In the quest for healthier eating and more efficient kitchens, the pressure cooker has staged a remarkable comeback. Promising to slash cooking times by up to 70% while retaining nutrients and flavor, it’s a compelling solution for busy households and home preservers alike. Enter the T-fal 22-Quart Pressure Cooker & Canner – a substantial piece of cookware designed not just for whipping up stews in record time, but also for the serious business of USDA-recommended home canning. This polished aluminum behemoth aims to be a versatile cornerstone for large-batch cooking and long-term food storage. After delving into extensive user experiences and technical specifications, this review unpacks whether this T-fal model lives up to its promises as a durable, safe, and effective kitchen powerhouse for both pressure cooking novices and seasoned canners. It’s no surprise that models like this often earn a spot among Best Pressure Cookers of 2025, especially for home canners.
T-fal pressure cooker 22 quart Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Brand | Tefal (T-fal) |
| Model | Polished Aluminum 22 Qt. Canner & Pressure Cooker (ASIN: B01KWZEERC) |
| Capacity | 22 Quarts (Holds: 16 Pint Jars, 26 Half-Pint Jars (double-stacked), 7 Quart Jars) |
| Material | Aluminum |
| Color/Finish | Silver / Polished |
| Dimensions (LxWxH) | 19.33″ D x 15.39″ W x 16.26″ H |
| Weight | 14.77 Pounds |
| PSI Settings | 3 Settings: Low (Approx. 10 PSI), Medium (Approx. 13.5 PSI), High (15 PSI) |
| Compatibility | Gas & Electric Stovetops (Induction NOT compatible) |
| Special Features | Secure Locking Mechanism, Steam Release Valve & Gauge (display may vary), 2 Cooking Racks, Recipe Booklet, Cooling Racks |
| Safety Features | Pressure Indicator Pin (Red), Locking Lid, Steam Vent |
| Warranty | 1 Year |
| Included Accessories | 2 Cooking Racks, Recipe Booklet |
| Dishwasher Safe | No (Hand Wash Recommended) |
| Control Method | Manual (Stovetop) |
| Country of Origin | China |
| GTIN/UPC | 00032406059009 / 032406059009 |
| Gasket Replacement | T-fal X90101 Seal Secure 5 Gasket (Recommended to purchase spare) |
Key Points to Remember
Several critical aspects define the T-fal 22-Quart Pressure Cooker & Canner’s operation and suitability. Its aluminum construction ensures rapid and even heating, essential for efficient pressure cooking and canning, but demands careful handling to prevent dents or warping.
Crucially, it achieves approximately 10 PSI (Low), 13.5 PSI (Medium), and 15 PSI (High) settings, a significant upgrade from older models and vital for USDA-approved canning of low-acid foods like meats and vegetables. These features align it with models frequently seen in lists like Presto Pressure Cookers, where reliable PSI control is a must.
This is a manual stovetop appliance, requiring active heat management on compatible gas or electric coil ranges, distinct from automated electric multi-cookers. Multiple safety features, including a secure locking lid, a prominent red pressure indicator pin, a steam release valve, and an overpressure plug, are fundamental to its design.
An initial “seasoning” process with water is strongly recommended to condition the valve and gasket before first use. Understanding that the “Low” setting (10 PSI) is higher than some recipes expect necessitates adjusting cooking times downward, especially for delicate vegetables.
Finally, the silicone gasket is a critical wear item; purchasing a spare upfront is highly advisable due to its essential role in maintaining pressure and potential future availability concerns.
First Impressions and Design
The T-fal 22-Quart immediately presents itself as a substantial and purposeful piece of kitchen equipment. Its polished silver aluminum finish gives it a classic, functional industrial appearance. The sheer scale is striking – measuring over 19 inches in diameter and 16 inches tall and weighing nearly 15 pounds empty – clearly signaling its capacity for large batches.
The robust locking lid mechanism feels solid and well-constructed, designed for secure closure during operation. Large, sturdy side handles provide the necessary leverage for maneuvering this heavy pot, though their design prioritizes strength over advanced heat insulation.
Key components like the pressure regulator weight (with markings for the three settings) and the bright red pressure indicator pin embedded in the handle are clearly visible. The overall design is traditional and focused on utility, projecting durability and a focus on its core functions of high-pressure cooking and canning. It offers the kind of dependable design that might appeal to consumers comparing Best Rice Cookers, where performance and reliability are just as critical.
Performance and Functionality
In operation, the T-fal 22-Quart excels at its primary tasks, delivering significant performance benefits. Its aluminum body heats rapidly, efficiently bringing large volumes of liquid and food up to pressure.
Once the initial seasoning is complete and the lid is correctly seated, it reliably achieves and maintains its pressure settings (10, 13.5, and 15 PSI). The core advantage is dramatically reduced cooking times, consistently reported by users as cutting durations by 70% or more compared to conventional methods.
Tough cuts of meat become fork-tender, dried beans cook thoroughly in minutes, and rich stocks develop deep flavor rapidly. As a dedicated pressure canner, its ability to reach and hold 15 PSI is essential for safely preserving low-acid foods according to USDA guidelines; its large capacity accommodates up to 7 quart jars at once.
The included cooking racks maximize jar stability during canning and can also be used for steaming vegetables, seafood, or even achieving perfectly peelable hard-boiled eggs using the low-pressure setting.
Performance hinges on understanding pressure levels – notably, the 10 PSI “Low” setting requires shorter cook times for vegetables than recipes calibrated for lower PSI might suggest.
Some users even compare it with their experiences using Best Slow Cookers, noting that while pressure cookers save more time, both appliances excel in flavor development.
Cleaning and Maintenance
Maintaining the T-fal 22-Quart requires adherence to specific care routines dictated by its materials and function. Hand washing with warm, soapy water is mandatory, as the aluminum pot and components are not dishwasher safe; harsh abrasives should be avoided to protect the finish.
The silicone sealing gasket demands particular attention: it must be removed after each use, washed separately, thoroughly dried, and carefully reseated before the next operation.
Regular inspection for nicks, cracks, or signs of wear is crucial, as a compromised gasket will prevent pressurization. The vent pipe and pressure regulator weight must also be kept clean and clear of food debris to ensure proper steam release and pressure regulation.
Crucially, the aluminum pot is susceptible to warping if subjected to rapid temperature changes; allowing the pot to cool naturally before cleaning is essential to prevent damage to the base that would ruin its sealing ability. Planning for gasket replacement by purchasing a spare (T-fal X90101) is considered a key part of long-term maintenance.
Portability and Convenience
Portability is the most significant trade-off for the T-fal 22-Quart’s substantial capacity and functionality. Its inherent bulk, considerable weight (14.77 lbs empty), and large dimensions make it cumbersome to move, especially when filled with food, liquid, or heavy canning jars. Maneuvering the full pot safely requires significant strength and caution, always using sturdy oven mitts.
Finding adequate storage space can also be challenging, often necessitating dedicated cabinet real estate or storing the lid separately. While the appliance delivers immense convenience in terms of time savings and large-batch results (cooking or canning), the process itself demands active involvement.
Unlike electric models, achieving and maintaining the correct pressure requires constant monitoring and adjustment of the stovetop heat source, and managing pressure release (quick or natural) is a manual step. Its convenience shines in output efficiency rather than hands-off operation or easy transport.
Value and Comparison
Positioned within the market for large stovetop pressure canners and cookers, the T-fal 22-Quart represents a strong value proposition. It sits at a mid-range price point, offering robust features and performance typically more affordable than premium stainless steel competitors like All-American, while often being perceived as sturdier in handle and lid construction than other aluminum options like the Presto 23-Quart. Its core value lies in effectively combining true pressure canning capability (reaching the essential 15 PSI) with versatile, large-capacity pressure cooking in a single vessel.
The inclusion of two cooking racks adds to its value for canners. While aluminum is less dent-resistant than stainless steel, it provides superior heat conductivity at a lower cost, heating faster and more evenly. The one-year warranty offers basic coverage.
Compared to popular electric multi-cookers, it lacks automation but offers vastly larger capacity and the higher, sustained pressure critical for safe large-batch canning, making it the clear choice for serious preservers despite requiring more active management.
This makes it stand apart in a year full of choices like The 5 Best Pressure Cookers of 2025, where balancing price, capacity, and performance is key.
Personal Experience and Recommendations
Synthesizing extensive user experiences, the T-fal 22-Quart emerges as a reliable and highly effective workhorse for its intended purposes. New users appreciate its relative ease of use once past the initial learning curve and the initial seasoning step, often overcoming the confusing manual by turning to detailed YouTube tutorials created by fellow owners.
The dramatic time savings achieved when cooking beans, tough meats, stocks, and stews is a near-universal highlight, fundamentally changing meal preparation for large families.
Its ability to safely can substantial harvests is its defining strength for home preservers. Long-term users (2+ years with regular use) report dependable performance, though gasket care and eventual replacement are acknowledged necessities.
The appliance is highly recommended for individuals focused on serious home canning requiring USDA-compliant 15 PSI, large families or those dedicated to batch cooking significant quantities, and anyone prioritizing the substantial time savings pressure cooking offers.
It is less ideal for those needing an appliance for small, everyday meals, seeking completely automated “set-and-forget” cooking, lacking the physical strength to handle its weight, or unwilling to supplement the poor manual with external resources.
Pros
- Large capacity
- True 15 PSI
- Fast cooking
- Durable aluminum
- Secure locking
- Safety features
- Includes racks
- Good value
- Stovetop compatible
Cons
- Poor manual
- Very heavy
Potential Improvements
Significant enhancements would include a completely revised, user-friendly manual with clear instructions and large diagrams. Adding a precise, easy-to-read pressure gauge and reinforcing the aluminum base against denting are crucial.
Including a spare sealing gasket in the box addresses a key wear item, while ergonomic handle refinements would improve comfort when moving the heavy pot.
FAQs
What is the pressure setting on a T FAL pressure cooker?
The T-fal pressure cooker features a selective pressure control system with three adjustable cooking pressure levels. It offers 5 PSI for cooking vegetables and other delicate foods, 10 PSI for preparing meats, and 15 PSI, which is suitable for canning.
How much water do I put in my 22 quart pressure canner?
For a 22-quart Presto pressure canner with a dial gauge, use 3 quarts (or 3 inches) of water. Mark the water level with a permanent marker for convenience. Always ensure there’s water before canning, never let it run dry, and stay nearby during processing to prevent accidents or water loss.
What is the common problem for a pressure cooker?
One frequent issue with pressure cookers is overheating. This can happen for several reasons, but a common cause is not having enough liquid inside the cooker. Pressure cookers rely on steam to build up pressure, and without adequate liquid, the appliance may get too hot and fail to function properly. To avoid this, always check that you’ve added the right amount of liquid before turning it on.
Final Thought
The T-fal 22-Quart excels as a dedicated canner and large-batch cooker, offering USDA-compliant 15 PSI pressure, significant time savings, and robust construction. Its capacity is ideal for preserving harvests or feeding crowds.
However, its weight demands strength, the manual is inadequate, and aluminum requires careful handling. Perfect for serious canners and bulk cooks who value function over convenience, but less suited for small kitchens or hands-off users.
Despite flaws, it delivers core performance reliably. Pair it with online tutorials and a spare gasket (X90101), and it becomes a powerhouse for preservation and efficient cooking — a standout even among The 5 Best Pressure Cookers of 2025 or the more specialized The 5 Best Presto Pressure Cookers of 2025.
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