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If you’re new to canning, figuring out what supplies you actually need can feel overwhelming. The good news is—you don’t need a lot to get started.
This guide will walk you through the essential canning supplies for beginners, plus a few helpful tools that make the process easier.
If you’re just getting started, be sure to read my water bath canning for beginners guide to learn the full process step-by-step.
Essential Canning Supplies
To get started with canning, you only need a few basic supplies:
A basic set of canning jars, a jar lifter, and a funnel will make the process much easier and safer—especially when working with hot jars and liquids.
These are the exact tools I use when canning at home, and they’re all beginner-friendly and easy to find online.
Basic Canning Tools (Recommended)
These tools aren’t required, but they make canning much easier:
- Ladle – for transferring hot liquids
- Bubble remover / headspace tool
- Magnetic lid lifter
- Fine mesh strainer (great for jelly and syrup)
If you plan to do a lot of canning, these tools are worth having and will save you time.
If you’re just getting started, you can also find beginner canning kits that include most of these tools in one set.
Optional Canning Tools (Nice to Have)
Once you get more comfortable with canning, you may want to add:
- Immersion blender (for sauces and syrups)
- Food mill (for sauces and purees)
- Mandolin slicer (for julienne slicing)
- Vegetable chopper (for salsas)
- Large stockpot (for bigger batches)
- Labels for organizing your jars
Jam & Jelly Supplies
- Jelly strainer bag (for clear jelly)
- Pectin
What You Don’t Need
When you’re starting out, you don’t need to buy everything at once.
You can skip:
- Expensive specialty equipment
- Pressure canners (if you’re only doing high-acid foods like vegetables)
- Large kits with tools you won’t use
Start simple—you can always add more later.
Where to Buy Canning Supplies
You can find canning supplies at grocery stores, hardware stores, and farm supply stores.
I often buy my supplies on Amazon because it’s easier to find everything in one place, especially when buying jars, pectin, and tools in bulk.
Getting Started
Once you have your supplies, you’re ready to start canning.
You’ll also want to properly prepare your jars before using them (see how to sterilize canning jars here).
Try one of these beginner-friendly recipes:
- Easy strawberry jelly recipe
- Strawberry syrup recipe for canning
- Dandelion jelly recipe (tastes like honey)
You can also browse all of my canning recipes here for more beginner-friendly ideas.
