Water Bath Canning Supplies

If you can boil water, you should be able to use the water bath canning process!

First and foremost, you need a canner. A Boiling Water Canner is a large pot, tall enough to fully submerge your canning jars with an inch of water over top. It is for both the sterilization of jars prior to filling and also for boiling the jars once they are filled. (make certain that you have a rack inside it)

This is a common boiling water bath canner.  It is not recommended, however, for glasstop ranges due to the ridges on the bottom of the pan.  Most of these canners will include a rack.  If not, you will need to purchase that separately.

 

Another option as a water bath canner is a large stainless steel pot, an item that you may already have in your cabinets.  You need to make certain that it is large enough to accommodate jars with an inch of water over top. Make certain that you have a tight-fitting lid.

A third option is an electric water bath canner.  This is used independently of your cook stove and will enable you to have an extra burner available. A wonderful feature is the spigot which allows you to drain the water directly into the sink.

The next significant item on the list is, of course, the jar.  I do not suggest you use any brands other than Ball or Kerr.  They are the most reliable and will withstand the pressures of canning.  Always make certain to thoroughly inspect the jars before using them. Jars come in various sizes - 4 oz., 8 oz., 12, oz., 16 oz., 32 oz. and 64 oz. 

You need lids and screw bands for the jars.  One size fits all of the jars.  Lids cannot be reused but bands can be used over and over again, provided they are not dented or rusty. When you purchase a box of jars, the lids and bands are usually included with the jars, or they can be bought separately.

Various utensils will assist you with water bath canning.  They may be sold in kits or purchased separately. The ones that you should have on hand before you begin are the jar lifter, the bubble remover, the lid wand, a funnel, and a ladle (do not use aluminum as it can react with certain foods).

Other common items that are needed include a wooden spoon, tongs, saucepan for heating lids, a large pot for heating/blanching foods, large bowls, colanders, cutting boards, knives, heating pads, and towels.  Optional items may be a food mill, a scale and a kitchen timer. I purchased a food mill last summer and realized that this was a necessary item when making jams and jellies!

You may have your own favorite items that you use when water bath canning.  These are the most important ones to have on hand.  Fortunately, they are not terribly expensive and can be found in most stores and/or online.  They should last you for years to come!