Canning Supplies... what would you recommend?

[Jaimee]

I'm new to canning and am looking to buy the necessary equipment to start preserving, fermenting, etc.  I'm thinking a preserve cooking pot, a boiling water bath pot, jar tongs, a wide mouth funnel, and a thermometer.  I've been reading books and reviews on Amazon and would love some input from those that have been doing it for a while.  What products do you find necessary, especially helpful, high quality, etc. to get going with boiling water canning?  What brands and sizes and materials are great?

Please enlighten me!   TIA!

[HappyHappyMommy]

Bumping this up...anyone have recommendations to share?
 

[serenbat]

I can not live without this! - http://www.amazon.com/Harold-Import-43605-Canning-Magnetic/dp/B002PX54XS

great for getting up lids, there are several types out there

[Jaimee]

Thanks for the suggestion!  What about pots?  I got a 20 qt porcelain enamel stock pot at the store today with a jar rack included for $40.  But then I saw the Granite Ware 21.5 qt. pot with rack for less than $20 on Amazon.  Any reason I shouldn't go for the cheaper one?

[serenbat]

Quote:

 What about pots?

 I went with one that given to me years ago (20 qt porcelain enamel stock pot) - I hate it! but there is really not one out there that does not have the same issue why I hate it-----it's heavy to lift and dump, the racks seem to come in one size and it is meant for what it is designed for, I also do not do a lot in large jar but some so it make sense to keep it (I store lids and rings in it in the off season)

I don't do pressure canning - I only can certain things and freeze a lot.