Best Canning Sets and Supplies: Ultimate 2022 Buyer’s Guide

If you have a large garden every year, or you often find yourself buying up in-season produce and you want to stock up for the season, canning is a great way to ensure you enjoy your favorite fruits and veggies, year-round.

But if you’re new to canning, it may seem expensive to buy all the supplies you need for the season. Buying the best canning sets and supplies can save you plenty of cash, as opposed to purchasing all the gear you need piece by piece.

This buyer’s guide will go over what tools and supplies you need for canning, and which canning sets offer the best value. I’ve included six must-have sets that come with all the gear you need to get started, so you can stock up on all your favorite fruits and veggies now, while the price is right.

Below, you’ll find a comparison chart that includes each set, how they rated, and other important information you’ll want to pay attention to.

Canning Sets and Supplies Comparison Chart

Products	Pieces	Funnels	Measuring Cups	Rating
1314GQ Canning Set Shop On Amazon!	9	2	No
Z-Synka Canning Essentials Set Shop On Amazon!	4	2	No
LEONICE Canning Supplies Canning Kit Shop On Amazon!	35	1	Yes
AIEVE Canning Kit Shop On Amazon!	6	1	No
Zavor Home Canning Kit Shop On Amazon!	8	1	No
Norpro 7-Piece Home Canning Set Shop On Amazon!	7	2	No

1314GQ Canning Set

Our Rating: (5/5)
This is a nine-piece canning set that includes:

• Canning rack
• Cleaning brush
• Two funnels
• Magnetic lid lifter
• Can wrench
• Bubble stopper
• Can lifter
• Tongs

The rack is made out of stainless steel with a vinyl coating for added durability. The rack is rust-proof, features a non-slip design, and is easy to control and use. It’s also compatible with any type of canning jar.

The included funnels are made out of silicone that’s food-grade and works better than a standard shaped kitchen funnel. The funnels feature a foldable design, which can save on precious kitchen cabinet space. The jar lifter is coated in vinyl and features a soft grip that will allow you to easily and safely remove a sealed jar from a boiling pot of water.

The vinyl coated long tongs measures in at approximately ten inches in length and work with any style of canning jar.

The bubble popper will remove air bubbles from a jar and also features measurement markings that will help you ensure you have the right amount of headspace per jar to prevent any issues during processing.

The jar wrench comes equipped with a galvanized steel handle that can be used to tighten jars to ensure the contents remains fresh.

The magnetic lid lifter has a magnet on one end that allows you to lift the lid of a hot jar safely.

The included cleaning brush features an extended handle that’s perfect for cleaning out pots and jars.

Conclusion

This set comes with everything you need to get started processing your fresh fruits and veggies. unfortunately, it doesn’t come with a set of jars, however, the versatile design works with any type of canning jar and includes top of the line components that are designed to withstand high temperatures and make canning a faster and safer process.

Z-Synka Canning Essentials Set

Our Rating: (4.5/5)

This set comes with plenty of gear for the beginner and seasoned canner. The included canning rack is made out of stainless steel that’s dishwasher safe, rustproof, and durable. The rack will work for canning jars of all sizes. It also comes with long handles so you can safely and easily pull the rack out of a pot, without scalding your skin.

The jar lifter makes it easy to safely remove glass jars from a boiling pot of water, during the canning process. For easier and faster pouring, you can use the jar funnel, which works for both regular and wide mouth jars.

The funnels are made out of 304 stainless steel, which is durable, rust resistant, and easy to clean. The cleaning brush, complete with the extra-long handle, makes it easy to clean out jars quickly and efficiently. This set includes some great basic tools, but does not come with any extras, such as a colander or canning jars.

Conclusion

This set may not include all the pieces you’ll need if you’re new to canning, but the tools it does come with are durable, easy to use, and designed to last. The beginner on a budget in search for a set that comes with all the tools needed to process a wide variety of fruits and veggies at the end of the season, may want to look elsewhere. The seasoned canner will find that the tools in this set are a great upgrade and offer the type of durability most cooks are looking for.

LEONICE Canning Supplies Canning Kit

Our Rating: (4.5/5)

This is a massive thirty-five piece set that includes a wide range of essential canning tools, making it a great choice for beginners. This set comes with a jar wrench, that can be used to tighten a hot jar, a jar lifter that helps you lift individual jars out of a pot of boiling water, and a magnetic lid lifter.

The included bubble popper is used to remove any bubbles from canning jars and can also be used to measure the amount of headspace per jar. This set also includes long tongs that allow you to reach in and grab an individual jar, if needed.

Other supplies include:

• One extra wide mouth funnel that works for both standard and wide mouth jars
• A stainless steel canning scoop
• Four measuring cups
• Twenty-four canning jar labels
• One jar wrench

Now, let’s check out the main pros and cons of this set!

Conclusion

This large set is perfect for beginners and seasoned canners alike. It comes with all the tools you need to get started processing and comes with a one-year product warranty that shows the manufacturer stands behind its products. Durable, sturdy, and designed to last, this set by Leonice is a steal for the price.

AIEVE Canning Kit

Our Rating: (4.5/5)

• This six-piece canning kit is designed for beginners. The kit comes with the following canning supplies:
  Bubble remover
• Canning tongs
• Magnetic lid lifter
• Jar lifter
• Jar wrench
• Funnel

This starter set comes with all of the essential tools you’ll need for pressure canning and water bath canning.

The bubble remover is a multipurpose tool that can be used to remove bubbles from a jar, or it can be used to measure the headspace in each jar. The set’s jar lifter features an extra-long design that allows you to handle and move jars, safely, during the canning process.

This tool is made out of stainless steel but has a vinyl coating that will improve the tool’s grip on the jars, while also preventing rust growth. The jar wrench also has a vinyl coating that makes it easier to grip and tighten canning lids.

The kitchen tongs are made out of stainless steel and can be used to sterilize canning supplies before and after processing. The set comes with one canning funnel, which is made out of plastic and can be used for both regular jars and wide mouth jars.

Conclusion

This is a pretty basic set. It comes with many of the essential tools you’ll need to process a big batch of your favorite foods, for a price that’s reasonable. While it may lack some of the great accessories you’ll find in a larger set, such as canning labels and cleaning tools, if you’re on a tight budget and looking for the main tools you need for this type of job, this set by Aieve is a great choice and one that’s affordable, durable, and can get the job done.

Zavor Home Canning Kit

Our Rating: (4.5/5)

• This is an eight-piece set by a popular canning brand, Zavor. This set comes with some great basic canning tools, and some nice extras. In this package, you’ll find:
  Canning cookbook
• Bubble remover
• Ladle
• Funnel
• Magnetic lid lifter
• Jar wrench
• Jar lifter
• Canning rack

Both the ladle and the funnel are made out of BPA-free plastic. This kit includes all of the tools you need to begin canning. These tools will work for both the pressure canning and water bath canning methods. You can use the included recipe book, which comes with a total of thirty recipes, to get a little creative in the kitchen and can some of your favorite dishes.

The manufacturer claims that the set is dishwasher safe, however, after you’ve pulled the tools from the dishwasher, make sure you give them a good wipe down. Unfortunately, the jar rack is prone to rust, so you’ll want to make sure it’s bone dry before you store it.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a set of canning accessories that are durable and designed to last, then you’ll love this latest set by Zavor. This versatile kit can be used for both water bath and pressure canning processing methods. This set comes with all of the tools and accessories you’ll need to start processing fresh fruits, veggies, fish, stews, soups, and more.

Norpro 7-Piece Home Canning Set

Our Rating: (4/5)

This seven-piece canning set includes all of the important tools you’ll need for water bath and pressure canning. The set’s steel canning rack can hold up to seven jars per batch, which is pretty impressive.

This set also comes with two funnels made out of stainless steel, cheesecloth for straining, a jar lifter, and a magnetic lid wand. All tools must be washed by hand, with the exception of the funnels and canning rack.

You can choose the appropriate funnel based on whether you’re processing with wide mouth jars or standard mason jars. While some canning sets come with a strainer, this set comes with cheese cloth. Many experienced canners swear by the cheesecloth method because it’s able to catch smaller debris, such as seeds.

Conclusion

While this is a great set for beginners, considering it includes many canning essentials, if you’re looking for a set that can handle season after season, this kit isn’t it. Unfortunately, the canning rack has a reputation for rusting easily, so it’s crucial that you dry it off well before storing.

This is an affordable set that comes with all the must-have canning tools, so it’s a great budget buy, but if you’re looking for lasting quality, then you’ll be disappointed with some of the tools in the set. Fortunately, purchasing a separate canning rack is an affordable upgrade, and one you’ll definitely want to make after the first canning season.

Canning Sets and Supplies Buyer’s Guide

Canning is a great and affordable way to preserve a wide variety of foods, whether you’re canning spaghetti sauce using up this season’s tomatoes, or you want to process a large haul of asparagus that’s on sale.

As you can imagine, you need plenty of jars, lids, and other canning tools, enough to ensure you don’t waste any fruits and veggies from your garden. Fortunately, many of the biggest brands offer canning sets, which include all the tools and supplies you need to can to your heart’s content.

With canning, you can preserve a variety of foods using a technique that maintains the food’s vitamin and mineral content. The canning process itself is pretty easy to do, so you can spend a few days in the kitchen processing in-season fruits and veggies to fill up your entire pantry for the year.

While buying a canning set is a more affordable option than buying all the tools and accessories separately, the included tools and their quality can vary from set to set.

This buyer’s guide will go over what tools to look for in a canning set, which tools you really need, and how to find a set that works with your budget.

Pots

You’ll come across sets that include a pot that can be used for water bath canning and sets that don’t. If the set you buy doesn’t come with a pot, you’ll need to use a large stock pot.

If you want to purchase a set that comes with a pot, make sure you find out how big the pot is, before you buy. Sets usually come with pots that are eighteen to twenty-one quarts, which is big enough to process approximately six to seven quarts at a time.

The bigger the pot, the more jars you can process at the same time. However, a bigger pot can be more difficult to store, so make sure you have the cupboard space to accommodate one of these larger pots.

Pot Material

Most of these pots are made out of porcelain enamel and steel. This results in sides and a bottom that are pretty thin, allowing for excellent heat distribution and a faster heat up time. Look for a pot that also comes with a domed lid, which can trap heat more efficiently, and welded handles.

Jars

Most canning sets that you’ll come across won’t come with jars, however, a larger set will. If the set you’re interested in does come with jars, pay attention to the shape and size of the jar. You can find beautiful tulip shaped jars that you can use for condiments, jams, and jellies. Larger straight sided jars will work best for pickles, peppers, carrots, and other types of stiffer items. Taller, cylindrical jars are great for preserving string beans and asparagus.

If the kit you’re interested in doesn’t include the types of jars you need, you can also purchase a set of jars separately, based on your specific canning needs and the types of foods you want to process.

Lift Screens

Lift screens, or jar racks, are another important part of a canning set and are commonly found in sets that include a pot. If you’re using your own pot, then you’ll need to make sure the set you buy also comes with a lift screen.

The lift screen holds the jars that are processing in the water bath. The lift screen is an important part of any canning set because it’s designed to keep the temperature around the jars consistent, while keeping the jars away from the bottom of the pot where the temperature can harm the food or cause the jars to overheat.

Other Must-Have Features

Canning tools are used to prevent the cook from scalding themselves when canning. These tools usually have a heat resistant coating for added protection. The type of tools you’ll find in one of these sets can vary by model and brand, but most will come with the basics, including the following:
Lid Lifter

Lid lifters are often magnetized and used to remove the lids from hot water after they’ve been sterilized.

Funnel

Funnels allow you to easily pour food into jars, without spilling. A good funnel will fit wide mouth and regular jars.

Jar Opener/Wrench

A jar opener is used to screw on or remove a hot lid.

Bubble Remover

A bubble remover is used to provide ruler markings, so the right level of headspace is left in each jar, and they also help dislodge any bubbles from the bottom and sides of a jar full of food.

Digital Timers

A digital timer will ensure food is processed correctly, preventing overprocessing.

Tongs

A good pair of tongs will be invaluable when you’re canning and can help you safely handle hot jars and will allow you to right jars that have tipped over while processing.

Colander

This tool will come in handy for thoroughly rinsing fruits and veggies before canning

Blanching Pot

This type of pot can be used for blanching foods before canning or freezing them. It can also come in handy for removing the skins of certain types of fruits, such as tomatoes or peaches.

Strainer

Strainers aren’t a common tool found in canning kits. In fact, you’ll mainly find them in kits that are more directed towards canning jellies and jams. If you do plan on canning your own preserves, then a strainer is definitely a must-have tool, if you don’t want your jelly or jam to have seeds in it. They can also be used to strain soups, sauces, gravies, and custards.

Labels

If a canning set doesn’t come with canning labels, you’ll definitely want to purchase some separately. Labeling all of your jars is important, not only to help you identify all the foods in different jars, but the labels should also include an expiration date. This will help when it comes time to rotate foods and ensure that nothing is wasted.

Price

The cost of a new canning set will depend on the size of the kit and the materials used. Most sets that are designed for beginners include just the basic tools and are surprisingly affordable. On average, you can expect canning kits to cost $19-$60. If you want a set that will last season after season, then you can expect to pay more. However, considering the low cost of even top sets, this will be a smart, affordable investment.

Cleaning and Maintenance

If you’re looking for a set that offers easy, fast cleanup, then search for one that’s dishwasher safe. Keep in mind, only some of the tools may be dishwasher safe, while other tools will need to be washed by hand.

Usage Tips

You may think you know everything about canning, but the canning process, temperature, and processing time can vary drastically, depending on what type of food you’re processing. These tips on how to use your new canning kit can help prevent you from making many of the common mistakes that beginners tend to make during their first canning season.

Prep

Make sure you prepare all of the ingredients ahead of time. Leaving food processing for too long while you’re prepping other fruits and veggies can result in a ruined batch. Prepare whatever you can a day ahead of time.

Remove the Peel

Most people prefer to remove the peel, but canning experts recommend leaving the peel on. Canning plums, pears, and tomatoes with the peel left on helps to preserve certain nutrients and can extend their shelf life. However, there are also some fruits and veggies that must be peeled before the canning process, such as peaches, citrus fruits, and beets.

Process Larger Batches

Making a larger batch can save you a lot of time. Canning fruit is hot work, especially if you want to remove the skin prior to processing. For fruits, such as tomatoes, you’ll need to immerse them in boiling water for half an hour up to one hour to loosen the skin. Canning a bigger batch can make spending an entire day in a hot kitchen worth it.

Use Fresh Produce

Use only fresh fruits and veggies. You may have come across a sale on in-season produce, but if the fruits or veggies are wilted or knocking on death’s door, then all you’re doing when you process them is preserving fruits and veggies that have started to rot.

They’re not going to taste any better after they’ve spent some time in boiling water and get shoved on a shelf for a few months. Instead, only process fruits and veggies that are fresh and ready to eat. The same rule will apply to fruits and veggies that are unripe.

The goal is to preserve the fruits and veggies that are currently ready for consumption. Rotting or unripe produce is not going to taste much better over time.

Remove Bubbles

When you’re preparing to seal a jar for canning, always use the bubble removal tool. Air bubbles that are left in a jar can cause an increase in pressure. This can result in a broken seal or jar.

Always Use the Lid Lifter

After the lids have been sterilized, avoid touching them with your bare hands immediately before processing. Instead, use a lid lifter.

If the set you’ve purchased comes with a flimsy lift screen, then you’ll find that it’s much safer to remove the jars individually, instead of all at once.

Measure Headspace Using the Bubble Tool

Make sure you leave the recommended amount of headspace in each jar. You can easily measure the headspace using the included bubble remover. How much headspace you need can depend on the type of food you’re processing. For example, for fruit, you’ll want to leave approximately ½ an inch of space.

Sterilize Jars

Always sterilize any empty jars that you are going to use for processing for approximately ten to twelve minutes. If the processing time is longer than ten minutes, you can skip this step.

Canning jars are available in a variety of sizes; however, the mouths of the jar are only available in two style options: wide mouth or standard.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Supplies do I Need to Start Canning?

To start canning, you’ll need the following supplies:

• Canning rack
• Jar lifter
• Pressure canner or stock pot
• Colander
• Canning jars
• Cooling rack
• Funnel
• Strainer
• Bubble remover
• Canning labels
• Blanching pot
• Tongs

Do You Need Special Jars for Canning?

Food can be canned in metal containers or glass canning jars. A metal container can only be used once and requires special sealing tools. Using canning jars is a much cheaper option and the jars are reusable.

Do Jars Have to be Covered with Water when Canning?

Yes. During a water bath, the jars must be fully submerged and covered with approximately one inch of water. The jars must remain submerged during the duration of the canning process.

Is Canning Your Own Food Worth it?

Canning your own food can save you a lot of money during the year, especially if you buy fruits and veggies that are out of season. Canning in-season produce for the year allows you to enjoy your favorite fruits and veggies, year-round, at more affordable prices.

Final Thoughts

The best canning sets and supplies will come with all the tools you need to process in-season fruits and veggies, so you can restock your pantry and enjoy a variety of produce all throughout the year. The sets that made it onto my list all earned top marks for durability, quality, and reasonable pricing.

With this guide, and my list of the best sets on the market, you should have no trouble finding a great set that comes with all the tools and supplies you need to process a huge haul of produce you this upcoming season.

Originally posted 2021-02-01 17:09:41.