All American vs Presto pressure canner compared model for model

Metal to metal seal vs sealing ring

The headline difference is the lid seal. The All American listings describe a precision machined, metal to metal sealing system with positive action clamping locks that form a steam tight seal without any gasket. There is no rubber ring to dry out, crack or replace. The usual care advice is a thin film of oil or petroleum jelly on the metal edge so the lid opens easily, per the maker's manual.

Presto stovetop canners use a twist on lid with a rubber sealing ring in the lid. The Presto listings here do not describe the ring, but it is a normal wear part: when it hardens, cracks or stretches, steam leaks around the lid and the canner may not come up to pressure. Keep a spare on hand. If you run into leaks, see pressure canner losing pressure and pressure canner lid won't close.

Listing specs side by side

Every figure in this table comes from the product listing. Weight is not stated in any of these four listings, so it is left out rather than estimated.

Note.Prices are the listing prices when this page was written and change often.

Gauges and pressure control

The All American 921 listing describes both an easy to read steam gauge and a precision machined regulator weight. The weight controls pressure by venting at its set point, and the dial lets you watch the climb. The Presto 01781 listing describes a deluxe dial gauge that registers the complete range of processing pressures, and the 01784 listing a precise pressure gauge. Neither Presto listing mentions a weighted regulator.

That matters at altitude. With a dial gauge you can use the in-between USDA settings, such as 12 psi between 2,001 and 4,000 feet, while a weighted regulator steps from 10 to 15 psi. A dial gauge must be tested for accuracy before each season, as NCHFP recommends. Compare the two systems in weighted gauge vs dial gauge and look up your setting with the pressure by altitude tool.

Capacity and stove fit

All four canners hold about 7 quart jars, so all clear the USDA rule that a canner must hold at least four quart jars for the published times to apply. The Presto 23 quart pots list the most pints in one layer plus room to stack half pints. The All American 921 lists about 19 pints and the 915 about 10, so for big pint batches the 921 or a Presto is the better fit. Our what size pressure canner do I need page explains stacking.

For induction, the Presto 01784 is the only one here whose listing says it is induction compatible, thanks to a stainless steel clad base. For glass top ranges, check your range maker's guidance on heavy pots and on canning in general before buying. See pressure canning on a glass top stove and the best canners for glass top and induction stoves.

Upkeep, warranty and price

If you can a few weekends a year, the Presto price is hard to argue with. If you can every week through the harvest and dislike replacing rings, the All American design removes one recurring part. Either way, follow how to use a pressure canner for venting and cool down.

• All American: no gasket to replace; keep the metal seal edge clean and lightly oiled per the manual; the overpressure plug and gauge are the main service parts.
• Presto: replace the sealing ring and overpressure plug when they wear; the 01781 and 01784 listings state an extended 12 year limited warranty.
• Price: the Presto 23 quart models list at under $200, while the All American models list at roughly $400 to $500.
• Both: test any dial gauge every year, and never force a lid open while there is pressure inside.

Compare the best pressure canners →

Frequently asked questions

Is All American safer than Presto? Both are full size stovetop canners used with USDA tested processes. Safety comes from correct venting, the right pressure for your altitude, an accurate gauge and the tested recipe, not the brand.

Does the All American need a gasket? No. The listings describe a metal to metal seal with clamping locks and no gasket. Follow the manual for keeping the seal edge clean and lubricated.

Which one works on induction? Among these four, only the Presto 01784 listing says it is induction compatible.

Which holds more jars? All four list about 7 quart jars. For pints, the Presto 23 quart models list 20 and the All American 921 lists about 19.