All American 1930 vs. Presto Pressure Canner Comparison | Review - What is the best pressure canner?

Whether you are a beginning hobby gardener or a seasoned homesteader, it is important to know the best way to properly preserve your seasonal crops. With a little help from the right tools, you can easily fill your cabinets or pantry shelves with homegrown and home-raised foods that will keep for up to a year or longer. All American 1930 and Presto offer some of the most trusted pressure canners available. Each of these brands has stood the test of time for nearly a century, but what has kept these canners in kitchens for generations? We tested the All American 1930 No. 921 Pressure Canner and the Presto 23-Quart Pressure Canner to compare the usability and quality so you can better decide which canner best fits the needs of your home preservation goals.

[carolavant]

This biggest decision making difference between these two canners is the price. The Presto runs around $138 to 149.99, while the All American 1930 is essentially $500. Of course, the All American Canner is a workhorse, requiring much less maintenance. I have an All American Canner, Model 915 that I purchased about 10 years ago. It was a big purchase for me at the time, but there are only two people in my immediate family, and at the time, I had only a small, 1000 sq ft garden. I am now retired and living on social security, but we moved to a property where I now have a 3500 sq ft garden. It would be nice to have the option of processing more pint jars at one time! The AAC #915 is adequate - I can process everything I want to with it, but I am considering getting a Presto 23 qt canner for two reasons: 1) My physical strength at 70 years old is not as good as it was at 60. Hefting the AAC 1930 (or 921) from storage to stove top I can manage, but emptying the remaining water is pushing my limits, and 2) The price is a real factor now. The Presto 23 is much lighter to heft around, and the price is considerably more affordable. If I were in my 40's or 50's, however, I'd save my pennies for the All American. At my age, changing out the gasket and having the gauge calibrated isn't a hardship.

[krish]

One thing not mentioned in the video is that All American does not recommend their canners for use on flat/glass top stoves.

Their website states the following: "All American Pressure Canners are not recommended for use on glass top/ flat ranges without first checking with your stove manufacturer because their weight may cause the glass/ceramic to break. The diameter of the canners are larger than most burners and may cause heat to transfer outward and damage the surrounding surface. All American Pressure Canners are intended and manufactured solely for home use applications. they are not intended for commercial applications."

Presto canners can be used on glass top stoves and they also make a 23 quart version that is induction stove top compatible for a few dollars more.

All American is a great brand but the limitations for use on glass top stoves could be a deal breaker for those who have a glass top stove. The price points can also be a deal breaker. For less than the price of an AA 921 you can purchase 2 Presto 23 qt canners and still have money left over to buy a $15 weighted regulator, an additional rack, and replacement gaskets (every 2-3 years) and get twice as much canned in a single event.

[iamme]

After watching this video I don't see the justification for paying so much more for the all American. I love my presto!

[Sugarsail]

This is conceptually incorrect, both weights should jiggle when you're at the right pressure. The weight on the All-American is NOT a gauge, it's a weight that allows you to vary the pressure based on what position you place it in, the Presto does not have this feature on its weight (only one pressure available) but they are both merely jiggle weights. The DIAL gauge on the All-American is MUCH more accurate than +/- 2 psi, if it wasn't better than that the gauge company would have gone out of business long ago. If you want to know the internal pressure you should not be going by the weight but by the dial gauge on both canners.

[alphazenturbo]

I wanted a pressure canner for years and I was on the fence between a Presto and an All American Canner. Price was a big factor, but I also wanted something easy to use. I talked with several people who can and they were split down the middle. One friend who's been canning since she was a kid told me she used both and preferred the AAC b.c. it was easier to use and they have yet to to replace it. I bit the bullet and got the AAC. I do not regret my choice.

[ByTheRiverHelge]

Good comparison. You can buy a regulator weight which keeps the pressure, part no 50332, for the Presto. Then you don't have to watch the gauge all the time and gauge calibration won't be essential.

[gavinmcewen]

If my understanding is correct the standard presto weight shown is a 15psi weight (designed to jiggle and release some pressure at 15psi, just like the AA canner when using the 15psi weight hole) So no real surprise the prestos pressure increased to around that pressure once the internals fully warmed up. It seems this chap may not have actually read or understood the instructions. Also there is no reason for the two canners to be run at different pressures/temps if cooking the same food

[PowerrPundit]

Gurll that black silicone pressure cap is supposed to be at the back of the presto not at the front pointing to your face 😭

[kathleenredick]

I have a Presto that I bought in 1973. I have replaced the gasket one time (fairly recently), and just replaced the gauge last year because it was 2° off.

It will also last forever. They are the best investment a person can make. You can pressure can or waterbath can.

ETA, I have lived in 6 different states since I bought the canner, and have canned at several altitudes from 600 ft to almost 5000 ft. 😊

[royalandrosey]

All American is king. If you're on the fence, spend the extra money on the 921. I have 2 lol. My first one was made in 1994 and I've used it many many times. I was born in 94 and I'm already falling apart, the AA is still going strong.

[quebirt]

All that, except you can buy 3 Presto canners for the price of one All American, and the difference is pretty minimal in practice.

[keithbarton]

You are a Superb instructor, young man, a very fair assessment on both of these products. Thanks.

[watcherman]

I found my last Canner at a Garage Sale and it was/is brand new. I've seen many of them at yard sales but have passed them up. Maybe I shouldn't have..?

[onemoredoll]

Love my All American. Bought it last year and Ive never canned before. Completely worth it. Been canning all day. Just wish they had colors last year. Now I know why they were sold out everywhere. Love the green but that yellow is amazing.

[davidsauls]

Great video ! I have one of the big Presto and 4 All Americans. Both are excellent value. I use the Presto as a loaner and I just like it because it reminds me of great times as a kid, in the kitchen with my mom. One thing to warn about the All American. The machined seal must be protected. I have seen some stored in a garage with the lid off or upside down. If there is ANY corrosion on that ring, it is ruined. They are a tank, but down here on the gulf of mexico, the salt air will eat them up if not stored inside.

[topaazmoons]

You can buy a jiggler for the presto and then you don't use the gauge. A fairer comparison would be both with a jiggler on them.

[ctfreesteader]

I enjoyed this video review, Thank - You ! from CT

[America]

Really?
It’s like comparing a Rolls Royce to a YuGo car!

[sherrytaft]

I love my all American pressure canner but am thinking about ordering a presto to have a second on hand. Seems like I always have more to can than I think I do.

[wandabrindamour]

What is the BTU limitation for the AA 1930? I have a Presto 16qt that cannot be used at over 12, 500btu, and my stove is rated 30kbtu per burner