When you decide to try your hand at canning for the first time there are some pieces of special equipment that you will want to purchase.  Forming a canning co-op with some family and friends will help spread out the costs. Many sizes and shapes of glass canning jars and sealing lids and rings are readily available in the summer and fall in most supermarkets and stores like Wal-Mart or Sears.  Most of these item are reusable and will last for many years with normal use. You may find good buys on canning items in yard sales or thrift stores.

1. Water bath canning kettle with wire basket
2. Pressure canner
3. Food mill
4. Jar lifter
5. Colander
6. Timer
7. Wire strainer
8. Cooking thermometer
9. Approved canning jars, lids & rings
10. Wide mouth funnel
11. Food grinder

ADDITIONAL CANNING UTENSILS

The following items are helpful for home canning:

• A jar lifter, essential for easy removal of hot jars from canner.
• A jar filler or funnel helps in packing of small food items into canning jars.
• A bubble freer for removing air bubbles from the jars. This could be any plastic
• knife or spatula. Metal objects should not be used because they can scratch the
• glass. Making the jar more susceptible to breakage.
• A lid wand has a magnet on the end to help remove treated lids from hot water.
• Clean cloths for wiping jar rims and general cleanup.
• Knives for product preparations.
• Timer or clock to determine end of processing time.
• Clean towels.
• Cutting board.

A number of other home canning accessories such as corn cutters, apple slicers, decorative labels and special canning spoons are available. Some of these items may simplify the procedures but are not essential. Jar lid tighteners and wrenches are not recommended