6 Best Presto 23 Quart Pressure Canners For Pork That Old-Timers Swear By

When you’ve finished processing a hog, the real work of preservation begins. Staring at fifty pounds of ground pork and another fifty of roasts and chops, you realize the freezer only gets you so far. This is where a pressure canner becomes one of the most valuable tools on a small farm, turning a bountiful harvest into shelf-stable security for the year ahead.

Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, this site earns from qualifying purchases. Thank you!

Why a 23-Quart Canner is Essential for Pork

A 23-quart canner isn’t just a suggestion; it’s a matter of efficiency. Processing an entire hog is a multi-day affair, and you don’t have time to run tiny batches. The 23-quart size is the sweet spot, large enough to handle a serious amount of meat without being unwieldy.

This capacity translates to a double-stacked load of 20 pint jars or a single layer of 7 quart jars. That means you can process a significant portion of your ground pork or cubed stew meat in a single run. Anything smaller, and you’ll be canning late into the night for a week straight.

Most importantly, pork is a low-acid food, which means it must be pressure canned to kill potential botulism spores. A simple water bath canner cannot reach the required temperature of 240°F (116°C). The 23-quart Presto is built specifically for this task, making it the safest and most practical choice for putting up your pork.

Presto 01781: The Classic Aluminum Workhorse

This is the canner most people picture. The Presto 01781 is a straightforward, no-frills machine made from heavy-gauge aluminum. It’s relatively lightweight, conducts heat efficiently, and has been the standard in home canning for decades for good reason.

Its defining feature is the dial gauge, which gives you a precise pressure reading. This is great for making fine-tuned adjustments to your heat source. However, dial gauges can lose their accuracy over time and should be tested annually by your local extension office to ensure they are safe.

The 01781 is a testament to simple, effective design. It works on gas and standard electric coil stovetops, and its reliability is legendary. If you have a compatible stove and don’t mind the annual gauge check, this model is the undisputed starting point for any serious home canner.

Presto 01784: For Modern Induction Cooktops

Not all stoves are created equal. The classic aluminum canners won’t work on modern induction cooktops, which require magnetic cookware. The Presto 01784 solves this problem directly.

This model features the same 23-quart aluminum body but includes a bonded stainless steel base. This small addition makes it fully compatible with induction ranges, opening up pressure canning to kitchens that previously couldn’t support it. It also works perfectly well on gas and electric ranges, making it a versatile choice if you anticipate moving or upgrading your kitchen.

The tradeoff is minimal but present. The stainless base adds a bit of weight and can sometimes lead to slightly slower heating times compared to the all-aluminum model. But for those with an induction stove, this isn’t a choice—it’s the only choice, and thankfully, it’s a great one.

Presto 01785: Canner with a Digital Timer

The Presto 01785 is fundamentally the same workhorse as the classic 01781, but with one key quality-of-life upgrade: an integrated digital timer. This might seem like a small feature, but on a busy processing day, it’s a game-changer.

When you’re canning pork, processing times are long—often 75 minutes for pints and 90 minutes for quarts. It’s easy to get distracted by other farm chores and lose track of time. The built-in timer, located right on the handle, lets you set it and walk away, with a loud alarm reminding you when the time is up.

This feature reduces the mental load and the risk of error. Over-processing can ruin the texture of your pork, and under-processing is a serious safety risk. While any kitchen timer can do the job, having it integrated into the canner itself streamlines the workflow and adds a layer of focused convenience.

The Vintage Presto Model 7B: A Timeless Find

Sometimes the old ways are the best. If you stumble upon a vintage Presto Model 7 or 7B at a yard sale or antique shop, don’t hesitate. These older canners were often built from even heavier aluminum and were designed to last multiple lifetimes.

These models typically come with a weighted gauge instead of a dial. This simple three-piece weight allows you to select 5, 10, or 15 pounds of pressure. It maintains pressure by rocking gently and making a distinct hissing sound, giving you both visual and audible confirmation that everything is working correctly. Many old-timers prefer this method for its simplicity and reliability, as it never needs calibration.

Before buying a vintage model, inspect it carefully. Ensure the lid isn’t warped and that it seals tightly. Check that you can still buy replacement parts like the sealing ring and overpressure plug; modern parts often fit these older models. A well-cared-for vintage Presto is a tool you can pass down to the next generation.

Presto 01781 with a Weighted Gauge Upgrade

This isn’t a distinct model, but rather the smartest modification you can make. Many experienced canners buy the standard Presto 01781 and immediately purchase a separate three-piece weighted gauge regulator (Presto part 50332) to replace the simple counterweight that comes with it.

This upgrade gives you the best of both worlds. You get the precise reading of the dial gauge to know when you’ve reached pressure, and the "set it and forget it" reliability of the weighted gauge to maintain it. The weighted gauge jiggles and sputters, letting you know from across the room that your pressure is stable.

This simple, inexpensive part eliminates the need for annual dial gauge testing, making your canner more self-reliant. It’s a popular modification because it combines modern manufacturing with the foolproof functionality that old-timers swear by. It turns a great canner into a perfect one.

Presto 01781 Canning Kit for a Complete Setup

For those just starting out, the sheer number of accessories can be daunting. The Presto 01781 is often sold as part of a kit that includes the canner and all the essential tools you’ll need for your first batch of pork.

These kits typically bundle the canner with:

• A jar lifter: Absolutely essential for safely moving hot jars.
• A canning funnel: Prevents messes when filling jars with ground pork or stew.
• A magnetic lid wand: Helps you lift sterilized lids out of hot water.
• A rack: For keeping jars off the bottom of the canner.

While you can buy these items separately, the kit ensures you don’t forget anything critical. After a long day of butchering, the last thing you want is to realize you can’t get your jars out of the canner. For a beginner, this all-in-one solution removes guesswork and gets you canning faster.

Maintaining Your Presto for Decades of Use

A Presto canner is an investment, not a disposable appliance. With a few simple maintenance steps, it will serve your homestead for decades. These aren’t just tools; they’re heirlooms of self-sufficiency.

Before each canning season, give your canner a thorough inspection. Check the rubber sealing ring for any cracks or brittleness and replace it every two to three years regardless. A bad seal means the canner will never reach pressure, wasting time and fuel.

Make sure the vent pipe is completely clear by running a pipe cleaner or a thin piece of wire through it. A blockage is extremely dangerous. If you’re using a dial gauge, don’t skip the annual accuracy test. Taking ten minutes for these checks ensures every batch is safe and every season is productive.

Ultimately, the best Presto 23-quart canner is the one that fits your kitchen and your workflow. Whether it’s the classic 01781, a modern induction-ready model, or a vintage find, this tool is central to preserving your hard-earned harvest. It’s more than just a piece of equipment; it’s your connection to a more resilient and self-sufficient food system.