Canning Racks

Pressure Canner Canning Racks

Pressure canner racks have no side handles — jars must be loaded and removed one at a time using a jar lifter. Side-handled baskets were discontinued by Wisconsin Aluminum Foundry in the mid-1970s (see note below). Choose a wire or flat rack that allows steam to circulate completely around every jar during the pressurization cycle.

***Do you need two racks?** If your canner will hold a double layer of jars, you need a rack between each layer — not just one on the bottom. Jars in the second layer must not rest directly on the lids of jars below them.

Select your canning rack based on your Pressure Canner model number or use a diameter measurement. When using a diameter measurement ensure the rack will sit flat on the bottom of the canner. Pressure canning racks should be 1/4 inch to 1 inch smaller than the interior diameter of the pressure canning pot.

Waterbath Canning Racks

Waterbath Canner Canning Rack: In water bath canning, a rack is used to hold jars upright and separated in boiling water. These racks usually have handles and fit standard canning jars. Since water bath canning requires jars to be fully submerged in boiling water, the rack's purpose is to keep the jars stable and allow water to move around them for consistent heating.

Our wire canning racks are crafted from durable galvanized steel. These wire canning racks provide a stable and secure platform for jars during the water bath canning process. Their design allows for optimal heat circulation, ensuring that jars are evenly heated, which is essential for proper preservation. Available in two sizes to accommodate different canner dimensions and jar quantities, wire canning racks offer versatility and convenience. These racks are compatible with most water bath canners but we recommend checking the measurements.

Why Jars Need a Rack — Not the Pot Bottom

Placing jars directly on the bottom of a pressure canner or water bath pot creates uneven heat distribution and risks thermal shock, which can crack or break jars mid-process. The USDA recommends using a rack in all canning applications. A rack that elevates jars even slightly allows water and steam to move freely underneath and around every jar, which is what produces the consistent internal temperature needed to safely prevent bacterial growth.

About Canning Baskets — Discontinued in the Mid-1970s

If you've been searching for a canning basket — the style with handles that allowed you to lower a full load of jars into the canner at once — those were discontinued by Wisconsin Aluminum Foundry (the manufacturer of All American canners) in the mid-1970s. Home economists now recommend loading jars into the pressure canner individually, one by one, and removing them the same way. This reduces the risk of jar contact, tipping, and uneven pressure during loading.

For water bath canning, racks with side handles are still available and widely used — those are different from the old-style canning baskets.

If you're using an older All American and looking for parts or compatible accessories for a vintage unit, see our Parts for Vintage All American Canners page.

Keep These on Hand — Accessories & Spare Parts

Placing jars directly on the bottom of a pressure canner or water bath pot creates uneven heat distribution and risks thermal shock, which can crack or break jars mid-process. The USDA recommends using a rack in all canning applications. A rack that elevates jars even slightly allows water and steam to move freely underneath and around every jar, which is what produces the consistent internal temperature needed to safely prevent bacterial growth.

A wire rack is one of the few canning supplies that rarely needs replacing. But other parts of your All American do benefit from routine attention.
These are the items worth keeping in the cabinet before you need them:
• Overpressure plug (No. 2040) — Should be replaced every 6 months. Your last line of safety protection. Available in value packs with free shipping.
• Regulator weight (No. 68) — The jiggling weight that tells you you're at pressure. 1–4 rocks per minute means you're there.
• Vent pipe (No. 69) — The pipe the regulator weight sits on. Needs periodic cleaning.
• Vent pipe cleaning rod — Small tool to clear mineral deposits from the vent pipe.
• Steam gauge (No. 72) — For reference and to confirm pressure has returned to zero before opening.

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