So you’ve decided to start canning — welcome to the club! Whether you’re prepping for winter, building your pantry, or just wanting to preserve your summer garden haul, having the right tools can make all the difference between a frustrating mess and a smooth, satisfying canning session.
This guide skips the fluff and gets straight to the must-have canning gear — tried, true, and beginner-friendly. Some are new, some are vintage treasures, and all of them are selected with one thing in mind: making canning easier and more enjoyable for you.
(Heads up: This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you buy something — at no extra cost to you. I only recommend tools I’d use in my own kitchen.)
1. A Good Pressure Canner
Recommended: Presto 01781 23-Quart Pressure Canner
If you’re pressure canning (think low-acid foods like green beans, meats, soups), this is the classic beginner-friendly model. Lightweight, reliable, and large enough to handle a decent batch.
- ✅ Aluminum (heats up fast)
- ✅ Works on most stovetops (except induction)
- ✅ Easy-to-read pressure gauge
Amazon: Buy on Amazon
eBay: Check for vintage deals
Alternative: If you want something built like a tank and made in the USA — the All-American 915 is a lifetime tool (more on that in an upcoming review).
2. Water Bath Canner (for jams, pickles, and fruit)
Recommended: Granite Ware Enamel Canner with Rack
Simple, affordable, and perfect for high-acid foods. The rack helps prevent jars from rattling around or breaking during boiling.
- ✅ Holds 7-quart jars
- ✅ Lightweight enamelware
Amazon: Buy on Amazon
3. Canning Jar Lifter
Don’t skip this — it’s a jar-saver and a hand-saver.
Trying to fish hot jars out of boiling water with tongs? Not fun. A proper jar lifter grips securely and saves you a lot of frustration.
- ✅ Heat-resistant grips
- ✅ Angled for better leverage
Amazon: Buy on Amazon
4. Funnel for Easy Filling
Wide-mouth is best for less mess.
A stainless steel or BPA-free plastic funnel helps you fill jars without spills or bubbles. Bonus if it’s dishwasher safe.
Amazon: Buy on Amazon
5. Bubble Remover & Headspace Tool
Tiny, but mighty.
This helps you get the air bubbles out of jars and measure the proper headspace so you don’t end up with siphoning or seal issues.
Amazon: Buy on Amazon
6. Magnetic Lid Lifter
Lifts sterilized lids out of hot water safely.
Simple tool, but super handy. Keeps things clean and burn-free.
Amazon: Buy on Amazon
7. Timer or Digital Kitchen Thermometer
Keep your timing exact — especially for pressure canning.
Either a reliable kitchen timer or thermometer with a clip works great here. Canning is part science, and temp control is key.
Amazon Timer: Buy on Amazon
Thermometer: Buy on Amazon
8. Jar Storage Solution
Once you’ve canned it all, where do you keep it?
Stackable plastic bins, shelves with jar dividers, or soft-sided storage with cushioning all help protect your hard work.
Amazon Storage Bin: Buy on Amazon
9. Labels You Can Actually Read (and Remove Later)
You’ll thank yourself in 6 months when you forget what’s in the jar.
Look for waterproof, writable labels that peel off without a mess.
Amazon: Buy on Amazon
10. Vintage Add-On: Cast-Aluminum Presto Canners (Used)
Yes, the old ones are still great — if you get the right one.
These workhorses are lightweight, fast-heating, and often cheaper — but you’ll want to replace the seal and test the gauge.
eBay: Search vintage Presto canners
Amazon Parts: Replacement parts on Amazon
(Stay tuned for a full vintage buyer’s guide!)
Final Thoughts:
You don’t need a Pinterest-perfect kitchen or a barn full of jars to get started with canning. With a solid setup of basic tools, you’ll have everything you need to preserve your food safely — and save a ton of money in the long run.
Up Next: Check out the Complete Guide to Presto Canners and 10 Canning Accessories Under $20 That Actually Help for more gear reviews.
Happy canning — and here’s to a pantry full of jars and a shelf full of affiliate income 😉
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