When it comes to canning, there are 2 different methods to use, pressure canning and water bath canning. Traditionally, both were time-consuming as you had to be in the kitchen during the whole process. Modern electric water bath canners can be programmed for set-and-forget home canning.
If you are new to home food-preserving equipment, a traditional water bath canner was just a jumbo-sized pot. It needed to be large to hold bigger canning jars and many of them. Water bath canners are a great option for jam, jelly, salsa, and other acidic foods.
Electric water bath canners are 20% more energy efficient than stovetop methods. In fact, by freeing up your stovetop, you can be preparing food for canning while using your electric canner on your bench.
So, if you’re looking for the best electric water bath canner, our experts review the top 4 available. Add a great piece of home-preserving equipment that truly makes life easy in the kitchen.
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Why Use Electric Water Bath Canners?
An electric water bath canner is a large pot that can be used to can mainly fruits and vegetables. The device is capable of maintaining a constant temperature of 212 degrees Fahrenheit, which is the temperature needed to safely preserve food.
It is a great alternative to traditional water bath canning equipment as it is easier to use and requires less time and effort. Moreover, electric canners are more energy-efficient than stovetop pots.
If you are planning on preserving food for the long term, an electric water bath canner is a great option.
Advantages
- Easy to use: You do not need to preheat the water bath, and can simply plug the canner into an outlet and turn it on. The canner will maintain a constant temperature of 212 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Energy-efficient: It is 20% more energy-efficient than the traditional canning method. Electric water bath canners do not require you to preheat the water so use less energy overall.
- Safe: Great to preserve low-acid food. Set and forget temperature up to 212 degrees Fahrenheit on the preserving setting.
- Durable: Made from durable stainless steel, they will last for many years.
- Cost-effective: Electric water bath canners are a cost-effective alternative to a traditional bath canner. They are very affordable and will save you money in the long run.
- Dual Purpose: Can be used as a food steamer, hot water urn, or large cooking pot.
Disadvantages
- Limited capacity
- Requires electricity
- Heavier than traditional canners
What Are The Best Electric Water Bath Canners To Buy?
Our home preserving equipment experts review the top 4 electric water bath canners on the market.
The Ball 21-Quart FreshTECH Electric Water Bath Canners are a versatile kitchen appliance and a great piece of home-preserving equipment.
This lightweight, durable appliance features an easy grip and rubber-coated handles on the pot and lid. These ensure safety when handling hot substances in your kitchen!
A stainless steel exterior ensures durability and the unit will last for years with proper care.
The lid and rack are both dishwashers safe and the base detaches and nests within the unit. Indeed, this gives truly compact storage.
This canner is a true workhorse in the kitchen. With a 21-quart capacity, it can handle big batches with 7-quart or 8-pint jars at one time.
A one-dial control makes it easy to set temperatures for cooking or preserving.
More Features
Safely drain the hot water from this electric water canner with an in-built exterior water spout. Simply position the spigot over the sink and drain the unit. This feature also makes the Ball FreshTECH a fantastic dispenser for tea, coffee, cider, or other hot liquids.
Whether you’re a canning pro or just getting started, the Ball 21-Quart FreshTECH is a great addition to your kitchen!
[i2pc][i2pros]
Multicooker/steamer or electric canning.
Uses 20% less energy than a stovetop canner.
The base detaches and nests for compact storage.
Heat-resistant rubber-coated handles offer a comfortable non-slip grip.
The stainless steel exterior is durable and easy to clean.
One-dial temperature control.
Large 21-quart capacity.
Includes recipe book and easy drain external spigot.
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It May be too large for some countertops
Rubber pottery can be difficult to clean
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Bottom line:
The Ball 21-Quart FreshTECH Electric Water Bath Canner is a great option for those who want an easy-to-use and durable canning solution. The digital display and auto-shutoff feature make it user-friendly, while the stainless steel exterior ensures it will last for years to come. If you have counter space, this canner is a great addition to your kitchen!
What’s better than one appliance that does it all? We can’t tell you, but these smart electric water bath canners can do it all.
The NPC-9 Smart Canner & Cooker from NESCO is a game changer when preserving food at home.
It eliminates the common mistakes made when using other canners and creates perfect results every time. In fact, there is no need to worry about safety or consistency.
Having multiple built-in safety features, it can control pressure continuously either as a home canner or cooker.
Additionally, a digital display shows an easy-to-read timer and features pre-set programs. This clever electric canner truly gives maximum convenience.
Not only is this a top electric water bath canner, but it can also act as a pressure cooker, a slow cooker, or a steamer. Free up your stovetop with this great piece of home-preserving equipment that will simplify your life.
More Features
You will have fewer dirty dishes to wash and save heaps of time. In fact, it even comes with limiting valves for standard and high altitudes to remove any guesswork.
The canning process can be up to 70% faster than traditional methods so you’ll be done in no time and able to move on with your day.
So why not make your life a little easier and get the NPC-9 Smart Canner & Cooker from NESCO? You won’t regret it!
[i2pc][i2pros]
Faster canning process.
Eliminates guesswork in other canners.
Built-in features for safety and convenience.
The automatic float valve prevents overpressure and spoilage.
Digital display timer and preset programs for consistent results.
Removable 9.5 qt non-stick cooking chamber is dishwasher safe. Process four Quart (Wide-Mouth), five Pint, or sixteen 4 oz. jelly jars at a time.
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A bit more expensive than other models on the market, but it makes up for it in its speed and convenience.
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Bottom line:
The Nesco NPC-9 Smart Electric Canner is a great option for any home-preserving enthusiast. In fact, not only will you be able to preserve food using the water bath method, you can also use this unit as a pressure canner.
Its clever design allows pressure cooking as well as steaming or slow cooking in its 9.5-quart chamber.
Safety is paramount, with the automatic float valve and lid lock identifying pressure within and keeping the lid closed.
However, it is important to note that this electric canner is heavier than traditional home canners.
A top-of-the-line electric canner that offers uncompromising safety and performance. The CAREY DPC-9SS Smart Canner & Cooker is a perfect choice.
With its multiple built-in safety features, you can rest assured that your food will be preserved or cooked perfectly every time.
The digital display and pre-set programs make it easy to get consistent results. Furthermore, the unit includes a water bath and pressure functions to give flexibility in your canning recipes.
And, with the safety lock lid and automatic float valve, you’ll know immediately when the desired pressure is reached.
Having a 9.5-quart chamber, these easy-to-use electric water bath canners make home food preservation easy. They hold 4 quarts, 5 pints, or 16 4-ounce canning jars at one time.
The CAREY DPC-9SS Smart Canner & Cooker is the perfect option for those looking for peace of mind. Know that you are preserving food at home safely so that it will last for many years.
With multiple safety features, digital displays, and pre-set programs, be confident that your food will be perfectly preserved every time.
[i2pc][i2pros]
Uncompromising safety and performance
Multiple built-in safety features
Digital display and pre-set programs for consistent results
Water bath and pressure functions for greater flexibility in canning recipes
Safety lock lid with automatic float valve lets you know immediately when pressure is reached
[/i2pros][i2cons]
More expensive than other electric canners
Some users may find the digital display and pre-set programs confusing or difficult to use
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Bottom line:
The CAREY DPC-9SS Smart Canner & Cooker is a top-of-the-line electric water bath canner. It offers excellent safety and performance through multiple safety features.
Digital displays and pre-set programs take the guesswork out of your home preservation.
The Presto 02144-12 Quart electric water bath canners are perfect for beginners and experts alike.
No adjustments are needed for high altitude and it doubles as a pressure or boiling-water bath canner for preserving fruits or jams!
Reach and maintain the precise temperature needed to safely can at home with an innovative sensor. Ensure optimal conditions are maintained throughout each step of home canning from start to finish.
This top electric canner is perfect for small kitchens as it doesn’t take up a lot of counter space. Use it as an all-round appliance in apartments or units, caravans and RV’s.
Pre-heat and sterilise jars within the unit before canning. In fact, with a quickstart guide plus instruction and recipe book included, you will be a home preserving expert in no time.
The digital display makes it easy to track the home canning process. Plus, the automatic shut-off means you don’t have to wait around the kitchen.
10 in-built safety features give you full peace of mind whether canning or cooking.
In fact, if you’re a canning pro or just getting started, these easy electric water bath canners are ideal. Start preserving your own food at home to save money and eat healthier.
[i2pc][i2pros]
Perfect for beginners or experts.
No adjustments for pressure canning at high altitudes.
Automatically detects the precise temperature needed to safely can your food.
Easy read digital display shows each step of the preserving process.
Automatic shut-off means you don’t have to worry about over-processing.
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Some people may find the digital display confusing.
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Bottom line:
This electric water bath canner is a great choice for anyone who wants to make their own canned goods at home. It’s perfect for beginners and experts alike, and it doesn’t take up a lot of counter space.
Features To Look For In Electric Water Bath Canners
Before buying your bath canner, please consider these features:
1. Base and diameter of the canner
When looking to buy an electric water bath canner, it is important to consider the diameter of the canner. This will be relevant in small spaces where it may not fit on your countertop.
The Ball freshTECH is a bigger unit than the others on our list. However, with its detachable base that nests inside for storage, it becomes just as compact.
Indeed, when looking at size and capacity, Ball freshTech beats all competitors.
2. Material used
Electric water bath canners are made of different materials, but the most durable option is stainless steel. Most of the units in our list have a chamber constructed of stainless steel.
Where this can add to the cost of something such as aluminum, it should last a lifetime. This gives true value for money, but also unbeaten performance.
3. Lid of the water bath canner
The cover of the water bath canner should fit snugly and be made of a material that is transparent. This will allow you to keep track of the food preservation process without needing to lift the lid.
Taking the cover off during preservation will prolong the process and create inefficiency.
4. Is a rack included
A rack is imperative in home canning. It should be made of a metal that is durable and resistant to rust.
The rack will hold the canning jars off the base to not only keep them in place but stop any jiggling. It is important the metal is sturdy enough to not bend under the weight of the jars.
5. Cost of the unit
Electric water bath canners vary in price. So, choose a canner that is within your budget and meets your needs.
Some things to consider when purchasing an electric canner are size, the heating element, and any special features.
Also, look for inclusions such as a detailed instruction guide and recipe book.
Guide To Use Electric Water Bath Canners
Whether you’re a canning pro or just getting started, this video is a great resource to learn more about electric water bath canning.
Key Takeaways
Electric water bath canners are a great choice for anyone who wants to preserve food at home using the canning method.
All of these best home canning units are multi-purpose and very easy to use. Best of all, they free up your stovetop to make home canning simple and fun.
Each one of our best electric water bath canners is perfect for beginners and experts alike. They are compact and some can even be used at high altitudes without any adjustments.
Don’t forget to check the safety features and inclusions before you make a buying decision.
We hope you found this article helpful and if you’re looking for more like this, try Best Jars For Pickling.
Also, please leave a comment to help all our readers.
Hi! I’m Sally-Anne!