Granite Ware Pressure Canner and Cooker Review

This pressure canner, pressure cooker, and steamer in one by Granite Ware has a smaller capacity of twenty-quarts, however, it also comes loaded with safety features, and offers the type of versatility most buyers on a budget are looking for.

This multipurpose appliance comes loaded with some nice bells and whistles that add to its versatility and makes it one of the best pressure canners for beginners on the market. The pot’s basic design is perfect for beginners who are new to canning and pressure cooking, allowing users to easily achieve the precise temperatures needed for both cooking options.

Our Verdict: Want a pressure cooker that has more to offer? This new model by Granite Ware works as a pressure canner, steamer, and pressure cooker in one, so you’ll save some serious cash and counter space. If you’ve been putting off buying a canning machine because you don’t can often, then you’ll love how versatile this model is.

The lightweight, durable design and the included safety features show me that this is a model that’s designed to last. Reasonably priced, beginner-friendly, and impressively versatile, you can’t go wrong with buying this multifunction model.

 Overview and Features

This model is available at a reasonable price and offers a decent capacity that allows you to process eight one-pint jars, or seven quart jars, or twenty-four half-pint jars. The ability to process more jars per batch will save you plenty of time in the kitchen.

It also has a reputation for easily maintaining the high temperatures and pressure levels that are essential for canning.

This is a true multifunction machine and one that will allow you to whip up a fast one-pot meal, a roast, or you can use it to steam up a fresh pot of soft-shelled crabs. The cooker’s versatile design is perfect for the cook who wants to get more use out of their pressure canner.

In terms of a user-friendly design, the manufacturer has created a lid-locking system that makes it easy to achieve the proper seal for processing and pressure cooking.

Pressure Cooker

As a pressure cooker, it will cook food at a faster rate using five, ten, or fifteen PSI pressure settings. Does pressure cooking kill bacteria? It does. When kept at fifteen PSI for thirty minutes a pressure cooker can kill a wide range of bacteria, including botulism.

In pressure cooker mode you can cook up large, tough cuts of meat, which will come packed with flavor and fall off your fork tender. When you cook food in a pressure cooker, the food not only tastes better, but it also works to retain most of the food’s nutrients, unlike boiling, which tends to leach both the nutrients and the flavor.

Canning

As I mentioned, this model offers a few pressure level settings at five, ten, or fifteen PSI. A higher temperature and pressure setting are necessary to safely can low acid veggies, poultry, fish, and meat. This model’s pressure regulator system will calibrate the level of pressure and effortlessly maintain it as the jars are processed.

The pot’s larger capacity allows you to process okra, corn, beets, applesauce, beans, and more. This model also comes with a canning rack that prevents the jars from making contact with the bottom of the pot. The rack is equipped with a couple of foldable handles, which will make it easier to lower and raise the rack out of the pot, safely.

Safety

Modern models of canners now come equipped with a variety of safety features that are designed to vent excess steam and pressure, preventing the pot from exploding. This particular model features an innovative design and locking system that locks the lid on tight and prevents users from lifting the lid if the pot is still pressurized. The built-in vent pipe on the lid will expel any excess pressure based on the pressure level you’ve selected.

Steamer

The pot can also be used to steam your favorite foods using the included steamer insert. The insert fits neatly inside the steeped part of the pot and rests approximately a third of the way from the bottom of the pot. This design will prevent the food from making contact with the bottom of the pot and the water. With the steamer insert, you can steam tamales, roasts, seafood, veggies, and more.

Design

This is one sturdy canner that’s made out of anodized aluminum. The adonization is a process that works to make the metal thicker. The included locking lid is made out of a tough, heavy-gauge stainless steel. The lid cannot be opened when the pot is pressurized.

The stay-cool handles allow you to move the pot even before it’s had time to cool down, without the fear of burning your hands. It’s also a good safety feature to have if there are small children in the home.

The pot is compatible with electric and gas stovetops, but it cannot be used on glass stovetops.

Pressure Regulator

This canner comes with three weight options for five, ten, and fifteen PSI. The weight will rock back and forth or jiggle once it’s reached the correct pressure setting. It can also be used as a quick steam release. To use, simply remove the weight to vent excess steam.

Care

The pot is dishwasher safe, however, the lid is not. Cleaning is necessary after each use. I recommend soaking the pot for half an hour after use and washing it by hand. The lid should be taken apart so you can clean out the vents by hand. The steam valve must be thoroughly dried after each use as it’s prone to rust.

To learn more about proper care and maintenance, read my guide on how to clean a pressure cooker.

Ease of Use

Locking the lid in place is fast and easy. The built-in safety features will give you a little freedom to clean the house while your food cooks or you process jars since the pot is designed to automatically vent off any excess steam and pressure.

The large capacity will allow you to process more jars at once, which is a huge plus for any avid canner. The bigger pot size also comes in handy when it comes to cooking one-pot meals or a large roast.

Unlike some competing models, this pressure canner uses a weight system, so you’ll choose from a few different weights based on what the process or recipe calls for. This is a very beginner-friendly design that can make it easier to achieve the correct pressure level.

​Advantages and Disadvantages

Pros

Cons

Granite Ware Versus ALL AMERICAN QUART 921

The competing model by All American features a capacity of twenty-one and a half quarts and doesn’t come equipped with the traditional gasket design. This can save you from the hassle and ongoing costs that come with gasket replacement. Gaskets wear out over time. Once the seal is stretched out the pot will no longer be able to efficiently build pressure. Because of this, the gasket must be replaced from time to time.

The competing model features a unique design that consists of a metal on metal seal and a wingnut lid-locking design. Instead of relying on a gasket to seal the pot, you’ll tighten the wingnuts to keep the lid securely in place. It also comes with a large easy to read steam gauge and three pressure setting options including five PSI, ten PSI, and fifteen PSI.

However, it doesn’t come with a steam insert, which can be a drawback for some buyers. This model by Granite Ware is more versatile and offers a beginner-friendly design. It’s also available at a lower price, so it’s a better option for the family on a tight budget.

Both models offer a comparable performance in terms of pressure cooking and canning and will allow you to process a large batch of jars at once. The real deal-breaker here for some will be the All American model’s higher price tag.

Conclusion and Rating

Our Rating: (4.5/5)

This model by Granite Ware provides a safe way to process jars, steam food, make one-pot meals, or cook an entire chicken at lightning speed. The pot’s larger capacity makes it easy to cook a meal for a large family or process several jars per batch.

The steamer insert allows you to get even more use out of this multifunctional model. This is a three in one canner that’s a must for any cook who loves to can, pressure cook, or steam their favorite veggies, seafood, and more. Versatile, beginner-friendly and loaded with some great safety features, this model earned a high rating of four and a half stars out of five.

Originally posted 2019-10-14 10:51:06.