Presto 01781 Pressure Canner and Cooker, 23 qt - Heavy-Duty Canning

Our review of the Presto 01781 Pressure Canner and Cooker finds it best suited to serious home canners who need large capacity and reliable, USDA-recommended pressure canning performance. The single biggest reason to consider this unit is its combination of a true pressure canner function with a boiling-water canner option and a large 23 qt capacity, which makes batch canning of vegetables, meats, poultry and seafood efficient and repeatable. For anyone who preserves frequently or prepares large quantities for long-term storage, the canner's heavy-gauge aluminum construction and deluxe pressure dial gauge provide consistent results.

Key Features

• Pressure canning safety: Provides the USDA-recommended method for processing low-acid foods so users can preserve vegetables, meats and poultry safely.
• Dual canning modes: Doubles as a boiling-water canner for fruits, jams, jellies, pickles and salsa, giving flexibility for both high- and low-acid recipes.
• Large capacity: The 23 qt size holds up to 26 half-pints, 20 pints or 7 quarts, which saves time on big canning days and reduces repeated stove cycles.
• Durable construction: Warp-resistant heavy-gauge aluminum provides fast, even heating across the base for consistent processing and cooking.
• Precise pressure monitoring: The deluxe pressure dial gauge registers the full range of processing pressures, which is important for adjusting at higher altitudes.
• Complete kit: Includes a canning/cooking rack and a 76-page instruction and recipe book to help users get started and follow tested processes.

Who It's For

This canner is ideal for home cooks who preserve large quantities seasonally or year-round and who want a tool built to the specific safety requirements for low-acid foods. Small-scale farmers, gardeners with abundant harvests, and households that batch-cook meals will appreciate the 23 qt capacity and the included instruction book for reliable processing.

It is less suitable for someone who rarely cans small amounts or needs a multi-function electric pressure cooker for everyday stovetop cooking; those users should consider smaller or electric models that take up less storage space and heat less volume of water and food.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Reliable USDA-recommended pressure canning capability that handles low-acid foods safely.
• Large, extra capacity that reduces the number of batches when preserving many jars at once.
• Heavy-gauge aluminum construction and compatibility with smooth-top ranges for even heating.
• Deluxe dial gauge and air vent/cover lock add precise control and a safety interlock during processing.

Cons

• Large size means it is heavy to lift when full and requires ample storage and stovetop space.
• Aluminum construction may not suit users preferring stainless steel cookware for appearance or certain maintenance preferences.

Specifications

Product type	Pressure canner and boiling-water canner
Capacity	23 qt (21.8 liters)
Mason jar capacity	26 half-pints, 20 pints, 7 quarts
Construction	Warp-resistant heavy-gauge aluminum
Pressure gauge	Deluxe pressure dial gauge (full processing range)
Included accessories	Canning/cooking rack and 76-page instruction and recipe book
Warranty	12-year limited warranty

Our Verdict

The Presto 01781 is a practical, value-oriented pressure canner for anyone who needs the USDA-recommended method for low-acid preservation and appreciates a large working capacity. Its durable aluminum build, clear pressure gauge and included recipe book make it a dependable choice for frequent canners, while the size and weight are acceptable trade-offs for the efficiency it delivers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can this unit be used as a boiling-water canner?
Yes, it doubles as a boiling-water canner for fruits, jams, jellies, pickles and salsa when processing in pints and half-pints.

How many jars will fit in the canner?
The 23 qt capacity holds approximately 26 half-pints, 20 pints or 7 quarts.

Is the pressure gauge accurate for high-altitude canning?
The deluxe pressure dial gauge registers the complete processing range, which helps users make the altitude adjustments recommended for safe canning.