I have a Presto 23 qt. You can get one at Walmart for $82.99. Who put the idea in your head that one specific canner is a 'Caddy'? The best canner is a good reliable one that matches your needs.

Gaskets last for a long long time, mine is 12 years old, and cost about $8-15.

This has been a frequent past discussion here and the Presto 23 qt. is by far the most commonly recommended. Myself and others have commented in the past that our Presto gasket is almost as old as the canner itself.

Don't get me wrong. All American canners are great. I have one of those two. But the price is just out of line IMO. You can often find the Presto 23 qt in the $75 range so shop around. And be sure to also buy the 3 piece weight set for it sold separately so you don't have to bother with having the gauge tested each year.

Dave

Well, I have often referred to the All American as the "Cadillac" of canners, so maybe that's my fault.

However, I don't have one, LOL, as I can't justify the expense. I have a big Presto that was actually Elery's and it works fine. I've used it for 10 years and just now started getting a drip around the edge, so it's probably time for a gasket. I also have Grandma's smaller Mirro but seldom use it because the big one holds more.

I'd don't have the AA, and just can't justify paying that for a canner when I already have two perfectly good ones, but it's a fine piece of equipment.

Annie

My go-to canner is still the faithful Mirro 22 qt that my sister bought new in the 70's ;0) But okcst1300, keep in mind Mirro was a heavy, quality brand then and it no longer is.

At this point in my life if I were replacing canners, I would probably buy the All American that better fits the budget than it would have when I was first canning. But then I would have to justify spending that much when I can less quantity in recent years. I would likely be in the same place as you, and tossing a coin over Presto or All American - overall I'm more a Ford than a Cadillac kind of gal.

What does the 3 piece weight set do? It for testing???

No you use it instead of the gauge. Gauges are notoriously inaccurate and if you use a gauged canner you have to have the gauge tested annually. Weights are very accurate and much easier to monitor. Buying the weight set ($10) converts the Presto 23 from a gauge canner to a weights canner.

If you use the search here to pull up the 'Presto canner' discussions you'll find all the details. Part number for weights is 50332. I cannot over-stress the need to shop around for pricing for whatever brand you buy as the price range is quite wide.

Dave

Thanks Dave found st WM for 82.99 fill club yo see if weights come with it

Another Presto 23 qt. owner here. Purchased a couple of years ago along with the 3 pc. weight set, thanks to the advice found on this forum. No complaints at all.