Pressure canning on an electric stove?

[lacy]

Is it possible to use a pressure canner on an electric stove? I have a ceramic top stove.

[Nemophila]

Yep. My mom has been using a pressure canner on electric stoves for nearly forty years.

[Cliff Timmons]

It just takes a little longer to warm up.

[wilderness1989]

Not on a ceramic stove top. You're not even supposed to use a cast iron skillet on one. I've been reading a lot of input from cooks at: http://www.nancys-kitchen.com
The quote below is from there.
"Lori in Topeka, when I got my glass top stove the directions said not to can on it and they told me that where I bought it, also. I can't use iron skillets on it either."


Take care,
John Gray

[Cliff Timmons]

Oh boy,..... I'm in trouble.

[Pharmerphil]

Yes I am afraid that they reccomend you do not can or use iron skillets on ceramic top stoves. as for electric, thats all I ever used.
I have two water bath canners, the bottom on one is flat, the bottom on the other has ridges, I was told by a older lady that the flat one was designed for electric, while the other was designed for gas.
I must admit, the flat one does work better on the electric stove.

[lacy]

Thanks everyone for the info. Never thought of checking the owners guide,duh!!!!!!
My particular model says I can but diameter of canner cannot exceed diameter of element by more than 1 inch. Also to alternate which element I use between batches.

[ceresone]

Instructions that came with my ceramic stove stop didnt say a thing about not using cast iron. as a matter of fact, thats about all i use. after checking with them, i was told i can use it--but when the burner is shut off, to remove the pan at once, reason being the difference in time it takes to cook. cast iron takes so long to cook, it would crack the now cold stove top.used it 4 years now, with no problems.--would i ever buy another? NO!! cannot can on it, as i found out too late, because canner exceeds the burner size too much. if in doubt, e-mail the manufactuer, i did.

[Jim]

Being in the appliance business, I've tried to get a definitive answer.

Coil type electric stoves are no problem. Tech support folks at a couple manufacturers have told me the issue is getting even heat transfer through the ceramic top to the canner. This is why one manufacturer (Maytag/Amana when I inquired) said ok as long as it didn't overlap by more than 1". This is also why cast iron can be problematic - a rough pan bottom results in uneven heat transfer and then the top may crack from the thermal stress.

My big concern would be the weight of the canner. A broken top is $200 - $800 before the $60-$200 in labor to replace.

If you try it - minimize the canner/element overlap, bring the heat up slowly, and be very careful moving the canner over the hot surface. And check your owner's manual on the stove - some tops are covered against thermal breakage for several years after the warranty expires. If you told my service techs the top broke while you were canning, we would call that thermal breakage with a straight face.

If you happen to be fortunate enough (or not) to be replacing an electric range - inquire with your friendly propane supplier about running a gas line and installing a gas range. I did this when we purchased our last house - specifically so I could can on a gas range.

[ceresone]

never heard of a electric canner--now thats what i need! will go on search soon as i leave this site--thanks.