The first step in canning is deciding which canner is right for your needs. Preserving your own fruits and vegetables when they are cost-friendly and at the peak of freshness is a wise and sustainable choice. Pressure canning provides a convenient preservation alternative, especially if you live in an area where fish and meat are abundant. Whether your goal is a few jars or a filled pantry, grabbing a jar of canned food is much easier than always having to thaw and prep food for meals.
Presto® Pressure Canners are available in three categories: Dial Gauge, Weighted Gauge, and Digital Electric. This comparison guide breaks down the attributes and differences of each canner in simple terms. Find the type, style, and capacity that will fit your needs.
DIAL GAUGE PRESSURE CANNER
The cover-mounted dial gauge with pointer registers the amount of pressure inside the canner throughout the canning process. These canners also have a simple one-piece pressure regulator that serves as a safety device to prevent the development of pressure in excess of 15 pounds. Desired pressure is obtained when the dial gauge registers the processing pressure specified in the recipe. Uses standard, research-based recipes from USDA.
User must adjust heat source to maintain the desired pressure as shown on dial gauge.
Doubles as a boiling water canner. 23-quart canner holds quart and smaller jars; 16-quart canner only holds pint and smaller jars. The 16-quart canner is not tall enough to accommodate quart jars covered with the recommended 1-inch layer of water for boiling water canning.
Works on electric (coil and smooth-top) and gas ranges.
Quiet during pressure canning processing.
Advantageous at elevations above 2,000 feet where incremental pressure adjustment is necessary.
Heavy-gauge aluminum body and cover are durable yet lightweight.
Dial gauge requires annual testing for accuracy.
PRESTO® INDUCTION COMPATIBLE PRESSURE CANNER with Dial Gauge and Stainless Steel-clad Base
User must adjust heat source to maintain the desired pressure as shown on dial gauge.
Doubles as a boiling water canner.
Works on induction, electric (coil and smooth-top), and gas ranges.
Quiet during pressure canning processing.
Advantageous at elevations above 2,000 feet where incremental pressure adjustment is necessary.
Heavy-gauge aluminum body and cover are durable yet lightweight.
Dial gauge requires annual testing for accuracy.
WEIGHTED GAUGE PRESSURE CANNER
The weighted gauge pressure canner utilizes a 3-piece adjustable pressure regulator to control and maintain the correct pressure. The regulator has removable weights that allow the user to adjust for 5, 10, and 15 pounds pressure. When the pressure regulator begins a gentle rocking motion, the proper pressure has been reached and processing time begins. Uses standard, research-based recipes from USDA.
PRESTO® PRESSURE CANNER with 3-piece Adjustable Regulator
User must adjust heat source to maintain a gentle rocking motion.
Doubles as a boiling water canner for pints and half-pints. This canner is not tall enough to accommodate quart jars covered with the recommended 1-inch layer of water for boiling water canning.
Works on electric (coil and smooth-top) and gas ranges.
Beneficial if an audible pressure indicator is desired.
Best suited for use at elevations of 1,000 feet or less. Limited pressure adjustment options at higher elevations.
Heavy-gauge aluminum body and cover are durable yet lightweight.
Available only at Walmart.
DIGITAL PRESSURE CANNERS
Presto Precise® Digital Pressure Canners are programmed for safe, automatic canning. The digital canners sense temperature rather than pressure and are equipped with a sensor that detects and holds the exact processing temperature automatically. There's no need to watch or adjust a heat source. The digital interface with LED display icons guides the user through the canning process step by step. No elevation adjustment is needed when pressure canning. Uses standard, research-based recipes from USDA.
PRESTO PRECISE® DIGITAL PRESSURE CANNERS (original style)
Digital display with built-in timer guides user through canning process.
Automatically detects and maintains 240°F, the temperature needed for safe home pressure canning.
Automatically adjusts for altitude when pressure canning.
Doubles as a boiling water canner. 17-quart canner holds quart and smaller jars; 12-quart canner only holds pint and smaller jars. The 12-quart canner is not tall enough to accommodate quart jars covered with the recommended 1-inch layer of water for boiling water canning.
Automatically senses and maintains the boiling temperature for boiling water canning.
Works on countertop, island, or table near an electrical outlet.
Automatic jar warming phase and venting phase.
Stainless steel shroud reduces noise and holds heat inside to help keep your kitchen cooler.
Removable pot.
PRESTO PRECISE® DIGITAL PRESSURE CANNERS (hybrid style)
Features the classic design of the Presto® stovetop canner with the convenience of the digital canner.
Integrated digital display with built-in timer guides user through canning process.
Automatically detects and maintains 240°F, the temperature needed for safe home pressure
canning.
Automatically adjusts for altitude when pressure canning.
Doubles as a boiling water canner. 23-quart canner holds quart and smaller jars; 16-quart canner only holds pint and smaller jars. The 16-quart canner is not tall enough to accommodate quart jars covered with the recommended 1-inch layer of water for boiling water canning.
Automatically senses and maintains the boiling temperature for boiling water canning.
Works on countertop, island, or table near an electrical outlet.
Automatic jar warming phase and venting phase.
Increased jar capacity. Lighter weight than original digital canner style; comparable footprint.
Heavy-gauge aluminum body and cover are durable yet lightweight.
.jpg)
.jpg)
