I have Nextag watching this item for me and it shows Target has a Presto 23 qt. aluminum canner for $89.29. Is this a good price? Seems so to me, but I haven't been looking that long. I have never pressure canned before, so would this be a good one for me? I'm really looking forward to learning.

Opinions, please.

off topic I know but how do you double stack your jars? do you have an extra basket?

I got my 23 qt pressure canner from Walmart for $79, I believe.  If the store doesn't have it in stock, you can order it online and have it shipped to your local Walmart and not have to pay shipping. They notify you when your item has arrived and all you have to do is print your confirmation email and go pick it up.  Not quite as easy as having it arrive at your door, but with the shipping prices these days…..  I have also noticed that sometimes Walmart's online prices are a little cheaper than the in store prices on some items. They don't honor the online price in the store.  I argued with them over that.

You are so right, Pete. That's why I've started stalking now. I want to get it pretty soon after we hit the US, so I can start using it quickly. The sooner I get canning, the better off we'll be. Applesauce, sweet potatoes, chili! We won't have a big freezer so if I can get meals in jars, we'll be less tempted to eat out, thus saving money. It's always a challenge not to overspend during our Stateside time. So many temptations!

That is something to consider, Ross. Exactly how much chili, spaghetti sauce, etc. do I want to do at one time? Then, too, would 2 smaller size ones be easier to handle than 1 large one? Hm…thinking, thinking.

Oh, happy day! I alerted FB friends to be on the lookout for jars and a canner for me. One of them found some jars for a quarter and a pressure canner for $3.00! She's not sure if it has all the parts, but for $3.00 I could certainly replace gaskets/whatever. Cannot wait to get there and see what she's found.

Update: Finally connected with the friend yesterday and got the pressure canner she picked up for $3. She would not let me pay her for it. It is a Mirro and only missing the pressure regulator which I ordered online for less than $20. Patience pays and friends are fantastic! I can now begin my canning adventures! Very excited! And in the meantime, I've been picking up jars, etc. at garage sales and have totally scored in that area, too, finding not only jars, but funnel, jar lifter and brand new lids/rings for cheap, cheap. There is nothing like finding what you need at a great price.

Be sure you have something that is safe to sit the hot jars on.  I have a rubber mat I use and I just store it inside the canner when not in use.  I also store my other goodies in there…the jar lifter, funnel, etc.

Y'all are so helpful. It's all these little tips that make a difference. Experience is wisdom. Thanks for sharing.