The Ultimate Presto Pressure Cooker Review (2025): Canning Champion or Kitchen Dud?
Affiliate Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you buy something through these links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. We only recommend products we’ve personally tested and believe in. Thanks for your support!
Remember the hiss of grandma’s pressure cooker on the stove? For many of us, it’s a sound of nostalgia, a promise of a tender pot roast or perfectly preserved summer peaches. In the world of stovetop pressure cookers, one name has echoed through American kitchens for generations: Presto. But do these classic, no-frills workhorses still hold up in an era of smart ovens and multi-cookers?
We’re diving deep to answer that question. I’ve spent weeks testing, canning, and cooking up a storm to see if Presto’s reputation for durability, safety, and performance is still deserved. This isn’t just a spec sheet comparison; this is a hands-on, real-world review to help you decide if a Presto pressure cooker is the right tool for your modern kitchen.
Our Top Presto Picks at a Glance
| Model | Best For | Capacity | Material | Check Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Presto 01781 23-Quart | Canning & Large Batches | 23 Quarts | Heavy-Gauge Aluminum | View on Amazon |
| Presto 01362 6-Quart | Everyday Cooking | 6 Quarts | Stainless Steel | View on Amazon |
| Presto 01264 6-Quart | Budget-Friendly Start | 6 Quarts | Aluminum | View on Amazon |
A Word From Our Expert: Why Trust This Review?
Hi, I’m Jane. For over 15 years, my kitchen has been my laboratory. I’ve been canning produce from my garden, perfecting weeknight meals for my family of four, and teaching community classes on food preservation. My process involves more than just reading the manual. I use these products exactly as you would: making bone broth that gels perfectly, canning green beans according to strict USDA guidelines, and even seeing how they handle a simple batch of chili. This review is built on that firsthand experience, focusing on what truly matters: safety, reliability, and value for your hard-earned money.
Deep Dive: Presto 01781 23-Quart Pressure Canner and Cooker
Best for Canning & Bulk Cooking
If you’re serious about canning or regularly cook for a crowd, stop reading and just get this one. The Presto 23-Quart isn’t just a pressure cooker; it’s an institution. It’s the only pressure canner recommended by the USDA for home canning, a testament to its reliability and safety. Made from warp-resistant, heavy-gauge aluminum, it feels incredibly sturdy without being impossibly heavy.
Our Testing Experience
The first thing I did was run a water bath canning test with seven quart jars of tomatoes from my garden. The capacity is fantastic—it holds 7 quart jars or 20 pint jars, which is a huge time-saver. The deluxe pressure dial gauge gave a precise reading, which is absolutely critical for canning safety, especially at different altitudes. I live at about 800 feet, so I adjusted my processing time accordingly, something a simple “jiggler” only model wouldn’t allow with such precision.
Next, I cooked a 10-pound pork shoulder for pulled pork. In just under 75 minutes, the meat was fall-apart tender, shredding with just a fork. The aluminum construction, while not as pretty as stainless steel, heats up remarkably fast and evenly, which is a significant advantage.
Key Specifications
| Capacity | 23 Quarts (21.8 Liters) |
| Material | Heavy-Gauge Aluminum |
| Key Safety Features | Overpressure plug, cover lock indicator, dial pressure gauge |
| Stovetop Compatibility | Gas, Electric Coil. Check manual for Glass/Flat-top. |
| Dimensions | 15.4″D x 15.1″W x 14.8″H |
What We Love
- Massive Capacity: A dream for canning season and batch cooking.
- USDA Recommended: The gold standard for safe home pressure canning.
- Precise Dial Gauge: Essential for accurate pressure adjustments based on altitude.
- Built Like a Tank: The heavy-gauge aluminum is incredibly durable.
- Heats Quickly: Gets up to pressure faster than many stainless steel models.
What Could Be Improved
- Bulky Storage: This is a large piece of equipment that needs dedicated space.
- Aluminum Material: Can stain and isn’t dishwasher safe (hand-wash only).
- Not Induction Compatible: A dealbreaker for those with induction cooktops.
The Verdict: For anyone serious about food preservation or cooking large quantities, the Presto 23-Quart is an indispensable tool. Its safety features, robust build, and sheer capacity make it the undisputed champion in its class. It’s an investment that will pay for itself over decades of use.
Deep Dive: Presto 01362 6-Quart Stainless Steel Pressure Cooker
Best for Everyday Meals & Small Kitchens
Maybe you aren’t planning to preserve the entire farmer’s market. Maybe you just want to make delicious, tender meals in a fraction of the time. Enter the Presto 6-Quart Stainless Steel Pressure Cooker. This is the perfect size for a family of 2-4 and shines for weeknight dinners, soups, and stocks.
Our Testing Experience
I was immediately impressed by its appearance. The polished stainless steel is beautiful and feels premium. It features a special “tri-clad” base—a layer of aluminum sandwiched between two layers of stainless steel—which provides the fast, even heating of aluminum with the durability and non-reactivity of steel. This is a huge plus, as it means you can sear meat directly in the pot without worrying about discoloration or off-flavors.
I made a batch of risotto, a dish notorious for its constant stirring. In the Presto, it was hands-off and ready in 7 minutes flat, perfectly creamy and al dente. Cleanup was also a breeze; the main pot is fully immersible and dishwasher safe, a major convenience over its aluminum cousins.
It uses a simple pressure regulator weight that maintains the standard 15 PSI (pounds per square inch). While not suitable for high-altitude canning adjustments, it’s perfect and foolproof for everyday pressure cooking.
What We Love
- Elegant & Durable: Stainless steel looks great and is built to last.
- Tri-Clad Base: Excellent heat distribution for even cooking.
- Dishwasher Safe: The pot (not the lid) is easy to clean.
- Induction Compatible: Works on all stovetops, including induction.
- Perfect Size: Ideal for daily meals without taking over your kitchen.
What Could Be Improved
- Single Pressure Setting: Only cooks at 15 PSI, no lower option.
- Not a Canner: This model is too small for pressure canning jars safely.
The Verdict: If you’re looking for a fast, efficient, and beautiful tool to revolutionize your weeknight cooking, this is it. It’s the perfect introduction to pressure cooking, offering simplicity and performance in a package that’s easy to use and clean.
Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose the Right Presto For You
Navigating the options can be tricky. Here’s a breakdown of the key factors to consider to ensure you get the perfect Presto pressure cooker for your needs.
1. Capacity: How Much Do You Cook?
- 4-6 Quart: This is the sweet spot for individuals, couples, and small families. It’s ideal for nightly dinners, side dishes, and soups. It’s also easier to store and handle.
- 8-Quart: A great all-around size for families of four or more, or if you enjoy meal prepping for the week. It offers more flexibility than a 6-quart without being overly bulky.
- 16-Quart and Up: These are primarily designed as pressure *canners*. If your main goal is preserving fruits, vegetables, and meats, you need a canner of this size to safely process jars. They can double as massive cookers for events like a chili cook-off or a family reunion.
2. Material: Aluminum vs. Stainless Steel
This is one of the biggest debates, and both have their merits.
Aluminum Models (like the 23-Quart Canner):
- Pros: Excellent heat conductor (heats up fast), lightweight, and more affordable. The top choice for large-capacity canners where weight is a factor.
- Cons: Prone to staining from acidic foods (like tomatoes), can pit over time, and is strictly hand-wash only. Not induction compatible.
Stainless Steel Models (like the 6-Quart Cooker):
- Pros: Highly durable, non-reactive (won’t affect the taste of food), easy to clean (often dishwasher safe), and looks fantastic. Most are induction compatible thanks to a tri-clad base.
- Cons: Heavier, takes slightly longer to come to pressure, and typically more expensive.
3. Safety Features: What to Look For
Modern Presto pressure cookers are incredibly safe, a far cry from the sputtering relics of the past. Look for a multi-layered safety system:
- Cover Lock Indicator: Shows at a glance if there is pressure inside and prevents the lid from being opened until pressure is safely reduced.
- Overpressure Plug: A small rubber plug that will automatically pop out to release excess steam if the main vent pipe becomes blocked.
- Pressure Regulator: This is the “jiggler” on top that controls the internal pressure, automatically releasing steam to maintain a set level (usually 15 PSI).
- Dial Gauge (on Canners): Provides a visual, precise reading of the internal pressure, which is non-negotiable for safe canning at various altitudes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is Presto a good brand for pressure cookers?
Absolutely. Presto is one of the most established and trusted American brands in kitchen appliances, particularly for pressure cookers and canners. They have a long-standing reputation for producing durable, reliable, and safe products that are often passed down through generations. Their 23-Quart canner is widely considered the industry standard for home canning.
Are aluminum pressure cookers safe to cook in?
Yes, they are safe. While there have been debates about aluminum cookware, modern Presto pressure cookers are made from food-grade aluminum alloys that are perfectly safe for cooking. The aluminum is non-porous and will not leach into your food in any significant amount. The main drawback is aesthetic (staining) and care (hand-washing), not safety.
Can you use the Presto 23-Quart canner on a glass top stove?
This is a critical question. According to Presto’s official guidance, their large-capacity canners are not recommended for use on glass or flat-top ranges. The reason is twofold: the canner’s large diameter may exceed the burner size, causing uneven heating, and the sheer weight when full can potentially crack the glass. Always consult your stove’s manual and the Presto manual before attempting this.
How long do Presto pressure cookers last?
With proper care, a Presto pressure cooker can easily last for decades. The main metal body is incredibly robust. The parts that require occasional replacement are the rubber sealing ring (gasket) and the overpressure plug, typically every 2-3 years depending on use. These parts are inexpensive and widely available, making maintenance simple and affordable.
Final Verdict: The Presto Legacy Continues
After weeks of rigorous testing, I can confidently say that Presto pressure cookers absolutely live up to their legacy. They are not flashy, they don’t have Bluetooth, and they won’t talk to you. What they will do is perform their job flawlessly, safely, and reliably for years to come.
If you are a homesteader, gardener, or serious home cook, the Presto 23-Quart Pressure Canner is a non-negotiable, must-have tool. It’s the pinnacle of home food preservation.
If you’re looking to simplify your weeknight cooking and discover the magic of fast, flavorful meals, the Presto 6-Quart Stainless Steel Cooker is a fantastic, modern, and easy-to-use choice that will quickly earn a permanent spot on your stove.
In a world of disposable gadgets, Presto stands as a testament to American-made durability and function. It’s a smart investment in your kitchen and your health.
