Pressure Canner Capacity: Jar Fit, Loading and Vessel Size
Compare indicative jar loads for 10–50 L canners and understand how jar dimensions, racks, layer arrangements and vessel-body measurements affect fit.
Basterfield EngineeringUpdated
Jar fit explains more than the nominal litre rating
A pressure canner has a nominal vessel capacity, but the useful jar load depends on jar diameter, lidded height, racks and the permitted layer arrangement. Litres describe the vessel; the loading pattern explains how jars fit inside it.
The following comparison covers the current 10, 20, 30, 40 and 50 L Basterfield E48960 and E48965 ranges. It is a capacity reference, not a food-processing schedule. Processing conditions must come from the appropriate validated process and the operating instructions for the equipment.
Compare indicative jar capacity
Jar capacities are indicative and depend on the actual dimensions of the jars used.
The 500 ml and 1000 ml figures are alternative loads, not quantities to add together.
The 40 L and 50 L models have the same indicative counts for these jar sizes. Their different vessel volume does not establish a different number of jars for every loading arrangement.
- 10-litre canner: 7 x 500 ml jars. Does not accommodate 1000 ml jars.
- 20-litre canner: 14 x 500 ml jars (stacked) or 5 x 1000 ml jars.
- 30-litre canner: 18 x 500 ml jars (stacked) or 9 x 1000 ml jars.
- 40-litre canner: 27 x 500 ml jars (three layers stacked) or 18 x 1000 ml jars (stacked).
- 50-litre canner: 27 x 500 ml jars in three layers, or 18 x 1000 ml jars in two layers.
Compare a defined jar load
For 500 ml jars, compare the indicative batch sizes of 7, 14, 18 and 27 jars. For 1000 ml jars, compare 5 jars in the 20-litre, 9 in the 30-litre and 18 in the 40-litre model.
For example, an 18-jar batch of 500 ml jars points to the 30-litre model, while 18 jars of 1000 ml points to the 40-litre model with stacking. Confirm both arrangements against the actual jars before ordering.
The comparison only becomes meaningful when the jar is defined. A different jar shape with the same labelled volume may change the number that fits on a layer or the clearance available above it. Record the actual jar make and external dimensions alongside the proposed load.
Compare vessel-body diameter and height
The following dimensions apply to the E48960 non-electric range and are stated as body diameter x body height in millimetres.
Vessel-body dimensions exclude the lid, handles, fittings and any heating base. They are not overall installation dimensions or a guarantee of usable internal jar clearance.
Confirm the E48965 electric model dimensions, including its heating base, separately when planning the installation.
- E48960(010), 10 litres: diameter 300 mm x body height 140 mm.
- E48960(020), 20 litres: diameter 300 mm x body height 290 mm.
- E48960(030), 30 litres: diameter 380 mm x body height 277 mm.
- E48960(040), 40 litres: diameter 380 mm x body height 362 mm.
- E48960(050), 50 litres: diameter 380 mm x body height 460 mm.
Check jar dimensions and stacking racks
Jars with the same labelled volume can have different shapes and external dimensions. Measure the widest external diameter and the total height with the lid fitted, and provide the jar make or a sample if possible.
Include the space needed for the rack and the specified loading arrangement. The canning rack holds jars off the vessel bottom; an additional canning rack separates stacked layers. Follow the loading and clearance requirements in the operating instructions supplied with the selected canner.
- 10 and 20 L models use the smaller compatible rack size; 30, 40 and 50 L models use the larger compatible rack size.
- Racks and trivets are separately specified optional accessories, supplied at additional cost.
- Check the permitted number of layers and the compatible racks against the actual jar height and supplied operating instructions.
Choose the heating arrangement
Choose E48960 for use with a suitable external heat source, or E48965 for a canner supplied with a 2 kW electric heating base. Both ranges are manufactured from Grade 304 stainless steel.
Select the vessel capacity for your jars, then confirm the heat source, installation space and pressure-regulator arrangement for the selected model. Follow its supplied operating instructions for the canning process.
Keep the load assessment separate from the processing method
A successful fit assessment establishes that a defined set of jars and racks can be accommodated in the selected vessel. It does not establish that an arbitrary food, fill or processing cycle is suitable. The same jar arrangement can contain products that need different validated processing conditions.
Keep a record of the jar dimensions, jar count, layer arrangement and rack references used in the assessment. If the jar or load changes, revisit those details rather than carrying over the old capacity assumption.
For installation, use the complete model information in addition to the vessel-body measurements. The lid, handles, fittings, heating arrangement and working access all need space beyond the simple body cylinder.