Canning quality

[Lostinthewoods]

My 2026 goal is to start canning, so I’d be interested in what you all prefer?

A pressure cooker or just doing it in a pot?

Also if you run a pressure cooker is this one of those things you buy once cry once? Or just get a mid tier option?

I’ve seen some pressure cookers that are around e $400-$500.

My guess is I end up doing 2-3 deer with a year plus other random things.

I almost want to order it asap so I have it ready for after my elk hunt next week.

Cheers,
DTP

 

[Addicting]

Do you already eat canned meat? It’s not that appealing to do with game meat. We can a lot, and I would never waste elk in a jar.

 

[Nick87]

Canning meat or just garden veggies?

 

[el unit]

The All American #915 canner has treated us great over the years. Vegetables, deer, and elk. We don't can meat very often- we just always want to have some extra in the pantry.

 

[mevertsen]

Pressure canning is for low acid foods.

Boiling water bath is for high acid foods.


Get the BALL book.

Read it.

You'll likely want a pressure canner and boiling pot.

 

[Fire_9]

I canned almost my whole antelope this year and the family loved it. It’s not that appealing right out of the jar but I’ve really been enjoying it for tacos. I personally would buy the bigger presto pressure canner. Good deals can be had on used ones as well.

 

[WildWill]

Not sure the model but my mom has a ALL AMERICAN that's worked well. We mostly do vegetables these days but she's made a literal ton of deer meat in the past. I tend to agree with @Addicting wouldn't be my first choice for a elk unless freezer space was limited.

 

[Tmbrgost]

You can water bath most everything and not need a pressure canner. It breaks down to how long do you want some things to take. We water bath our meat for long term storage and have a seasoning kit we add when we go to use the meat. It is pretty satisfying once your done and see all of the jars on the shelf.