Head-to-Head
All American vs Presto: The Pressure Canner Debate, Settled
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This is the Ford vs Chevy of home canning. The All American is the heirloom. The Presto is the workhorse. Both get the job done. The question is which one matches your budget, your commitment level, and your expectations.
Full Comparison
| Feature | All American 921 | Presto 01781 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $399 | $119 |
| Capacity | 21.5 quarts | 23 quarts |
| Jar capacity | 7 qt or 19 pt | 7 qt or 20 pt |
| Seal type | Metal-to-metal (forever) | Rubber gasket (replace every 1-2 yr) |
| Gauge type | Weighted (no calibration) | Dial (annual calibration) |
| Material | Hand-cast aluminum | Stamped aluminum |
| Weight | 18 lbs | 12 lbs |
| Made in | Manitowoc, WI | USA |
| Warranty | Limited lifetime | 12 years |
| Maintenance | Oil lid threads annually | Replace gasket + calibrate gauge |
20-Year Cost of Ownership
| Cost | All American | Presto |
|---|---|---|
| Purchase price | $399 | $119 |
| Gasket replacements (20 yr) | $0 | $80-$120 (10 gaskets) |
| Gauge calibrations (20 yr) | $0 | $0-$100 (if not free at extension office) |
| Replacement unit (if needed) | $0 (lasts forever) | $119 (likely replace at year 10-15) |
| Total 20-year cost | ~$399 | ~$318-$458 |
The gap narrows over time. The All American wins on convenience (zero maintenance seal + gauge). The Presto wins on entry price if you are not sure canning will stick.
Our Verdict
New to canning? Buy the Presto. Learn the process for $119. If you love it, upgrade to the All American later and give the Presto to a friend.
Know you will can for years? Skip the Presto and go straight to the All American. The metal-to-metal seal and weighted gauge mean zero maintenance forever. You will hand this canner down to your grandchildren.
Related Reading
Supplies you will buy again
Ball wide mouth lids and bands
Both canners take standard jars, and both need fresh flat lids for every batch.
Flat lids are single use. Bands you keep.
Check price on Amazon
Common questions
Is the All American pressure canner worth 3x the price of a Presto?
If you plan to can for 10+ years, yes. The All American metal-to-metal seal never needs replacement, the weighted gauge never needs calibration, and the build quality means it lasts a lifetime. The Presto needs gasket replacements ($8-12) every 1-2 years and annual dial gauge calibration. Over 20 years, the total cost difference shrinks significantly.
Can beginners start with an All American?
Yes, but most experienced canners recommend starting with a Presto to learn the process at low cost. If canning sticks, upgrade to the All American. If it does not, you have only spent $119 instead of $399.
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