Essential Pressure Canning Supplies

Pressure canning is a fantastic way to preserve low acid food at home, including what we like to call “fast food,” or meals that can be put together quickly using preserved ingredients. Whether you're a seasoned canner or just starting out, having the right supplies is crucial for success. In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore the essential pressure canning supplies you need to get started and maintain a successful canning operation.

Pressure Canner

The pressure canner is the heart of your canning operation. Unlike water bath canners, pressure canners use steam under pressure to achieve the high temperatures necessary for safely canning low-acid foods like meats, vegetables, and soups. When choosing a pressure canner, look for one that is large enough to accommodate your canning needs and built to withstand high pressure and heat. Popular brands include Presto and All American.

Mason Jars

Mason jars are the perfect vessel for canning due to their durability and ability to withstand the heat of the process. Available in a variety of sizes, from 4 oz to half gallon, mason jars are made of tempered glass. Canning jars approved for safe canning in the US feature a two-piece lid system consisting of a flat lid with a sealing compound and a screw-on band. Always use new lids for each canning project to ensure a proper seal.

Canning Lids and Bands

Canning lids and bands are essential components of the two-piece lid system used in water bath canning. The lid, which features a sealing compound, creates an airtight seal when heated during the canning process. The band secures the lid in place on the jar during processing. While bands can be reused as long as they are in good condition and free from rust or damage, lids should always be new to ensure a reliable seal. It’s important to note that you should remove the rings from the canned item before placing into storage. This prevents a false seal.

Jar Lifter

A jar lifter is a specialized tool used to safely and securely lift hot jars in and out of the water bath canner. Typically made of heat-resistant materials such as stainless steel or nylon, jar lifters feature gripping tongs that securely grasp the jars, allowing for safe and precise maneuvering during the canning process. It’s important to use a specialized jar lifter for this — not tongs — as tongs can’t grip a jar as well and will likely lead to hot water splashing, or broken jars.

Canning Funnel

A canning funnel is a tool used to transfer hot liquids, such as jams, jellies, and sauces, into jars during the canning process. Its wide mouth and tapered design allow for easy and mess-free pouring, ensuring that the contents are evenly distributed and that the rims of the jars remain clean. Canning funnels are typically made of heat-resistant materials such as stainless steel or BPA-free plastic.

We recommend keeping several on hand, as once you use them, you’ll likely realize they can be used in the kitchen beyond canning. They are particularly handy for decanting bulk grains, rice and other food into manageable containers.

Bubble Remover/Headspace Tool

Achieving the correct headspace—the distance between the top of the food and the rim of the jar—is essential for ensuring a proper seal and preventing spoilage. A bubble remover/headspace tool helps remove air bubbles trapped in the jar and to measure the headspace accurately. It typically features a flat end for removing bubbles and a measuring gauge for checking headspace.

Alternatively, some canning funnels have built in measuring tools, and some people use a wooden chopstick or popsicle stick as a bubble remover.

Lid Magnet

A lid magnet is used to retrieve canning lids from hot water without the risk of burns or spills. Featuring a magnet at one end, a lid magnet attracts and lifts lids from the water bath canner, allowing for easy and hygienic handling during the canning process. Lid magnets are typically made of heat-resistant materials such as stainless steel or nylon.

Note that lid manufacturers no longer require or recommend boiling lids before use. Nevertheless, we find this tool helpful in certain situations, and it doesn’t hurt to have around.

Towels, Towels, Towels

You’ll be surprised how many towels you find yourself using for a canning project. We keep several on hand, not just to clean up, but to serve as a heat protector for counters once hot jars come out of the canner, for a makeshift pot holder if needed, and for a place to rest clean jars while they are being filled

With the right supplies and a little know-how, pressure canning can be a rewarding and enjoyable way to preserve your favorite foods at home. By investing in essential pressure canning supplies like a pressure canner, mason jars, and canning accessories, you'll be well-equipped to tackle any canning project with confidence. Happy canning!