10 Best Steam Canners (Reviews)
When it comes to preserving the harvest at home, nothing beats the efficiency and safety of a steam canner. Over the years, I’ve worked with various canning methods and products, but steam canners stand out by offering a faster, eco-friendly, and water-saving method to preserve high-acid foods like fruits, jams, jellies, and pickles.
Unlike traditional water-bath canners, steam canners use significantly less water and reduce pre-heating time by up to 50%, making the whole canning process easier and less messy. If you’re looking for the best steam canner available on Amazon today, I’ve reviewed top models that combine durability, versatility, and ease of use.
In this article, I’ll walk you through the 10 best steam canners designed for home enthusiasts who prioritize convenience, quality, and safety. Whether you have a glass-top stove or an induction cooktop, or you want a multi-use model that can work for both steam and water-bath canning, there’s a perfect option for you. I’ll also highlight key features like capacity, material, lid design, and built-in safety indicators so you can pick the right product for your kitchen setup.
Why Choose a Steam Canner?
Steam canners are increasingly popular because they:
- Use less water compared to traditional water-bath canners, which reduces energy consumption.
- Heat up faster, cutting down the total canning time.
- Are safer by minimizing boil-over risks thanks to the reduced water volume.
- Can be used on different stove types including gas, electric, glass-top, and even induction cooktops.
- Typically come with helpful features like built-in temperature indicators to take the guesswork out of your process.
If you’re preserving high-acid foods, a steam canner is a trustworthy and efficient tool to have in your kitchen arsenal.
Top 10 Best Steam Canners
01. Roots & Branches Stainless Steel Multi-Use Canner
This 20-quart stainless steel canner is my top recommendation thanks to its multi-functionality. It works for both steam canning and traditional water-bath canning, which adds great versatility. The smooth bottom makes it safe for glass-top and induction cooktops, and the tempered glass lid with a built-in temperature indicator gives clear signals for processing times. It fits 7 quart or 8 pint jars, perfect for medium batches. [Available on Amazon]
Key features: Stainless steel, 20 quarts, glass lid with temp indicator, induction compatible.
02. Presto 23-Quart Aluminum Pressure Canner and Cooker
Though primarily a pressure canner, this model is popular for its solid build and large capacity (holds 7 quart jars). It’s compatible with most stove types including induction with its stainless steel base variant. Durable and reliable, it’s suitable if you want a pressure option that doubles for water-bath canning.
Key features: 23 quarts, aluminum with stainless steel base, handles large batches.
03. Kitchen Crop VKP Stainless Steel Multi-Use Canner
This 20-quart canner from Kitchen Crop offers great versatility and is equipped with a temperature indicator and steam vent lid. Known for working well on all cooktops including induction, it is suitable for high-acid foods and allows up to seven quart jars or eight pint jars.
Key features: 20 quarts, stainless steel, digital temp indicator, induction compatible.
04. All American 10.5-Quart Pressure Cooker and Canner
This is a smaller, all-steel pressure canner that provides top durability and excellent sealing capabilities. Though a pressure canner, its stainless steel construction and safety features make it a favorite for serious home canners.
Key features: 10.5 quarts, all steel, pressure sealed lid.
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05. Granite Ware Multi-Use Pressure Canner and Steamer
This unit includes a UL-recommended adjustable 3-piece pressure regulator system, ideal for beginners wanting an affordable and reliable steam canner. It’s versatile enough to be used also as a pressure cooker or steamer.
Key features: Adjustable pressure regulator, multi-use, affordable.
06. NESCO 9.5 Quart Electric Pressure Canner
For those who prefer electric appliances, this NESCO model doubles as a pressure cooker and canner with digital controls for guided canning. It simplifies the process without stove dependency.
Key features: Electric, 9.5 quart, digital controls, multi-function.
07. Universal 6.3 Quart Stainless Steel Pressure Cooker + Glass Lid
This smaller canner works perfectly for small batches and fits well in compact kitchens. It is induction compatible and includes an extra glass lid, making it a practical choice for everyday use.
Key features: 6.3 quarts, induction compatible, extra glass lid.
08. UNIFULL 24 Quart Pressure Cooker and Canner
Great for bigger batches, this model includes pressure relief valves for safety and a sizable capacity. It’s stainless steel and designed for canning meat and vegetables safely.
Key features: 24 quarts, pressure relief valves, stainless steel.
09. PrepNCook by McSunley 21.5Qt Stainless Steel Water Bath Canner
An excellent choice for water bath and steam canning, this model offers ample capacity and stainless steel construction. It is appreciated for its sturdy design and efficient heating.
Key features: 21.5 quarts, stainless steel, multi-use.
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10. Victorio 20-Quart Steam Canner (Rebranded Roots & Branches)
Known under this trusted kitchen brand, this multi-use canner’s smooth base works on glass and induction cooktops. Its steam vent lid and multi-purpose rack system provide ease of use and safety.
Key features: 20 quarts, stainless steel, glass/induction compatible, temp indicator.
How to Choose the Best Steam Canner for Your Needs
To pick the perfect steam canner, consider these factors:
- Capacity: Choose based on how much food you plan to preserve each time.
- Material: Stainless steel is durable and compatible with all stove types, while aluminum models are lighter but less versatile.
- Cooktop Compatibility: Ensure compatibility with your stove, especially if you have a glass or induction cooktop.
- Multi-functionality: Some canners double as water bath canners or pressure cookers.
- Safety Features: Look for built-in temperature indicators and pressure regulators.
- Ease of Use: Features like glass lids, sturdy racks, and clear gauges simplify the canning process.
Final Thoughts
If preserving fresh garden produce or homemade preserves is part of your routine, investing in a quality steam canner is a game-changer. It saves time, conserves water and energy, and gives you peace of mind that your foods are safely processed. Among the many options on Amazon, I highly recommend models like the Roots & Branches Stainless Steel Multi-Use Canner, Kitchen Crop’s VKP canner, and Presto’s reliable pressure canner variants for their excellent craftsmanship and user-friendly features.
By choosing the right steam canner for your needs, you’ll enjoy the rewarding experience of home canning with confidence, efficiency, and safety.
