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Presto 01781 Canner & Stovetop Pressure Cooker, 23-Quart

Last updated: February 9, 2021

Presto 01781 Canner & Stovetop Pressure Cooker, 23-Quart
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We looked at the top Pressure Cookers and dug through the reviews from some of the most popular review sites. Through this analysis, we've determined the best Pressure Cooker you should buy.

Overall Take

In our analysis of 65 expert reviews, the Presto Stovetop Pressure Canner & Cooker, 23-Quart placed 12th when we looked at the top 21 products in the category. For the full ranking, see below.

From The Manufacturer

Pressure canning is the only method recommended safe by the U.S. Department of Agriculture for low-acid foods. Doubles as a boiling water canner for preserving fruits, jams, jellies, pickles and salsa in pint and half pint jars. Also handy as a large capacity pressure cooker. Constructed of warp-resistant, heavy-gauge aluminum for fast, even heating. Works on regular and smooth-top ranges. Deluxe pressure dial gauge registers the complete range of processing pressures. This precise measurement is especially important at higher altitudes. Air vent/cover lock allows pressure to build up only when the cover is closed properly and prevents the cover from opening until pressure is safely reduced. Liquid capacity: 23 quarts (21.8 liters).

Expert Reviews


What experts liked

Faster heating. The aluminium is high-gauge, but it conducts heat faster, and it basically heats quickly
This pressure cooker offers one of the highest capacities in the market, holding a whopping 23-quarts. This is enough to prepare meals for huge groups of people or to prepare enough canned goods for an entire year in one single cook.
Has a fool-proof safety mechanisms. Hot steam. High pressure. Extreme temperatures. All these are hazard points manufacturers of the Presto 01781 23-quart pressure canner and cooker took into consideration. They put in place fail-safe safety mechanisms to ensure that you and your family are safe.
In about 20 minutes, I had a full dinner with tender pork chops that were cooked just right and weren’t overcooked. And when it was done, I noticed that the handles on this cooker stayed nice and cool. Which is always a plus.
The air vent and cover lock is a feature that allows for the built up steam pressure to escape so the sturdy lid does not explode off. It only allows pressure to build when the cover is properly closed which is a huge safety feature.
Safer in terms of reducing the risk of accidentally dropping a hot loaded pressure cooker because of its weight and end up not only messing up the kitchen floor but hurting yourself in the process.
It comes in two different sizes which make for faster canning. Comes with a 12-year limited warranty in case anything needs replacing or repaired in the future. Made of heavy gauge aluminum so the heating will be equal throughout the canner and build pressure easier and faster.

What experts didn't like

Some users found it annoying to have to purchase a pressure relief regulator separately, adding to the total cost of the cooker.
Takes up much space on the self.
However, I do see some potential problem areas. For example, you have to really take care of the dial gauge. It’s rather delicate and it can probably be easily broken.
It was mentioned, on the downside), that the instructions recommend that the pressure gauge should be double-checked through the local state’s extension office. The reviewer had attempted, but the office did not know how to check it which may have been the fault of the office.
The common complaint though is its handles. It is a little more fragile.
Doesn’t come with a jiggler. I personally prefer that because then I can listen to see how the pressure is building in the canner without having to hover over the canner.

Our Expert Consultant

Julie Chernoff
Culinary Expert

Julie Chernoff is a long-time member of Les Dames d’Escoffier (past president of the Chicago Chapter, and current co-chair of the LDEI Legacy Awards Committee), the Association of Food Journalists (AFJ) and the International Association of Culinary Professionals.

Chernoff is the dining editor of Better, a lifestyle website and print magazine. Her journalism started in the test kitchens of Weight Watchers Magazine. She holds a BA in English from Yale University and is a graduate of the California Culinary Academy. She has spent the last few decades styling, photographing, teaching, developing recipes, editing, thinking and writing about food.

View our Pressure Cooker buying guide for in-depth advice and recommendations.

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