This post may contain affiliate links. Read full disclosure here.
Today we’re diving into the world of canning with the Presto Electric Canner. If you’re a beginner, canning might seem daunting, but this electric canner promises to make it a breeze. Let’s test it out by canning beans and explore whether it lives up to its beginner-friendly claims.
Unboxing and Getting Started with the Presto Electric Canner
Cool One-Pager Instructions: The package includes a handy one-pager with pressure canning and waterbath canning instructions. It’s concise and covers maintenance tips.
Canner Components: The canner comes with various components, including a bottom plate to prevent jar breakage. It looks different from the manual canner but is a welcome change.
Why Switch? Unfortunately, my manual canner gave up on me. It got stuck during a canning session, and despite various attempts to open it, it’s no longer usable. This led me to explore the Presto Electric Canner, as recommended by Becky on Acre Homestead.
Presto Electric Canner Process – Step by Step
Educating Myself: Before diving in, I take a moment to understand the Presto Electric Canner’s nuances compared to my manual experience. The provided instructions make the transition easy.
Preparing the Food: I’m canning four types of beans, all homegrown. After soaking them overnight, I skip the standard 30-minute cook as my fresh beans are soft enough without risking mushiness.
Filling and Heating: The canner is filled with water up to the marked line. Jars go in with half-filled water, and the heating process begins. The Presto electric canner makes this phase more efficient.
Canning Beans: Once ready, beans are packed into jars, which are then placed in the canner. I start the canner and, unlike my manual experience, I can attend to other household chores while it works its magic.
Pressure and Venting: The canner goes through its heating, venting, and pressurizing phases. I’m notified when it’s ready to pressurize, making the process hands-free.
Cool Down and Unveiling: After the canning session, the cool-down cycle takes time (around 1.5 hours). Once done, jars are removed, and I find that every jar has sealed perfectly.
Pros and Cons – The Verdict
Pros:
- Ease of Use: The Presto Electric Canner is incredibly easy to use, especially for beginners.
- Hands-Free Operation: Unlike a manual canner, this one allows you to multitask during the process.
- Efficient Instructions: The provided instructions are clear and concise, simplifying the canning process.
Cons:
- Longer Process: The electric canner takes longer due to the heat-up and cool-down cycles. However, this is offset by the hands-free nature of the process.
Final Thoughts
While the Presto Electric Canner isn’t officially approved by the National Center for Home Food Preservation, my experience with it has been positive. It might take a bit longer, but the convenience and hands-free operation make it a great choice, especially for beginners. Just be sure to follow the provided instructions carefully.
To purchase this Presto Electric Canner, use my affiliate link here. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
I hope you found this review helpful! If you want more insights into canning or other homesteading topics, check out my other videos. Happy canning!
