Everything you want to know about Pressure Canning
Pressure Canning: What You Need to Know Before You Start
On YouTube, there are several videos that explain very clearly what you should and should not do when pressure canning. It’s important to first familiarize yourself with what pressure canning actually involves. Below you’ll find a number of links to videos that can help you gain a better understanding of the whole concept.
Using the right equipment is essential when it comes to pressure canning.
Please do not attempt pressure canning with a instant pot or a slow cooker — they are absolutely not suitable for this purpose.
Important: a slow cooker cannot reach the high, consistent pressure required to kill bacteria such as Clostridium botulinum. This creates a serious risk of botulism if you try to preserve vegetables, meat, or other low-acid foods in a slow cooker as if they were properly canned.
What else do you need for safe pressure canning?
Glass, heat-resistant canning jars — such as Vita Mason jars — and always check that they are specifically made for pressure canning. Choose the jar size that is most practical for you: 250 ml, 500 ml, or 1000 ml.
Airtight lids and rings — metal lids and screw bands — these are two-piece systems, which is essential so your jars can form a safe vacuum seal. Do not use one-piece lids.
Jar lifter, to safely remove hot jars from the canner.
Funnel, for easy and clean filling of jars without spills.
Bubble remover, to release trapped air bubbles and check proper headspace.
Clean kitchen towels, to wipe the rims of the jars clean before sealing.
Timer or kitchen timer, for accurate time control, which is crucial for food safety.
Are you ready to get started with pressure canning?
Once you have all the necessary equipment, you can start thinking about what you’d like to prepare first. However, I strongly recommend doing your first run with water only. This allows you to get familiar with how the timer, pressure gauge, and weights work.
It’s helpful to first get a feel for the entire process before putting food into the jars.
Below, you’ll find a few links to videos where experienced canners show you how to approach pressure canning step by step.
Pressure Canning for the first time, water only.
This is a video made by Stocking My Pantry, a lady who, for the first time, tried pressure canning using only water. It’s not meant as an instruction or a guide to follow, but as a way to share the experience and show what the process feels like for a beginner. Sometimes it’s simply helpful to see how others approach something new. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lnIywYW2n8k&t=3s
Please watch this video if you’d like to start with Pressure Canning.
In this video, made by Prepper Potpourri, this lady explains pressure canning in a relaxed and unhurried way, walking through the process and the basic tools you need. It’s meant to feel approachable and reassuring, making pressure canning easier to understand without feeling overwhelming. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aV-mpIwAs9s&t=433s
