Canning Kit - Beginner

[Muddy Dog]

Can someone suggest the minimum items needed for a beginner?

We want to start with something really simple like maybe apples or similar.

There are several "kits" for sale with multiple accessories, but not sure if most are needed.

We want to start off simple, but dont want to regret not including something that experienced people might know about.

Thanks

 

[jazzy]

when i started out this is what i got

a good book on how to can and its basics ***
a steel Pressure canner with gasket - i later upgraded to a steel on steel
jar lifter
magnet lid wand thing
kitchen timer
funnel for wide or reg jars
good jar opener -wrench thing
extra lids of both sizes and even got some of the re-usable tattler lids


i started canning simple like meals-in-a-jar type things such as my favorite stew, spaghetti sauce then later tried fruits, meats, veggies

ive done hot water bath but i just prefer pressure canning
its a real good skill to learn

later on i just started dehydrating most chop veg and fruits and canning meats, stews, sauces.

 

[Muddy Dog]

Maybe this book, idk??
https://www.amazon.com/Complete-Gui...1mSIPImGa5aPOQSa7u9nfPs&qid=1730058003&sr=8-3

Other than obviously putting the jars under pressure, what can a pressure cooker do that cant be accomplished with an open pan?

 

[Neb]

Maybe this book, idk??
https://www.amazon.com/Complete-Gui...1mSIPImGa5aPOQSa7u9nfPs&qid=1730058003&sr=8-3

Other than obviously putting the jars under pressure, what can a pressure cooker do that cant be accomplished with an open pan?

Temps above 212 degree F

Ben

 

[Tirediron]

Maybe this book, idk??
https://www.amazon.com/Complete-Gui...1mSIPImGa5aPOQSa7u9nfPs&qid=1730058003&sr=8-3

Other than obviously putting the jars under pressure, what can a pressure cooker do that cant be accomplished with an open pan?

the pressure canner is capable of higher temperatures , due to pressure raising the boiling point of water, because at altitude the boiling point drops, and the chances of not getting hot enough to prevent spoilage

 

[Bacpacker]

Maybe this book, idk??
https://www.amazon.com/Complete-Gui...1mSIPImGa5aPOQSa7u9nfPs&qid=1730058003&sr=8-3

Other than obviously putting the jars under pressure, what can a pressure cooker do that cant be accomplished with an open pan?

The BALL canning book is what my wife goes by like the Bible of canning

 

[Muddy Dog]

The BALL canning book is what my wife goes by like the Bible of canning

Any particular one?

I looked and there appears to be several different ones from Ball

 

[Bacpacker]

I'll have to look. Its a thin book and is generally sold where the canning supplies are kept

 

[Caribou]

Any particular one?

I looked and there appears to be several different ones from Ball

The Ball Blue Book is the basic canning book to start with. The more books the better, you don’t have just one cookbook. You’ll need a big deep pot for canning high acid food and a pressure canner for everything else. Look for someone to run you through the process the first time. A friend, the local community college, or perhaps someone at church would be places to acquire a teacher. You can learn it from a book but one on one is better the first time, you’ll still need the book.

 

[LadyLocust]

Maybe this book, idk??
https://www.amazon.com/Complete-Gui...1mSIPImGa5aPOQSa7u9nfPs&qid=1730058003&sr=8-3

Other than obviously putting the jars under pressure, what can a pressure cooker do that cant be accomplished with an open pan?

A pressure canner is for low acid foods: meat, veggies etc.
Large pot can be used for water bath canning high acid food (& sugars): your apples, tomatoes, jellies, jams, fruit etc.

 

[Amish Heart]

The electric pressure canners are very easy to use

 

[jazzy]

a pressure canner is the smart thing to have--you can alwasy water bath with any deep pot--but to get to the right temp for certainb products you need pressure canner. if you get one with a rubber seal-gasket then make sure to get a back up gasket replacement. and alwasy check the timing and pressure needed for your altitude- that is important. the ball blue book is a great one to have for all things basic about canning.
i think ghome canning is critical for long term

 

[Bacpacker]

The Ball Blue book Caribou mentioned is the one I was thinking of