Equipment list
I know we lost a day on Tuesday with the blog redesign changes (and as you can see, we still have a few things that need fixing, namely the logo and images), but I do have the as-promised equipment list for canning. If you’re interested in trying your hand at canning but are unsure of what equipment you need, look no further.
Before you run out and drop a bundle of bucks on all-brand-new equipment, remember that there are plenty of options for getting equipment besides paying top dollar. Below I explore some of these options.
Equipment
Canning pot (”canner”): Large enamel-coated aluminum pot – usually wider and shallower than a 20-quart stockpot. Comes with metal rack inside (removable) and lid. Retail for about $20 new.
Budget ideas: Unfortunately, there aren’t many options for inexpensive substitutions. Most large pots are either too tall for you to reach in safely, or they’re not wide enough to hold many jars. The best option for obtaining a canner cheaply is to try to get it secondhand; I’ve seen them for sale (usually just for a few dollars) at garage sales, consignment stores, Salvaton Army stores, church tag sales, and classified ads (online and off). Online auction sites (such as e-Bay) might also be a good option.
Canning jars, lids, and rings: glass jars (made by the Ball Corporation) in several English-measurement sizes, including half pint, pint, quart, and 2- and 3-quart; flat metal lids with thin rubber seals on one side; and round metal rings. Retail for about $20-$25 for a dozen jars, depending on size. Jars and metal rings are re-useable, but flat lids are not.
Budget ideas: Same as those for canners; garage sales, secondhand stores, church tag sales, etc.
Jar tongs, lid lifters, funnel, and spatula: All specialized (though fairly low-cost) items used for lifting jars out of hot water, lifting lids out of water, filling jars, and removing air bubbles from jars, respectively. All of these items together shouldn’t cost more than $15 or so, retail, but again, they can also be found at all the same places mentioned above.
Unavoidable expenditures
Unfortunately, there are certain items that cannot be obtained secondhand: Salt (for pickles), spices/mixes (prepackaged mixes for making things like pickles and salsa), and pectin and sugar (for making jelly). However, if you keep an eye out when you visit your supermarket/hardware store, you might find these items on sale at the “end” of the season (which, as most stores seem to run their sales, is usually only midway through the actual season).
The best tip I can give you is to spread the word to friends and family that you’re looking for these items; it’s how I located a second canner, plus several cases of jars, all for free.
