Are you planning to purchase a boiling-water canner this summer? Boiling water canners are used to can high acid foods like fruits or tomato products with vinegar or lemon juice in the recipe. Most canners are made of aluminum or porcelain-covered steel that hold seven quart jars or eight to nine pint jars. Fitted with removable perforated racks and a fitted lid, the canners should be large enough to have at least 1 inch of briskly boiling water over the jar tops during processing. If you have an electric range, purchase a canner with a flat bottom and the canner should be no more than 4 inches wider than the heating element. For a gas range, either a flat bottom or a ridged bottom is acceptable.
For more information about boiling water canners, visit the National Center for Home Food Preservation on-line.