Presto 02152 17-Quart Digital Pressure Canner: In-Depth Review

Home canning has long been a trusted method for preserving seasonal produce, preparing shelf-stable meals, and maintaining food security. With advanced automation, built-in safety features, and support for both pressure and boiling water canning, the Presto 02152 17-Quart Digital Pressure Canner promises a modern, stress-free canning experience. In this review, we’ll take an in-depth look at its features, performance, and overall value to help you decide if it’s the right fit for your kitchen.

Key Features and Specifications

The Presto 02152 is packed with functionalities designed to simplify home canning, especially for users at high altitudes or those who are new to the process. Let’s break down the most important features and specs:

Technical Specifications

Feature	Specification
Brand	Presto
Model	02152
Capacity	17 Quarts
Material	Stainless Steel
Color	Stainless Steel
Dimensions	14.5″ D x 17.25″ W x 18″ H
Wattage	1485 Watts
Item Weight	24.3 Pounds
Control Method	Touch (Digital Interface)
Special Feature	Programmable

Notable Features

• Dual Functionality: Supports both pressure and boiling water canning.
• Digital Display: Intuitive LED interface for easy navigation through canning processes.
• Altitude Adjustment-Free: No need to manually adjust pressure at high altitudes.
• Innovative Temperature Sensor: Automatically controls temperature for safe canning.
• Jar Capacity:
  • Pressure canning: 5 quarts, 8 pints, or 19 half-pints.
  • Boiling water canning: 5 quarts, 8 pints, or 10 half-pints.
• Ten Built-In Safety Features: Includes a locking lid and alert system for incomplete canning cycles.
• Bonus Accessories: Comes with a stainless steel rack, recipe/instruction book, and a quick-start guide.
• Removable Ceramic-Coated Pot: PFAS-free and easy to clean.

This comprehensive feature set makes it one of the most technologically advanced pressure canners currently available to home users.

Performance

When it comes to performance, the Presto 02152 excels in both ease of use and operational reliability.

Automated Precision

One of the most appreciated aspects of this canner is the fully automated canning process. It guides users through every step—from preheating jars, filling, to the processing cycle—eliminating guesswork and ensuring USDA-recommended standards are met. The internal sensor continuously monitors and adjusts the internal temperature, making it safe for low-acid and high-acid food canning alike.

High Altitude Advantage

Traditionally, pressure canning at high altitudes requires manual pressure adjustments to maintain safety. However, this unit’s altitude-independent design is a huge benefit. It automatically calibrates the necessary temperature for a safe canning cycle, offering peace of mind for those living in mountainous regions.

Heat Retention and Energy Efficiency

Because it is electrically powered and sealed, the Presto digital canner retains heat extremely well. Unlike stovetop canners, which can generate excess kitchen heat, this model keeps the kitchen cooler, a bonus during summer months or in small cooking spaces.

Usability

The touch-control interface with a bright LED digital display is straightforward and user-friendly. Even beginners can get started quickly thanks to step-by-step prompts and clear symbols. The built-in timer and automated process reduce user error, especially in pressure canning, where precision is critical.

Customer Feedback

Customer reviews for the Presto 02152 17-Quart Digital Pressure Canner have been overwhelmingly positive, with users praising its ease of use, reliability, and safety features.

Key Praise Points

• User-Friendliness: Many users, especially first-time canners, highlighted the helpful guidance provided by the digital interface. The clear step-by-step instructions and audible alerts were seen as extremely helpful.
• Versatility: Customers appreciated the ability to use both pressure and boiling water methods in one device. It allowed for a wide variety of food preservation tasks—ranging from meats and vegetables to jams and pickles.
• Efficient Design: Reviewers noted how well the device handled jar warming and preheating, which is often a neglected feature in other models. The ability to keep jars ready while preparing food streamlined the entire process.
• No Stove Required: Users loved that this canner doesn’t tie up the stove, allowing for multitasking in the kitchen. This was especially important for those doing large batches or with limited cooktop space.

Noted Criticisms

• Learning Curve: While the digital interface simplifies things, a few users mentioned a slight learning curve during the initial use, especially for those used to traditional stovetop canners.
• Size and Weight: At over 24 pounds, the unit is bulky and heavy. Users with limited counter space or physical limitations found this challenging.

Pros and Cons

Pros

Feature	Benefit
Automated Precision	Ensures safe canning with minimal guesswork.
Altitude Compensation	No manual adjustments needed for high-altitude use.
Versatile Capacity	Holds up to 5 quart jars, suitable for both pressure and boiling water canning.
User-Friendly Digital Display	Easy-to-follow prompts for all canning steps.
Heat Retention	Keeps the kitchen cooler compared to stovetop models.
Safety Features	10 built-in safety mechanisms reduce risks.
Removable Ceramic-Coated Pot	PFAS-free and easy to clean.
Included Accessories	Recipe book and rack provide added value.

Cons

Concern	Explanation
Heavy and Bulky	Weighs over 24 pounds and has a large footprint.
Learning Curve	Initial setup and use may take some getting used to.

Final Verdict

The Presto 02152 17-Quart Digital Pressure Canner is a high-end appliance that bridges tradition with technology in a way that’s highly beneficial to modern home canners. With its automated temperature controls, safety mechanisms, and versatile functionality, it removes many of the manual complexities and safety concerns associated with canning.

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