All American pressure canners are highly regarded by home canners for their exceptional durability, unique design, and reliable performance. Many appreciate the metal-to-metal sealing system, which eliminates the need for replacement gaskets and ensures a secure seal. The heavy-duty cast aluminum construction is praised for its robustness and even heat distribution, contributing to consistent canning results.
Home canners also value the canner’s longevity, often noting it as a lifetime investment. Many consider it a heritage canner which can be passed down for generations – myself included. With enhanced safety and user confidence, the All American pressure canner provides precise pressure control having both a dial gauge and weighted gauge.
Overall, All American pressure canners are celebrated for their quality craftsmanship and dependable performance in home canning.
The History of the All American Pressure Canner
Wisconsin Aluminum Foundry (WAF), established in 1909 by Abraham Schwartz, has been a cornerstone in the casting industry for over a century. Originally named Manitowoc Brass Foundry Company, it was renamed in 1912 and expanded its product lines, including the introduction of the All American pressure canner in 1930. This canner quickly gained a reputation for its durability and unique metal-to-metal sealing system, eliminating the need for gaskets and ensuring a steam-tight seal.
In recent years, WAF has introduced colored versions of their renowned pressure canners, adding a vibrant touch to their classic design. These colors are achieved through a proprietary, premium cookware-grade coating that is specially cured to ensure durability and longevity. This coating is engineered to withstand the rigors of pressure canning without dulling or chipping, maintaining its aesthetic appeal over time.
The colored canners are available in various hues, allowing users to choose a style that complements their kitchen decor. Despite the new exterior, these canners retain the same high-quality construction and performance that All American is known for, ensuring that the addition of color does not compromise their functionality or durability.
By combining their longstanding tradition of quality with modern aesthetic enhancements, Wisconsin Aluminum Foundry continues to meet the evolving preferences of home canners across America. I have the green canner and I absolutely love having a pop of color in my kitchen when canning. Who knows, I may find a spot to keep it on display throughout the year… I’ll keep you posted.
Popular Features of All American Pressure Canner
The All American pressure canner is a favorite among home canners for its reliable metal-to-metal seal, eliminating the need for gaskets and ensuring a durable, tight fit. Made from heavy-duty cast aluminum, it provides excellent heat distribution and longevity. Available in various sizes, from 10.5 to 41.5 quarts, it suits a range of canning needs, solidifying its reputation as a top choice for serious canners.
Here’s a quick list of why the All American pressure canner is so popular among home canners:
- Metal-to-Metal Seal: No gaskets to replace, providing a secure and durable seal.
- Heavy-Duty Cast Aluminum: Offers exceptional durability and even heat distribution.
- Dual Pressure Monitoring: Equipped with both a weighted gauge and dial gauge for precise control.
- Variety of Sizes: Options from 10.5 to 41.5 quarts to suit different canning needs.
- Lifetime Investment: Known for its longevity, many consider it a one-time purchase.
- Enhanced Safety Features: Includes an automatic overpressure release for added safety.
The most popular size for pressure canners tends to be the All American 921, which has a capacity of 21.5 quarts. This model strikes a good balance between size and practicality, as it can hold up to 19 pint jars or 7 quart jars at once. This size is ideal for many home canners who want to preserve larger batches without taking up too much storage space.
For those who need to can larger quantities, the All American 930 (30 quarts) and 941 (41.5 quarts) are also popular among avid canners, but the 921 remains the top choice due to its manageable size and versatility.
I personally own both the All American 921 and the 941 (21.5 and 41.5 quarts respectively) canner options. I use them extensively throughout the canning season, sometimes even processing batches in both simultaneously. I love that I can double stack my quart jars in the larger 941 canner giving me the ability to process 20 quart jars at one time. This is a HUGE advantage when you are working hard put up as much as possible!
The Difference Between Presto and All American Pressure Canners
The All American pressure canners distinguish themselves from brands like Presto through several key features. Here are just a few to consider:
1. Metal-to-Metal Sealing System: Unlike Presto canners, which use rubber gaskets that require periodic replacement, All American canners employ a metal-to-metal sealing system. This design eliminates the need for gaskets, reducing maintenance and enhancing durability.
2. Robust Construction: All American canners are constructed from heavy-duty cast aluminum, providing exceptional durability and longevity. This sturdy build ensures even heat distribution and reliable performance over time.
3. Dual Pressure Monitoring: These canners feature both a dial gauge and a weighted pressure regulator, offering precise pressure control and added safety. The weighted regulator maintains consistent pressure levels, while the dial gauge allows users to monitor pressure accurately.
4. Variety of Sizes: All American offers a wide range of canner sizes, from 10.5 to 41.5 quarts, accommodating various canning needs. This versatility allows users to select a canner that best fits their batch sizes and kitchen space.
5. Enhanced Safety Features: Equipped with multiple safety mechanisms, including an automatic overpressure release, All American canners prioritize user safety during the canning process.
These features collectively make All American pressure canners a preferred choice for serious canning enthusiasts seeking reliability, durability, and precision.
In contrast to the All American brand, the Presto’s pressure canners are constructed from heavy-gauge aluminum, which is formed through a stamping process. This method involves pressing aluminum sheets into the desired shape, resulting in a lightweight and cost-effective product. The aluminum used is not anodized; instead, it retains its natural finish.
Let’s explore their construction a bit more, shall we?
What is the Structural Difference Between Aluminum Pressure Canners?
The main difference between cast aluminum and other types of aluminum, such as stamped or anodized aluminum, lies in how they are manufactured and their resulting durability, heat distribution, and overall strength. Here’s a breakdown of each type and how they compare:
1. Cast Aluminum
- Manufacturing Process: Cast aluminum is made by pouring molten aluminum into a mold, which allows for a thicker, denser construction. This method produces a single, solid piece that’s highly durable.
- Strength: Cast aluminum is heavier and stronger than stamped aluminum. It can withstand higher temperatures and endure long-term use without warping.
- Heat Distribution: Cast aluminum provides more even heat distribution across the vessel, which is critical for pressure canning to ensure consistent, safe temperatures.
- Use in Pressure Canners: The All American pressure canner uses cast aluminum for durability and even heating. The thickness and strength of cast aluminum make it ideal for the intense pressure and heat requirements of canning.
- Manufacturing Process: Stamped aluminum, on the other hand, is made by pressing thin sheets of aluminum into the desired shape. This process is quicker and cheaper than casting.
- Strength: Stamped aluminum is usually thinner and lighter, making it less durable and more prone to denting and warping, especially under high heat or pressure.
- Heat Distribution: Due to its thinner construction, stamped aluminum doesn’t distribute heat as evenly, which can lead to hot spots and uneven cooking or processing.
- Use in Kitchenware: Stamped aluminum is common in cookware but is less ideal for high-stress applications like pressure canning. This is a common process for both the Presto and Mirro brand pressure canners.
3. Anodized Aluminum
- Manufacturing Process: Anodized aluminum undergoes an electrochemical process that thickens the natural oxide layer on the surface, making it more durable and resistant to corrosion. The Graniteware 20-quart canner features heavy-gauge hard anodized aluminum construction, which enhances its strength and resistance to rust and staining.
- Strength: While stronger than plain aluminum, anodized aluminum isn’t typically used in cast form for pressure canning. It’s more commonly seen in pots and pans designed for stovetop cooking.
- Heat Distribution: Anodized aluminum provides better heat distribution than stamped aluminum but still may not be as consistent as thick cast aluminum in retaining high pressure and temperature.
Why Cast Aluminum is Ideal for Pressure Canning
- Durability: Cast aluminum’s thickness makes it ideal for the high temperatures and pressures involved in canning. It resists deformation over time.
- Safety: The even heat distribution of cast aluminum helps ensure the contents of the canner are heated thoroughly and evenly, which is essential for safe food preservation.
- Weight and Stability: While cast aluminum can be heavier, this added weight contributes to stability on the stovetop during canning.
These qualities make cast aluminum a top choice for pressure canners, especially for heavy-duty models like the All American, which are built to last for decades.
Why I love my All American Pressure Canner
I absolutely love my All American 921 and 941 pressure canners, and they’ve quickly become essentials in my kitchen. The 941’s capacity to process up to 20 quarts at a time is a game-changer, especially when I’m canning large batches. The color options add a fun twist, too—it’s refreshing to see these canners in hues other than the traditional silver, giving my canning setup a unique pop of personality. As you can see, green is my color which compliments my kitchen beautifully.
Beyond looks and size, the performance of these canners is what really sets them apart. I’ve noticed far less siphoning compared to other models, which I think comes down to the All American’s ability to maintain a steady PSI throughout the canning process. That consistency not only helps preserve the quality of what I’m canning but also gives me peace of mind, knowing my jars are sealing just right. Plus less siphoning because there is more temperature control. It’s safe to say the All American pressure canners have won me over for both their functionality and style.
PRO AND CON LIST FOR CANNERS
PROS of the All American Pressure Canner
- Durable Metal-to-Metal Seal: No gaskets to replace, which means less maintenance and a tighter, more secure seal.
- Heavy-Duty Cast Aluminum Construction: Provides excellent heat distribution and long-lasting durability.
- Large Capacity Options: Models like the 941 can process up to 20 quarts at once, ideal for larger batches.
- Steady PSI Maintenance: Reduces siphoning, helping to ensure better seal integrity and less liquid loss.
- Dual Pressure Monitoring: Equipped with both a dial gauge and weighted regulator, offering precision and safety.
- Fun Color Options: Available in various colors, adding a personal touch to canning gear.
- Lifetime Investment: Built to last, it’s often considered a one-time purchase for serious home canners.
- Multiple Safety Features: Includes an automatic overpressure release for added peace of mind.
CONS of the All American Pressure Canner
- Heavier Weight: Due to the cast aluminum construction, these canners are heavier and may be harder to move or lift, especially when full.
- Higher Price Point: More expensive than brands like Presto, making it a significant investment.
- Learning Curve: The metal-to-metal seal can be tricky to master for beginners, requiring proper alignment and attention.
- No Gasket Means Less Forgiveness: The metal seal provides durability but requires careful handling to avoid damage or seal issues over time.
- Bulky for Storage: Larger models like the 941 can take up significant kitchen space and may be challenging to store.
If you are interested in purchasing you very own heritage All American pressure canner, I would highly recommend making the investment. Even more so, I would be delighted to have you shop using my website link. Shopping using my referral link helps me earn a small commission for sending you their way. This small amount earned helps me offset the costs of operating and maintaining my website.
If you have questions or still need more support in determining if the All American is right for you, do not hesitate to email me at diane at canningdiva dot com and I will gladly assist you. You may also contact me on my website here.
Happy Canning!
xo
Diane, The Canning Diva®
www.canningdiva.com