add 2-3 inches of water to the bottom of your pressure canner. Place the jars in the canner using a jar rack to ensure that the jars don't touch the bottom. Secure the lid according to the manufacturer's instructions.

6. Process the Jars

Bring the canner to high pressure over medium-high heat. Once the desired pressure is reached, lower the heat to maintain that pressure. Begin timing the process as soon as the pressure is stable. For soups and stews, the processing time will typically be around 75-90 minutes for quarts, depending on the ingredients and altitude.

7. Cool and Seal the Jars

Once the processing time is up, turn off the heat and allow the pressure canner to cool naturally. Do not attempt to open the canner until the pressure has fully dropped to zero. Once it's safe, carefully remove the jars and place them on a clean, towel-lined surface.

8. Check the Seals

Allow the jars to cool for 12-24 hours. After cooling, check that each jar has properly sealed by pressing the center of the lid. If it doesn't pop back, the jar has sealed correctly. If it does, you will need to reprocess that jar or refrigerate and consume it within a few days.

9. Store the Jars

Once the jars are sealed, store them in a cool, dry place. Soups and stews can be stored for up to a year, but for best flavor, try to use them within 6-8 months.

Top-Rated Pressure Canners for Soups and Stews

1. Presto 23-Quart Pressure Canner and Cooker

The Presto 23-Quart Pressure Canner and Cooker is an affordable, reliable option for canning large batches of soups and stews. It features a dial gauge for precise pressure control, an easy-to-use design, and a durable aluminum construction.

• Capacity: Can hold up to 7 quart jars.
• Material: Aluminum.
• Pressure Control: Dial gauge for precise pressure control.
• Versatility: Can also be used as a pressure cooker.

2. All American 921 21.5-Quart Pressure Cooker/Canner

The All American 921 is a premium canner known for its durability and excellent sealing system. It's ideal for those who want to make canning a long-term hobby.

• Capacity: Holds up to 7 quart jars.
• Material: Heavy-duty cast aluminum.
• Pressure Control: Weighted gauge for consistent pressure.
• Safety Features: Automatic pressure release and locking lid.

3. Mirro 22-Quart Pressure Cooker/Canner

The Mirro 22-Quart is a budget-friendly option for home canning. It provides plenty of space for soups and stews while maintaining a simple, user-friendly design.

• Capacity: Can hold up to 7 quart jars.
• Material: Aluminum.
• Pressure Control: Weighted gauge.
• Ease of Use: Simple design with straightforward instructions.

Conclusion

Pressure canning is the key to preserving hearty soups and stews safely. With the right pressure canner, you can enjoy your homemade meals all year long. By considering the features that matter most---capacity, material, pressure control, and safety---you can select the best pressure canner for your needs. The options listed above are excellent choices for anyone looking to get started with canning soups and stews, providing both ease of use and lasting durability for years to come. Happy canning!