Home Canning Equipment and Supplies

Figuring out what to buy before you start canning can feel like its own project, before you’ve even picked a recipe. This page walks through how to figure out which canner you actually need, what’s truly required to get started safely, and what’s just nice to have. You’ll also find answers to the equipment questions I hear most often.

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Which Canner do you Really Need?

This is the first decision to make, and it depends entirely on what you’re planning to preserve, not on which canner looks the nicest in the store.

High acid foods, things like jams, jellies, pickles, and tomatoes with added acid, only need a water bath or steam canner. Low acid foods, vegetables, meat, soups, and broths, need a pressure canner. There’s no getting around this one. A pressure canner is what reaches the temperature needed to make low acid foods safe.

If you’re not sure yet which category your project falls into, my guide to choosing the right canning method walks through it in more detail.

Must Have Canning Equipment

Water Bath or Steam Canners

If you’re canning high acid foods, you have three options, and any of them will work well.

Water Bath Canner (Also Known as Boiling Water Canner)

Traditional black speckled boiling water canner. A large pot with a rack, nothing fancy needed.

Steam Canner: Types, Comparisons, and How to Choose

A Steam Canner does the same job as a regular water bath. But with much less water. Try it!

Stainless Steel Water Bath Canners

This stainless steel canner works for either water bath or steam canning. NOT to be confused with pressure canning.

Pressure Canners

If you’re canning low acid foods, you’ll need a pressure canner instead. There are 3 main brands of pressure canners.

All American Pressure Canner

Heavy-duty and built to last, with a metal-to-metal seal instead of a gasket.

Presto Pressure Canner

The most common choice for beginners, lighter weight and widely available.

Mirro Pressure Canner

An less expensive option for canning vegetables & meats.

All American vs Presto Pressure Canners – Which One is Best?

All American Vs Presto. A video comparison of the 2 canners I own, and what I recommend.

Presto Electric Pressure Canner Review: Safe, Approved, and Worth It?

A newer option worth understanding before you buy, since not all electric models are approved for canning.

Canning Jars, Lids, Rings and hand tools

Canning Jars 101:

Canning jars are tempered to handle the heat, and their rims are shaped to seal properly with a canning lid.

Guide to Canning Jar Lids

Canning lids come in a 3 piece system. Pretty simple. This post shows how they work and what is recommended.

Reusable Canning Lids

If you're interested in reusable lid options instead of buying new metal lids every season, I've reviewed a few.

Canning Kits

Kits often come with all hand tools, sometimes have a canner and all tools. There are a variety available.

Canning Rack

A canner should come with a rack, but sometimes they rust and will need to be replaced. This post also shows some alternatives you can create yourself.

Beyond these lists above, you may need general kitchen items you likely already own, a timer, a ladle, kitchen towels, will round out what you need.

Optional canning equipment and supplies

Although I Call Them Optional…They Really Do Make Life Easier
None of this is required to get started.

Steam Juicers Make Juicing Quick, Easy, & They Retain More Nutrition!

Steam juicers are not to be confused with steam canners: They’re very different! Steam juicing is a great way to get the most out of your food. Watch the video review at SimplyCanning.com

Apple slicers are actually apple corers, peelers, and slicers in one!

Peeling, coring, or slicing apples for canning? This apple slicer makes it easy! Learn how it works what to look for when buying at SimplyCanning.com

Food Strainer

A food strainer (or food mill) is a valuable canning tool.

4th Burner Pot: What’s That? It’s So Handy, It May Just Stay There!

This 4th burner pot is excellent for canning, dehydrating, and making other recipes. Here’s everything I like about it! SimplyCanning.com

Clear Jel is the go-to for thickeners. Ditch the flour and cornstarch!

Clear Jel vs flour or corn starch as a thickener is a no brainer. Once you see the results, you’ll be as hooked as we are at SimplyCanning.com. Learn about this great product and get canning!

Outdoor Canning Stove: Camp Chef Review from SimplyCanning

The Camp Chef Stove is reviewed for use as an outdoor canning stove. Try it as an alternative to your smooth top range.

Antique Canning Jars

Antique canning jars… Do you love anything vintage or antique, especially kitchen items? Sometimes vintage jars are still put to good use. #SimplyCanning #antiquecanningjars

Simply Canning Guide & Home Preserving Recipes

The Simply Canning book is the ultimate guide to home canning without overwhelm or uncertainty! Have confidence with knowledge.

A pickle pipe makes fermenting just about anything a snap!

The pickle pipe has the SimplyCanning.com’s stamp of approval! We tested this item against the traditional method and an air lock when making sauerkraut. How did it stack up? Read on and see!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you stack jars in a canner?

Yes. Both a water bath canner and a pressure canner can process two layers of jars at once. Place a rack between the layers so the jars aren’t resting directly on top of each other and so water or steam can circulate around all of them. I’ve got more details on stacking jars in this video.

Can I use regular store-bought jars, like mayonnaise or pasta sauce jars, for canning?

Some can be used for water bath canning only, I don’t recommend for pressure canning. Expect a higher rate of seal failures and breakage. I’ve got the full explanation, including my own suggestions. Reusing store bought jars for canning.

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