Presto 01781 23-Quart Pressure Canner and Cooker Review: Would Owners Buy It Again?
Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. If you buy through links on this page we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. How this review was made: We did not test this canner in person. Independent test coverage is limited: we found one affiliate-style roundup, a small owner-review page with only two reviews, and gauge-testing guidance. We say where evidence is thin. Our method.
A capable, widely used home canner, with size and safety upkeep to respect
The sources we found describe the 23-quart Presto as a large, functional aluminum canner that holds 7 quart jars in one load and is described as a bestseller. Owners we could read found it easy to learn after a nervous first run. The trade-offs are size and weight, the need to check that your cooktop can carry the filled pot, and annual dial-gauge testing. Review evidence is thin, so this is a cautious repeat rating for home canners who follow tested recipes.
Check current price on Amazon → Prices and availability change often, so we don't list them here.Buy it again if you…
- want to can meat, vegetables or other low-acid foods at home
- need to process 7 quart jars in one batch
- are comfortable following tested canning procedures
Skip it if you…
- have a glass cooktop or limited storage and sink space
- only want an everyday pressure cooker for meals
- do not want to test a dial gauge each year
The Presto 01781 is a 23-quart aluminum pressure canner that also works as a large pressure cooker. Pressure canning is a food-safety process, so always follow current tested instructions from Presto and extension services.
Independent reviews of this model are limited, so we flag thin evidence throughout.
What owners say, at a glance
Bars show our editorial summary of how consistently owners praise or complain about each area across all sources — not a lab measurement.
The key specs
| Capacity | 7 quart jars per load; also listed for pint and half-pint jars |
|---|---|
| Material | Aluminum |
| Use | Pressure canning and large-batch pressure cooking |
| Gauge | Dial gauge; testing yearly is recommended by canning experts |
What owners like
What to watch for
How it holds up over time
We found no long-term durability data. The rubber sealing ring and gauge are the parts that need attention. Cleaning is not hard, but parts must be clean and dry before reassembly, according to an owner.
Tips
- Test the dial gauge each year before canning season.
- Use tested recipes only and follow the manual.
- Check your cooktop can support the loaded canner.
Pros and cons
What owners love
- Large capacity, 7 quart jars per load
- Easy to learn according to owners
- Can also be used as a large pressure cooker
- Presto offers gauge testing
What owners complain about
- Heavy and bulky
- Dial gauge needs yearly testing
- May not suit glass cooktops
- Little independent review evidence
Other options owners compare
Canning needs a true pressure canner, so a standard electric pressure cooker is not a direct substitute.
| Model | Style | Consider it if… | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Presto 01781 23-Quart (this review) | Stovetop pressure canner | You want a large, basic home canner | See on Amazon |
| Weighted-gauge or dual-gauge canner | Stovetop canner | You want to skip yearly dial-gauge testing | — |
| Instant Pot Pro 6 Qt Read our review | Electric pressure cooker | You only want everyday pressure cooking, not canning | See on Amazon |
Ready to start canning your own food at home?
Check the current price, availability and accessories on Amazon.
Frequently asked questions
How many jars does it hold?
Roundups and owners say 7 quart jars per load, or more pints with a second rack.
Does the gauge need testing?
Dial gauges should be tested yearly before canning season, according to Healthy Canning. Presto will test its gauge for free if you pay shipping.
Can I use it on a glass cooktop?
An owner cautions to check your cooktop can bear the filled canner's weight, as glass cooktops could crack. Check Presto's manual.
Is it hard to use?
One owner found the first run intimidating but easy after practice.
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Sources we analyzed
- Corrie Cooks: Presto pressure canner review — capacity, material, bestseller claim (promotional)
- ProductReview.com.au: Presto 23 Quart listing — two owner reviews: capacity, learning curve, cooktop caution
- Healthy Canning: Pressure gauge testing — yearly dial gauge testing, Presto gauge testing
Figures reflect each source as of October 21, 2026 and may change. We summarize owner feedback in our own words and do not reproduce retailer reviews.