A water bath canner is a big pot with a rack and a lid. That’s nearly all there is to it, which is why choosing one comes down to practical matters: will your jars fit with enough water above them, will it work on your stove, and can you lift it?
It’s also a tool with a clear limit. Boiling water canning is for high-acid foods, such as most fruits, jams, jellies, pickles and properly acidified tomatoes and salsas made from tested recipes. Low-acid foods such as plain vegetables, beans and meat need a pressure canner, and our guide to the best canning pressure cooker covers those.
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Quick verdict: which water bath canner to buy
Buy the McSunley Prep-N-Cook 21.5-Quart Stainless Steel Water Bath Canner. It has a flat, aluminum-encapsulated base for gas, electric and smooth glass ranges, a rack that rests on the rim for loading, and a stated capacity of seven quarts. If you have an induction range, buy the McSunley induction version. For a pot that comes with the tools, the Concord 20-quart set is the one to look at, and for small batches of jam, the Granite Ware 12-quart enamel canner is lighter.
Five water bath canners by stove and batch
| Canner | Best for | Capacity | Jars in the rack | Buy on Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gas, electric and glass ranges | 21.5 qt | 7 qt, 9 pt or 12 half pt | View on Amazon | |
McSunley Prep-N-Cook 21.5-Quart Induction Water Bath CannerBest for induction
|
Induction ranges | 21.5 qt | 7 qt, 9 pt or 12 half pt | View on Amazon |
Kitchen Crop Harvest 20-Quart Stainless CannerBest two-in-one
|
Water bath or steam canning | 20 qt | 7 qt or 8 pt | View on Amazon |
Concord 20-Quart Stainless Canning Pot SetBest set with tools
|
A pot plus tools, any cooktop | 20 qt | 7 qt or 8 pt | View on Amazon |
Granite Ware 12-Quart Preserving CannerBest small canner
|
Small batches of jam | 12 qt in title | 7 pt or 7 half pt | View on Amazon |
Our picks for the best water bath canner
Capacities and cooktop fit come from each maker’s Amazon listing. We have not used these canners ourselves. Check the depth for your tallest jar, and check your range maker’s guidance before heavy canning on a glass top.
1. McSunley Prep-N-Cook 21.5-Quart Stainless Water Bath Canner – A Flat Base for Most Ranges
McSunley’s canner is made for the job. The 21.5-quart stainless steel pot has a flat, aluminum-encapsulated base for gas, electric and smooth glass top ranges, which matters because the National Center warns that canners without flat bottoms don’t work well on smooth tops. The maker says the base spreads heat evenly to reduce hot spots.
The heavy stainless steel rack rests on the rim of the pot, so you can load the jars and then lower them in, and it holds seven quarts, nine pints or twelve half pints. The riveted steel handles are designed to stay cool, according to McSunley, and the tempered glass lid lets you watch the boil. Off season, it doubles as a large stock pot.
Why we like it
- Flat encapsulated base for smooth top ranges.
- Rack rests on the rim for easy loading.
- Stated load for quarts, pints and half pints.
Key specifications
| Model | 620 |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 21.5 qt |
| Material | Stainless steel with aluminum-encapsulated base |
| Rack | Stainless steel, rests on rim |
| Stated jar load | 7 qt, 9 pt or 12 half pt |
| Lid | Tempered glass |
| Cooktops | Gas, electric, smooth glass; induction not listed |
| Warranty | Not stated |
Why we recommend it
It suits a home canner who wants one durable pot for years of jam, pickles and tomatoes. It also works as a stock pot.
Skip it if you cook on induction; buy the McSunley below in that case.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Full jar load stated
- Doubles as a stock pot
- Sold by McSunley when checked
Cons
- Heavier than enamel-on-steel, as stainless pots generally are
- Check your range’s weight guidance
2. McSunley Prep-N-Cook 21.5-Quart Induction Water Bath Canner – The Same Pot for Induction
This is the induction version of the same pot, and it’s a separate pick for one reason: induction ranges need a compatible base, and many canners don’t have one. McSunley says the flat encapsulated base works on all cooktops, including induction and glass. The size and rack load are the same as the first pick, with seven quarts, nine pints or twelve half pints.
The handles are different, with stainless steel wire wrapped in silicone and riveted to the pot. The lid is tempered glass. If you are likely to change ranges in the future, this version is the more flexible one, since it isn’t limited by your current stove. McSunley also sells this canner bundled with tools on separate listings, should you want them.
Why we like it
- Induction compatible, per the maker.
- Silicone-wrapped handles.
- Same rack load as the standard version.
Key specifications
| Model | 638-COM |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 21.5 qt |
| Material | Stainless steel with encapsulated base |
| Rack | Stainless steel, rests on rim |
| Stated jar load | 7 qt, 9 pt or 12 half pt |
| Lid | Tempered glass |
| Cooktops | All, including induction |
| Warranty | Not stated |
Why we recommend it
It suits anyone with an induction range, or anyone planning to switch to one.
Skip it if you cook on gas or standard electric and have no plans to change, since the standard version already covers those.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Works on every cooktop listed
- Comfortable handles
- Doubles as a stock pot
Cons
- Near-identical to pick 1 otherwise
- Still a big pot to lift when full
3. Kitchen Crop Harvest 20-Quart Stainless Canner – A Flip Rack for Steam or Water Bath
Kitchen Crop, the home preserving brand behind Victorio, sells this 20-quart stainless pot with a double-sided rack. One side is for traditional water bath canning, and flipped over, it’s for steam canning. It works on induction, glass and gas tops, thanks to a flat clad bottom, and it fits seven quart or eight pint jars.
The knob on the tempered glass lid has a built-in temperature indicator, and the maker includes a 5-year warranty. If you do try steam canning, know the limits. The National Center for Home Food Preservation says atmospheric steam canners are for naturally acid or properly acidified foods, that processing times must be 45 minutes or less including altitude adjustments, and that you can’t open the canner to add water.
Why we like it
- Double-sided rack for water bath or steam.
- Works on induction, glass and gas, per the maker.
- 5-year warranty.
Key specifications
| Model | VKP1130 |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 20 qt |
| Material | Stainless steel, flat clad base |
| Rack | Stainless steel, reversible |
| Stated jar load | 7 qt or 8 pt |
| Lid | Tempered glass with temperature indicator |
| Cooktops | All, including induction |
| Warranty | 5 years |
Why we recommend it
It suits someone who wants the option of steam canning for acidic foods, and who values a stated warranty.
Skip it if you only want a basic water bath pot; the extra features add complexity you may never use.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Two canning methods
- Long stated warranty
- Works on any cooktop listed
Cons
- Fewer pint jars than the McSunley
- Temperature indicator isn’t a substitute for a tested process
4. Concord 20-Quart Stainless Canning Pot Set – A Pot, a Rack and the Tools in One Box
Concord, a cookware maker, sells this 20-quart stainless steel canning pot as a set. The pot has a tri-ply bottom that the maker says spreads heat evenly, and the listing says it’s induction compatible. The rack is made of 3 mm stainless steel wire, which Concord says is thicker than most, and it holds seven quart jars or eight pint jars.
The set also includes vinyl-coated tongs, a vinyl-coated jar lifter, a jar wrench, a funnel, a magnetic lid lifter and a mixer and measurer. Jars aren’t included. Turn the rack upside down and it becomes a steaming rack, so the pot also works for soup and steaming off season. The pot is listed at 13.25 inches wide and 10 inches tall, so check that height against your tallest jar plus the water you need over it.
Why we like it
- Stated jar load for quarts and pints.
- Induction compatible tri-ply base, per the listing.
- Comes with a full set of canning tools.
Key specifications
| Model | SSCR-DCP-20 |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 20 qt |
| Material | Stainless steel, tri-ply bottom |
| Rack | 3 mm stainless steel wire, reversible |
| Stated jar load | 7 qt or 8 pt |
| Lid | Not described in listing |
| Cooktops | Induction compatible, per listing |
| Warranty | Not stated |
Why we recommend it
It suits a beginner who wants a canner with a stated jar load and the basic tools in the same box.
Skip it if you already own canning tools; the McSunley or Kitchen Crop pot alone is a simpler buy.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Tools included
- Stated quart and pint load
- Sold by Concord when checked
Cons
- 10 inch height leaves less room over tall jars
- Lid and warranty not described
- Rests on listing details only
5. Granite Ware 12-Quart Preserving Canner – A Small Batch Pot for Jam and Pints
Not every batch needs a 21-quart pot. This smaller enamel-on-steel canner is listed at 12 quarts in the title and 11.5 quarts in the details, with a chromed steel rack that holds seven pint jars or seven half pints. The listing makes no claim about quart jars, so treat this as a pot for jam, jelly and pints.
Note the cooktop warning: it’s not recommended for glass cooktops. The canner goes in the dishwasher, and the rack should be washed by hand. Cinsa, the company behind Granite Ware, says its glazes and enamels are free from heavy metals such as cadmium, selenium and lead. A smaller pot heats up faster and is much easier to lift, which is useful if you only want a few jars of jam.
Why we like it
- Small and easy to store.
- Maker says glazes are free from lead and cadmium.
- Doubles as a stock pot, per the listing.
Key specifications
| Model | 706-2 |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 12 qt in title; 11.5 qt in details |
| Material | Porcelain enamel on steel |
| Rack | Chromed steel |
| Stated jar load | 7 pt or 7 half pt |
| Lid | Covered |
| Cooktops | Not recommended for glass cooktops |
| Warranty | Not stated |
Why we recommend it
It suits a small household making small batches of jam or pickles. It also suits someone with limited storage who would never get out a giant pot.
Skip it if you plan to can quart jars or you cook on glass.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Light and quick to heat
- Takes little storage space
- Dishwasher-safe pot
Cons
- No stated quart jar capacity
- Not for glass cooktops
- Sold by a third party when checked
6. VEVOR 21-Quart Stainless Canning Pot – An All-Cooktop Pot With a Rack
VEVOR’s 21-quart stainless pot comes with a rack and a glass lid, and it claims compatibility with induction, gas, electric, glass, ceramic and halogen tops. The surface has a matte finish and is described as dishwasher safe. VEVOR is a large equipment seller, known more for its wide range than for canning expertise.
The listing is less clear than we’d like on the key numbers. It says it holds seven jars but measures them at about 0.45 quarts each, which sounds like pint-size jars. So don’t assume it holds seven quarts, and check the height of the pot against your jars before you rely on it. It was sold by Amazon when we checked. We found no CPSC recall for this canner, although VEVOR has recalled other products in the past.
Why we like it
- Listed for all common cooktops.
- Includes rack and lid.
- Sold by Amazon when checked.
Key specifications
| Model | HS-003 |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 21 qt |
| Material | Stainless steel |
| Rack | Included |
| Stated jar load | 7 jars of about 0.45 qt, per listing |
| Lid | Glass |
| Cooktops | Induction, gas, electric, glass, ceramic, halogen |
| Warranty | Not stated |
Why we recommend it
It suits someone who needs an all-cooktop canner and wants an alternative to the McSunley, and who can confirm the fit of their own jars.
Skip it if you want a clearly stated quart-jar load; the McSunley and Kitchen Crop state theirs.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Wide cooktop range
- Rack and lid included
- Sold by Amazon when checked
Cons
- Unclear jar capacity
- Not a canning specialist
- Rests on listing details only
7. Gas One 21.5-Quart Stainless Canning Pot With Supplies – A Large Pot and Starter Tools
Gas One is best known for camp stoves, and this is its 21.5-quart stainless steel canning pot, sold with a lid, a canning rack, a jar lifter, jar tongs, a magnetic lid lifter, a funnel, a bottle opener and a quick start guide. The listing describes it for water bath canning of fruit, jams and sauces.
The tri-ply base is listed for gas, electric, ceramic and induction cooktops, and the handles are riveted. What the listing doesn’t give is a jar load, so measure your jars against the pot before you buy. The listing also calls it a steam canner in places, but it gives no steam canning guidance, so use it as a boiling water canner with a tested recipe. Gas One is a brand we know mainly through Amazon, and these details rest on its listing.
Why we like it
- Large 21.5-quart pot with tools included.
- Listed for induction, gas, electric and ceramic tops.
- Riveted handles.
Key specifications
| Model | SCP-215 |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 21.5 qt |
| Material | Stainless steel, tri-ply bottom |
| Rack | Included |
| Stated jar load | Not stated |
| Lid | Included |
| Cooktops | Gas, electric, ceramic, induction |
| Warranty | Not stated |
Why we recommend it
It suits a beginner who wants a large pot and the basic tools at once, and who will check the jar fit.
Skip it if you want a stated jar load; the McSunley, Kitchen Crop and Concord pots state theirs.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Complete starter kit
- Large capacity
- Sold by Amazon when checked
Cons
- No stated jar load
- Listing wording mixes steam and water bath
- Rests on listing details only
How to choose a water bath canner
Check the depth for your jars. The National Center for Home Food Preservation says a canner must be deep enough for at least one inch of briskly boiling water over the jar tops, and two inches for process times over 30 minutes. Compare the pot’s height with your tallest jar, plus that water, plus room for it to boil without slopping over.
Match it to your stove. The National Center warns that canners without completely flat bottoms won’t work well on smooth top ranges, and it says to check your range maker’s guidance. On electric ranges, it says the canner should be no more than 4 inches wider than the element, and it shouldn’t overhang by more than 2 inches on any side.
Make sure there’s a rack. Jars need to sit off the bottom so water can circulate. All seven here include one. A rack that rests on the rim, like McSunley’s, makes loading much easier.
Stainless or enamel. Stainless is heavier and doesn’t chip. Enamel on steel is the traditional choice and heats quickly, but it can chip. Our rule for enamel is a maker’s statement on lead, and Granite Ware’s maker gives one for the 12-quart canner here.
Think about weight. A full canner is heavy. If you lift with care or have limited strength, go smaller or empty the water with a pitcher before moving the pot.
How to use a boiling water canner safely
Start with a tested recipe from a source such as the National Center, and follow it exactly on acid, headspace and time. Put the rack in, add the water, load the jars and bring it all to a boil. Start your timer only after the water is boiling. If the boil stops during processing, the National Center says to bring it back to a vigorous boil and restart the full process time from the beginning.
Process times also change with altitude, and your recipe source will tell you how. Don’t adapt a family recipe by guesswork. If it hasn’t been tested, freezing or refrigerating is the safer choice.
How we picked these seven water bath canners
We checked Amazon stock first and kept only pots sold for water bath canning, including a rack. That ruled out pressure canners and steam-only canners. We also left out electric canners, because this is a stovetop guide and we want a stated US safety certification on any plug-in appliance; the listings we checked didn’t state one. Ball’s listed enamel canner was showing a used offer, so we excluded it. We also dropped Granite Ware’s 21-quart enamel canner and a 24-quart Supa Ant kit when their stock ran low or went to back order, and we passed on Lehman’s 21.5-quart pot because its listing describes a pressure gauge on what is sold as a water bath canner, which we couldn’t reconcile.
A search for independent reviews of these models didn’t turn up anything useful, so the picks rest on maker and listing details, along with National Center guidance. We allowed no more than two brands we know mainly through Amazon, VEVOR and Gas One. We have not used these canners.
Water bath canner questions, answered
What is a boiling water canner?
It’s the same thing as a water bath canner: a large pot with a lid and a rack. Jars sit in boiling water for a set time, based on a tested recipe.
Can I use a stock pot as a water bath canner?
You can use any pot that’s deep enough for the required water over the jars, with a rack and a lid and a flat bottom if you use a smooth top. Many canners are essentially stock pots with racks. Our guide to the best stock pot can help if you want to go that way, but check the depth first.
What foods can you can in a water bath?
High-acid foods and properly acidified foods, using tested recipes. That includes most fruits, jams, jellies and pickles. Low-acid foods need a pressure canner.
Is steam canning the same as water bath canning?
No. The National Center covers atmospheric steam canners separately and limits them to acid or acidified foods with process times of 45 minutes or less. Use a recipe tested for that method.
What should I do with the jars afterward?
Lift them straight out with a jar lifter. The National Center says not to retighten the lids on hot jars, and to cool the jars at room temperature for 12 to 24 hours on racks or towels.
How many jars can a water bath canner hold?
The McSunley pots state seven quarts, nine pints or twelve half pints, and the Kitchen Crop and Concord state seven quarts or eight pints. Smaller pots hold fewer, and some listings don’t give a clear number, so check before you buy.
Our final pick for canning season
The standard McSunley is the one to buy for most stoves, and the induction version is for induction. Whichever you choose, the pot is the easy part; the recipe does the safety work. If you are planning to can salsa, read up on the styles in our page on salsa roja versus salsa verde, and use a tested recipe, or look at the best jarred salsa and skip the canning entirely. For a meal you don’t have to preserve at all, call Julia’s at (346) 546-8283 and call to order.