16-Quart vs 23-Quart Pressure Canner
Pressure canner size shapes how much low-acid food, vegetables, meats, soups, you can put up per batch, and how easy the canner is to handle and store. The 16-versus-23-quart choice is capacity against convenience.
How they differ
A 16-quart canner is compact and lighter, holding fewer jars, easier to lift, heat and store. A 23-quart canner holds more and typically double-stacks pints, ideal for bulk seasons, but it is larger, heavier, and needs a stove that can support and evenly heat it. Crucially, processing times are identical; the bigger canner just fits more jars per run.
| 16 quart | 23 quart | |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity | Fewer jars | More; double-stack pints |
| Weight / handling | Lighter, easier | Heavier |
| Storage | Compact | Bulky |
| Best for | Small kitchens, modest batches | Bulk canning |
Who should choose 16-quart
Choose 16 quart if you have a small kitchen, limited storage, or can in modest amounts. It is easier to handle and heats faster, and it still processes a worthwhile batch. It is also a friendlier size for beginners; see the best canner for beginners.
Who should choose 23-quart
Choose 23 quart if you can in volume, big garden harvests, meat processing, or putting up a lot each season, and want to double-stack pints to do more per batch. Just plan for the weight and storage, and make sure your stove can handle it. See the best canner for large batches.
The verdict
Small kitchen or modest batches? 16 quart. Bulk canning with a sturdy stove? 23 quart. Compare both in the best pressure canners and learn the method in how to pressure can.
- National Center for Home Food Preservation (NCHFP) — tested home-preservation methods and the USDA Complete Guide to Home Canning
- USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS)
- U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) — Food
- FoodSafety.gov
Frequently asked questions
What size pressure canner should I buy?
16 quart suits small kitchens and modest batches; 23 quart holds more and double-stacks pints for bulk. Consider your stovetop and how much you can at once.
Does a bigger pressure canner change processing time?
No. Processing pressure and time come from tested recipes for the food, jar size and altitude, not the canner size. A larger canner just fits more jars per batch.
Can a 16-quart canner double-stack jars?
It depends on the model and jar size; many 16-quart canners are single-layer for quarts, while 23-quart models more readily double-stack pints. Check the canner's manual.