There are a lot of threads on the forum regarding this - you can find them easily by using the Search feature (I always scroll down and use the Search at the bottom of the page) and enter "pressure canner" (without the quotes).

I'll chime in and say I love my All-American canner. I got the 925 and it's been in constant use for two months now. I put up a lot of canned tomatoes and peppers.

I do use it on an outdoor dual-burner camp stove, because it barely fits on my gas range underneath the hood. It was expensive, and I know that's not an option for a lot of folks.

There's lots of good advice on the other posts, but it does take some time to read them all.

Here is a link that might be useful: which pressure canner should I buy?

Presto 23 quart - good sales on them right now and it does everything you need and then some for 1/4 the price of the All American ones. But also buy the 3 weight set for it so you don't have to worry about the gauge testing. Having both weight and gauge is comforting - they reassure each other. ;).

Just remember that it must be large enough to handle at least 4 qts. to qualify.

Dave

Previous long discussions:

http://forums.gardenweb.com/forums/load/harvest/msg1109121725312.html

http://forums.gardenweb.com/forums/load/harvest/msg0708193419236.html

http://forums.gardenweb.com/forums/load/harvest/msg0613213719921.html

Dave, the 23 qt Presto is what I have decided on. I can't find one locally but I have found a pretty good deal online. I'd like to buy an extra bottom rack and definitely the weight set but I have yet to find a place that actually sells them. Even the Presto site keeps running me around in circles on accessories. Do you have a link where I can order these from?

Malna, thanks for the link. It helped a lot in my decision making.

Here's one I found (linked below):

Presto is listed on the left menu - looks like you could almost build one from scratch :-)

Here is a link that might be useful: Small Appliance Parts

Red Hill General Store is where I got my weight set. Lehman's also carries them as does Canning Pantry.com

The bottom spacer rack you may need to get from Presto though.

Yes, Presto argues with everyone about the weight set even tho they manufacturer and sell it. ;) Item # is :

http://www.gopresto.com/products/products.php?stock=50332

Linda Lou and Carol both have posted links to additional sources for the set here in the past but I can't recall them off hand. Search 'Presto weight set' for discussions.

And compare carefully on the canner prices before you order. It is available many places - even new on eBay (8 or 10 of them listed there right now). You can sometimes find it for $59.00 or a bit more but with free shipping.

Dave

I have the 23 qt. Presto and love it. It's just the right size for us. I did buy the 3-piece weight so as not to have to depend entirely on the gauge. :)

I bought one on Amazon this morning for $85 w/ Free shipping. That's substantially less than what I have been seeing although I forgot to check ebay. Now I just need to order the accessories.