Store It Foods

It is unfortunate, but true, that owners of smooth top ranges are, to their dismay, confronted with the possiblity that the home canning that they want to do on that stove top may not be possible. All-American, for instance, is the manufacturer of one of the most popular brands of pressure canners, and they clearly state that “Pressure Cooker/Canners are not suitable for glass/flat top ranges.”

Why is that?

One appliance manufacturer explains: “We would advise that a ‘raised bottom canner’ be used on the smooth surface cooktop… further… it is most important that the canner – or any pot or pan for that matter – not exceed the size of the burner, as this may trap heat and cause serious damage to the appliance.”

It is quite possible that you can use your smooth top range without the least bit of difficulty.  Sadly, it is also possible that on one of those occasions a problem could arise, and then you might hear those dreaded words, “Sorry, that is not covered by your warranty.”

You would probably be safer to look at alternatives.  Presto manufactures pressure canners that they point out is safe to use on that smooth surface cooktop.  Some people use a two burner external grill on which their canner could be placed.  Electric grills means the canning could continue to be used in the kitchen.  Gas grills are more efficient, but they need a well ventilated area in which they can be used, and that means the canning may need to be done outdoors on patio or porch.

Hopefully, someone will come up with an adapter of some kind that will permit the use of all sizes of canners on a ceramic top range.  That seems not to have happened yet, so for the time being at least, these other options need to be examined.