Presto 01781 23-Quart Pressure Canner and Cooker

Gleaming, polished finish for lasting beauty. Doubles as a large capacity pressure cooker. Extra strong, warp-resistant aluminum construction provides fast, even heating. 23 Qt. capacity. Features readable steam gauge for easy and accurate pressure control. Holds 7 quarts, 20 pints or 24 1/2 pint jars. Cooking/canning rack and complete instruction/recipe booklet.

Presto guarantees this pressure cooker with an extended 12-year warranty. An accompanying booklet contains more than 50 recipes, ranging from basic soup stocks to stews and pot roasts--even sweets like English Plum Pudding or Brown Bread! An accompanying rack fits down into the pot to keep jars up off the bottom, so that liquid can circulate underneath. And it can do double duty as a large pressure cooker. The dial gauge is delicate; detailed care instructions are found in the accompanying booklet. --Garland Withers The pressure cooker measures 14 inches in diameter (17 inches including handles) and 15-1/2 inches tall (including lid). In addition to a pop-up pressure indicator and a simple steam release mechanism, there is an overpressure plug that will let off steam if it builds up excessively. It's a professional-quality tool, made of heavy-duty aluminum, with stay-cool handles and a strong-lock steel lid. The Presto 23-quart pressure canner is more than adequate for any home canning needs. Tenderize lean cuts of beef or pork, or cook chicken, fish, or vegetables faster than you can in a microwave, and without losing moisture.

Nonabrasive cleansers are best for cleaning this aluminum pressure cooker, though occasional use of a fine metal polish will help the exterior keep its shine. It's easy to cook healthfully with pressure cookers, since the food retains so much more of its nutrients and flavor.

The sturdy lid locks down during canning or cooking; an inner sealing ring keeps the steam in. The lid of the Presto 23-quart pressure canner is not immersible. A detailed instruction and recipe booklet is included; special safety issues that pertain to pressure cookers are clearly explained. This pressure canner is also a cooker that's useful for weeknight dinners or for any meal that needs to come together quickly. The USDA recommends pressure canning as the only safe method for low-acid foods such as vegetables, meats, and poultry. The vent pipe is simple to keep clean with a small brush or pipe cleaner, and both the air vent/cover lock and the overpressure plug are removable. In addition, the sealing ring should be removed after each use to allow cleaning of the inside rim of the lid. The pressure dial gauge gives an accurate reading so that pressure can be kept constant during canning.