The sturdy lid locks down during canning or cooking; an inner sealing ring keeps the steam in. 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. The pressure dial gauge gives an accurate reading so that pressure can be kept constant during canning. This pressure canner is also a cooker that's useful for weeknight dinners or for any meal that needs to come together quickly. 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! 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. The lid of the Presto 23-quart pressure canner is not immersible. In addition, the sealing ring should be removed after each use to allow cleaning of the inside rim of the lid. The dial gauge is delicate; detailed care instructions are found in the accompanying booklet. 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. The pressure cooker measures 14 inches in diameter (17 inches including handles) and 15-1/2 inches tall (including lid). Presto guarantees this pressure cooker with an extended 12-year warranty. A detailed instruction and recipe booklet is included; special safety issues that pertain to pressure cookers are clearly explained. --Garland Withers

Customer Reviews Average rating - 4.5

Rating - 5 Date: 2008-12-20
Content: Who would think you could cook a pot of beef stew in 8 minutes - not me. It was trial and error for me the first time (read the instructions really well before using it and all will be well). 23 quarts? Man, I made enough stew to feed a small army and it turned out awesome and in such a short time. I was a skeptic of pressure cookers because of the possibility of danger that was associated with this kind of cooking; but with today's technology there are so many safety features built into this cooker that nothing is overlooked. If you're looking for a pressure cooker - this is the one to get. Built to last. Heavy, strong and almost indestructible.
Summary: SEEING IS BELIEVING

Rating - 5 Date: 2008-12-14
Content: I've had this unit for more than 3 years, primarily to can tomatoes each year. I usually do pints as they keep fresher after opening (takes less time for us to go through it) and this guy can handle a big load of 20 jars. If you are like me you want to jam on through the processing part of the canning so the bigger the better. You do need a stove than can handle this guy with a high output and big burners, otherwise you'll wait forever for it to get to temperature. I've even broke it out a couple of times to pressure cook the turkey carcass after Thanksgiving to make soup. Nothing is better for creating a stock in no time flat than a pressure cooker. The downside is clean up. It's so big it barely fits in the sink. I have recently added a small 6 Qt version for doing cooking in. But when it comes to canning don't even mess with water boiling methods or smaller units. This streamlines the whole canning process.
Summary: This thing is a monster

Rating - 5 Date: 2008-12-03
Content: i searched this particular product all over the web, and no price was cheaper than Amazon. Everyone else had this for a min of $99 + around $22 shipping and handling. I got this from Amazon for $69 and free super saver shipping. I've always had a good experience with Presto products and this one is no different. I bought it so my fiance could can deer meat, and this def has alot of room so you aren't waiting around in the kitchen forever to finish a decent sized batch.
It's a very heavy pan so I would not put it on a glass topped stove or old coil burner stove.
worth every penny though and it's large enough to pressure cook a decent sized turkey in!
Summary: a SUPER deal!!!

Rating - 5 Date: 2008-11-24
Content: Presto 23-Quart Pressure Cooker/Canner

the canning pressure weight is 15 pounds and most canning is done at 11 pounds, when you turn the heat all the way down, you hardly use any heat to keep the pressure at 11 pounds, no steam escapes unless over 15 pounds pressure. This is the best canner I ever used. The most energy efficient canner I have ever used. once you create the 11 pounds pressure and then reduce the heat as low as it will go, you then can let the canner do its work for 75 to 90 minutes and save on heat bills.


Summary: Presto 23-Quart Pressure Cooker/Canner

Rating - 5 Date: 2008-11-22
Content: The pressure canner is quite easy to use and does a very good job. Thanks for the pressure canner.
Summary: Pressure canner