Presto 01781 23-Quart Pressure Canner and Cooker
by Presto
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Our Price: $77.59
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Category: Kitchen
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Product Summary
Manufacturer: PrestoBrand: Presto
Model: 01781
Product features:
- The only method recommended safe by the US Department of Agriculture for canning vegetables, meats, poultry, and seafood
- Doubles as a boiling-water canner for preserving fruits, jams, jellies, pickles, and salsa; 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; Extended 12-year limited warranty
- Deluxe pressure dial gauge registers the complete range of processing pressures; This precise measurement is especially important at higher altitudes
- Extra-large size is great for big canning jobs; Includes canning/cooking rack and complete 76-page instruction and recipe book
Kitchen and Housewares Reviews of Presto 01781 23-Quart Pressure Canner and Cooker
Customer Review: Excellent value for the price
Summary: 5 Stars
I love canning, but in the past have used Maid of Honor and National-brand canners - sturdy ware produced in the USA. I'm having trouble finding the right seals for these (the Prestos that are supposed to work are an inch too long) and decided to buy a newbie. Even though I can regularly, I was still a little reluctant, because of reviews where the gauge flew off. What I really wanted was an All American, but it just wasn't financially feasible, so this was the happy compromise.
Before use, I read through the instruction booklet twice before I used it, because this canner is a little different than the ones I'm used to. If you haven't used this type or brand, definitely read through it carefully and follow the prep instructions before you begin.
Quality
Obviously, this is a newer item and not nearly as heavy as the older canners, or as extra sturdy as the All American. However, it is heavy-duty enough to do its job for more than just a few pressure canning sessions. The lighter version is MUCH easier to carry around than the older versions. This model has plastic handles. My older canners have wood handles - which I LOVE. They are much sturdier than plastic; however, I'm a realist. This is 2010 and you won't be able to find a new model with wood handles. If you want something super heavy duty, then bypass the cheaper models and get an All American, because you won't be happy otherwise. If you are on a budget, this is definitely worth a look.
Seal
I LOVE the seal with this canner! It is super heavy duty - much thicker than other seals I've used. It is about half an inch wide and fits snugly in the cap. I'm assuming it's thicker because this canner is tall - holds up to 20 pints - and it needs a heavier seal. Whatever the reason, it is terrific. The thicker size makes it easier to fit into the lid. It is a nightmare to try to fit the thin seals in the thin areas on other canners. I hope this seal is heavy duty enough not to wear out quickly. I will keep you posted on that as I finish up my canning season.
Regulator
I didn't really care for how the pressure regulator just sat on top of the vent pipe. To me, that is just a little dangerous. However, after using, I can see that it works. It sits loosely on top - easy to pull off and on. However, if you turn it slightly, it somehow catches on the vent pipe. It's still loose, but slightly more secure. If you watch your pressure, you would have no problems with it coming off. What confused me is that the black knob turns - which is typical for canners that allow you to regulate pressure by releasing steam AND changing the amount of heat used. However, the book says nothing about being able to turn this knob to release steam - and the regulator sits too loosely on the top to be able to turn the knob. It would definitely help regulate the pressure to release steam slowly. I plan to contact Presto to ask them about this - and look through the book one more time to be sure I didn't miss something.
Ease of Use
Again, I read through the booklet carefully a few times before I used this canner. I use a gas range and found it tough to keep the pressure regulated, even when I turned the heat all the way down. I had to sit with it the whole time - but was prepared for that. When canning, you cannot do much else but watch the pressure gauge. It sealed up quickly and pressurized fast. I love the lines on the inside that show how much water you need. Makes it a no-brainer for those intense canning days. The lid is also easy to put on. I only use these for canning foods in jars. I never use them for pressure cooking food. However, there are instructions for that as well in the book. Please note: It says not to use on gas stoves above 12,000 BTUs. Also, do not use on glass top ranges
Overall Thoughts
For the price, the Presto canner is worth a look. So far, I'm pleased with the purchase and plan to keep you posted on how it works out. You just never know until you get a few years into it.
Description of Presto 01781 23-Quart Pressure Canner and Cooker
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).The USDA recommends pressure canning as the only safe method for low-acid foods such as vegetables, meats, and poultry. The Presto 23-quart pressure canner is more than adequate for any home canning needs. It's a professional-quality tool, made of heavy-duty aluminum, with stay-cool handles and a strong-lock steel lid. An accompanying rack fits down into the pot to keep jars up off the bottom, so that liquid can circulate underneath. And it can do double duty as a large pressure cooker. It's easy to cook healthfully with pressure cookers, since the food retains so much more of its nutrients and flavor.
The sturdy lid locks down during canning or cooking; an inner sealing ring keeps the steam in. In addition to a pop-up pressure indicator and a simple steam release mechanism, there is an overpressure plug that will let off steam if it builds up excessively. The pressure dial gauge gives an accurate reading so that pressure can be kept constant during canning. This pressure canner is also a cooker that's useful for weeknight dinners or for any meal that needs to come together quickly. An accompanying booklet contains more than 50 recipes, ranging from basic soup stocks to stews and pot roasts--even sweets like English Plum Pudding or Brown Bread! Tenderize lean cuts of beef or pork, or cook chicken, fish, or vegetables faster than you can in a microwave, and without losing moisture.
Nonabrasive cleansers are best for cleaning this aluminum pressure cooker, though occasional use of a fine metal polish will help the exterior keep its shine. The lid of the Presto 23-quart pressure canner is not immersible. In addition, the sealing ring should be removed after each use to allow cleaning of the inside rim of the lid. The dial gauge is delicate; detailed care instructions are found in the accompanying booklet. The vent pipe is simple to keep clean with a small brush or pipe cleaner, and both the air vent/cover lock and the overpressure plug are removable. The pressure cooker measures 14 inches in diameter (17 inches including handles) and 15-1/2 inches tall (including lid). Presto guarantees this pressure cooker with an extended 12-year warranty. A detailed instruction and recipe booklet is included; special safety issues that pertain to pressure cookers are clearly explained. --Garland Withers
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