Presto 01781 23-quart Pressure Canner And Cooker Review –

Presto 23 Qt. Pressure Cooker Canner

Last updated date: January 18, 2019

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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 72 expert reviews, the Presto Presto 23 Qt. Pressure Cooker Canner Placed 9th when we looked at the top 15 products in the category. For the full ranking, see below.

Editor's Note November 14, 2019:

Checkout The Best Stovetop Pressure Cooker for a detailed review of all the top pressure cookers.

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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).

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An Overview On Pressure Cookers

Ask previous generations about pressure cookers and they’ll likely bring up safety concerns. But pressure cookers have come a long way from their mid-1900s popularity. The newer models of pressure cookers will keep you protected from the over-pressurization that once put home chefs at risk.

“I’ve got to be honest. These things used to scare the bejesus out of me,” confesses culinary expert Julie Chernoff, member of Les Dames d’Escoffier, dining editor of Better magazine and food journalist. “But today’s upscale, high-tech models aren’t your grandma’s stovetop pressure cooker, although the basic premise is the same.”

In recent years, all-in-one units like the Instant Pot have made pressure cooking popular again. However, you don’t have to buy a bulky countertop unit to enjoy the benefits of pressure cooking. Stovetop pressure cookers are fairly straightforward, with only a few steps to get you going. Instead of trying to figure out which button does what, you simply insert your items, then cover and seal before you start steaming.

But there are more than a few models to consider while shopping for a pressure cooker. Although all models are safe, each has its own safety mechanisms. There are models with something as simple as an indicator light and others that have as many as six built-in safety features.

“The best ones have built-in safety features, meaning they won’t over-pressurize and explode, like locking mechanisms with indicator lights, easy-read displays, and solid stainless-steel construction rather than the old aluminum variety,” Chernoff explains.

In addition to safety, ease of use is important when you’re considering which stovetop pressure cookers to buy. You’ll need to seal and choose a pressure setting, but once that’s done, you’ll turn the stove burner on and let your pressure cooker do the rest. Pressure cookers with a simpler design just require turning a knob, but other pressure cookers have an easy on/off cover as well. As you choose a pressure cooker, also consider the weight and durability, especially if you have a more sensitive ceramic or glass cooktop.

Lastly, you may want to consider cleanup as you’re choosing a pressure cooker. If you’re used to tossing your pots and pans in the dishwasher, you may want to steer toward one of the dishwasher-safe models. Even the models that have a finish that makes for easy handwashing may not provide the convenience you want.

“Personally, I would lean toward a model that could be throw in the dishwasher, because easy-to-clean is always my preference,” Chernoff says.

She also says to consider capacity. How much will suit your family? Will you be using the pressure cooker for weekly food prep? And think about what foods you want to cook to determine whether a pressure cooker is right for you.

“Pressure cookers are great for all legumes, grains, broths, soups and stews,” Chernoff says. “They utilize steam pressure as it builds inside the tightly-closed pot, and that’s particularly great for tougher foods and proteins (or both, like dried beans). Plus, you’ll save the pre-soaking time.”

DWYM Fun Fact

Pressure cookers have long been associated with canning fruits and vegetables. But the same appliance can be used to make all types of foods, from fish to yogurt. Studies have shown that pressure cooking helps food retain more nutrients than other types of cooking, making it a great option for health-conscious families. Myths have circulated over the years that pressure cooking dilutes foods’ nutrients, but those myths have been debunked. Some studies, though, have found that nutrients in certain foods may be transferred to the liquid in the cooker with the food. If this is a concern, it might be worthwhile to make sure you utilize the liquid when you’re serving what you’ve cooked.