For years, my canning setup has revolved around tried-and-true tools: two American Standard pressure canners (the 921 and 930 models) and a large water-bath pot. These USA-made workhorses last generations, and they’ve handled everything from soups to stocks to seasonal produce.
But as my canning volume increased—and as my glass-top range became more temperamental—I found myself needing a more flexible solution.
Recently, after a LOT of hesitation, I invested in the Presto 17-Quart Digital Pressure Canner. After using it extensively this month, I can honestly say it has solved several long-standing issues in my kitchen while still keeping everything safe and reliable.
Let’s break down why.
What the Presto Digital Pressure Canner Does Well
1. It Controls Temperature and Pressure Automatically
The unit electronically monitors internal temperature (rather than relying on burner heat), so it maintains the correct pressure zone on its own. This is especially helpful on glass-top ranges where heat cycling is often the biggest problem.
This automation aligns with the safety standards referenced by the National Center for Home Food Preservation, which emphasizes the importance of maintaining stable pressure throughout the canning cycle.
2. It Preheats and Holds Jar Temperature
One of the unexpected bonuses is the jar-warming feature.
Normally, I wash my jars, place them in a 200°F oven for about 20 minutes to sterilize the jars, and keep them warm until use. The Presto unit eliminates this extra step by warming the jars and maintaining that temperature during the canning process.
3. It Water-Bath Cans AND Pressure Cans
This versatility is ideal for small-batch makers or beginners:
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Water-bath canning
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Pressure canning low-acid foods
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Automated venting, preheating, processing, and cool-down stages
The display walks you through each step and beeps when the next action is needed—helpful for anyone who wants extra confidence or is multitasking.
4. It’s Perfect for Small-Batch Canning
Traditional canners like the American Standard 921 and 930 are phenomenal but heavy. Pulling one out just to can three quarts sometimes feels like overkill.
The Presto digital canner is much lighter and designed for 3–7 quart batches, making it a great option when you don’t want to fill a full canner.
5. Beginner Friendly—but Also a Time Saver for Experienced Canners
Even after decades of canning, the hands-off nature of this canner has been a major convenience. For beginners, the guided prompts reduce the intimidation factor and help prevent common mistakes like under-processing, incorrect venting, or temperature drops.
How It Fits Into an Experienced Canner’s Workflow
This digital canner won’t replace my American Standard 921 and 930 for big production days—but it’s become my go-to for everyday canning, winter canning, and late-evening small batches.
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It frees up the stove.
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It takes the constant monitoring out of the process.
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It makes canning accessible on any counter with an outlet.
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It’s ideal when I just need a few jars of broth, meat, beans, or seasonal produce preserved quickly.
For anyone with limited space, a glass-top stove, or a desire to simplify the process, it’s a genuinely useful tool.
Final Thoughts
Canning has been a part of my life for a long time. What impressed me most about the Presto Digital Pressure Canner is that it offers convenience without compromising safety, consistency, or quality.
If you’re a beginner, a small-batch home canner, or someone dealing with the frustration of a glass-top stove, this tool may be worth considering.
I’m sharing the link to the exact model I purchased below. If you do decide to purchase through my link, I receive a small commission—at no extra cost to you.
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