# All American vs Presto pressure canner compared model for model Source: https://freezeandseal.com/blog/all-american-vs-presto-pressure-canner Published: 2026-10-09 Publisher: Freeze & Seal **Short answer:** All American canners seal with machined metal to metal clamps instead of a rubber gasket and come with a regulator weight plus a steam gauge, at roughly two to three times the price. Presto canners are lighter priced aluminum pots with a dial gauge and a replaceable sealing ring. Both are full size stovetop canners that follow USDA processes; the choice is mostly budget, gauge preference and how much upkeep you want. This page is for buyers stuck between the two names that come up in every canning thread. It compares how each brand seals the lid, which gauges the listings describe, capacity in jars, stove compatibility and price, model by model. Specs come only from the Amazon listings; where a listing is silent, such as weight, the page says so instead of filling in a number. Safe canning depends on the tested recipe, correct venting and the right pressure for your altitude, whichever brand you choose. ## 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](https://freezeandseal.com/blog/pressure-canner-losing-pressure) and [pressure canner lid won't close](https://freezeandseal.com/blog/pressure-canner-lid-wont-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. | Model | Capacity (listed) | Seal | Gauge (listed) | Stoves (listed) | Listed price | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | All American 915 | 15.5 qt; about 7 quarts or 10 pints | Metal to metal | Not detailed | Gas, electric or flat top (title) | $399.95 | | All American 921 | 21.5 qt; about 7 quarts or 19 pints | Metal to metal, no gasket | Steam gauge plus regulator weight | Gas, electric or flat top | $499.95 | | Presto 01781 | 23 qt; 7 quarts, 20 pints, 26 half pints | Not stated in listing | Dial gauge | Regular and smooth top ranges | $184.99 | | Presto 01784 | 23 qt; 7 quarts, 20 pints, 26 half pints | Not stated in listing | Pressure gauge | Induction, gas, electric, smooth top | $189.99 | All American vs Presto, listing facts only 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](https://freezeandseal.com/blog/weighted-gauge-vs-dial-gauge-pressure-canner) and look up your setting with the [pressure by altitude tool](https://freezeandseal.com/tools/usda-altitude-pressure). ## 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](https://freezeandseal.com/blog/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](https://freezeandseal.com/blog/pressure-canning-on-a-glass-top-stove) and the [best canners for glass top and induction stoves](https://freezeandseal.com/best/best-pressure-canner-for-glass-top-stove). ## 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](https://freezeandseal.com/blog/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](https://freezeandseal.com/best/best-pressure-canner) ## 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. ## Gear guides for this topic - https://freezeandseal.com/best/best-pressure-canner - https://freezeandseal.com/best/best-large-pressure-canner - https://freezeandseal.com/best/best-pressure-canner-for-glass-top-stove ## Sources - [National Center for Home Food Preservation](https://nchfp.uga.edu/)