Presto Pressure Canner
Choosing a Presto Pressure Canner
Presto Pressure Canners
National Presto has been manufacturing pressure canners since it was founded in Eau Claire, Wisconsin in 1905. At that time, it was called the Northwestern Steel and Iron Works, and it focused on large, industrial pressure canners for commercial canneries. The company introduced the Presto in 1939. This was the first home pressure cooker, and it gave the company the name it uses today. In addition to their smaller pressure cookers, Presto manufactures two different pressure canners: a 16 quart pressure canner and a 23 quart pressure canner.
The 16 quart pressure canner can hold 12 half pint, 10 pint, or 7 quart mason jars, If this is large enough for your purposes, then it is an excellent option since it is small enough that it can also be used as a convenient, everyday pressure cooker. The 23 quart version is much larger, and it holds 24 half pints, 20 pints, or 7 quarts. Both are made of extra strong aluminum that will neither warp nor rust.
Presto advertises their pressure canners as being suitable for using on smooth-top ranges. This is unusual, as most manufacturers recommend against using their products on these ranges due to concerns that the heavy weight of the canners could harm these surfaces.
Presto pressure canners come with a pressure gauge that is easy to read and will give an accurate indication of the exact pressure within the canner. The locking cover mechanism is a safety feature. It not only stops pressure from building up when the cover is improperly closed, but it also prevents the canners from opening while the contents are under dangerous pressure.
Presto pressure canners should be hand cleaned with nonabrasive cleaners. While some parts are removable for easy care, others, such as the dial gauge are delicate. In cleaning and caring for your Presto pressure canner, you carefully follow the manufacturer's recommendations.
All Presto canners come with a specialized rack that is usable for both pressure cooking and pressure canning. This rack supports Mason jars so that they do not wobble while they are being heated.
Presto pressure canners also include a very useful user guide. This booklet includes a complete set of very detailed instructions that will guide you in the use of your new pressure canner. In addition, it includes step by step instructions on canning various types of foods: fruits and vegetables, meat, poultry, seafood, soups, and more. This booklet also includes over fifty recipes for both pressure cooking and pressure canning. It also includes instructions for boiling water-bath canning. The Presto canners will allow you to process half pint and pint jars via the boiling water bath canning method.
Every Presto pressure canner comes with an extended 12 year warranty against defects in workmanship or materials.