New to Canning

Hello, I'm new to canning and was hoping for some advice.  I need to purchase a pressure canner and a water bath canner but have no idea what brands I should be looking at and the capacity.  As I am lacking in experience I am hoping someone can provide some pre-purchase advice.

Thank You!

Hi Cameron,
While you are choosing your canners, you might also look into a steam canner. It would be instead of a water bath canner. You use it the same way and it required a lot less water. A steam canner does not replace a pressure canner. It is only used with recipes that call for water bath canning.

I favor the type with a gauge on top that has an altitude guide.

Here is a link to the two I have. It is so nice to be able to have two canners with 7 quart jars going at the same time on a glass top stove, because they do not weigh as much when full as a water bath canner would.

https://www.amazon.com/Kitchen-Crop-Brands-Canner-capacity/dp/B0058SSUV0/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?content-id=amzn1.sym.6b8ea70c-dbd2-4997-967d-b1ec1c4d561d%3Aamzn1.sym.6b8ea70c-dbd2-4997-967d-b1ec1c4d561d&keywords=steam+canners+for+canning&pd_rd_r=763ad290-0bbf-4109-867f-ca0b60fa481c&pd_rd_w=Ng0MD&pd_rd_wg=A1xwc&pf_rd_p=6b8ea70c-dbd2-4997-967d-b1ec1c4d561d&pf_rd_r=P8AEVM37190DGAB510HS&qid=1694773047&sr=8-3

Angela Wilcox wrote:Hi Cameron,
While you are choosing your canners, you might also look into a steam canner. It would be instead of a water bath canner. You use it the same way and it required a lot less water. A steam canner does not replace a pressure canner. It is only used with recipes that call for water bath canning.

I favor the type with a gauge on top that has an altitude guide.

Here is a link to the two I have. It is so nice to be able to have two canners with 7 quart jars going at the same time on a glass top stove, because they do not weigh as much when full as a water bath canner would.

https://www.amazon.com/Kitchen-Crop-Brands-Canner-capacity/dp/B0058SSUV0/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?content-id=amzn1.sym.6b8ea70c-dbd2-4997-967d-b1ec1c4d561d%3Aamzn1.sym.6b8ea70c-dbd2-4997-967d-b1ec1c4d561d&keywords=steam+canners+for+canning&pd_rd_r=763ad290-0bbf-4109-867f-ca0b60fa481c&pd_rd_w=Ng0MD&pd_rd_wg=A1xwc&pf_rd_p=6b8ea70c-dbd2-4997-967d-b1ec1c4d561d&pf_rd_r=P8AEVM37190DGAB510HS&qid=1694773047&sr=8-3

Thank you so very much!

Cameron Green wrote:Hello, I'm new to canning and was hoping for some advice.  I need to purchase a pressure canner and a water bath canner but have no idea what brands I should be looking at and the capacity.  As I am lacking in experience I am hoping someone can provide some pre-purchase advice.

Thank You!

My understanding is that a pressure canner can be used as a water bath canner as well. Just don't lock down the lid.

https://www.lehmans.com/product/21-12-qt-high-quality-pressure-canner/

I'm an All-American fanboy, the cost is high but it will be an heirloom piece with my cast iron collection.

If i have the $$$ I would  go with All American.  If you are on the other end of the financial spectrum, check the junk stores.  If it is not an All American, it probably takes a gasket … make sure the rubber gasket on the inside of the lid is in good shape…and…make sure you know the manufacturer and model of the used canner you buy.  That helps when seeking replacement parts. If there is a pressure guage on the used canner, have it checked. Depending on the price of the test … it might be cheaper to either get a new pressure guage or replace it with a weight.

I've done lots of waterbath canning for the past 15+ years, but have never used a "canner." I've always used whatever large pot was available with a flat bottom and a lid.

I also use rubber gloves instead of those jar tong things: I use either insulated rubber gloves, or thin stretchy winter gloves inside of normal thin dishwashing gloves.

John F Dean wrote:If i have the $$$ I would  go with All American.  If you are on the other end of the financial spectrum, check the junk stores.  If it is not an All American, it probably takes a gasket … make sure the rubber gasket on the inside of the lid is in good shape…and…make sure you know the manufacturer and model of the used canner you buy.  That helps when seeking replacement parts. If there is a pressure guage on the used canner, have it checked. Depending on the price of the test … it might be cheaper to either get a new pressure guage or replace it with a weight.

I second the All American. Love it. I found mine at a good deal but full price is ouch. Worth it though because it will last generations. I picked up canning 2 years ago and would be happy to share any tips and recipes.

When I was starting out, I found it helpful to go for brands like Presto or All American for pressure canners. They're reliable and have different sizes to fit your needs. For water bath canners, Granite Ware is a good choice, and again, they come in various sizes.