Nesco Canner Vs. Presto Digital Pressure Canner | Should I Return the Presto?

Are you torn between the Nesco canner and the Presto Precise Digital canner? Join me as I delve into an in-depth comparison of these two popular electric canners. In this video, I share my initial impressions of the Presto canner, which I haven’t even unpacked yet, and discuss why I’m considering returning it without trying it.

Having used the Nesco canner extensively, I highlight the key differences in capacity, cost, ease of use, and other crucial features. Watch to find out if the Presto canner’s larger capacity and step-by-step digital features are worth the higher price tag, or if the trusty Nesco canners still reign supreme for home canning enthusiasts.

I also explore the practical aspects of each canner, including size, weight, and the steps involved in the canning process. Plus, get insights into the jar warming feature and the water bath canning capabilities of both canners.

Whether you're a seasoned canner or just getting started, this video will help you make an informed decision. Share your experiences and thoughts in the comments—should I keep the Presto canner, or is it better to stick with my beloved Nesco canners?

If you find this comparison helpful, please give the video a thumbs up and subscribe to my channel for more canning tips and reviews!

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[fayeadamson]

I have the 2 Careys and I'm very happy with them..The presto just doesn't sound as good as they are...The only thing I noticed is that you didn't mention using the brown feature to warm the jars up in the Carey...I think that is a great feature...The Presto looks so big and I'm 77 so I can't lift heavy things as much...I really enjoyed your video! Made me especially happy that I bought the carey's...

[wendyellis]

I use the “brown” feature on my Carey to warm my jars. I could buy 2 Careys for the price of the Presto. Also, I use my Carey to pressure cook turkey carcasses for stock, strain, wash, then use it to pressure can my stock. I just love it.

[SBrinkley]

Rebecca, I have both canners and really like both of them. (I also have the Presto stove top canner, too)The one thing that I have trouble with the Nesco is keeping the pressure regulator in the exhaust position while it builds up heat/pressure. There have been a couple of times that the regulator "slips" down into the pressure canning position while it is still venting and I have to start the process all over again. On the Presto it prompts you to put the regulator on after the venting process. The next time I use the Nesco I am going to try venting without the regulator on the canner.

I use the warm up cycle as part of the heat up/ vent cycle when doing cold pack. I don't think it takes any more time than starting with a Nesco cold canner to get to the 10 minute venting.

I have had both canners going at one time and don't really see that much difference in total times.

Hope this helps! Thanks for your informative videos.

[laurakiffmeyer]

I watched Rose Red Homestead and was very glad I had chossen Nesco as far as safe food preperation

[cynsim]

I just recently found your channel and it's so funny that your thoughts on electric canners mirror my own almost exactly. One thing you didn't mention about the Presto is that on "Rose Red" the Presto failed at canning meat sauce even after lengthening time. I prefer steam canning to waterbath, so I only use an electric canner for pressure canning. Other than that I am in complete agreement with you.

[cynsim]

If your viewers are interested in trying the Nesco/Carey and hesitate due to budget, Amazon has 6mo 0% if qualify. That's me, on a budget.

[susanruzicka]

I believe that 2 Nesco/Carey products are the best answer, unless you think you really need a third. I think you were correct about the size and weight of the Presto and that every year, to me, it would get bigger and heavier. I also thought that the Presto was really tall, too tall for my cabinets. Love what you do on your channel.

[Kat.Williams]

I'm 74, single and living in a mobile home with limited space. I have a Nesco and an Instant Pot Max and since I have only me to can for, I would never buy the Presto due to the fact that it's heavier, larger to store and only does one function which is can. At least the Nesco will allow me to pressure cook a turkey for instance. So for my situation, between the Nesco and IP Max, I feel that my canning needs are covered. Not sure this helps, but I think you are also covered with the two Nesco canners. Adding that I wish It was easier to totally remove the lid from the Nesco like the IP Max, I know it can be removed, but it's not easy and I could see me breaking something.

[matthewmaclellan_]

I absolutely think everyone should buy whatever they think is best for them, so I'm not criticizing anyone for buying/using the Nesco. You raised good points.

I personally feel safer using the Presto, mostly because they have a reputation and long history with pressure canning. Nesco/Carey are previously unknown in the canning space, though of course have made kitchenware. I know OSU has been testing the Presto canner and doesn't so far have any concerns. I don't trust Rose Red's testing, but I know you and maybe other people like her. So that's my reasoning for going with the Presto. It's a shame the other study that used the Nesco they didn't seem to run it properly.

Some people can fit 5 wide mouth quarts and the manufacturer says as long as it fits it's OK. I don't "skip" the jar warming cycle (which you can do) because I feel it would heat the jars up too quickly. I just fill the jars and insert them before the jar warming cycle so everything heats up evenly together.

I don't know anything about Nesco's customer support but Presto has been VERY accommodating and generous with any customer support needed that I've observed (personal experience, but also FB groups, etc). They are really standing behind the canner and helping with any issues.

[justjoan]

I have a Nesco Canner that I love. Recently I have been wondering about the Presto but the cost was holding me back. Your review was just what I needed. When we are out in our camper I do take the Nesco along. I love to make jam from roadside stand purchases. Nothing like a tasty jar of jam on a winter day to remember our summer vacation.

[jeannedumphy]

I too, don’t see the benefit in the Presto over the nesco.

[pjd]

I had two (1 Carey & 1 Nesco of which I forgot I had) Canner, then I purchased the Presto Digital canner, ...? So I gave my Nesco canner to a couple with children, I still haven't used my Presto canner as yet!

[dorothy]

If you return the Presto would you purchase a third Nesco? Right now I small batch but I could see the benefits into you having 2 canners. Love your videos, they've been so informative.

[SewingInTheMountains]

I love your videos but I am in disagreement with you on a few things about the Presto. There are ways to get around the jar warming. 1. You can run the warm jar feature without jars in the water. The canner is then warmed up for your jars if you are hot packing. If you are cold packing, just put warm water in the canner before putting your jars in and run the canner. If the water is warm it takes less time to heat up and then hit can. 2. I have never seen in my manual where I have to add boiling/hot water. That is what the jar warming function does when you don't add the jars. As said before adding hot water does decrease the time it takes for the warming function.

[reader]

I kept an eye out and found a Presto for less than $200. Because I live at over 7, 000 feet I use the Presto, the Nesco says that it should not be used at over 6, 000 feet.

[TammyJones-nrbl]

I love my Presto! You can bypass the jar warmer cycle by pushing the arrow forward button. I also only add 3 quarts warm water from the tap. I don’t see anywhere to add boiling water to the canner. My Presto has been simple and I have put up a lot of food with it. My family loves it. I thought about getting another, but due to expense maybe I will try a Nesco. 😊

[OnlyNaturally]

Thanks for sharing this! Hubby bought me a Presto off an auction website for a steal, and I've been hesitating using it, as it did seem like it took more steps, plus it's HUGE, compared to my Carey, and a lot heavier. I've decided to sell it and get a 2nd Carey. Don't care for some of the things you painted out, and the size has made it a No-go for me. Oh well, he tried!

[deborahcoe]

I have 1 Nesco and 2 Presto electric canners. I love the Presto canners. I’ve had issues with the Nesco and haven’t used it since I bought my first Presto. I also have the Instant Pot Max and it is great, the only drawback is you can only can pints or smaller.

[DeniseLemke]

You can water bath can quarts in the 17 qt model.

[naturewatcher]

Very good review and comparison of the both canners. And the idea to have 2 Nesco for the price of 1 Presto sounds appealing. :)