If you are stuck on presto pressure canner vs all american pressure canner for mushroom grain spawn, you are really choosing between the All American 1930: 21.5qt Pressure Cooker/Canner and the Presto 01781 23-Quart Pressure Canner and Cooker. Both handle quart jars of rye, oats, and millet for inoculation, and both are sized for serious home batches rather than single jar runs. The real decision is budget flexibility and simple handling against long term durability and a gasket free seal.
We evaluated both units for spawn work, focusing on jar capacity, seal design, pressure readability, and cleanup after long sterilization cycles. For background on sterile technique, see our Sterilization & Pasteurization overview, updated for November 2026. Always follow the manufacturer’s own instructions for your specific unit, never leave it unattended while pressurized, and let the pressure release naturally before opening the lid. You will run either canner for extended grain cycles, so comfort with the lid, gauge, and regulator matters as much as raw volume.
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Quick Picks at a Glance
All American 921 21.5Qt Pressure Canner and Cooker
Presto 01781 23-Quart Pressure Canner and Cooker
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Pros
- Exclusive metal-to-metal seal means no gaskets to buy, stretch or fail
- Large capacity processes full batches of quarts and pints efficiently
- Weighted regulator plus gauge makes pressure easy to set, hear and maintain
- Heavy-duty USA-made aluminum construction feels solid and long lasting
- Versatile for pressure canning, pressure cooking and preserving low-acid foods safely
Cons
- Heavy at 20 pounds empty, plus jars and water, so lifting and storage take effort
- Large 15-inch tall footprint requires ample stove clearance and storage space
- Clamp-style lid with multiple knobs has a learning curve compared to twist-lock canners
The All American 921 is a 21.5-quart stovetop pressure canner and cooker designed for serious home preservers. It is ideal for gardeners, homesteaders and families canning low-acid foods like meat, beans and vegetables in pints or quarts.
Its standout metal-to-metal seal locks steam-tight with positive clamping and no gasket to wear out. In real use, owners report fast sealing with a light oil on the rim, steady pressure from the regulator weight, and the gauge as a handy visual reference.
Built in the USA from heavy cast aluminum, it features double-thickness edges, a sturdy phenolic handle and a smooth satin finish. The steam gauge, regulator weight and clamping knobs feel precise, rugged and made to serve for decades.
The tradeoffs are size and weight, since it is tall, bulky and heavy when fully loaded. New users also need practice to evenly tighten the clamps and manage heat for stable pressure.
For anyone committed to safe, high-volume home canning, the 921 is a buy-it-for-life workhorse. It is durable, versatile and dependable enough to pass down through generations.
Model 921 with 21.5-quart capacity, holds approximately 19 pint jars or 7 quart jars. Dimensions are 12.25 inches by 12.25 inches by 15.37 inches with a weight of 20 pounds.
Material is cast aluminum with satin finish, phenolic top handle and double-thickness edges for added strength. Closure uses positive action clamping locks with precision machined metal-to-metal seal.
Controls include easy-to-read steam gauge and precision machined regulator weight for accurate pressure control. Compatible with gas, electric and flat top stoves.
Choose the 21.5-quart size if you can in full quart batches or large garden harvests without constant reloading. Smaller households or beginners may prefer a smaller model for easier lifting and storage.
Confirm stove fit before buying, as you need a sturdy burner, vertical clearance for the tall lid and gauge, and ability to support a heavy fully loaded pot. Always vent steam as directed, then bring to pressure and adjust heat to keep the weight gently rocking.
Maintain the seal by keeping the rim clean and lightly oiled, tightening knobs evenly, and keeping the vent pipe and gauge clear. With basic care, this gasket-free design avoids replacement parts and stays reliable for years.
Pros
- Massive capacity handles large canning jobs in fewer batches
- Versatile 3-in-1 design saves money and storage space
- Fast, even heating from durable heavy-gauge aluminum construction
- Accurate dial gauge ideal for high-altitude canning precision
- Long 12-year warranty and proven reliability from Presto
Cons
- Large 23-quart size is heavy and requires ample storage and stove space
- Aluminum body requires hand washing and lid is not immersible
- Dial gauge is delicate and needs careful handling and regular checking
The Presto 01781 is a 23-quart pressure canner and cooker designed for home canners who process low-acid foods like vegetables, meats, poultry and seafood. It is best suited for gardeners, homesteaders and bulk buyers who need to preserve large batches safely and efficiently.
In real world use, it shines as a true 3-in-1 tool that pressure cans, boiling-water cans fruits and salsa, and cooks meals fast under pressure. The deluxe dial gauge registers the full range of processing pressures, which gives added confidence and control, especially at higher altitudes.
Build quality centers on warp-resistant heavy-gauge aluminum that heats quickly and evenly on regular and smooth-top ranges. Stay-cool handles, a strong-lock steel lid, cover lock system and overpressure plug add layers of safety, while the included rack keeps jars off the bottom for proper circulation.
The tradeoffs are mostly about size and care. This is a tall, wide pot that needs strong stove space and roomy storage, and the aluminum body and lid require gentle hand washing without immersion. The dial gauge is precise but delicate, so it needs careful handling to stay accurate.
Overall, the Presto 23-quart remains a benchmark for home canning thanks to its huge capacity, versatility and long warranty support. If you want one reliable vessel for big canning days and everyday pressure cooking, this is an excellent pick.
Capacity: 23-quart liquid capacity, 21.8 liters, holds 26 half-pints, 20 pints, 7 quarts.
Material and Finish: Heavy-gauge warp-resistant aluminum with polished finish, stay-cool handles, steel locking lid.
Controls and Safety: Deluxe dial pressure gauge, air vent with cover lock, overpressure plug, pop-up pressure indicator.
Compatibility and Dimensions: Works on regular and smooth-top ranges, measures 15.5 x 17.5 x 13.5 inches, weighs 12 pounds.
In the Box: Canning and cooking rack plus 76-page instruction and recipe book, backed by 12-year limited warranty.
How They Compare
Capacity and Jar Layout for Grain Work
When you compare jar space, the All American 1930: 21.5qt Pressure Cooker/Canner holds approx. 19 pint jars or 7 quart jars, while the Presto 01781 23-Quart Pressure Canner and Cooker lists 26 half-pints, 20 pints, 7 quarts. For mushroom growers, quarts matter most because most grain spawn recipes use quart mason jars with loose lids and foil covers. Both give you 7 quarts per run, which covers a solid monotub or a couple of small bulk tubs from one cycle, so neither leaves you short on core spawn output.
If you run mostly pints for agar wedges to grain or small experimental batches, the Presto 01781 23-Quart Pressure Canner and Cooker has a small edge on paper with room for 20 pints against 19 pints for the All American 1930: 21.5qt Pressure Cooker/Canner. In practice, you will feel little difference unless you cycle pints weekly for culture maintenance. If you want ideas for scaling grain output efficiently, our presto pressure cooker for grain spawn guide shows how growers pair quart cycles with bulk substrate plans without overloading the stove.
Sealing System and Ongoing Maintenance
The biggest difference is the seal. The All American 1930: 21.5qt Pressure Cooker/Canner uses an exclusive precision machined metal-to-metal sealing system with positive action clamping that forms a steam tight seal without a gasket. The Presto 01781 23-Quart Pressure Canner and Cooker does not list a metal seal system, and growers commonly report it relies on a replaceable gasket to hold pressure. That single design choice shapes your maintenance routine, spare parts drawer, and long term cost of ownership for sterile work.
You will appreciate the All American 1930: 21.5qt Pressure Cooker/Canner if you dislike ordering spares, since there is no gasket to stretch, crack, or absorb odors, and the cover opens and closes smoothly once you learn the clamping sequence. The trade off is that the lid is heavy and alignment takes practice, and uneven tightening can cause slow venting that frustrates beginners. The Presto 01781 23-Quart Pressure Canner and Cooker is lighter to handle and simpler to close, but you will need to keep the sealing surfaces clean, check seating before each run, and eventually replace the wear component.
Pressure Control, Gauges and Learning Curve
For pressure readability, the All American 1930: 21.5qt Pressure Cooker/Canner includes an easy to read steam gauge plus a precision machined regulator weight for accurate pressure control. The Presto 01781 23-Quart Pressure Canner and Cooker uses a deluxe pressure dial gauge that registers the complete range of processing pressures, which the maker notes is especially important at higher altitudes. Both let you monitor a long grain cycle without guessing, which is critical for consistent sterilization of dense rye berries and oat kernels that need full heat penetration.
If you are new to canners, you may find the Presto 01781 23-Quart Pressure Canner and Cooker dial plus included instruction and recipe book more reassuring, and our presto 23-Quart vs instant pot for grain jars breakdown walks through first run jitters and venting habits. The All American 1930: 21.5qt Pressure Cooker/Canner regulator gives a clear rocking cue once you learn it, but you must watch heat adjustments closely on electric or flat top stoves to keep it steady. Either way, you should start with water only runs to learn your burner before risking a full load of spawn.
Build Quality, Heating and Cleanup
Build quality favors the more premium choice. The All American 1930: 21.5qt Pressure Cooker/Canner is made in the USA with double thickness edges on points of heaviest wear, a sturdy phenolic top handle, and an easy to clean satin finish, and it is suitable for gas, electric, or flat top stoves. The Presto 01781 23-Quart Pressure Canner and Cooker is constructed of warp resistant heavy gauge aluminum for fast, even heating and works on regular and smooth top ranges, plus it ships with a canning and cooking rack that keeps jars off the bottom for even steam circulation.
For cleanup after grain, both wipe down well, but aluminum shows hard water spots if you do not vent and rinse promptly, and the Presto 01781 23-Quart Pressure Canner and Cooker rack needs thorough drying to avoid mineral buildup. The All American 1930: 21.5qt Pressure Cooker/Canner resists warping and feels built for decades of weekly cycles, yet its weight makes sink washing awkward and storage demanding in small kitchens. If budget is tight and you need to prioritize safe operation over heft, our how to pick a safe spawn canner on a tight budget guide explains what features matter most for contamination control.
Which One Should You Get
Choose All American 1930: 21.5qt Pressure Cooker/Canner if you sterilize grain every week or two and want a buy once unit with no gasket to maintain. You process 7 quarts at a time, you value the metal to metal seal, machined regulator weight, and rugged casting with double thickness edges, and you have stove space and storage for a heavy canner that you plan to keep for many seasons. You should not buy this if you struggle lifting heavy cookware or need to carry your canner to a different burner, since weight and lid handling are real drawbacks. Check the listing here: All American 1930: 21.5qt Pressure Cooker/Canner.
Choose Presto 01781 23-Quart Pressure Canner and Cooker if you want maximum spawn capacity for the lowest upkeep burden and easiest learning curve. You get room for 7 quarts or 20 pints per cycle, fast and even heating from heavy gauge aluminum, a full range dial gauge that helps at altitude, plus a rack and instruction book that simplify your first grain runs. This is the smarter fit for beginners, apartment growers, and anyone running two to four tubs per month who prefers a lighter lid and familiar handling. See details here: Presto 01781 23-Quart Pressure Canner and Cooker.
Who Should Skip Both
These full size canners are not ideal for growers who only need occasional agar work, small liquid culture expansion, or single pint runs in a dorm or tiny apartment with limited ventilation and no suitable burner. Both require a proper gas, electric, or smooth top range, dedicated storage, and time for heat up, venting, processing, and cool down, so they are not a good fit if you want a set and forget electric appliance. You should also pause if you use induction only without a compatible setup, or if you cannot commit to staying nearby during pressurized operation for safety.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which holds more quart jars for grain spawn, Presto or All American?
Both hold 7 quart jars per load according to the maker specifications, so quart output is tied. The Presto 01781 23-Quart Pressure Canner and Cooker lists slightly more pint capacity at 20 pints compared with approx. 19 pints for the All American 1930: 21.5qt Pressure Cooker/Canner. Choose based on seal preference and handling rather than quart volume alone.
Does the All American canner really need no gasket replacement?
The All American 1930: 21.5qt Pressure Cooker/Canner uses a precision machined metal to metal sealing system with positive action clamping, so there is no gasket to replace. You still need to keep the metal sealing surfaces clean, follow the clamping order, and store the lid properly to protect the machined edges. With careful use, growers commonly report many years of reliable sealing without spare parts.
Is the Presto 23-Quart good enough for sterilizing grain or should I save for All American?
The Presto 01781 23-Quart Pressure Canner and Cooker is widely used for grain spawn and is recommended safe by the maker for low acid foods including vegetables, meats, poultry, and seafood, with a dial gauge for full range monitoring. It sterilizes grain reliably when you allow proper venting, full processing time, and natural pressure release. Save for the All American 1930: 21.5qt Pressure Cooker/Canner if you want heavier construction and freedom from gasket maintenance for very frequent use.
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