If you have a lot of extra fruits and vegetables on hand, then using canning equipment to preserve your harvest is an excellent option. Whether you're new to canning or if you just want to replace some of your current tools, there are useful equipment options for any level of experience. From jar lifters to wide funnels, we know the pieces you'll need to make the process go smoothly. Read on to find out which canning equipment for preserving made our list of favorites.
Pros:
- Great set for getting started
- Vinyl grips on tools
Cons:
- Plastic components have limited lifespan
Canning food requires keeping all items in the process sanitary. Using these tools to move the jars, lids, and remove bubbles from ingredients will aid in that process. The tools that require grip have vinyl coatings, making it easier to move jars around and tighten their lids.
McSunley stainless steel prep n cook water bath
Stay-cool handles
Boil seven one-quart jars at a time.
Pros:
- Heavy-duty stainless steel construction
- Rack for jars
- Glass lid
Cons:
- Handles could use improvement
Now that your ingredients are in their jars, it’s time to form a vacuum seal to maintain freshness. This water bath offers a wire rack that suspends jars above the bottom of the pot, preventing burns on the food. It also has a vented glass lid to speed up the heating process, as well as prevent splashes of hot water.
Prepworks by Progressive canning scoop
Less mess on countertops
Pouring spouts for right and left-handed users.
Pros:
- Easily pours into funnels
- Made of high-heat nylon
- Hooks on the side of a pot
Cons:
- Shape may be awkward for some
When making jams, jellies, or sauces, this ladle will help you move ingredients to jars without much fuss. Each side of the scoop has a pouring spout, so it’s easy to aim into the funnel over your jar. The high-heat nylon composition lets you use the built-in hook to rest it on the lip of a hot pot without worry.
Nourished Essentials easy fermenter lid kit
Prevent oxygen from entering jars
Makes a seemingly complex task in your kitchen super easy.
Pros:
- Great gift option
- Make your own pickles
- No boiling bath needed for jars
Cons:
- No jars included
Fermenting doesn't have to be a complicated process when you have the right tools. This set includes three lids with vents, three weights to keep ingredients submerged, and a pump for removing air from your jars. Each lid has a date slider, helping you keep track of the day you started the fermentation for tasty results.
Ball freshTECH electric water bath canner
Save stove space while canning
Can be used for cooking, steaming, and brewed tea.
Pros:
- Saves energy
- Grips on handles
- Pouring spot built into the side
Cons:
- Heat cycles on and off like electric stovetops
During the canning process, you usually have to dedicate one stove burner to a task that can take all day or night. This option has a heating element built-in, as well as a rack to hold the jars off the bottom. There are multiple heat settings, as well as a glass lid, making it a great option for cooking soups, stews, or sauces when you're not canning.
Pros:
- Durable
- No rusting
- Won't melt with hot liquids
Cons:
- Edges may be sharp
If you don’t like the idea of plastic touching your hot foods, then consider these stainless steel funnels from Aieve. The smaller version has a 4-inch opening, and the larger is 5.6-inches across. A built-in loop on the side helps protect fingertips from heat as you move the funnel from jar to jar.
Saving money with canning equipment
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Ready to embark on a canning project at home? Our favorite canning equipment for preserving is Norpro canning essentials boxed set. It has everything you need to get started and to protect your hands from heat and food from contamination. We also like the vinyl coverings on the tools to provide extra grip.
Once you have the hand tools needed for canning, you'll also need something to boil your jars in. Our top pick for this is the McSunley stainless steel prep n cook water bath. It holds seven 1-quart jars in a suspension rack while they seal. The glass lid on the top lets you keep an eye on everything, and the cool-touch handles prevent burns.