Which is better for a beginner?

The Presto Precise 12-Quart. Its display guides each step and the sensor holds the right temperature, so you don't manage a dial gauge or altitude corrections. The 23-Quart relies on you reading the gauge and adjusting the burner.

Which holds more jars?

The 23-Quart. At 23 quarts of liquid capacity it takes roughly twice the load of the 12-quart Precise, which matters for large tomato or meat batches.

Is the Precise worth the extra money?

Only if you value hands-off electric canning. At $369.97 at Amazon as of November 3, 2026, it costs $210.97 more than the 23-Quart at $159.00 at Denver True Value, and it holds less.

Does either need altitude adjustments?

The 23-Quart does; you raise the pressure for your elevation. The Precise needs none, because its sensor detects and holds the processing temperature itself.

The 23-Quart has a 12-year extended warranty and a simple aluminum body with few parts to fail. The Precise has electronics and no written warranty listed, so its long-term life depends on the control unit.

Can both do water bath canning?

Yes. The 23-Quart works as a water bath canner on the stove, and the Precise runs a boiling water cycle for high-acid foods like fruit, jam and salsa.

Presto 23-Quart Pressure Canner vs Presto 02144 12-Quart Digit…

Buy the Presto 23-Quart if you want maximum capacity for the lowest price and already have a stove that can handle a large aluminum pot. Buy the Presto Precise 12-Quart if you want set-and-forget electric canning with no altitude adjustments and don't mind paying more for less capacity. On price, the 23-Quart is $159.00 at Denver True Value as of November 3, 2026, while the 12-Quart Precise is $369.97 at Amazon as of the same date.

Today the Presto 23-Quart Pressure Canner costs $210.97 less at its best price.

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