Ball Fresh TECH Electric Water Bath Canner and Multi-Cooker Review

This Ball Fresh Tech multicooker and electric water bath canner is energy efficient, beginner-friendly, and equipped with some important safety features that ensure a safe, more efficient canning process. Its larger capacity will allow you to process more jars per batch, which will save you a lot of time in the kitchen.

Additionally, when used as a multicooker, it can handle a wide range of recipes, so you can make stews, soups, pastas, and more. Keep in mind, this model cannot be used for pressure canning, instead, you will be limited to water bath processing, which can be very limiting if you want to process a wide range of fruits, veggies, meats, and fish.

Our Verdict: This model can handle cooking up large pots of pasta, soup, steamed veggies, and stews. It cannot be used for traditional pressure canning, but you can use it for water bath canning if you want to process acidic foods such as sauerkraut, pickles, or tomatoes.

If you’re looking for a multipurpose electric pot, then it’s a great option, but if you need a pot that can handle heavy-duty pressure canning, then you may want to pass this model on by. This is an energy-efficient, electric model that won’t take up space on your stovetop, and it has a lot of great features to offer, but the fact that it doesn’t work as a pressure canner and can only handle water bath processing may be a deal-breaker for some.

Overview and Features

This isn’t the best pressure canner since it focuses primarily on the water bath method. However, when it comes to this canning process, this model can handle canning eight pint-sized jars or seven quart jars, per batch. The pot comes with a drain spout located on the exterior, which allows you to directly drain the pot into the sink for easier cleanup.

The drain also makes it easier to dish up bowls of soup or it can be used to dispense hot drinks. It can also be used to cook stews, soups, and pasta, or use it as a steamer for seafood and veggies. The basic controls will make it easier for beginners to set precise temperatures when cooking or water bath processing, however, it lacks a built-in thermometer, which can make it difficult to determine whether or not you’re cooking or processing at the recommended temperature.

Package Details

This package comes with the following:

• Glass lid
• Recipe book
• Canning jar rack

Handles

The handles have a thick rubber coating that’s heat-resistant. Not only will they protect your hands from high temperatures, but the rubber acts as a nonslip grip so you can firmly hold the pot for easier transport and pouring.

Lid

The lid is made out of tempered glass, so you can easily keep a close eye on the contents of the pot, without removing the lid to take a peek at your food’s cooking process. This helps to prevent the loss of moisture and heat.

Base

The detachable base is easy to clean and rests conveniently inside the cooker for easier storage.

Recipe Book

Use the included recipe book to try out new recipes such as one pot spaghetti or chicken noodle soup. This booklet also comes with water bath processing instructions and setting recommendations, which will be helpful for beginners.

Capacity

This is a large twenty-one-quart capacity model that allows you to process eight pints or seven quarts per batch, via the water bath method. The included canning rack can be used to stack jars so you can process more per batch. The removable rack will prevent the jars from making contact with the bottom of the pot.

Dial Control

The easy to use dial control allows you to choose the precise temperature for canning and cooking.

Spout

Located on the canner’s left side you’ll find a small spout that allows you to drain the contents of the pot directly into the sink.

Water Bath Canning

This canning method should be used when you’re processing foods that are acidic or have a high sugar content, such as pickles, tomatoes, preserves, jams, jellies, sauerkraut, and more. Pressure canning is used for low acid foods such as most veggies, meats, and fish.

You cannot pressure can certain types of foods, such as pickles, because it will ruin the texture and flavor of the food because of the acid content. So, if you’re looking for an easier and safer way to process your foods, via a water bath, then this model is a great option.

Electric

Unlike other types of canners, this model is electric and will not heat up via a burner on the stove. Instead, you’ll place it on your counter and plug it in. But does this model heat up as fast as a standard stovetop canner?

Unfortunately, it doesn’t. It can take twice as long to process and reach the ideal temperature for water baths, compared to a standard stovetop canner. This will be a big drawback for some users, however, if you don’t want a model that will take up precious stovetop space, then this model is a great alternative.

Maintaining Temperature

So, how easy is it to maintain the temperature with this model? The model comes with low, medium, and high temperature settings, however, you can use the ticks on the dial to set the temperature above or below each of these settings. The high setting should be used for water bath canning and brings the water to a full boil.

When the dial is placed a couple of ticks below the high setting it can easily maintain a temperature of one hundred and eighty degrees. On the low setting, it reaches a peak temperature of one hundred and twenty-five degrees.

At medium it can reach a temperature of one hundred and fifty degrees. Since this model doesn’t come with a thermometer, you’ll definitely need to purchase one to ensure you’re using the correct temperatures for cooking and canning.

Care and Maintenance

This model is pretty easy to clean compared to some competing models. In fact, the tempered glass lid is dishwasher safe. The base and pot should be cleaned after each use to prevent mineral buildup, stains, and cross-contamination. To learn more, read my guide on how to clean a pressure cooker for helpful tips that will keep your cooker working great and looking new.

Advantages and Disadvantages

Pros

Cons

Ball Fresh Tech Versus Mirro 92122A Polished Aluminum

The competing model by Mirro works as a pressure cooker and pressure canner, so it’s a better option for those searching for a model that can handle processing low acid foods. It also comes with precise pressure controls, allowing you to choose from five, ten, or fifteen PSI pressure levels.

This is a twenty-two-quart model, so it’s slightly larger than this Fresh Tech model. It also has more safety features that are specifically designed for canning such as a reusable overpressure plug and a side gasket pressure release.

It does an excellent job of maintaining a safe pressure level so you can expertly process meats, fish, fruits, and veggies. The included canning rack will allow you to process more jars per batch for a total of twenty-six half pint-sized jars or sixteen pint-sized jars.

The Fresh Tech canner is a better choice when it comes to processing low acid foods, but it lacks pressure setting controls, a built-in pressure gauge, and a thermometer. Essentially, the competing cooker is more user-friendly and designed primarily as a pressure canner. Both are available at a comparable price, but if you’re looking for a dedicated pressure cooker, I’d go with the competing model.

Conclusion and Rating

Our Rating: (4.5/5)

Despite the Fresh Tech’s slower heating time, most users will be happy with its performance. The pressure dial allows you to easily set and maintain the cooking temperature, however, since this model doesn’t come with a built-in thermometer, you’ll need to use your own to ensure you’re using the correct temperature when you cook or can. The pot’s larger capacity allows you to process more jars per batch, which is a huge plus for any user who wants to cut down on how much time they spend in the kitchen. Canning is a very time-consuming process, so for many, the fact that this model allows you to process more jars at one time will be a huge selling point.

This multicooker is very versatile and can be used to make pasta, rice, stews, and more. It also doubles as a water bath canner, so buyers will get two appliances for one low cost. If you want to save counter space, time, and money, I highly recommend this model for the avid water bath canner.  I gave this model a rating of four and a half stars out of five.

Originally posted 2019-10-14 11:00:13.