Today, I want to share with you a little journey I’ve been on with my Presto stovetop canner. For the past four years, I’ve been exclusively using my Nesco electric canner and have grown to love its convenience and efficiency. However, recently I’ve found myself dusting off my 16-quart Presto canner and bringing it back into action. In this post, and video I’ll explain why I decided to give my Presto stovetop canner another go and what this means for my canning adventures moving forward.
Why Dust Off the Presto Stovetop Canner?
This article includes affiliate links.
For those of you who have been following me for a while, you know that the Nesco canner (Amazon) has been my go-to. I bought it four years ago and haven’t used my Presto stovetop canner (Amazon) since. So, why the change now? There are a few reasons.
Firstly, I kept thinking about my Presto canner. It was a persistent thought that kept coming back to me, and I believe that sometimes, when something repeatedly comes to mind, it’s worth paying attention to. Whether it’s a nudge from God or just my own intuition, I decided to listen to that voice and see what my Presto could still offer.
Another reason is I realized I didn’t want to lose the skill of using a stovetop canner. I feel it’s important to stay proficient with both my Nesco electric canner as well as my Presto stovetop canner. This is especially true since each canner type has its unique advantages.
Rediscovering the Presto Stovetop Canner
When I pulled the Presto canner out of storage, I discovered it needed some attention. The weight was missing a ring to bring it up to 15 pounds, essential for my current elevation. Also the instruction book I had was for a different model. No doubt I lost the proper weight and instruction manual when I moved from Colorado to California. These discoveries reaffirmed the importance of checking equipment regularly to ensure everything is in working order and up to date.
Good news! If you’re missing your weighted gauge for your Presto, it’s easy to replace. Here’s one on Amazon.
After addressing these issues, I decided to test the Presto canner’s performance compared to the Nesco. One significant finding was that the pressure in the Presto dropped in about 45 minutes, whereas the Nesco typically takes 90 minutes. This faster cooldown means I can process more batches in less time if needed.
Your All-in-One Canning Companion
The Home Canning Success System is your all-in-one canning companion. Whether you’re brand new or a seasoned canner, this book helps you plan, organize, and track your projects with confidence. Ditch the guesswork—preserve with purpose!
Expanding My Canning Options
The Presto canner also offers greater capacity, allowing me to can up to seven quarts or eight pints at once, compared to the Nesco’s four quarts or five pints. While I love small batch canning, having the option to process larger quantities in one go is beneficial for certain recipes.
Additionally, the Presto can be used on various heat sources, not just electricity. This flexibility is valuable for preparedness, as it means I can still can food during power outages using a gas stove or outdoor burner.
Pin for Later
Conclusion
In conclusion, while my Nesco canner will remain a staple in my canning routine, you’ll start seeing more of my Presto canner as well. This shift won’t drastically change my content or methods; rather, it will enhance my versatility and ensure I stay skilled in different canning techniques. Whether you’re using a Nesco, a Presto, or another canner, the principles remain the same, and the recipes I share will work across different devices with minor adjustments.
Ready to can with confidence this year? Grab the Home Canning Success System—your step-by-step guide to organized, stress-free home canning!
👉 Check it out on AmazonRelated Articles
If you enjoyed this article, you’re sure to enjoy these related articles:
💬 I’d love to hear from you!
Have you tried this yourself? Have a question or tip to share? Leave a comment below — your experience or question could help someone else, too!