Getting a Great Deal on Canning Equipment
Many people who are new to canning wonder why anyone would go through the expense and time of a large canning process when vegetables at the grocery store can be had for pennies. It's true that grocery store vegetables will probably cost less in the short term, but after the initial set-up expenses, canning your own food costs only pennies per jar.
The best way to get started with canning is to get your supplies used or on clearance in post-season sales. Look at the end of fall for deals at your local store on jars, canners and accessories. Likewise, if you look at the beginning of the season in yard sales and at thrift stores, you can get some great deals on used equipment. A used jar is perfectly acceptable as long as it's not cracked or chipped. Simply sanitize the jar before using it and maybe add a new ring and you'll be good to go.
Used canners and accessories will save you the most money. A pressure canner at a yard sale may go for as little as $5, but a brand new pressure canner will run you at least $70. The one thing you can never buy used are the lids. It's important to use a new lid every time to ensure a good seal. If you don't want to have to buy any equipment each season, you can look into reusable lids, like the ones made by Tattler that you can sanitize and re-use year after year.
Another great way to save money on your canning equipment is by shopping sales. Often, stores put their canning equipment on sale in the beginning of the season and at the end. Canning companies, such as Ball, often put out additional coupons that you can use to purchase their products such as Ball Jelly Jars and Ball canning equipment.
Knowing which products you'll need will prevent you from overbuying and wasting resources. Plan ahead and only buy as many jars as you are sure you'll need. You can always buy additional jars, but returning unused ones after the season is over may be difficult. If you're planning to experiment with recipes, for example by making jams or jellies, you may find it beneficial to buy your jars ahead of time as a means of motivating yourself. Often with canning, out of sight is out of mind, especially if you are trying something new.
Many people find that they don't mind purchasing jars or canners used, but they prefer purchasing their accessories brand new. Canning technology is constantly changing and evolving, so it's important to check out the latest and most up to date accessories if you want to find the easiest to use, most beneficial tools for your project.
With a little bit of work and research you can save significant amounts of money on your purchase of canning equipment. Shop sales, use coupons and buy at the beginning and end of the season to save the most money on new equipment. Buying used will yield even greater savings, making canning your own homegrown fruits and vegetables an economical choice.
The best way to get started with canning is to get your supplies used or on clearance in post-season sales. Look at the end of fall for deals at your local store on jars, canners and accessories. Likewise, if you look at the beginning of the season in yard sales and at thrift stores, you can get some great deals on used equipment. A used jar is perfectly acceptable as long as it's not cracked or chipped. Simply sanitize the jar before using it and maybe add a new ring and you'll be good to go.
Used canners and accessories will save you the most money. A pressure canner at a yard sale may go for as little as $5, but a brand new pressure canner will run you at least $70. The one thing you can never buy used are the lids. It's important to use a new lid every time to ensure a good seal. If you don't want to have to buy any equipment each season, you can look into reusable lids, like the ones made by Tattler that you can sanitize and re-use year after year.
Another great way to save money on your canning equipment is by shopping sales. Often, stores put their canning equipment on sale in the beginning of the season and at the end. Canning companies, such as Ball, often put out additional coupons that you can use to purchase their products such as Ball Jelly Jars and Ball canning equipment.
Knowing which products you'll need will prevent you from overbuying and wasting resources. Plan ahead and only buy as many jars as you are sure you'll need. You can always buy additional jars, but returning unused ones after the season is over may be difficult. If you're planning to experiment with recipes, for example by making jams or jellies, you may find it beneficial to buy your jars ahead of time as a means of motivating yourself. Often with canning, out of sight is out of mind, especially if you are trying something new.
Many people find that they don't mind purchasing jars or canners used, but they prefer purchasing their accessories brand new. Canning technology is constantly changing and evolving, so it's important to check out the latest and most up to date accessories if you want to find the easiest to use, most beneficial tools for your project.
With a little bit of work and research you can save significant amounts of money on your purchase of canning equipment. Shop sales, use coupons and buy at the beginning and end of the season to save the most money on new equipment. Buying used will yield even greater savings, making canning your own homegrown fruits and vegetables an economical choice.
