Ball FreshTech kindly provided an Electric Water Bath Canner & Multi-Cooker for a thorough review and one for an exciting giveaway. No further compensation was received for this article. All opinions expressed herein are genuinely my own. ~Jaden
Ball FreshTech Electric Water Bath Canner & Multi-Cooker Review: The Ultimate Home Canning & Cooking Solution
For passionate home gardeners and food enthusiasts, there’s nothing quite as rewarding as preserving the bounty of your harvest. From the vibrant produce of our year-round aquaponics garden (our fish never take a summer break!) to the seasonal yield of our raised beds thriving in Florida’s cooler months, we’re constantly on the lookout for efficient ways to manage our abundant produce. While our raised beds flourish in Fall, Winter, and Spring, the intense Florida summer heat forces a temporary shutdown, making food preservation even more crucial. Personally, I’m not a fan of sweating profusely while tending to the garden, so finding effective methods for storage is key.
Historically, my approach to managing excess vegetables involved dehydrating or a simple cook-and-freeze method. We dabbled in home canning a few times, but the traditional stovetop process proved far too cumbersome and, frankly, a bit hazardous for regular use in our old kitchen. I still recall the time I accidentally spilled four gallons of scalding hot water – not an experience I’m eager to repeat. This past frustration made me particularly excited to test a new solution that promised to simplify and revolutionize the process.
Last week, I had the pleasure of putting Ball’s innovative new product, the Electric Water Bath Canner & Multi-Cooker, through its paces. My first project was a generous batch of Marcella Hazan’s iconic Tomato Sauce with Onion & Butter, destined to be a thoughtful gift for a dear friend. The experience was transformative, truly showcasing the convenience and efficiency of this modern appliance.
More Than Just a Canner: Unlocking Culinary Versatility
What immediately impressed me about this electric unit is its incredible versatility. It’s far more than just a dedicated water bath canner; it’s a powerful multi-cooker designed to handle a wide array of culinary tasks. Imagine simmering hearty soups, crafting rich marinara sauces, or even serving warm cider for a large gathering – this appliance excels at all of them. Its substantial 21-quart capacity is perfect for preparing large batches, making it an invaluable asset for family meals, holiday parties, or community events.
One of the most significant advantages of an electric canner is that it completely frees up your stovetop. This is a game-changer, especially for those with limited burner space or when juggling multiple dishes. For potlucks, church functions, or organizations catering to dozens of people, this feature is invaluable. You can prepare your canned goods or multi-cooker recipes without monopolizing your primary cooking surface, allowing you to focus on other culinary creations. While it boasts a large capacity, holding enough water to process 7 quart jars, 8 pint jars, or 12 half-pint jars simultaneously, its utility extends far beyond just canning, making it a true workhorse in any kitchen.
Simplifying Home Canning for Everyone
The Ball FreshTech Electric Canner truly democratizes home canning, making it accessible and safe for even the most novice users. Gone are the days of tedious manual temperature measurements and constant monitoring. This unit features a simple, intuitive dial that precisely adjusts the heat setting, guiding you seamlessly from pre-heating jars to the actual canning process. This automation removes much of the guesswork and anxiety typically associated with traditional canning, allowing you to focus on preparing your delicious recipes.
Setting up the unit was straightforward. We conveniently placed it right next to our kitchen sink, allowing our sink hose to easily reach in and fill the pot with water. This simple placement eliminates the need to carry heavy pots of water across the kitchen, further enhancing safety and ease of use. The thoughtful design truly minimizes potential spills and strain.
Perhaps one of the most brilliant features is the integrated spigot, which allows for effortless draining directly into the sink. This innovation alone addresses my past kitchen mishaps, eliminating the precarious task of lifting and pouring several gallons of hot water. When using the unit as a multi-cooker, a clever stopper is included to cover the spigot, preventing food particles from getting lodged within. Simply remove the stopper when you need to drain water or, even better, when you’re serving warm beverages like Hot Buttered Apple Cider with Rum at your next gathering. This dual functionality is incredibly practical and convenient.
Thoughtful Design for Everyday Use
The Ball FreshTech Electric Water Bath Canner & Multi-Cooker is packed with thoughtful design elements that enhance its utility and user experience. The package includes a sturdy steaming rack, which is not only essential for canning jars but also perfectly sized for other culinary tasks, such as steaming a whole fish, Chinese style, or steaming large quantities of vegetables. This further solidifies its value as a versatile kitchen appliance.
Another excellent feature is the detachable base, which allows the main unit to lift up and out effortlessly. This design significantly simplifies both cleaning and carrying, making post-cooking cleanup a breeze. The tempered glass lid is a welcome addition, enabling you to visually monitor the canning or cooking process without having to lift the lid and lose precious heat or steam. Finally, the silicone-coated handles offer a comfortable, non-slip grip, eliminating the need to fumble with clumsy pot holders and adding an extra layer of safety when handling the hot appliance.
Resources for Home Canning Success
While the Ball Electric Water Bath Canner and Multi-Cooker comes equipped with a few starter recipes, for anyone truly serious about delving into the world of home canning, I highly recommend exploring the invaluable resources offered by my friend Marisa at her acclaimed blog, Food in Jars. Her expertise is unparalleled, and she also boasts two fantastic cookbooks that are indispensable guides for any canner. Be sure to check out her comprehensive Canning 101 series of posts, which covers everything you need to know about jars, techniques, and safe canning practices. These resources, combined with the ease of use of the FreshTech Canner, provide a complete toolkit for successful home food preservation.
Is the Ball FreshTech Electric Canner Worth the Investment?
As a seasoned cook who appreciates efficiency and safety, and especially as someone who was once a hesitant novice canner, I am genuinely impressed with this appliance. The initial price point of $149.00 might seem high at first glance. However, when you consider its robust functionality as both a dedicated water bath canner and a high-capacity multi-cooker, the value proposition becomes clear. If you frequently host large potlucks, parties, or find yourself needing to prepare significant quantities of food, its utility as a multi-cooker alone makes it an absolutely worthwhile investment. The convenience of freeing up your stovetop and its energy efficiency further sweeten the deal.
For the occasional canner, the size and cost might be a more significant consideration. It is a substantial appliance, and you will need to allocate a dedicated storage space for it when not in use. However, its safety features, ease of operation, and versatility could still justify the purchase for those who prioritize a simplified and safer canning experience. The Ball FreshTech Electric Water Bath Canner & Multi-Cooker transforms home canning from a daunting chore into an enjoyable and accessible culinary art, making it a valuable addition to many kitchens.
About the Ball FreshTech Electric Water Bath Canner & Multi-Cooker
The Ball 21-qt. FreshTECH Electric Water Bath Canner and Multi-Cooker represents a significant upgrade from traditional stovetop water bath canners, offering the flexibility to operate wherever a power outlet is available. This modern electric canner is not only more convenient but also boasts impressive efficiency, utilizing 20 percent less energy than conventional stovetop methods for canning. This energy saving translates into reduced utility costs and a more environmentally friendly approach to food preservation. Furthermore, its independence from your stovetop means you liberate valuable cooktop space for other simultaneous culinary endeavors.
Designed for large-batch canning, this unit comfortably accommodates 7 quart jars or 8 pint jars at one time, making it ideal for processing generous harvests. A standout feature is the ingenious exterior drain spout, which allows you to safely drain water directly into your sink or into a smaller container. This eliminates the strenuous and potentially hazardous task of lifting and maneuvering heavy gallons of hot water at the conclusion of the canning process, significantly enhancing kitchen safety. Beyond its primary canning function, the drain spout transforms this appliance into an electric beverage urn, perfect for effortlessly dispensing hot tea, cider, or cocoa at your next gathering, adding another layer of versatility to your entertaining arsenal.
Unleash your inner chef without being tethered to the stove, thanks to this electric cooker’s remarkable versatility. It can be conveniently utilized to steam, simmer, boil, or blanch a wide variety of ingredients. Use it as a large stockpot for cooking pastas, preparing robust soups, or simmering comforting stews. It also excels as a steamer for delicate vegetables and seafood, ensuring perfect results every time. Ergonomically designed, the cooker and its lid feature heat-resistant, rubber-coated handles that provide a comfortable, non-slip grip, ensuring safe handling even when hot. The tight-fitting glass lid allows for continuous monitoring of the cooking process, trapping heat and moisture effectively for optimal flavor and texture. For ultimate convenience, the base is detachable, facilitating easy cleaning and allowing the unit to nest inside the cooker for compact storage, a crucial benefit for kitchens with limited space. To get you started, a spiral-bound recipe book is included, guiding you from fundamental canning techniques to crafting delicious dishes like fresh chicken noodle soup.
Includes:
- Electric Canner/Multi-Cooker Unit
- Tempered Glass Lid
- Steaming/Canning Jar Rack
- Comprehensive Recipe Book
Key Features of the Ball FreshTech Electric Water Bath Canner & Multi-Cooker:
- Generous Capacity: A large 21-quart capacity efficiently handles significant batches, accommodating 7 quart jars or 8 pint jars simultaneously.
- Effortless Temperature Control: A single, simple dial provides precise temperature control, making canning accessible and worry-free.
- Energy Efficient: Uses 20% less energy compared to traditional stovetop canning methods, reducing your carbon footprint and utility bills.
- Integrated Jar Rack: A removable canning jar rack ensures jars are safely suspended, preventing direct contact with the pot’s bottom and promoting even heat distribution.
- Multi-Cooker Functionality: Doubles as a versatile multi-cooker and steamer, perfect for preparing pastas, soups, stews, vegetables, and seafood.
- Transparent Monitoring: A durable tempered glass lid allows you to monitor cooking progress without lifting, retaining heat and moisture.
- Safe & Easy Drainage: Features an easy-drain spigot for simple, mess-free draining directly into the sink, eliminating heavy lifting.
- Beverage Dispenser: The spigot also allows for convenient serving of hot beverages like cider, tea, or cocoa at parties.
- Ergonomic Handles: Non-slip, heat-resistant handles provide a comfortable and secure grip for safe handling.
- Compact Storage: Detachable base nests inside the cooker for compact storage and simplifies cleaning.
- Dishwasher Safe Components: The lid and steaming/canning jar rack are dishwasher safe for easy cleanup.