What is the difference between pressure canning and water bath

Pressure canners can be used for low-acid foods as well, although it will take longer. Just follow the recipe exactly. Final thoughts: water bath or boiling water canners are for high-acid foods, pressure canners are for low-acid foods. Pressure canning happens at a higher temperature, needed to destroy bacteria in those low-acid items. Also, pressure canners tend to be more expensive.

Because there is massive pressure involved, many newbies are completely intimidated by it and, with the recent bombings using pressure canners, the fear is even worse. Serious modification. There are so many safety features in place to alert you of any trouble far before it gets hot enough to actually explode. Then, there is the knocker. This is a weight that is placed over a steam spigot.

When your canner gets to 15 pounds of pressure, this little weight starts making noise and gets louder the higher the pressure gets. If left alone, it would eventually pop itself off and the steam would spew out. While steam is dangerous, the canner will not explode. Note that for most foods and altitude locations, you process at pounds of pressure. Finally there is the plug on top.

A small, black rubber plug that will pop itself out if the pressure gets too high as well. The hole is larger than the steam spigot you place the knocker on to.

Between both of them, the steam will escape long before the canner will fail. Mind you, the food inside may not be any good. Water bath canning is meant more of a way to heat everything up so it will seal.

The process simply helps in the sealing process and is generally much faster than pressure canning. The water canning method is a lot less costly, but it does take longer. On the other hand, the pressure canning method is faster, but it does require more expensive equipment. Whatever method you choose to use, make sure that you use the proper foods that can be safely prepared with that method.

You do not want to end up with unsafe food products sitting in your pantry. Free Pressure Cooking Tips. We won't send you spam. Unsubscribe at any time. Subscribe To Email List. Share via. Facebook Messenger.