Presto is one of the most popular brands sold in the US. Presto pressure cookers get overwhelmingly positive reviews on Amazon and elsewhere. Presto is also an affordable brand, so if you're just getting into pressure cooking and aren't sure how much you want to commit, it's a good way to get started.
We take a detailed look at Presto pressure cookers: their features, pros and cons, safety, ease of use and cleaning, how they compare to some other popular brands, and more. This review should help you decide if Presto is the right brand for you.
Presto Stovetop Pressure Cookers at a Glance
Here are Presto's stainless steel pressure cooker models. Presto also makes aluminum pressure cookers, which are cheaper, but we do not recommend them because they aren't as durable (though they do get good reviews on Amazon), and the aluminum can transfer a metallic flavor to food. (Furthermore, aluminum may contribute to Alzheimer's disease, but that has been largely debunked.)
Presto Pressure Cooker | Features | Header |
|---|---|---|
Presto 4 qt, 6 qt Stainless (01341/01362) See aluminum models (4-6-8qt) on Amazon About $73 (both sizes) -Best for beginners or people on a budget. | -Stainless steel body -Tri-ply base for even heat -Cover-lock pressure indicator -Over-pressure plug indicator (safety feature) -Induction compatible -Dishwasher safe -Etched 1/2-2/3 fill marks in pot -Includes cooking rack and manual/recipe book. -Assembly required -12 yr warranty. |  |
-Stainless steel body -Tri-ply base for even heat -Cover-lock pressure indicator -Second pressure relief valve (extra safety feature) -Induction compatible -Dishwasher safe -Etched 1/2-2/3 fill marks in pot -Includes cooking rack and manual/recipe book. -Assembly required -12 yr warranty. |  | |
Presto 8 qt Stainless (01370) About $100 -Best for people who want a big or short-handled pressure cooker. | -Stainless steel body -Tri-ply base for even heat -Cover-lock pressure indicator -Second pressure relief valve (extra safety feature) -Quick-cool steam release option -Induction compatible -Dishwasher safe -Etched 1/2-2/3 fill marks in pot -Includes steamer basket, trivet, and manual/recipe book -12 yr warranty. |  |
About Presto
Presto began in 1905 in Eau Claire, Wisconsin as a manufacturer of commercial pressure canning equipment. They started with 50-gallon capacity pressure canners, then added smaller models for hotels (20 gallon) and eventually for home users (10 gallon). Their original canners were made from aluminum but they were the first company to manufacture stainless steel canners during World War II when the aluminum supply was scarce.
Presto made the first sauce pan-style pressure cooker in 1939. Their products were so popular that they were one of the leading makers of household goods by the end of 1941.
Presto continued to expand their lines of goods and are still a very successful maker of consumer products today. In addition to pressure cookers and canners, they make air fryers, deep fryers, coffee maker (several types), dehydrators, electric griddles, knife sharpeners, popcorn poppers, pizza ovens, and more.
Presto's headquarters are still located in Eau Claire. Design, sales, marketing, and testing takes place in the US, with manufacturing facilities China--all Presto pressure cookers and canners today are made in China.