Hey there! Today, I’m reviewing the Ball FreshTech Electric Water Bath Canner. If you’re into water bath canning and looking for a convenient, electric option, this might be worth considering.
This is a water bath canner, not a pressure canner. If you are looking for information on the Presto electric pressure canner you can find that here.
Let’s take a closer look at what this Ball electric water bath canner offers and why it might be a good fit for your setup.
First let me say that the electric canner that I own is the older version. You might still find this sold second hand but I don’t think Ball makes this any more. They have a new version that is called the Easy Canner. It does basically the same thing but has more settings and controls.
Ball Fresh Tech Electric Water Bath Canner
This canner is designed very simply. It’s main purpose is a canner but it does more than just canning. Here’s a breakdown:
- Two-Part Setup
It has a sturdy base with a large pot that sits on top. - Spigot
Place it near your sink and use the built-in drain spigot to drain water out easily. - Canning Rack
It comes with a removable canning jar rack that sits on the bottom of the pot. This keeps jars in place, ensuring stable canning. - Tray for Steaming
A steaming tray rests on an inner ridge. This rack will hold food up out of the water if you want to steam large batches of vegetables or use the pot for other kitchen tasks. - Glass Lid with Rubberized Handle
The lid includes a rubberized handle for safe handling, reducing the chance of burns. I love being able to see into the pot to know what is going on.
Capacity
The canner holds up to seven quart jars or 8 pints, which is typical for water bath canners. Inside the pot, you’ll see markings for maximum, minimum, and steam fill levels to help you know how much hot water to use.I’
It’s a multi-cooker!
You can do more than just process canning jars. You can use it to heat and serve hot beverages like spiced cider or even heat up large batches of soup for a crowd. (Don’t use the spigot for your soup!?)
Operation and Settings
The canner is easy to operate, even for beginners:
- Temperature Settings
There are 4 settings: Low, Medium, High, and Canning. - Canning Mode
Once your water is boiling, switch to the Canning setting. This mode uses heat sensors to keep the water at the correct boiling temperature, giving you peace of mind that your jams, jellies, and pickles are processing correctly. - Ideal for High-Acid Foods
Remember, water bath canning is for high-acid foods like fruits, jams, jellies, and pickles—not for vegetables, meats, or other low-acid foods.
Why Consider an Electric Water Bath Canner?
Here are a few reasons people consider an electric water bath canner.
- Free Up Stove top Space
When you’re cooking or canning multiple things at once, stovetop space is often limited. An electric canner opens up one more burner. - Substitute for Glass-Top Stoves
Traditional canning pots can be heavy. Many glass top stoves can not handle that. Electric canners like this one are a countertop solution. - Portable for Outdoor Use
This canner can be used anywhere there’s an electrical outlet. If you want to keep your kitchen cool or can outside on a patio, just plug it in and go. - Controlled Boil Setting
The canning setting maintains the correct temperature without needing to constantly monitor the heat on your stove.
A Note on the Newer Model: Ball Easy Canner
If you’re considering purchasing, it’s good to know there’s a newer model available called the Ball Easy Canner. The Easy Canner offers additional dial settings. While both canners perform similarly, the newer Easy Canner gives you a bit more automation.
Once your jars are filled and in the canner you simply have to set a timer and the pot takes care of the rest. It automatically preheats and maintains a boil for the processing time you’ve set.
I have not used the Easy Canner but it is supposed to be a step up from this one.
Are electric Water Bath Canners Safe?
Yes, completely safe. Water bath processing only requires 2 things.
- The pot must be deep enough to fully cover your jars with water 2 inches over the top.
- The pot must have some sort of a canning rack on the bottom.
These electric canners do both. The convenience lies in not having to use your stove. It has a heating element built in.
I’ve got more on substitutes for waterbath canners in this article.
Is the Ball FreshTech Electric Canner Right for You?
If you’re looking for a way to do water bath canning but you don’t have an easy way to do it, this electric model might be a great choice. I hope this review was helpful, and if you think this canner would suit your canning setup, check it out.
