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Presto 16 quart pressure canner: what it holds and how to run it

By the Plain Prepper editors. Updated 2026-10-15.

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Quick answer

Presto's 01755 16-quart pressure canner holds 7 quart jars, the same as the 23-quart model. It only fits 10 regular pints against the larger canner's 20, because the bigger pot can stack two layers. Presto's manual says to use three quarts of hot water every time, vent steam for 10 minutes before adding the regulator, and keep to burners of 12,000 BTU or less. Have the dial gauge checked before each canning season. It also works as a boiling-water canner, but only for half-pint and pint jars.

16 quart vs 23 quart: jar capacity

Presto's instruction book gives the maximum jar loads by model number:

Jar size	16 qt (models 0175), regular	16 qt, wide mouth	23 qt (models 0178), regular	23 qt, wide mouth
Half-pints	12	8	24	16
Pints	10	8	20	16
Quarts	7 (pressure only)	7 (pressure only)	7	7

The quart load is the same, so if you mostly can quarts of beans, stock or meat, the 16-quart does the same job in a smaller pot. If you can pints, the 23-quart doubles each load (20 against 10). Presto's spec sheet lists slightly different half-pint figures (13 regular, 16 wide), so follow the manual's numbers.

Setup: water, rack and venting

1. Water: put three quarts of hot water and the canning rack in the canner. Presto says three quarts are needed no matter how many jars you can; for hot-packed foods the water can be heated to 180°F, and 2 tablespoons of white vinegar help prevent water stains.
2. Rack: always use it; Presto says jars may break if set on the bottom.
3. Vent pipe: hold the cover to the light and check the vent pipe is clear before closing.
4. Exhaust: heat until steam flows steadily from the vent pipe, then let it vent for 10 minutes before putting the pressure regulator on.
5. Cool down: after pressure has fully dropped, remove the regulator and let the canner cool for 10 minutes before opening.

Pressure: regulator, gauge and altitude

Two parts tell you about pressure, and they do different jobs:

• Pressure regulator: rocks only at 15 pounds; Presto says the regulator and vent pipe prevent pressure above 15 pounds from building.
• Dial gauge: shows the full range, which Presto says matters most when canning at higher altitudes. At 5, 10 and 15 pounds the temperatures inside reach about 228°F, 240°F and 250°F.
• Altitude: Presto's charts adjust pressure for canning above 2,000 feet; follow the chart and your recipe.

Presto says the gauge must be checked for accuracy before each canning season, and also if it was dropped or submerged, has rusty parts or does not rest at zero. Your county extension office can usually check it, or you can send it to Presto. An accurate gauge helps prevent spoilage and food poisoning.

Stove fit and burner limits

• Ranges: Presto lists electric, smooth-top and gas ranges. On electric and smooth-top ranges, use the element closest to the 8-inch diameter of the canner bottom, and keep the bottom clean to avoid scratching glass tops.
• Burner limit: never use it on an outdoor LP burner or a gas burner over 12,000 BTU; Presto says high heat softens the canner and can warp the bottom.
• Level: a tilted burner can interfere with the regulator.
• Size: Presto lists the canner at 17.25 x 13.50 x 12.00 in and 9.25 lb, holding 16 quarts (15.1 liters) of liquid.

Parts that wear out

• Sealing ring and overpressure plug: replace at least every three years, or sooner if hard, deformed, cracked, worn or pitted, or if the cover gets hard to open and close. Replace the plug every time you replace the ring. Presto sells them together as pack 09985.
• Heat damage: leaving the ring or plug on a hot burner damages them quickly; replace them if that happens.
• Storage: do not store the canner with the cover locked on, which Presto says can cause odors and deform the ring.
• Low-acid foods: Presto's spec sheet cites the U.S. Department of Agriculture in calling pressure canning the only method recommended safe for low-acid foods such as vegetables, meats, poultry and seafood; use research-based recipes and times.

What to look for when you buy

Questions people ask

How many quart jars fit in a Presto 16 quart pressure canner?

Seven, the same as the 23-quart model, according to Presto's instruction book.

How much water goes in the Presto 16 quart canner?

Three quarts of hot water, no matter how many jars you are canning, per Presto's instructions.

Can I use the Presto 16 quart as a water bath canner?

Yes, for half-pint and pint jars only; Presto says not to use the boiling-water method with quart jars in this model.

Can the Presto 16 quart go on a glass top stove?

Presto lists smooth-top ranges; use the element closest to its 8-inch bottom and follow your range maker's canning instructions.

Sources

• 16-Quart Pressure Canner and Cooker 01755 spec sheet, Presto (National Presto Industries)
• Pressure Canner and Cooker instructions (01755), Presto (National Presto Industries)
• Parts and accessories for 16-Quart Pressure Canner, Presto (National Presto Industries)

Sources checked 2026-10-15.