I’ve spent the last few months doing a lot of home canning, and in that time, I tried both the Presto 02144 and Presto 02152 digital pressure canners side by side. Even though these two look very similar on paper, the experience of using them isn’t identical — especially when you consider capacity, handling, and workflow.
If you’re debating between the 12-quart and the 17-quart model, the differences might matter more than you expect. Here’s my take after using both for multiple batches of low-acid foods and water-bath preserves.
Key Difference Between Presto 02144 vs 02152 Pressure Canner
The biggest difference between the Presto 02144 and 02152 is capacity.
- The 02144 is a 12-quart digital canner better suited for small-batch canners or limited storage spaces.
- The 02152 bumps up the capacity to 17 quarts, making it a more practical choice if you regularly process quart jars or larger quantities.
Both perform the same core functions, but the 02152 is the “bigger batch” version, while the 02144 is the compact, more manageable one.
- PRESTO DIGITAL CANNER FOR EASY HOME CANNING: The first digital canner that automates both pressure canning and...
- USDA-APPROVED PRESSURE CANNING: Safely process low-acid foods such as meat, poultry, fish, and vegetables with...
- AUTOMATED FOR EASY CANNING: The Presto Pressure Canner simplifies home canning with its automated features,...
- EXTRA-TALL SIZE: This pressure canner is designed to hold quart jars, making it perfect for both pressure and...
Comparison Table: Presto 02144 vs 02152 Pressure Canner
| Feature | Presto 02144 | Presto 02152 |
| Capacity | 12 Quarts | 17 Quarts |
| Material | Stainless Steel (Black Stainless) | Stainless Steel |
| Dimensions | 14″ D × 17″ W × 16″ H | 14.5″ D × 17.25″ W × 18″ H |
| Weight | 20.5 lbs | 24.3 lbs |
| Special Feature | Programmable, Digital | Programmable, Digital |
| Wattage | 1485W | 1485W |
| Functions | Pressure canning + water bath | Pressure canning + water bath |
| Safety Features | 10 built-in safety features | 10 built-in safety features |
| Control | Digital interface with knob | Digital interface with knob |
| Best For | Small batches, limited space | Larger jars, big-batch canning |
| Check Latest Price & Deals | Buy on Amazon | Buy on Amazon |
Detailed Comparative Review
Design
Both models look like siblings, but not twins. The 02144 has that black stainless finish, which honestly looks great on the counter and hides smudges better than the regular stainless of the 02152. The 02152 is taller and feels bulkier — not unmanageable, but I had to give it a dedicated spot in my pantry because it didn’t fit where my 02144 used to sit.
And while the materials are similar, the extra height and weight of the 02152 make it feel more like a semi-permanent appliance rather than something you tuck away every time you’re done.
- PRESTO DIGITAL CANNER FOR EASY HOME CANNING: The first digital canner that automates both pressure canning and...
- USDA-APPROVED PRESSURE CANNING: Safely process low-acid foods such as meat, poultry, fish, and vegetables with...
- AUTOMATED FOR EASY CANNING: The Presto Pressure Canner simplifies home canning with its automated features,...
- EXTRA-TALL SIZE: This pressure canner is designed to hold quart jars, making it perfect for both pressure and...
Ease of Use
Using both canners back to back made it clear that Presto kept the learning curve low. The digital interface, the step-by-step prompts, and the LED icons feel identical on both machines. The touchscreen and control knob combo are intuitive — you’re basically guided through every stage of the process.
Where things differ is during handling:
- The 02144 is noticeably easier to lift, empty, and move around.
- The 02152, once filled with jars, water, and the weight of the machine itself, becomes a “don’t move me again unless absolutely necessary” appliance.
If mobility matters, the 02144 wins.
- PRESTO DIGITAL CANNER FOR EASY HOME CANNING: The first digital canner that automates both pressure canning and...
- USDA-APPROVED PRESSURE CANNING: Safely process low-acid foods such as meat, poultry, fish, and vegetables with...
Functions & Performance
Functionally, both canners do:
✔ Pressure canning (USDA compliant)
✔ Water-bath canning
✔ Automated temperature control
✔ Altitude-free operation (no adjustments needed)
The performance difference comes down to capacity:
- With the 02144, I found myself doing multiple rounds when processing bigger garden harvests.
- The 02152 saved me time during high-volume days since it fits more jars — especially quart jars.
Both have a built-in sensor that manages temperature perfectly. I loved not having to babysit the gauge or keep checking the heat source. It made the process relaxing rather than stressful.
- PRESTO DIGITAL CANNER FOR EASY HOME CANNING: The first digital canner that automates both pressure canning and...
- USDA-APPROVED PRESSURE CANNING: Safely process low-acid foods such as meat, poultry, fish, and vegetables with...
- AUTOMATED FOR EASY CANNING: The Presto Pressure Canner simplifies home canning with its automated features,...
- EXTRA-TALL SIZE: This pressure canner is designed to hold quart jars, making it perfect for both pressure and...
Safety Features
Presto didn’t cut corners here. Both have:
- Cover locking system
- Automatic temperature holding
- Digital stage indicators
- Multiple fail-safes built internally
Honestly, the consistency of safety features across both models is reassuring. I never felt uneasy using either one, even during back-to-back sessions.
Cleaning & Maintenance
The interior pots on both machines clean easily, and neither has complicated parts that need deep maintenance. The only real difference is size — the 02144 is easier to maneuver at the sink, while the 02152 takes a bit more planning because it’s taller and heavier.
Presto 02144 (12-Quart) Digital Pressure Canner
- PRESTO DIGITAL CANNER FOR EASY HOME CANNING: The first digital canner that automates both pressure canning and...
- USDA-APPROVED PRESSURE CANNING: Safely process low-acid foods such as meat, poultry, fish, and vegetables with...
Pros:
- Compact and easier to move
- Very beginner-friendly
- Digital automation makes canning stress-free
- Sleek black stainless finish
- Perfect for small batches
Cons:
- Can feel limiting if you often process quart jars
- Requires more cycles for large harvests
- Not the best choice for big families or bulk canning
Presto 02152 (17-Quart) Digital Pressure Canner
- AUTOMATED FOR EASY CANNING: The Presto Pressure Canner simplifies home canning with its automated features,...
- EXTRA-TALL SIZE: This pressure canner is designed to hold quart jars, making it perfect for both pressure and...
Pros:
- Larger capacity fits more jars (especially quarts)
- Ideal for batch processing
- Same simple digital operation as 02144
- Faster workflow when dealing with heavy harvest seasons
Cons:
- Heavier and more cumbersome
- Regular stainless shows smudges more
- Requires more storage space
Conclusion: Which One Should You Get?
After using both canners extensively, my preference depends on the purpose:
- If you can a few times a month or work with small batches, the Presto 02144 is a fantastic choice. It’s easier to manage, lighter, and takes up less space.
- If you’re like me during peak garden season and you want to minimize the number of batches, the Presto 02152 makes the process noticeably more efficient. The extra 5 quarts of space genuinely change the workflow.
My personal recommendation:
Choose the 02152 if you have the room for it. The capacity saves time, and the performance is identical to its smaller sibling.
But if space, portability, or budget are your main concerns, the 02144 won’t disappoint — it still delivers fully automated, USDA-safe canning without the bulk.
