We do all our canning on a glass top stove and have gained a lot of experience with it. In this blog post, we share our tips and tricks for high-pressure canning on a glass-top stove. Many of them are also applicable to other types of canning. We also share an additional tip for a high-pressure regulator.
Which canner can be used on a glass top stove?
When choosing a canner for use on a glass-top stove, it’s important to select one with a flat bottom and that is lightweight. We use the Presto canner and highly recommend it.
Presto offers a canner designed specifically for induction glass cooktops, compatible with gas, electric, smooth-top, and induction ranges. If you do not yet have a canner, I recommend this model, as it will be suitable for any cooktop you may use in the future.
Canning on a glass cooktop
Rule number one for successfully using a glass cooktop is to keep it clean at all times. If you’re accustomed to using other types of cooktops, you may clean them regularly, but glass cooktops require special attention. It’s essential to keep the surface clean. Before every use, I quickly wipe it down to ensure it is dry and free of debris. If anything spills on it, I clean it up immediately. This practice helps prevent scratches and allows the cooktop to withstand higher temperatures for longer. Occasionally, I perform a deeper clean, just as you would any other cooktop. However, if you maintain a regular cleaning routine, a thorough cleaning isn’t necessary.
Since pressure canning takes considerable time and can cause the glass top to heat up, make sure the cooktop is clean before you begin. Also, check the bottom of the canner to be clean and dry.
Use the right size element
The Presto canner has a smaller bottom than the canner itself (as shown in the picture above). It’s important to ensure that the bottom of the canner, which actually touches the cooktop, matches the burner’s size. If they don’t match, the range may overheat. Even though the canner is large, I do not use it on my larger burner; instead, I use the smaller burner that is appropriately covered by the canner’s bottom. Be sure to check the size of your canner’s bottom to confirm you’re using the correct burner size. If you’re unsure, measure both the elements on the stove and the bottom of the canner. Then choose the one that is closest to the canner bottom size.
When the burner is fully covered, you can safely use the high setting, and the glass should not overheat.
Additional safety precautions
A pressure canner filled with jars can be quite heavy. To prevent scratching the surface beneath, place it in position before filling it with jars, and avoid moving it until the process is complete and the jars have been removed.
Maintain a consistent heat level throughout the canning process. The canner does not need to be on high heat at all times. Once steam is achieved, you can reduce the heat slightly. If necessary, you can turn it back up to reach the required pressure. After reaching the desired pressure, lower the heat to maintain it. A Presto canner pressure regulator is a useful tool for this purpose. Find more information about it below.
Try to avoid using other burners while canning, as each additional burner contributes extra heat. Choose a time for canning when no other cooking is taking place.
Adjusting the pressure regulator to your altitude
The Presto canner comes with a Presto pressure regulator. The regulator prevents the pressure in the canner from exceeding 15 pounds. Since you most likely do not need to can in such high pressure, you will have to read the pressure on the pressure dial gauge.
To be precise, the dial gauge needs to be handled with care and checked regularly. I find it a lot easier to get a Presto canner pressure regulator. Make sure to check the number of your canner, so it works for you. Also, leave on as much weight as you need; your instruction manual will tell you that. Now you can just use that regulator and forget about the dial gauge.
Most pressure canning is processed at
11 pounds of pressure at an altitude below 2,000 feet.
2,001-4,000 feet at 12 pounds.
4,001-6,000 feet at 13 pounds
6,001-8,000 at 14 pounds
The processing time is the same at all altitudes.
The pressure regulator has three pieces that hold 5, 10, and 15 pounds of pressure. Adjust the internal cooking pot pressure by removing accessories (5 pounds), adding one ring (10 pounds), or adding two rings (15 pounds). Add or remove weight as needed for your altitude.
The following is a suggestion that you can do at your own risk. For our area, we need 12 pounds. I made my own adjustment by removing one 20-gram ring and adding 10 grams of key rings. Now, it holds 12.5 pounds of pressure. If you choose to fine-tune your rings, use a precise scale.
If you have a glass top stove and have been hesitant to start canning, especially high-pressure canning, due to safety concerns, let me assure you that it can be done. The Presto canner with a pressure regulator is an excellent tool for canning, not just on a glass-top stove.
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