Recently One Hundred Dollar a Month reader, Jen, sent in a question about canning on a glass top stove. She wrote,
Hi Mavis,
I have a quick question, I really want to start canning this year. I have a water bath canner that was given to me and I have been stock piling jars for about 3 years. I would like to purchase a pressure canner as well and go all in this year.
What is your knowledge and/or experience of canning on a glass top electric stove. Its what we have with no intentions of changing. I have read about 50/50 that some people have no problem with it, while others say it doesn’t work.
I’m afraid of damaging or even breaking the glass. Do you have thoughts or knowledge on this? My husband is a manger for a large appliance store, so we could get a coil top range for this purpose. I would so appreciate your thoughts or advice.
So excited to get started, Jen
Here we go!
I have always canned using a gas top range, so I honestly wasn’t sure how to answer this one. So I called up my buddy Lola, because I know she has a glass top. I asked her how she rolls when she does her canning.
Turns out, canning on a glass top stove is a big fat pain in the backside. Depending on the manufacturer of your stove, it may be possible {fair-warning: you’ll have to check your individual stove with the manufacturer to be sure}.
The problem lies in the fact that glass tops have a built in protective mechanism that keeps them from getting too hot and cracking the surface. That cute little protective mechanism also makes keeping temperatures constant a real booger {especially when using the pressure canner}.
If you can keep a rolling boil for water bath canning {which Lola says she can with a flat bottom pot that she does small batch canning in}, you’ll have to watch babysit it pretty religiously to avoid water spilling out EVERYWHERE and then hardening onto the glass top.
Read: Stand there with a towel and mop it up as you go. Lola said she has found it impossible on her stove to do pressure canning, as she can’t keep the temperature constant enough.
Lola cans, A LOT.
She decided that the hassle simply wasn’t worth her time. Like Jen, she wasn’t in a boat to go buying new appliances. So her solution was to buy a propane gas camp stove like this one {it’s wide enough for two water bath canners to be going at once}.
She says it is sooooo much easier to keep the temperature constant. Plus, she preps in the kitchen and then cans outside, which keeps her house a lot cooler during canning season. The camp stove was under $100, which she said was totally worth the investment, and makes canning a breeze.
So, Jen, long story short, don’t get a whole coil top range, and unless you enjoy the hassle, the glass top is probably not the best choice. I’d personally stick with the camp stove to keep life simple.
I hope that helps. Are any of YOU canning on a glass top stove? What are your tips?
~Mavis
New to canning like Jen? Go HERE for a complete guide to pressure canning or HERE for water bath canning.
Be sure to check out all of my favorite canning recipes too!
Julie says
It’s been 30 years (and I’m sure they started way before I was born) that I see my grand parents canning in the garage, in a small simple propane gas stove that they set up on the floor. Simple, allow you to keep the house clean since they also add the tomato sauce (and other wonderful recipes) to the cans in the garage, nothing in the house, they just put newspaper on the floor that they throw away, no cleaning!
Jen L A says
I do can on my glass top stove. The stove I presently have is about 3 or 4 years old. (I did can on my older glass top stove as well before I even heard it could cause problems) Last year I learned that this could be a concern for canning, so I did get out my manufacturer’s information and it reads that I am able to can on my stove. However, the pots need to be flat on the bottom for heat to evenly distribute. My stove did cost about $1000 as I have 2 ovens on it, so I don’t think there is anything super amazing on the glass top different than a standard glass top. Upon learning the concerns of canning on a glass top stove, I did upgrade my pressure canner to one with a gauge I can read the pressure. I had the kind where I had to count the clicks and add weights. I thought having the gauge would help make sure I was keeping things at the right pressure. I pressure canned chicken stock last year, and am almost done with it. Did some jellies and pickles too. I do carefully inspect my jars before using, and haven’t had any problems. For water canning, I use the base of my pressure cooker. It has the BEST flat bottom and deep enough to avoid the water splashing issue (That does stink!)
Judy cunningham says
I have an electric glass top stove I have no problem canning with it I use the water bath method works perfect and I can everything not a problem my old stove was a glass top I used it as well
lilton says
I water bath can on my glass top stove [and on my old glass top stove, too, until the oven coil literally broke in half and justified purchasing a new stove with 2 big burners]. However, my husband purchased the camp stove you referenced, and we pressure can on that outside. So, I use two methods, depending on which type of canning I’m doing.
Roni says
Interesting about the oven coil. Mine has burst into flames and broke twice and maytag says this is not a concern. I waterbath on my glass top and have no problems.
karen says
i was afraid to can on my glass top range even though the manufacturer said it was OK. Instead I use the same camp stove mentioned and it works beautifully. I would never mess around with a pressure canner on the glass top.
Karin C says
I have a glass top and do both water bath and pressure can with never any issues, I have been doing it for years .
Julie says
I’ve done very small batch canning on my glass top stove. It takes forever.
We acquired an old propane stove that used to be in an RV. My husband built a wheeled base for it. We store it in the garage and wheel it out when it’s canning time. Keeps the kitchen cooler and cleaner.
Dianna says
I do can on mine. I did a lot of research before I made the decision, which you can read here:
http://be-it-ever-so-humble.blogspot.com/2012/10/canning-on-glass-top-stove.html
I have only tried water-bath canning. I bought a beautiful flat-bottomed stainless steel canner. I have not had a problem maintaining the temperature and I have not broken my stove top. 🙂 My canner spits a little but Bar Keeper’s Friend has taken care of all messes. Just never, ever let something sugary like jam boil over onto your stove and burn. Don’t ask.
I have a friend with the same stove and she uses a propane stove outside and loves it.
Sarah says
I can on my glass too electric stove, never knew I couldn’t. I figured if it boiled I was good.(I can keep a good boil and things seal so I thought that was the requirement) I do have to watch for boil over but it’s not crazy. I don’t rare can over a pint can and do have a large stock pan so there is room for the water to cover the jars by an inch and still have boil room in the pot still. My only issue is it takes a while to get it to the boiling point. I have my eye on the counter top water canner the large canning company has, but it’s not in the budget.
Wendy laskosky says
I can’t get the water to boil on my glass top. I use the side burner On my barbecue
Kathleen says
My stove manual specifically says not to use a pressure canner. I have done a hot water bath canner in an extra large stock pot (pints only, not quarts), but it was such a pain. Going to look into the camp stove idea.
andrea d says
So far I think I am the odd (wo)man out here. I have been water bath canning on (the same) glass top stove for about 14 years now. And with a regular old canning pot- which is not flat bottomed. There have been times where boiling water spills over, but it happens when I cook pasta sometimes too, so no extra hassle there. I have not had any problems with the water leaving permanent stains. I hadn’t even known it wasn’t recommended to can on glass top until about a year ago.
I usually fill my pot and start warming the water on medium while I am doing all my prep work. Then turn it on to high once all my filled jars are in the water. (just the same as with a coil stove- warm jars into warm water). Once the water is boiling, it boils continuously just like it should. I have used relatives gas stoves for water bath canning before (on vacation- doesn’t everyone can on vacation? hehe!) and it is no faster or easier than on my glass top.
Of course I can’t speak to pressure canning because I don’t have a pressure canner, but I have had no problems or concerns with the water bath canning on a glass top (knock on wood 🙂 ).
Cecily says
I’m with you Andrea d. I can on my glass top without a flat bottom canner and have never had a problem. Although I use a steam canner so not sure if that makes a difference. I used to pressure can on my old glass top and it was hard keeping the pressure right. I don’t pressure can much anymore but if I pick it up again I will probably get a portable range just to be on the safe side.
GMV says
I have a glass top stove and I never had a problem with my water baths until recently when I lost a jar of fruit and that bath was only 10-15 minutes, but I’m concerned with the processing of my tomato sauce because the water bath is so long. I’m confused and don’t know what to do. My tomatoes are ready to cook and I don’t know what to do.
andrea d says
Did your jar break or did it just not seal? If it broke my first thought is the jar probably had a flaw that wasn’t noticeable. If it didn’t seal, it could have been any number of reasons- it happens sometimes.
I have not had any problems with doing tomato sauce. Actually I just did tomatoes yesterday. I do a raw pack diced tomatoes in their juices and they have to process for 85 minutes (yes, 1 hour and 25 minutes!). I have been doing them for years and never had a problem with the long processing. For my tomato sauce (I actually just do a crushed tomato- no seasonings), the jars process for 45 minutes, those are quart jars and again, I have never had a problem.
Lynne White says
I have been canning everything I can can for 44 years. 🙂 I’ve only had the glass top for about 8 years .
People told me I wouldn’t like canning on it, but I’ve had no problem at all.
GMV says
Have you done tomato sauce? If so, was there a problem with the long, 35-45 minutes water bath?
Karin C says
I can in my glass top stove with no issues and have done tomatoe sauce with no problems . I just have a kettle of boiling water ready if it looks like the water level is going down to much.
Tricia says
I love using my Camp Chef to can with my water bath canner, but haven’t done any pressure canning yet.
I just bought a pressure canner and it says very specifically NOT to use it on anything producing more than 12,000 BTU’s. The Camp Chef outdoor stoves produce 30,000 BTU’s. (The Presto website has a similar warning: http://www.gopresto.com/products/products.php?stock=01781). My mom has used her camp chef for pressure canning with no problem.
I can’t decide what to do. I love the convenience of doing everything outside, but the warning has me worried.
Madam Chow says
My understanding is that those BTUs are the MAXIMUM output. I would Just turn down the flame.
Denise Beard says
I use my Camp Chef regularly. I just plan my work around being near the stove. After it’s all up to temp and processing I find the flame can /should need to be very low to maintain pressure.
PattyB says
In my old house I did water bath on the glass top but was very nervous because my pot was not smooth. Never had a problem but wasn’t comfortable. Didn’t even try the pressure canner.
I now have the exposed coils [old type] electric stove and when we went looking to upgrade, the non-glass type was difficult to find.
I also bought a gas outdoor stove but canning in 2 feet of snow in Denver is not my cup of tea. Good luck!
Jay says
We did have a ceramic top stove and the manufacturer said it will crack if you try to can on them. We recently bought a fairly expensive glass top stove and I was concerned about water bath canning on it. The warranty said you MUST use a totally flat bottom canner. I invested in one (Victorio) from Amazon and I love it. I primarily can pints, but it works for quart jars also.
Madam Chow says
Thank you, Mavis and Lola! We moved last year, a kitchen remodel is a year or more away, and I am stuck with a terrible glass top stove that burns everything. This is a big help!
Mavis says
You are so welcome. Glad we could help. I’ll pass on the thanks to Lola as well!
CathyB says
I have done a lot of water bath canning on a glass top stove and had no problem. I had both a flat -bottomed canner and a canner with ridges on the bottom. Both worked fine and it was not really any different than when I had canned using a coil-top electric stove. I have canned both pints and quarts on on both types of stoves with no issues. I have never pressure canned on a glass top however. I think I would go the propane camp stove route as well for a pressure canner.
One suggestion however is to make sure that you clean your glass top frequently when canning. Any water (or syrup) that spills on the top will leave spots and then burn on to the top. Cleaning frequently with a glass top cleaner will prevent them from becoming permanent. Also use a razor blade flat against the glass to get off any burned on stuff that will not come up with the cleaner.
Dena says
I too, wondered about pressure canning on a glass top stove. Made sure I questioned the saleslady about it, but should have called the manufacturer before purchasing my new stove. One of the problems is in the weight limit on the glasstop. My pressure canner (not pressure cooker) weighs 24lbs by itself, & that is the weight limit for warranty purposes. I too, purchased a propane camping stove like the one highlighted, to do all of my canning out on my deck, as the first 87 quarts of beans were done in front of the garage, running back & forth to the kitchen. I have had to learn to take ALL my canning supplies in a big rectangular storage tub, out to the back deck (off the kitchen) where the propane stove is set up. I also purchased a 10 x 10 canopy, as I needed some shade on hot sunny days as I watched the pressure gauge for 20 or 90 minutes (beans or salmon). Did have to change out all of my pots & pans w/ the new glasstop for flat bottom ones, but I love the double oven – a big change from the big electric single one. Just with the saleslady had been more forthcoming prior to the purchase – we had to cut out a little bit more of the countertop prior to the new glasstop coming into the house.
Mavis says
Aren’t double ovens amazing? Not sure how I’d survive Thanksgiving without mine!
Gardenpat says
Water bath and pressure can (Presto) on my glass cooktop- never been a problem!!! And I pressure can a lot!
Carol A. says
Can you tell me how you regulate the heat. I am having a hard time with keep the pressure from rising!
Cheryl says
I do water bath canning only on a glass top stove and also have not had any issues. I Used a huge 21 gal canner as well and kept it boiling for quite a long time. If I am making smaller batches of stuff, I use a stock pot, but again haven’t had any issues. Oh and my stove is about 4 years old. I don’t own a pressure canner, so cannot help with that question.
Pam says
Like many others, I had a glass top stove for years and canned water bath and pressure canning on it with absolutely no problem. After a few years, the stove started giving me issues with the pressure canner (couldn’t seem to hold a steady temp on it) so I stuck with water bath and moved the pressure canner to the camp stove. Two years ago, I moved to a new home and the kitchen was a total gut job. Finally gave in and got my 5 burner gas stovetop and have been in heaven canning ever since.
Sara says
I can on my glass stove only water bath. However; when in amish country I noticed a gentleman canning with propane outside. I did this last year. It when so much smoother and quicker and the mess was outside. I will continue this practice from now on. I also have heard never presser cook on a glass stove.
Mavis says
Outside canning with less mess sounds awesome! My kitchen is always a crazy disaster after!
Karin Carson says
Hi, I am a canner too and have a glass top Whirlpool stove and use mine ALL the time with no issues ever, just need to take sure the canner is flat bottom, I don’t use my water bath canner it has ridges I use my All American Canner , it’s flat I use it for both water and pressure canning, works great, never a problem. I also use my 3 burner Camp Chef propane one and can have three canners in the go at once. You can “Can” on glass top, I have for years .
Gail Sherron says
I use the oven. After reading the Blue Chair Jam cookbook, I gave it a shot and have never looked back. I use the oven to can applesauce, jams, jellies and tomato juice.
Cristie says
Despite following instructions, I firmly believe that I shortened the lifespan of my glass cook top by canning on it (4yrs). I got a coil type instead and it has been much better. It boils faster and keeps the canner and whatever I’m canning at a much more consistent temperature (vital for jams/jellies). I will never buy a glass cook top again. I’m glad others haven’t had a problem, but mine was a misery.
Carol says
I have used my flat bottomed, water bath canner successfuly for years on my glass top stove. I can tomatoes, pickles, fruit, jams, and jellies. I have never had a problem. I don’t like canned veggies, but if you want to can low acid food, they now have countertop appliances for both water and pressure canning. Look at the Ball website.
Heather says
I have friends that have cracked the top of there flat top stoves. We now have an Induction flat-top stove so it is not an option (it doesn’t work with aluminum pans). I will buy a camp stove like you pointed out when I am ready to water bath can again. (I gave away my pressure canner since I haven’t used it for years.)
Tracy says
Outdoor canning is the best for so many sticky reasons.
We converted our grill and our “turkey fryer” to natural gas on the patio.
Never fried a turkey it is just a great base and size for canning.
I;m sure propane works great but its so nice to never have to deal with fuel.
Joanna says
I have a Jenn Air glass top and the manual says that you can can on it, as long as the pots have flat bottoms (not like the ridged-bottom speckled enamel pots). I water bath using a 12qt stock pot, and pressure can using a 16 and 24 qt Presto. The Presto is best for glass tops because it had a disc on the bottom that fits the size of the burner. The danger in using large pots is having the pot over the non-burner part of the cooktop and having the heat transference crack the glass.
I also use the three piece weight regulator instead of the unreliable dial gauge; all I have to do is keep listening for the rocking/hissing of the weight. I’ve had no problems keeping it at the right pressure, in fact I have to turn the heat to about 6 (out of 10) to keep it from getting too hot.
Zaynab Brown says
My family has recently purchased a glass top stove and I also found myself in a similar pickle. I didn’t want to make canning stressful by risking damaging the stove or not thoroughly processing my jars, yet the idea of going through the hassle of dealing with a camping stove in my small kitchen/backyard seemed like too much. However, Ball has recently come out with a pretty nifty solution: Ball FreshTech Electric Water Bath Canner!
It is super easy to use, and while a little expensive, also frees up stove space and peace of mind. Highly recommended for those who don’t want to risk damage but also don’t want to give up a wonderful hobby.
Mavis says
This sounds great. I’ll have to look into it and start telling my glass top friends about it!
Karin C says
I have had my glass top stove for about five years and I have successfully canned processed well over 4000 jars with out any miss haps, it safe and easily done, just needs to have a flat bottom canner, I do both water and pressure canning
Karin C says
I too have a glass top and have been canning for years on it with no issues, I have non keeping pressure consistent when using my PC and use my water bath as well, the bottom of the pot needs to be flat , I have done thousands of jars 🙂 and still going strong .