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What size pressure canner do I need?

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Short answer

For USDA tested processes, pick a canner that holds at least four quart jars standing upright on the rack. Smaller pressure cookers are not recommended for canning. Beyond that, size to your batches: a canner in the 16 to 23 quart range suits most home canners, while 25 quart and larger units suit big harvests if your stove can carry the weight.

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Pressure canners are sold in quart sizes, from small 10 quart models to 40 quart plus giants. The size on the label is the liquid capacity, not the jar count, which confuses many buyers. This page explains the USDA size rule, how to read jar capacity on a listing, how size affects your stove and your time, and which size suits which kind of canner. Always confirm jar counts in the maker's manual or listing, since they differ by model and jar shape.

The USDA minimum size rule

The USDA and NCHFP processing times were developed in canners that hold at least four quart jars standing upright on the rack. NCHFP states that a canner is considered a pressure canner for USDA processes if it meets that size. Part of the safety of a tested process comes from the time the canner takes to heat up and cool down, and smaller vessels do both faster.

That is why small stovetop pressure cookers, and electric multicookers, are not recommended for canning even if they reach pressure. See pressure canner vs pressure cooker and can you pressure can in an Instant Pot.

Note.If a small canner is labeled for canning but cannot hold four quart jars upright, use it only as the maker directs and for jar sizes it can fit, and confirm it against current NCHFP guidance. Never shorten processing times because a canner is small or large.

Pressure canner size chart

This chart groups common sizes by what they suit. Jar counts vary by model, by regular or wide mouth jars, and by whether a second rack lets you stack pints. Check the listing or manual for your exact model.

  • About 10 to 12 quarts

    Typical useSmall batches of pints and half pints

    NotesCheck whether it holds four quart jars upright; many do not

  • About 15 to 17 quarts

    Typical useSmall households, regular batches

    NotesMany models fit quart jars in one layer

  • About 21 to 23 quarts

    Typical useMost home canners

    NotesTall enough to double stack pints on a second rack

  • About 25 to 30 quarts

    Typical useLarge harvests, big families

    NotesHeavy when full; check stove limits

  • About 40 quarts and up

    Typical useVery large batches

    NotesOften too heavy for glass top stoves; may need an outdoor burner approved by the maker

Common pressure canner sizes

See large canners for quart jars →

How to read jar capacity on a listing

For example, Presto lists its 23 quart canner as holding 7 quart jars, and more pint and half pint jars when stacked. All American lists jar counts for each of its numbered models. Use those figures, not guesses.

  • The quart number on the box is liquid volume, not jars.
  • Look for the maker's jar count for quart, pint and half pint jars.
  • Pint counts often assume two layers with a second rack. Quarts are usually one layer.
  • Wide mouth jars take more room than regular mouth jars.
  • A taller canner is what allows stacking, not a wider one.

Stove and weight limits

A full canner of water and jars is heavy. Large canners can be hard to lift and may exceed what a glass or ceramic cooktop is rated to hold. Check your range manual for canning and weight guidance before you buy a big canner.

Burner size matters too. The canner bottom should be flat and sized for your burner, and some range makers limit how far a canner may extend past the element. Induction cooktops need a canner with a magnetic base. See pressure canning on a glass top stove and best pressure canners for glass top stoves.

Bigger is not always better

A larger canner takes longer to heat and longer to cool, uses more water and fuel, and is heavier to move. If you usually can seven quarts at a time, a canner that holds 19 quarts mostly adds weight. On the other hand, if you put up a big garden each year, a larger canner saves whole sessions.

Think about what you can most often: the jar size and number per batch. Pick the smallest canner that fits that batch comfortably, while meeting the four quart minimum.

Stovetop vs electric canners

Stovetop canners from Presto and All American are the standard, and USDA processes were built around stovetop canners. Electric pressure canners are a newer category. They are not the same as multicookers, but before relying on any electric unit, check that it is marketed for pressure canning by its maker and check NCHFP's current guidance.

See electric vs stovetop pressure canner and best electric pressure canners. For how to run any canner by the USDA steps, see how to use a pressure canner.

Frequently asked questions

What is the minimum size pressure canner for canning? For USDA tested processes, the canner should hold at least four quart jars standing upright on the rack.

How many jars fit in a 23 quart pressure canner? Presto lists its 23 quart canner as holding 7 quart jars. Pint and half pint counts are higher when stacked. Check your model's manual.

Is a 16 quart canner big enough? For many small households, yes, if it holds at least four quart jars upright. Check the maker's jar count.

Can I use a large canner for just a few jars? Yes. Use the water level your manual gives and follow the same tested process. You can fill empty space with jars of water if the maker suggests it.

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