Canning Supplies – Best Essentials for Success

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1) Canner(s)

The number one thing you need for home canning is to get a canner. Two kinds of canners are available for home canning. The type of canning you want to do will determine what canner to purchase. If you can both fruits and vegetables, like I do, you will need both kinds.

You’ll need a water bath canner if you only want to can fruit (a high-acidic food). The boiling water bath canning method safely preserves high-acidic foods.

A water bath canner is a large pot that has a rack at the bottom to keep jars separated from the heat source. It also has a lid and handles.

On the other hand, if you want to preserve low-acid foods like vegetables, meat, or poultry products, you need a pressure canner (NOT a pressure cooker). Pressure canners use high temperatures (240-250°F) under pressure to kill bacteria and make food safe.

As you can see in the picture, both of my canners are basic. My pressure canner only processes 7 Q jars at a time. There are much larger pressure canners, but I’ve found this yard sale treasure to fit my needs perfectly. Since I have to do my canning outside (I have a glass top stove top) using a gas burner, this canner has served me well and isn’t too heavy for me to manage.

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2) Canning Jars

Glass canning jars are essential for preserving food. You should only use jars that are specifically designed for home canning and thoroughly wash them before canning.

You’ll need to inspect your jars thoroughly before using them to discover any cracks or chips. Please don’t use jars with even small chips, as they can compromise the seal during the canning process.

There are different-sized jars for canning, ranging from 1/2 pint to 1/2 gallon. Some sizes have both wide-mouth and regular mouth versions.

1/2-pint jars are used for canning jellies, jams, and smaller portions of fruits and vegetables. Pint jars are suitable for preserving sauces, jellies, and relishes. Quart-size jars are great for canning soups and vegetables.

I use half-pint, pint, and quart-size jars.

3) Canning Lids

Another requirement for canning is single-use lids. These canning lids are flat metal discs with a rubber seal around one side.

Canning lids come in two different sizes: regular mouth and wide mouth. The lids are used with canning rings to secure them to the tops of the jars. The screw rings are reusable, but you need to purchase new lids for each new batch of canning.

4) Canning Rings

The rings (sometimes called bands) are necessary to the canning process because they hold the lids in place during the canning process.

You can purchase the lids and rings together initially, but once you use the lids, you can buy replacement lids.

5) Jar Lifter

A jar lifter is an indispensable tool for removing hot jars after the jars have been canned. A jar lifter is a specialized tong with rubber gripping ends that fit around the jars, letting you lift and move the hot jars without burning yourself.

6) Wide-Mouth Canning Funnel

A canning funnel is a great tool that makes filling your jars easy. It enables you to transfer food into the canning jars neatly. When I couldn’t find my funnel, I used a measuring cup only, which made a real mess and slowed down the process.

When you use a canning funnel, your food will go into the jar without getting food on the rim or sides.  

7) Bubble Remover / Headspace Tool

Foods such as green beans or applesauce require the removal of air bubbles before processing. A bubble remover, sometimes called a bubble popper, is a plastic tool that looks like a small spatula. This tool removes the bubbles in food or water before canning.

The Bubble remover also functions as a headspace tool because it has notches that allow you to measure the space between the food and the lid. Proper headspace is essential because your jars may not seal if you don’t allow for the correct amount of space.

8) Measuring Cup

I put a canning funnel inside canning jars and use a glass measuring cup with a spout to pour the food into the the jars. Using both the funnel and the measuring cup helps to get the food into the jars neatly. A ladle is also a good option, especially for soups or stews.

9) Paper Towels

I use paper towels to wipe off the top rims of the jars before placing the lids on them. You could also use a clean cloth. Wiping the rims ensures that there is no residue or food particles on the rim that could prevent proper sealing.

Ball Canning Guide:

The Ball Canning Guide is a comprehensive book that covers everything you need to know about home canning. It has many recipes, tips and techniques, and troubleshooting guides. While it’s not essential, it’s a great resource for anyone who wants to get serious about canning. It’s my go-to resource for canning.

Instead of purchasing a book right away, get canning information for free published by the USDA: USDA’s Complete Guide to Home Canning.

Magnetic Lid Lifter

A lid lifter is nice to have, but not necessary to home can food. The lid lifter tool lifts the canning lids out of hot water.

It’s not essential because you can use a spoon to remove the lids from the water. However, I like having the lid lifter because using a regular spoon to remove the jars slows down the process for me.

Kitchen Timer

Canning food requires you to do it for a specific length of time. To ensure that you can your food for the appropriate time, you will need a timer.

Different foods require different processing times. To keep track of these times accurately, use a timer. You won’t need an additional timer if you already have a timer on your stove or microwave.

Canning Labels

Labels are fun to use, especially if you’re giving away a canned item as a gift, but you don’t need to use them. I write the contents and date on the lid with a permanent marker.

Storage Racks

Purchasing storage racks are not necessary. Pantry shelves are sufficient.

If you do extensive canning, like I do, you can always quickly build a canning rack. I have a large rack that my husband built for me a few years ago.

Canning Items That You Can Skip

These items are not necessary for home canning:

Electric Canners

Electric canners are not a necessity for home canning. Traditional canners are sufficient and more cost-effective.

Jar Openers

I have never used a jar opener. I’ve always used a spoon to remove lids. However, it can sometimes be challenging. After researching for this post, I ordered one of these since they are only around $6. I’ll update this post if I find a jar opener much better than using a spoon.

Canning Kits

Unless you get an excellent price on one of these kits, it’s usually cheaper to buy the items separately. I have purchased just the small canning supplies kit and found the price reasonable, but not the kits containing the canners. It’s a lot cheaper to buy your canners separately.

Numerous cost-cutting strategies can help reduce expenses for economical home canning. You can check out thrift stores, yard sales, or online buy/sell groups, where you can often find jars, utensils, and other supplies at a fraction of the cost. I’ve gotten many canning supplies at thrift shops and yard sales.

Also, look for seasonal sales at grocery and hardware stores, where you can often find deals on essential canning items like jars and lids.

Purchasing produce in bulk is yet another way to save money on canning. Look for local farmers who offer bulk prices on fruits and vegetables, or consider growing your own in a garden. You’ll have fresh, homegrown fruits and vegetables to can and also save money in the process.

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