Review

Traditionally pressure cookers were used for canning and for cooking large items such as a stew or even cooking a turkey. While today you can find pressure cookers which are multi-functional some people prefer a traditional pressure cooker or canner.

This is exactly what this All American 21-Quart Pressure Cooker is and if you need a new pot for canning then this will be the perfect choice for you. There are several different sizes available with the smallest being a 10 quart pot and the largest size being 41 quarts.

Main Features of the All American Pressure Cooker

• Constructed from durable hand cast aluminum with satin finish
• Exclusive metal to metal sealing system
• No gaskets
• Geared steam gauge
• Automatic overpressure release on settings of 5, 10 and 15 psi
• 21 ½ quart size holds 19 pint jars or 7 quart jars
• Measurements: 15 3/8 inches high with a 12 ¼ inside diameter
• Weight: 20 pounds
• Made in the U.S.A.

Overview of the All American Pressure Cooker

This pressure cooker is ideal for the serious canner but can also be used for other cooking methods as well. Pressure cookers are perfect for canning your fruits and vegetables as they can produce a high heat which will kill more bacteria than using a traditional pot on your stove.

This pressure cooker/canner is made from cast aluminum and has very sturdy screws that seal the lid to the pot. No rubber or plastic gaskets are needed at all. The pressure gauge provides you with a very clear reading and there are three settings on the pressure regulator valve.

One of the biggest strengths of this product is the need for no gaskets. With older models this was a huge concern for people so eliminating this need was a smart move for sure.

The one thing to bear in mind with this pressure cooker is the weight of the pot. It weighs 20 pounds without any water or jars in it. So you may find it a little difficult to lift when full. As well you must allow for at least 16 inches of clearance on your stove when the pressure cooker is running. While this is not a problem for most people it could be if you have a small oven or microwave above your stove. So check the measurements before ordering this item.

Feedback from Customers

Reading feedback from customers can really help you decide if this is the right pressure cooker for you or not. Below you will find several comments taken from the Amazon website.

• I’ve had my canner for a couple years and am still impressed with the quality.
• When I first ordered this canner, I wasn’t sure if I would be able to maintain a steady pressure with my “pulsating” flat-top stove. With the thick aluminum walls, I have no problems at all.
• It takes longer for this canner to cool down than others due to the thick walls. I factor this in to my processing time. It will maintain its pressure (15 psi) for almost another 10 minutes with the burner off.

If you do read the comments on the Amazon site you will see that one customer used it to sterilize jars and utensils from their science class. It works well as a sterilizer as well as a cooker and canner.

Another big plus according to customers is the quality of the pressure cooker and the fact that it is made in the United States.

This heavy-duty pressure cooker’s large capacity is probably best utilized for canning (though it would also be great for a number of cooking tasks). A pressure cooker is generally recommended when canning vegetables and nonacid fruit, since the high heat that can be generated will kill more bacteria than a regular hot water bath. Made from cast aluminum, with sturdy screws to seal the lid to the pot, this pressure cooker requires no rubber or plastic gaskets or rings. Its 21-1/2-quart capacity holds 19 pint jars or 7 quart jars. A three-setting pressure regulator valve is included, and the pressure gauge gives a clear reading. Made in Wisconsin, this is an American classic. –Julija Gelazis