The National Center for Home Food Preservation does not recommend using USDA pressure-canning processes in electric multi-cookers, including models with a canning button. A displayed pressure or preset does not establish that food inside jars receives the validated heat process. Use tested directions with equipment specified for that process, and distinguish multi-cookers from dedicated canners with their own validated instructions.
For USDA pressure-canning processes, the National Center for Home Food Preservation does not recommend substituting an electric multi-cooker, even when its front panel includes a canning button. Safe processing depends on the tested heating process inside jars, not only a pressure reading or preset. Use current tested directions with equipment specified for that process.
| Question | Guidance from the National Center for Home Food Preservation |
|---|---|
| The appliance has a canning program | The program name does not validate a USDA process for that model. The Center does not support using its pressure-canning processes in electric multi-cookers. |
| The display reaches a stated pressure | Pressure alone does not show how heat is distributed inside each jar during the full process and natural cool-down. |
| I am following a tested USDA process | The Center specifies a pressure canner that holds at least four quart-size jars upright on a rack with the lid in place, and directions for venting and maintaining pressure. |
| The product is a dedicated electric canner | The Center distinguishes the Ball Automatic Home Canner for acid foods, which has its own instructions and process development, from multi-cookers. |
Why the appliance format matters
The Center explains that pressure-canning processes were developed using equipment with particular jar capacity, heat-up and cool-down behavior. The temperature inside jars over the full process is important. A pressure number shown by a countertop appliance does not demonstrate that a food-preservation process developed for another canner applies to that appliance.
This guidance is about using USDA and National Center pressure-canning processes. It is not a conversion chart for recipes or a substitute for the exact instructions that come with a validated, dedicated canner. Follow the current tested recipe for the food and altitude, along with the canner maker’s operating manual.
Choose equipment by the process you need
Before purchasing equipment for home preservation, identify the tested recipe you plan to use and its equipment requirements. Check the canner’s jar capacity, rack, venting process, pressure gauge or regulator, and the cooking surface limitations stated by the maker. The National Center’s pressure-canner guide explains its jar capacity and venting recommendations.
For ordinary pressure- or slow-cooking, compare cooker modes in our pressure cooker vs. slow cooker guide. For containers used after safe processing, our food storage container guide covers lids, materials and storage limits. Browse appliances.
Official sources
- National Center for Home Food Preservation: Canning in electric multi-cookers (accessed November 5, 2026)
- National Center for Home Food Preservation: Recommended canners (accessed November 5, 2026)
- National Center for Home Food Preservation: Using pressure canners (accessed November 5, 2026)
Related guides
Common questions
Can I pressure-can low-acid food in an Instant Pot?
The National Center for Home Food Preservation does not recommend using its USDA pressure-canning processes in electric multi-cookers. Use tested preservation directions and equipment specified for that process.
Does a canning button mean a multi-cooker is a pressure canner?
No. A program label does not establish that a tested process has been validated for that appliance. The National Center says pressure and temperature inside the canner do not alone show how food in jars was heated.
What does the National Center specify for USDA pressure processes?
Its guidance says to use a canner that holds at least four quart-size jars upright on a rack with the lid in place, and to follow tested venting and pressure directions. Check the current recipe and equipment instructions.
Are dedicated electric canners the same as multi-cookers?
The National Center's multi-cooker warning distinguishes the Ball Automatic Home Canner for acid foods, a dedicated appliance with its own instructions and process development. Follow that product's current validated directions.