Presto 01755 Aluminum Pressure Canner and Cooker 16 Qt

Overview

A home kitchen putting up vegetables, meats and poultry gets a heavy-gauge aluminum pot with a locking steel lid, a dial gauge and an air vent cover lock that lets pressure build only when the cover is closed. The same pot works as a boiling water canner for fruit, jams and pickles.

Capacity and the dial gauge are the reasons to buy, and the description says the gauge matters at high altitude. The limit is that boiling water use is for half-pint and pint jars only, and the electrical and warranty entries in the listing are inconsistent.

Who it's for

Gardeners and home preservers putting up low-acid food in jars match the capacity and the gauge. Cooks who want a set-and-forget electric cooker should look elsewhere.

Pros and cons

Performance notes

A sealed lid lets steam pressure rise above boiling temperature, which is what makes pressure processing suitable for low-acid foods. The dial gauge reports the pressure reached, and the cover lock stops the lid opening until pressure drops. Heavy-gauge aluminum spreads heat quickly across the base, and the rack lifts jars off the bottom so liquid circulates.

Specifications

Closest rivals on specs

T-fal Clipso Stainless Steel Pressure Cooker 6.3 Qt

• Item Weight 10.5 vs 7.7 pounds (+36%)

T-fal Aluminum Pressure Canner 22 Qt

• Item Weight 10.5 vs 14.8 pounds (-29%)
• Voltage 100 vs 120 volts (-17%)

Hawkins CB30 Contura Black Pressure Cooker 3 Litre

• Item Weight 10.5 vs 4.2 pounds (+150%)
• Voltage 100 vs 220 volts (-55%)