So you want to start canning… but where do you even begin? Canning isn’t inherently difficult but it is important to learn the basics. First up… Canning Equipment Needed.

Where to start? Supplies. You certainly won’t get far without some essential tools of the trade!

We have so much available to us these days, which can be quite overwhelming. In this post, I will be discussing the absolute essential canning equipment (in my opinion) that you will need to can successfully. There are tons of “new and improved” items out there but not always necessary when first starting out.

Water bath canning will be addressed in this post as I think this is a great place to start to learn the basics. Pressure-canning will be addressed in future posts.

What you need to begin your canning journey.

**Disclaimer: Affiliate links below. I may receive a small commission, at no cost to you, if you purchase any items from the link(s) provided.**

As you look over this list, please remember that most of these items will be re-used for many years to come! The initial investment is worth it as you will only have to purchase new lids (read more below) each year once the other supplies are acquired. Be sure to let your friends, family, neighbors, etc. know that you are starting to get into canning- you may be surprised how many canning items are offered to you for free or cheap!

• Glass Mason Jars
  It seemed appropriate to start here. You will certainly need a vessel of some sort to can in! Glass mason jars come in all sizes and shapes. Quart, pint, half-pint (jelly jar), and quarter-pint. You will not want to can in a jar larger than quart size.
  
  Many stores carry canning jars. Used jars are a great budget-friendly option as well! Good places to find used jars are at auctions, estate sales, garage sales, and thrift stores. When buying used jars, be sure to check for cracks on the jar and run your finger over the rim to feel for any chips. Cracked jars will break during the canning process and chipped rims will not seal properly. These should not be used for canning (they work great for diy projects though!).

• Canning Rings
  If you purchase a new case of jars, they will come ready with rings and lids. Rings can also be purchased separately. They come in wide and regular mouth size. Re-use only non (or minimally) rusty rings. When storing jars, remove bands and wash/dry properly to prevent rust and “false sealing”. Again, rusty rings are great for diy projects!

• Canning Lids
  Lids have a sealing compound around the underside of the edge which creates the vacuum seal in your jar. Lids are a one time use item. No matter what you have heard, never re-use your lids.
  
  Used lids may not seal properly and can allow harmful bacteria to develop in your canned foods. Recycle used lids.
  
  I cannot stress it enough, NEVER re-use lids.
  
• Boiling Water Bath Canner
  This can be a commercial canning pot or a stock pot from home. The canner must have enough room for the jars to be elevated (see canning rack below) as well as room for one to two inches of water above the jar and one to two inches of air space above the water to prevent boil-over. A well-fitting lid is necessary.
  
• Canning Rack
  It is very important to keep the jars upright and off the bottom of the canner. With commercial canners, there are large and small racks (according to the size of the pot) that fit in the canner. These racks can be used in any stock pot. If you do not have a rack, canning rings placed at the bottom of the pot will suffice. Commercial canning racks can become corroded over time, replace as needed.
  
• Canning Book
  Using tested and reliable recipes when canning is very important. Although botulism is rare, it’s nothing to joke about. With the thousands of tested and safe recipes out there, no need to put your family at risk! Ball Canning has many great books and online recipes.
  
  Recommended: Canning Book Review

Non-Essential (but really useful) Canning Equipment:

• Funnel
  Canning funnels make filling the jars a much easier (and cleaner!) process. I especially like this one that has a head space gauge and keeps the rims clear!
  
• Jar Lifter
  I honestly cannot imagine canning without a jar lifter. Some people choose to use a tongs however, I wouldn’t risk it. Jar lifters are specially designed to contour around the jars, providing a good grip as you pull scalding hot jars out of the boiling hot water. It would be devastating (and a huge mess) to have a jar slip and break!
  
  I highly recommend this jar lifter. It grips the jars very well and feels secure in my hand.
  
• Lid Wand
  Recently, Ball/Kerr has changed their lid sealing compound so you do not have to heat up lids before use. However, if you are gifted [*unused*] lids or have some that fell out of the box (potentially contaminated/dirty) it’s still important to allow them to sit in simmering water for a bit before placing on your jars. Lid wands are magnetic and help pull the lids out of the water without burning yourself.
  
• Jar Wrench
  Occasionally, bands can be a little tricky to remove, especially if you have hand-grip issues. A jar wrench can help. Unless you have grip issue, I do not recommend using this to tighten bands. Rings should only be finger-tip tight. Over-tightening rings can lead to buckling and not sealing correctly.

If you do not want to purchase separately, these can be bought together in a kit. It is by-far the best deal!

That concludes my recommended canning equipment list! I hope this article was helpful as you begin your canning journey!

Tell me in the comments below, what has inspired you to begin your canning journey?

Thank you for stopping by the homestead.
Until next time,
Melissa

Easy Beginner Canning Recipes:

Check out my YouTube “Can With Me” Videos!