Presto 01781 23-Quart Pressure Canner: problems, parts and running costs
Checked: 2026-10-19
Summary
This stovetop canner is a decades-old, mostly hands-off design: the issues owners hit are wear items, mainly a shrunken sealing ring and a deteriorated cover-lock gasket that let steam escape, plus dial gauges that drift. Recurring costs are single-use canning lids, a sealing ring and overpressure plug every 3 years and burner fuel; no prices were captured for them, so a yearly dollar figure cannot be computed. At the manufacturer direct $185.99 it is a reasonable buy for anyone who cans low-acid foods, with a 12-year warranty behind it.
Common problems and fixes
- Sealing ring shrinkage — causes leaks between cover and body; the manual treats it as routine maintenance and recommends replacing the sealing ring at least every 3 years. [3]
- Air vent/cover lock gasket deterioration — causes steam escape; the gasket is a perishable part sold as a replacement. [3]
- Overpressure plug activation — the secondary safety device firing means the canner should go back to Consumer Service (1-800-877-0441, Monday-Friday 8am-4pm CT). [3]
- Dial gauge drift — the gauge must be checked for accuracy before each canning season, or if the cover was submerged or dropped, parts are rusty, the pointer does not rest at 0, or accuracy is suspected; county extension offices can test it, or it can be sent to Presto. Replace gauges that differ by more than 2 pounds, per the National Center for Home Food Preservation. [3] [5]
- Burner too big for the canner — burners must be 12,000 BTUs or less; exceeding the limit can warp the bottom, and the manual advises using the element closest to the 8-inch-diameter contact area. [3]
- Aluminum discoloration and pitting — discoloration is normal and lifts with a cream of tartar solution; washing, rinsing and drying thoroughly after every use limits pitting, with an annual scour using abrasive cleanser. [3]
Parts and consumables
- Sealing ring — replace at least every 3 years; excluded from the 12-year warranty as a perishable part. [3]
- Overpressure plug — replace at least every 3 years; also a warranty-excluded perishable part, and it must be removed when boiling-water canning. [3]
- Pressure dial gauge — the primary pressure indicator, 0-20 psi; check its accuracy before each canning season and replace it if it differs by more than 2 pounds. [3] [5]
- Pressure regulator (weight-style) — prevents pressure above 15 psi; listed as a perishable part under the warranty exclusions. [3]
- Air vent/cover lock gasket — keeps the cover closed until pressure is safely reduced; warranty-excluded perishable part. [3]
- Canning jars, lids and bands — not included; lids are single-use. The Presto 09995 canning kit adds a jar lifter, bubble remover and funnel. [1]
Yearly running cost
The recurring costs are single-use canning lids, replacing the sealing ring and overpressure plug at least every 3 years, and the fuel for stovetop use [3]. None of these carries a captured price, and no owner spending data was gathered, so the dollar cost per year is not computable from the research.
When it is a good buy
Presto’s own store lists the 01781 at $185.99 with free shipping (some exclusions) [1]. Buy from Presto or an authorized seller: unauthorized internet sellers void the warranty [3].