Pressure Canning vs Water Bath Canning: What Beginners Need to Know

In this beginner-friendly guide, you’ll learn the key differences between the two methods, which one is safe for low-acid vs. high-acid foods, and what equipment you need to get started. Whether you’re canning vegetables, meats, or jams, this post will help you confidently choose the right method for safe, long-lasting home food preservation.

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When it comes to preserving food, canning is a great way to ensure you have delicious and nutritious meals all year round. If you are a beginner when it comes to canning one of the first things you will come across when reading any canning cookbook is water bath canning or pressure canning. There are two main methods of canning: pressure canning and water bath canning. While both techniques are effective in their own ways, they differ significantly in terms of the types of foods you can preserve and the safety measures involved. In this post, we will explore the differences between pressure canning and water bath canning to help you determine which method is best for your specific needs. Learning how to start canning doesn’t have to be complicated you can start preserving food safely and successfully right from your own kitchen.

Pressure Canning vs Water Bath Canning: What’s the Difference?

What is Pressure Canning?

Pressure canning is a popular method of preserving low acidic foods such as meat, beans, and vegetables. Pressure canning ensures it remains fresh for an extended period of time. This process kills bacteria that could cause botulism and other dangerous forms of food poisoning.

What Can Be Canned Using a Pressure Canner?

The pressure canning method is suitable for low acid foods, including vegetables, meats, and beans. The process involves placing the food in jars and sealing them with lids before subjecting them to high temperatures inside a pressure canner. If you want to learn more foods that can be canned using a pressure canner you can check out the National Center for Home Food Preservation.

Any brand pressure canner will work. I started out using Presto dial and weighted gauge canners. I still use them to this day but I also have two All American canners. There are some off-brand canners you can buy online but I would check reviews before purchasing because some of them have terrible reviews. You can also look at thrift stores for pressure canners or try Facebook Marketplace by searching ” pressure canner for sale “. It is important to note that if you are buying a used canner you HAVE to get it checked/inspected before using it. Usually the USDA office in your county provides this service for you.

What is Water Bath Canning?

A water bath canner is a large pot with a rack that holds jars off the bottom of the pot. The jars are filled with food and then covered with hot water. The pot is heated to boil and kept at a rolling boil for a set amount of time depending on what’s being canned.

What Can Be Canned Using a Water Bath Canner?

Water bath canning is a popular and safe method of preserving foods, especially high-acid fruits and vegetables. It involves submerging jars filled with food in boiling water for a specified amount of time to kill any bacteria or microorganisms that could cause spoilage. Some recipes call for citric acid or lemon juice to making them acidic foods which can then be water bathed.

When it comes to a water bath canner you can use a simple stockpot or pressure canner you already have on hand, a granite ware water bath canner, or a stainless steel water bath canner. It is all dependent upon the budget you are working with and how “nice” of a canner you want. If you have the money to invest in a water bath canner then I would recommend starting with a stainless steel. In my opinion they are the best water bath canner and will last you years. I also prefer the stainless steel water bath canner because it has a glass lid so you can view your canning jars and water while they’re processing.

How to Use a Pressure Canner As a Water Bath Canner?

1) Fill your pressure canner about 2/3 full with enough hot tap water to cover your jars of food by at least one inch.

2) Place your filled jars into the pot on top of a rack or towel lining the bottom so they don’t touch directly against it.

3) Allow jars to process for the allotted time required once the water begins boiling.

Pressure Canner vs Pressure Cooker

When it comes to a pressure canner and a pressure cooker there are major differences. The main difference being you CANNOT pressure can in a pressure cooker. Pressure cookers are intended to prepare small meals in a short period of time. Pressure canning is intended to process jars of food for long term storage. If you want to learn more about the difference between the two you can read this article on the difference between a pressure canner vs pressure cooker.

FAQ’s

In short, yes. Keep the canning rack in the bottom and as long as the boiling water covers the top of your jars you can use it as a water bath canner.

Now that you know the difference between when to use a pressure canner and when to use a water bath canner you need to ensure you have all the correct equipment. You can learn all that in my top 10 canning essentials post. If you already have your canning equipment and are ready to start canning some of my favorite beginner canning recipes are carrots, jalapeños, dry beans, and potatoes.

Understanding the difference between water bath canning vs pressure canning is essential for safe and successful home food preservation. Now that you know which method is right for different types of foods and why it matters you’re ready to start canning with confidence. Whether you’re preserving fresh vegetables, homemade jam, or hearty soups, choosing the correct method will keep your food safe and shelf-stable for months and even years to come.

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