Equipment Needed for Canning
You don't need to be intimidated by canning. I was, then I pulled up my big girl panties and gave it a whirl. When you follow the instructions of a recipe, it's easy and safe to can for the next year. Here is a list of equipment needed for canning.
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Equipment Needed for Canning
Preserving food by canning is a great way to save money and provide your family with healthy, nutritious meals. Canning is also an easy and fun way to store fruits and vegetables so you can enjoy them year-round.
In order to make sure that your food is safe and properly preserved, it's important to have the right equipment for the job.
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Canning is not necessarily hard, but there are some particular pieces of equipment that you need.
Canning Jars & Lids
Jars are one of the most important pieces of canning equipment. Without them, you wouldn’t be able to store your canned goods. There are many different types and sizes of jars available on the market, so it’s important to choose the right ones for your needs.
Canning jars come in a variety of other materials, including plastic and metal. Glass is the best material to use because it won’t leach chemicals into your food. Plastic and metal jars can also be difficult to clean, so they’re not the best choice for canning.
Rings and lids are usually sold together in a canning kit. The lids are made of metal and have a rubber seal that helps create a tight seal between the lid and the jar. The rings are also made of metal and screws onto the jars to keep the lids in place.
You can also buy the lids separately so that you can continue to use your jars each year. Don't forget to label them so you know what is what!
Water Canning Pot & Trivet
Pressure Canner
For low-acid foods, a pressure canner helps remove any doubt as to the sanitation of the food. Pressure canners go to a higher temperature than boiling in a hot water bath, so more germs are killed.
Rubber-Tipped Tongs
If you've ever tried to lift a hot jar from a pressure canner, you'll know why you need tongs. Rubber-tipped ones help you grip the jar to get it out.
To use a jar lifter or rubber-tipped tongs, first, make sure that the grip will fit under the lip of the jar you wish to remove. Place the lifter over the opening of the jar, and grip the handles tightly. Slowly lift the jar out of the heat, being careful not to tilt it or shake it, as this can cause the contents to spill.
Wide-Mouth Funnel
Pouring liquids into a jar (even a wide-mouthed one) can get messy without a funnel. Consider the wide-mouthed type to help you get the food into the jar with minimal mess.
This is one of the most useful things you can buy. It is going to save you from a large mess and wasting food.
Safety Gear: Oven Mitts and Towels
You can use regular oven mitts, or you can buy something that is intended for grilling which I found gives me a better feel for exactly what I am doing without as much worry about dropping anything.
Dish towels aren't so much a “safety” issue as it is an easy cleanup and easy setup. I put a dishtowel under my jars before filling them. I just have to toss the towel in the washer when I am finished. It also gives me a place to put the jars when I take them out of the water bath.
The canning process requires special equipment, but it is a great way to preserve food. Canning is a great way to have food on hand for a quick meal or snack.
In order to successfully can foods at home, you will need to invest in some quality canning equipment. A boiling water canner or pressure canner are the two main types of canners available on the market. You will also need to purchase jars and lids specifically made for canning, as well as a canning funnel, canning ladle, and jar lifter. With the proper equipment and some practice, home canning can be a fun and rewarding experience.
