Canning isn’t just a hobby—it’s a survival skill. Whether you’re preserving your summer harvest or prepping for the next blackout, canning gives you the power to build a shelf-stable food supply that lasts for years. But if you’re new to it, walking into a store or browsing online can be overwhelming. Do you really need all those gadgets? What’s essential, and what’s just fluff? What are the most important canning supplies?
In this guide, we’ll break down the must-have canning supplies every prepper needs. We’ll also show you how to choose the right tools the first time, so you’re not left with broken gear or spoiled food when it matters most.
1. Canning Jars
Why You Need Them: These are the backbone of home canning supplies. They come in different sizes and shapes for different foods—pints for jams, quarts for green beans, and half-gallons for juices or dry storage.
How to Choose:
- Go with trusted brands. Ball and Kerr have been around for generations and consistently pass the pressure and seal test.
- Inspect for defects. No cracks or chips. Avoid secondhand jars unless you check each one carefully.
- Stock a variety of sizes. Quart, pint, and half-pint jars all serve different purposes.
Tip: Avoid decorative jars as canning supplies—they’re not always tempered for pressure or water bath canning.
Recommended Options:
KangarooBands 24-Pack Canning Kit
The KangarooBands 24-Pack Canning Kit is an excellent choice for anyone serious about food preservation and top quality canning supplies. With 24 durable quart-sized Ball mason jars, this set is built to handle everything from pressure canning and water baths to fermenting, pickling, and freezing. The jars feature clear measurement markings for easy filling and self-stick labels to keep your pantry organized. Made from thick, BPA-free glass, they’re designed to resist cracking under high heat, ensuring safe, long-term food storage for your home or emergency supply.
What sets this kit apart is the thoughtful inclusion of extras that make the process easier and more reliable. The rubber-gripped jar opener is a real asset, especially when dealing with tight lids or when hand strength is limited. The reusable bands and quality two-piece lids provide secure, airtight seals to keep your preserved foods fresh for up to 18 months. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced prepper, this all-in-one kit offers exceptional value, convenience, and reliability when it comes to stocking your shelves.
Kerr Self-Sealing Quart Mason Jar
The Kerr Self-Sealing Quart Mason Jar is built for serious food preservation—and longevity in canning supplies. Its iconic self-sealing design, perfected over a century ago, uses a two-piece lid that forms a reliable vacuum seal, eliminating the need to screw down bands after processing. The jar’s thick, uniform glass walls are resistant to pressure changes and thermal shock, making them ideal for both boiling-water canning and freezing. The square-edged body with flat sides not only maximizes shelf space in your pantry or fridge, but also provides a clean, attractive canvas for labeling and crafting.
Beyond its rugged build, this jar is designed for everyday convenience. The wide-mouth opening simplifies filling and pouring—you can easily pack in whole fruits, soups, and sauces without mess. Smooth sides on three faces make it perfect for applying labels or crafting décor, yet the embossed brand name remains a trusted indicator of its integrity. Reusable and easy to sanitize, this jar is a long-term investment in your preparedness kit—versatile for canning, meal prep, dry-goods storage, or emergency supplies.
2. Lids and Bands
Why You Need Them: The lid forms the airtight seal, and the band holds it in place during processing. Once sealed, you can remove the band for storage.
How to Choose:
- Stick with two-piece metal lids. Reusable Tattler-style lids exist, but metal ones are more foolproof.
- Check for rust resistance. Especially important in humid or long-term storage environments.
- Buy extras. Lids are one-time use; bands can be reused.
Tip: Stockpile lids now—they’re one of the first things to vanish in a crisis.
Recommended Lids And Bands:
Rustproof Tinplate Regular Canning Lids (Jar of 100)
The Rustproof Tinplate Regular Canning Lids (Jar of 100) are a must-have for anyone serious about food preservation. These two-piece lids are built from high-quality, rust-resistant tinplate-coated steel that ensures long-lasting performance, even in humid or coastal environments. Designed to create a tight, reliable vacuum seal every time, they are ideal for both water bath and pressure canning. With 100 lids included, this bulk pack provides excellent value—perfect for stocking up your pantry or prepping well ahead of harvest season.
Beyond their durability, these lids offer convenience and peace of mind. Each lid is 58mm in size, designed to work seamlessly with most standard quart and pint mason jars. Their rustproof finish means you can store them without worrying about corrosion, and they perform consistently batch after batch. Easy to use and replace, these lids fit smoothly without any fuss or hassle. Whether you’re preserving jams, pickles, salsas, or beans, this pack ensures you’re always prepared with top-quality sealing tools.
100-Count Regular-Mouth Canning Lids
The 100-Count Regular-Mouth Canning Lids offers preppers a reliable, high-value way to stay stocked up on essential sealing components. Made from corrosion-resistant tinplate with BPA-free silicone sealing rings, these lids create airtight, leak-proof seals that preserve food freshness for months—even during long-term storage. The standard 70 mm size ensures compatibility with all regular-mouth Ball and Kerr jars, while the pack of 100 lids gives you peace of mind that you’ll never run short during peak preserving seasons.
What really makes this pack stand out is its quality and convenience, a true quality among canning supplies. The smooth, rust-resistant surface is dishwasher-safe and made to resist peeling and cracking—even in high-moisture environments. Inside, the food-grade silicone ring stays securely in place, preventing slipping and maintaining pressure during both water-bath and pressure canning. Plus, the flat lid tops are perfect for labeling with a permanent marker, making batch rotation and inventory tracking a breeze. Whether you’re sealing homemade jams or prepping meals for emergencies, this bulk lid kit ensures you’re ready to preserve without pause.
3. Water Bath Canner
Why You Need It: Canning supplies perfect for high-acid foods like fruits, tomatoes, pickles, and jams.
How to Choose:
- Look for a rack inside. It prevents jars from bouncing or touching the bottom.
- Enamel-coated steel is common, but stainless steel models are more durable (and pricier).
- Make sure it fits your stove. Flat-bottom for electric stoves, ridged bottom for gas.
Recommended Water Bath Canners:
Water Bath Canning Pot with Rack and Lid
This stainless steel water-bath canning kit includes everything a prepper needs to preserve food safely and efficiently. The 21.5-quart pot features a heavy-duty tri-ply base with an aluminum core for even heat distribution, reducing hot spots and energy waste. It comes with a sturdy canning rack to hold jars securely during boiling, helping prevent breakage. A vented glass lid allows you to monitor the process without releasing heat, and the built-in timer on the handle offers extra convenience for those new to canning.
The canning supplies kit also includes a full set of essential tools: a stainless steel funnel, jar lifter, lid lifter, bubble remover, tongs, wrench, ladle, and even oven mitts. These tools are made with durability in mind and are well-suited for repeated use. With this all-in-one setup, there’s no need to piece together your gear from separate purchases. Whether you’re preserving garden harvests, building your emergency pantry, or just starting out, this canning kit offers everything you need in one practical and reliable package.
21.5-Quart Stainless Steel Water Bath Canner
The 21.5-Quart Stainless Steel Water Bath Canner is built for serious food preservation, offering both performance and durability. Its hefty tri-ply base—sealed between layers of aluminum and stainless steel—ensures rapid, even heating, helping you maintain a gentle, rolling boil with less energy and fewer hot spots. The canner’s spacious capacity can handle a full batch of quart jars, while the stainless rack keeps them cushioned and evenly spaced to prevent cracking during processing. A vented glass lid lets you monitor your progress without letting heat escape, and large, heat-resistant handles make it easy to move even when full.
What truly sets this canner apart is how thoughtfully it’s designed for prepper use. The stainless steel construction is highly resistant to corrosion and built to last through years of rigorous use. The included lid stays secure and stable, while the rack doubles as a strainer or trivet when removed—adding versatility to kitchen and prep uses. Easy to clean and compatible with all stovetops (from gas to induction), this canner is a one-step solution for safely preserving vegetables, fruits, pickles, sauces, and more. Whether you’re stocking your pantry for emergencies or preserving summer harvests, this canner delivers reliable performance and long-term value.
4. Pressure Canner
Why You Need It: Essential canning supplies for low-acid foods like meats, vegetables, beans, and soups. A water bath won’t kill botulism spores—this will.
How to Choose:
- Dial-gauge vs. weighted-gauge: Weighted-gauge is simpler and more reliable. Dial-gauge requires yearly testing.
- Size matters. The All American 921 (holds 7 quarts) is a classic for serious preppers.
- Skip pressure cookers. They don’t maintain the consistent temperature and pressure needed for safe canning.
Tip: Go manual. Electric canners can fail in a grid-down scenario.
Recommended Pressure Canners:
Supa Ant Pressure Canner 23 Qt
This heavy-duty stainless steel canning rack is a must-have for any home canner, offering durability, safety, and versatility, standout canning supplies. Designed to elevate jars during the canning process, it prevents direct contact with the pot’s bottom, reducing the risk of breakage and promoting even heat circulation. The rust-resistant stainless steel construction ensures long-lasting performance, even with repeated exposure to high temperatures and moisture. Whether you’re using a pressure canner or a water bath canner, this rack fits most standard-sized pots and holds up to seven quart or eight pint jars at a time.
The rack also features built-in handles that rest securely on the rim of your pot, allowing for safe and easy lifting of hot jars without tipping or spilling. Its sturdy wire design ensures stability during the boiling process, and the open grid pattern provides efficient water flow for consistent results. When not in use, the rack’s slim profile makes it easy to store. Ideal for both beginners and experienced canners, this tool simplifies the canning process while enhancing safety and efficiency in your kitchen.
All American 1930: 25qt Pressure Cooker/Canner
This heavy-duty, 25-quart pressure cooker from All American is the ultimate solution for serious home canners and large-batch cooks. Crafted from durable, high-strength aluminum, it provides excellent heat conductivity for fast and even processing, making it ideal for preserving meats, vegetables, sauces, and more. The model features a secure, one-piece gasket and a streamlined, canning-free door, eliminating the need for a gasket ring and minimizing upkeep. With its robust lug closure system, the cooker ensures consistent pressure levels and maximum safety during operation.
Designed for convenience and performance, this pressure cooker includes a heavy-duty canning rack that prevents jars from scratching the bottom and enhances even heat circulation. The oversized pressure dial and steam filter enable precise, controlled processing, while the double-safety valve provides reliable protection against overpressure. Easy to clean and built to last, the All American 25-quart pressure cooker is perfect for preserving garden harvests, cooking big batches of soups and stews, or preparing meals for large gatherings, making it a versatile and long-lasting addition to any kitchen.
5. Jar Lifter
Why You Need It: Lifting hot jars from boiling water with tongs is a recipe for disaster. A jar lifter is designed to grip the jar neck securely.
How to Choose:
- Rubber-coated grip is a must. Cheap plastic lifters are slippery and unreliable.
- Comfortable handles. You’ll appreciate this when lifting 12 jars in a row.
Recommended Jar Lifter:
Eeoyu Canning Jar Lifter Tongs
This stainless-steel canning jar lifter from Eeoyu is designed to safely and efficiently remove hot jars from boiling water or a pressure canner. Its strong stainless steel body ensures reliability and resistance to rust, while the vinyl-coated, non-slip handles offer a comfortable grip, even when dealing with scalding jars. The smooth hinge mechanism allows for easy control and precise operation—perfect for lifting pint, quart, or jelly jars without worry.
The lifter is compact and easy to store, making it a practical tool for both beginners and experienced canners. It fits a variety of jar sizes and is designed to offer stability and safety during the canning process. While the vinyl grips may occasionally need adjustment, the tool overall provides excellent value and peace of mind when handling hot, heavy jars straight from the canner.
6. Funnel
Why You Need It: Keeps jar rims clean while filling, which is crucial for a proper seal.
How to Choose:
- Wide mouth. Should work for both regular and wide-mouth jars.
- Stainless steel or BPA-free plastic. Stainless lasts longer, plastic won’t scratch your jars.
Recommended Funnel:
Delove Canning Funnel with Strainer for Wide and Regular Mason Jars
This stainless steel canning funnel from Delove is a versatile kitchen helper designed to make home preserving, bulk cooking, and food preparation easier and cleaner. With its wide mouth and high sides, it ensures precise, mess-free filling of jars, bottles, or containers—especially useful when working with sauces, soups, honey, or jams. The fine mesh built into the design also works effectively as a strainer to filter out seeds, pulp, or small food particles, ensuring your final product is smooth and appealing.
Crafted with durable, food-grade stainless steel, the funnel stands up to frequent use and hot temperatures without warping or rusting. The handle and hook design allow it to securely rest on jar rims, offering safe one-handed operation. Compact and easy to stack with other kitchen tools, it’s a smart addition for home canners, picklers, brewers, or anyone who does regular food prep. Whether you’re into preserving your garden’s bounty or following meal-prep routines, this funnel adds convenience, precision, and less cleanup to your process.
7. Bubble Remover / Headspace Tool
Why You Need It: Air bubbles trapped inside your food can prevent sealing and lead to spoilage. You also need to leave the right headspace—too little or too much can ruin a batch.
How to Choose:
- Dual-purpose tools are best. One end stirs, the other measures headspace.
- Plastic is fine here. You won’t be applying heat.
Recommended Bubble Remover / Headspace Tool:
CNYMANY 2 Canning Bubble Popper Remover
This magnetic jar lifter from CNYMANY offers a smart and hassle-free way to lift hot lids, rings, and bands during the canning process—no more fumbling with tongs or struggling to find metal pieces in scalding hot water. The powerful built-in magnets securely grip the lids and bands, allowing you to remove them cleanly and easily. Its all-stainless-steel body ensures durability and resistance to rust and corrosion, providing a reliable tool that will last through countless canning sessions.
Compact and lightweight, this lifter fits comfortably in hand and won’t take up much space in your kitchen toolkit. The simple, no-fuss design makes it intuitive to use, and cleanup is easy—just rinse and dry. Whether you’re handling lids after processing or prepping jars before sealing, this magnetic lifter streamlines the routine, helping you work safely and efficiently in the canning kitchen.
8. Ladle
Why You Need It: For scooping hot liquid or food into your jars.
How to Choose:
- Deep bowl. The deeper, the fewer trips.
- Stainless steel or heatproof silicone. Avoid plastic that might warp or melt.
Recommended Ladle:
KAYCROWN Stainless Steel Ladle
This durable stainless steel ladle is a versatile kitchen tool designed to simplify serving soups, stews, sauces, and more. With its deep bowl and long handle, it effortlessly reaches the bottom of deep pots and helps control precise pouring with minimal spillage. Its solid stainless steel build ensures excellent durability, resists bending under weight, and withstands frequent use and high temperatures without rusting or warping.
The practical length and balanced weight distribution of the handle provide a comfortable grip, while the sleek, polished finish adds a professional look to any kitchen setup. The integrated hanging loop offers convenient storage, making it easy to access when needed. Lightweight yet sturdy, this ladle is ideal for both everyday cooking and entertaining, making it a reliable staple for any home cook’s utensil collection.
9. Towels and Cloths
Why You Need Them: Use for wiping rims, cushioning hot jars, and cleanup.
How to Choose:
- Lint-free. Old flour sack towels or cotton dish towels work great.
- Have plenty on hand. You’ll go through more than you think.
10. Labels and Marker
Why You Need Them: Know what you canned and when. Trust me—after three months, tomato sauce and salsa look exactly the same.
How to Choose:
- Waterproof options. Condensation or spills can erase cheap ink.
- Use permanent marker. Sharpie or better.
Recommended Labels:
MESS Dissolvable Labels
Bonus Gear (Nice to Have But Not Essential)
- Magnetic Lid Wand: Keeps your hands out of hot water when retrieving lids does not seem to be among vital canning supplies but you will quickly realize how useful this is.
- Canning Cookbook: The Ball Blue Book is a prepper’s standard.
- Dehydrator or Food Mill: For prepping ingredients before canning.
Final Thoughts
Canning might look like a lost art, but for preppers, it’s a powerful form of independence. With the right supplies—and the know-how to choose wisely—you’ll be ready to preserve food safely, efficiently, and long after store shelves run dry.
Don’t wait for the next emergency. Start small if you have to. Just start.
Because when you can your own food, you’re not just stocking up—you’re taking control.
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