Canning, these days, has become more of a necessity than a trendy fashion. Why, you ask?
We often have more food than we can consume. To store the food properly and safely for future use, it is recommended to keep it at a place away from light and oxygen.
This is because sunlight, in most cases, speeds up the chemical reaction process in food. Oxygen, on the other hand, oxidizes food molecules and exposes them to harmful decaying bacteria. A can, therefore, is a perfect solution to store your food for long term.
But processing food items stored in these cans can be difficult. Find out how a canning rack will help you in this regard. Later in this article, we’ll also list some best canning racks you can purchase online.
Why you need a canning rack?
So do you need to process a batch of jars inside a stovetop or cooking pot? But placing the cans directly on the flame is not a good idea. If the jars are made of glass, there’s a chance of breakage due to extreme heat. Plastic jars, on the other hand, will melt as the temperature rises.
This is where a canning rack comes to your rescue. It will keep your jars a few inches above the pot. In this way, your food will get heated/processed without harming the jar. Most canning racks are made of silicone or stainless steel which are not malleable (not at least in the cooking temperature).
The primary job of canning racks is that they elevate the jars a few inches from the bottom. Besides preventing the glass from having direct contact with the bottom, they help in heat penetration around the jars.
Secondarily, canning racks can be useful in keeping your stuff organized in the kitchen. For example, you may wish to organize the jars depending on how frequently you use them so that you don’t have to waste time sorting out the jars every time.
Also, as our canning needs have grown and demands have evolved, we’ve run into another problem. That is the storage problem, especially in a highly mobile environment.
Preparation of food items that require ingredients stored in multiple jars is such an example. When you’re going back and forth between these jars, some may fall over and break. This is when canning racks help you out. They come equipped with boundaries which keep your cans safe.
Canning racks review
Prepworks reversible stainless steel canning rack
This canning rack has an innovative reversible design which enables you to process multiple jar sizes, whether it be one pint, ½ pint, or quart jars. Made of 18/10 stainless steel means it is non-corrosive and promises durability. The flower design not only looks good but also prevents jars from touching each other when processing.
Pros
- Keeps your jars upright
- Reversible design
- Dishwasher safe
Cons
- A bit unstable.
Victorio stainless steel canning rack
The steel canning rack comes with a flat design which can accommodate both small and big jars. A 12.25-inch diameter means that it can process eight quart-sized jars at once.
Equipped with handles, you can easily place this canning rack inside a container and take it out. Priced cheaply and protected by a 1-year warranty, this product is literally a bargain.
Pros
- Capable of holding 7 quart jars
- Flat design works great
- Doesn’t corrode or rust
Cons
- The handles are not sturdy enough.
Farm to Table Dual Canning Rack
Made of nylon, this canning rack is certified to be BPA-free. So, you don’t need to worry about harmful chemicals leaking into your jars. It consists of mouths to hold individual cans and is capable of securely accommodating four to five quart-sized glasses.
Pros
- Work great for standard mouth jars
- Rust-resistant
- BPA-free
- Dishwasher safe
Cons
- Fit could be an issue.
DIY canning rack
Even though canning racks are highly important when it comes to processing can-stored food, at the end of the day, it’s not compulsory. With creativity and adjustments, you too can create an item which serves the same purpose. Often it is found right in your kitchen and thus is free. You can use these items in place of a canning rack:
Aluminum foil
Aluminum foils are the most used food packaging material. As they’re easily available and are cheap, it’s probably the best thing to use in place of a canning rack.
To make use of aluminum foils, tear five or six pieces of each measuring three inches in width. Roll them and prepare individual circular ropes. You can use multiple rolls to make a single rope. This will make it thicker. Once done, foil the remaining ropes through the other ropes in a zig-zag fashion. Now, you’ve got your own home-made canning rack.
Steel cap rings
If you have used caps that are of no use to you, then make them useful. Unless they’re made of plastic or any low heating point material, you can use them in place of a canning rack. Steel, silicone, or aluminum are considered the best choice. To use these, first, it’s advised to boil them. Then use them by placing inside the container.
BBQ pan
Barbeque pans are placed on top of barbeques and have holes in them. This is what you’d expect in a canning rack. Just place the cans on top of the pan and you’re good to go.
Boiling
Although boiling is not recommended, you can certainly use it to process the jars. Simply boil a container full of water and wait until there is turbulence. Place the cans in the container. Since the water keeps on circulating, the cans won’t touch the bottom for long enough.
Wrap Up
Although making a DIY tool similar to a canning rack is easier, it cannot beat the safety and convenience provided by the purchased rack. For as little as a few dollars, you can enjoy both.
What’s more, you can use a canning rack when you’re outdoors. Hosting an outdoor camp and want to serve beer or soda cans? All you need to do is place the cans in the canning rack and carry them along.
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