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

[@carolavant3778]

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.

[@EverythingKitchens]

Carol, thank you for the insights ♥ these are great considerations when choosing one of these canners. Your comments can help others like yourself make an informed decision. We appreciate your feedback!

[@teresastory2010]

I have a question. I have seen buy glass top and gas stoves used. I have a flat glass top, and after watching so many videos, Im concerned about the weight of the AA 21.5 QT capacity, possibly damaging (shattering) my flat top. Any suggestions or advice on this. New to canning. First year, first pot. Thank you.

[@davidgartrell90]

@@teresastory2010 I would not recommend canning on a flat surface stove. If you must, Id definitely recommend the presto because it's considerably lighter. Consider perhaps getting a portable gas burner that runs off a propane grill tank. You can use this outdoors to mitigate any accidents and it also keeps your kitchen clean! good luck in your choice.

[@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.

[@kathleenredick275]

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. 😊

[@onemoredoll5791]

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.

[@iamme9876]

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

[@Tanya-cs4ci]

exactly my point. i understand AA is a Cadillac of pressure canners however both approved and safe. both can last forever and the result is the same. None of them saves you energy or money. So it's only one's choice whether they want to spend more money on the brand.

[@krish2338]

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.

[@elizabethr2908]

Thank you so much for that valuable information. Last thing I need is my glass stovetop breaking from the All American pressure cooker.

[@Tanya-cs4ci]

I have Presto, however 23 qt isn't advisable for glass top, only 16qt is good for glass top according instructions

[@karenlarrykl]

I have 3 All American canners ...the 14 qt ...the 7 qt....the 4 qt ... and use on my glass top all the time

[@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.

[@Sugarsail1]

You don't have to watch the gauge all of the time, the weight in the video IS a regulator weight as all weights on all pressure canners are, the guy on the video just doesn't really understand PV=NRT apparently.

[@dragonflyacrylics2542]

@@Sugarsail1other than that, he did a decent job of comparing the two

[@gavinmcewen5896]

@@Sugarsail1 yes. If my understanding is correct the standard presto weight shown is a 15psi weight. So no real surprise the prestos temp 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 no reason for the two canners to be run at different pressures/temps if cooking the same food

[@keithbarton9859]

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

[@davidsauls9542]

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.

[@RDens4d]

Do you do anything special to your AA canner to protect it? I live on a coast with a high surf, and while we keep our home closed to the elements, do not have central air, but rather individual split units. Would you recommend oiling, moisture absorbers, etc?

[@davidsauls9542]

@@RDens4d Hi, i oil them and store them closed down, as if they were going to be used. The oil by itself will protect the sealing surfaces just fine.

[@Sugarsail1]

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.

[@wandabrindamour8473]

The Presto I purchased came equipped with a 15# ptessure weight as well as the gauge, however if your processing pressure is only 10# it will not jiggle unless you reach 15#.

[@dragonflyacrylics2542]

For the presto you can buy different weight jigglers to insure canning at the proper pressure/temperature using the jiggle per minute method. The weights are more accurate due to simple physics and the dial gauge is a reference imo.

[@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.

[@watcherman65]

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..?

[@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.

[@EverythingKitchens]

🤣🤣 We're putting that on a t-shirt.

[@gavinmcewen5896]

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

[@Bob-bo8ik]

Gaskets can be replaced. What happens if the metal to metal surfaces are damaged?

[@sherrytaft5217]

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.

[@teresastory2010]

Mixed reviews of flat glass top verses gas range. I have a flat glass top and did not realize the AAC recommended not using it on the glass top. Bummer because mine arrives on Wednesday. Should I buy a portable outdoor propane stove for canning with my AAC?

[@ctfreesteader]

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

[@AlleyGal]

Love my AA.

[@topaazmoons1]

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.

[@EverythingKitchens]

Topaaz, since the making of this video, we have started to carry Presto's weighted jiggler as an option for those that prefer this method :)

[@seankennedy4284]

Excellent review. Thanks, chef!

[@kathyleah7088]

I absolutely love the colors, just wish you had them compatible with induction. I’m in the market to purchase a canner but guess I will end up buying a stainless one. Unfortunately it won’t be as beautiful as yours.

[@EverythingKitchens]

Hey Kathy - All American has let us know that these color canners do work with induction plates adapters that you use with this canner to make it work on your stove! We're contacting them to double check the size you would need for the 921 canners. We'll let you know as soon as we can :)

[@kathyleah7088]

@@EverythingKitchens Thank you so much!!! That would be awesome as they are so beautiful!!

[@EverythingKitchens]

@@kathyleah7088 All American said they used an 8" induction plate. Ther reccomended one with a removeable handle like this one: evkitch.com/3XGkizo Please let us know if you have any more questions, we'd love to help!

[@kathyleah7088]

@@EverythingKitchens awesome news! As soon as I pick my favorite color I will order. Thank you again!!

[@miltonbristow4470]

Love my All American Canner

[@raymartinez2638]

Great Comparison! I was already leaning towards purchasing three sizes of the All Americans for my restaurant. Now I'm sold they are the better buy.

[@EverythingKitchens]

Glad it was helpful! We can ship your canners for free - best price guaranteed: All American Canners: evkitch.com/AllAmerican1930

[@janolson4579]

I never use the guage on my Presto, I use the jiggler and have no problems.

[@diegosalazar9844]

I have both of these and I cant justify telling others other to buy the All American over Presto. The AA is priced way higher and both do the same quality job.

[@groundedinfirstprinciples383]

Presto 23 Q has more than one model number. Which is this?

[@gardenercarl1197]

Exellent! My all american arrived today.. 🎉 And rad 'stache!

[@maureen3134]

Did you purchase it from Amazon and if so, did you buy either of the protection plans? I'm about to pull the trigger and am trying to find out if those plans are worth it.

[@gardenercarl1197]

@@maureen3134 I replied, but the reply keeps getting taken down because I probably mention where I got it on a certain website starting with the letter e followed by the Bay

[@gardenercarl1197]

@@maureen3134 it was an open box, and I've used it twice, yesterday and today. Really fun. My earlier reply has been removed, check for my other reply.

[@maureen3134]

@@gardenercarl1197 Got it, thanks! I just ordered mine 😊

[@gardenercarl1197]

@@maureen3134 sweet!!!!

[@What_Fred_Said]

Do you have to use a gas burner or is electric ok?

[@reichfrog2]

In Canada I can get 2.5 presto's for the price of an American. I have no idea where I can go get a gauge checked where I live.

[@LBSnell]

Is the new kelp All American supposed to have any markings on in indicating it's all american, either on the body or bottom? I have an older All American and it's engraved into the bottom, I just got a kelp one and there is nothing indicating All American.

[@EverythingKitchens]

Hey LBSnell, on the early runs of the color canners, there are no markings on the canner itself (however, do not worry about counterfeits - there are no other color canners on the market at all!) All American has recently started to start putting badges on their color canners. It is applied like a sticker (just with an industrial adhesive) - if you are interested in a branded badge, please contact their customer service directly here: [e-mail] and just ask them for a canner badge!

[@Koyoshinkai]

I am just thinking about starting to use a pressure canner, how do calculate the elevation & what pressure you should have on the All American Canner?

[@EverythingKitchens]

Every tried-and-true pressure canning recipe should tell you what pressure to can at depending on your elevation. For most recipes, you’ll be canning at 10psi if you are at 1000 ft or below and 15psi if you are above 1000 ft elevation. Simply follow what your recipe states for your elevation. The most important thing to do first is to find out your elevation (we recommend using whatismyelevation.com/ for a quick and easy reference). I hope this helps!

[@EverythingKitchens]

@@Koyoshinkai Most of your recipes will most likely be canned at 10psi. Be sure to follow your tested recipe for your food! We like Ball Jars' Blue Book evkitch.com/3FXHFOQ

[@Koyoshinkai]

@@EverythingKitchens There is only one thing left to do then, & that is to buy an 921 & follow the instructions, & start canning, Many Thanks From Australia.

[@woutervanlent5181]

I use AI : what is the altitude in Amsterdam ( Holland ) or Sofia ( Bulgaria ) or Moskow . Look under " more " . Even smaller towns or villages .

[@Koyoshinkai]

@@EverythingKitchens My elevation is 30ft

[@wandabrindamour8473]

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

[@EverythingKitchens]

All American should be able to help you get that answer - Give them a call: [phone] Monday-Thursday, 7:30 AM - 3:30 PM CST

[@elenakurus2010]

AMAZING ! I LIVE IN ARIZONA AND ITS 200 ABOVE SEE LEVEL , WHAT GAGE SHOULD BE 5-10 or 15 ? I HAVE ALL AMERICAN .

[@EverythingKitchens]

For most recipes, you’ll be canning at 10psi if you are at 1000 ft or below and 15psi if you are above 1000 ft elevation. Full Review All American 1930 Pressure Canner Guide: evkitch.com/3N4AmJ2

[@davidh6809]

Great video!

[@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 😭

[@Joe_Goofball]

I recently fired up my Presto Canner, and while "multitasking" I lost track of time. I could hear the hissing of with the weight had changed, realizing that I was 25 min late in shutting off the flame. The result is I cannot remove the lid from the canner, and assume by $50 worth of canned meat therein is lost...

[@EverythingKitchens]

Oh no!! So sorry to hear that. If you do mannage to get it off, Presto does sell the replacement seals that you can get to replace your old one (I assume it's proably damaged if you couldn't get the lid off).

[@ericeandco]

Biggest decision criteria is the type of stove you own. You can’t use All American on glass/smooth top stove.

[@wandabrindamour8473]

The instruction manual with the 16qt states not to be used above 12,500 BTU, so will not so won't work on my propane stove

[@SamuelBaxter-z7s]

Both weights jiggle

[@America650]

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