Choosing the Best Hot Plate for Canning

Canning is a great way to preserve food and take advantage of seasonal produce. It’s also a fun activity that you can do with family and friends and home canners alike. In order to get the best results, it’s important to have the right equipment and a flat surface to cook on. A good hot plate is an essential kitchen appliance, but not all hot plates are created equal! Read on to find out what makes a great hot plate for a canner and pressure cooker.

Heat Settings

The most important feature to look for in a hot plate for canning is adjustable heat settings. Different recipes require different temperatures, so you need a hot plate that allows you to easily adjust the water temperatures from low to high, as well as everything in between. The best hot plates also offer precise temperature control so you can set and maintain an exact temperature. This ensures consistent results every time! Use caution with models that produce much heat.

Size Matters

Another factor to consider when choosing a hot plate for canning is size and capacity. If you plan on doing large batches of canning, then look for a larger model with an extra burner, a double burner, or a large burner with a larger burner diameter. Smaller models work well on countertops and with a single burner if you’re only doing small batches in home food preservation or if space is limited, but bear in mind that they may not be able to handle large amounts of food at once or super intense heat. It’s also a good idea to check and make sure your equipment has enough height for the cans you’ll be using and check the diameter of your canner.

Durability and Safety Features 

Finally, make sure that your hot plate is durable enough to handle frequent use and outdoor use (as well as indoor use) without breaking down or rusting out over time. Look for models made from stainless steel or cast iron, as these materials are known for their durability and long-lasting performance. Additionally, check that your model has safety features such as auto shut-off functionality in case it overheats or runs out of fuel while in use. 

Different Types of Hot Plates

Electric

Electric burners are one of the most popular choices for canning because they provide even heat distribution and temperature control. An electric hot plate also doesn’t produce any fumes or smoke, which is important when dealing with food preservation processes such as pressure canning. When shopping for electric hot plates, it’s important to look for models that have adjustable temperature settings and power indicator lights that alert you when the desired temperature has been reached. 

Gas

Gas burners (including gas range) are another popular option as they tend to be more affordable than electric hot plates and provide high heat temperature settings over a long time as compared to electric models. However, gas burners do produce fumes and smoke, so they should only be used in well-ventilated areas and a dependable heat source. Some models have a single propane burner. Additionally, gas burners need to be monitored closely in order to maintain an even heat distribution during the canning process.

Portable 

A portable burner is great for people who don’t have a lot of space in their kitchen or want something that they can take with them on the go. They are usually quite affordable but may not be able to handle large batches of cans at once. A portable electric burner is extremely convenient, but will mean you need to rely on having an outlet available, 

Induction

Last but definitely not least, a type of burner called an induction cooktop (sort of like a smooth cooktop) is becoming increasingly popular due to its energy efficiency, portability, and fast heating capabilities. Induction burners use electromagnetic fields rather than direct heat in order to heat up quickly and evenly without any risk of burning or scorching your food items. Induction burners offer precise temperature control settings and require minimal monitoring during the canning process.  

There are hot plates to meet all your needs

Regardless of which type of hot plate you choose for your home canning needs, making sure that it is capable of providing an even heat distribution throughout your entire pot is essential in order to ensure that all your food items are safely preserved while still maintaining their flavor and texture. With this guide in mind, you will be able to find the perfect hot plate for your home canning needs! Good luck!

Sources

• Houzz.com
• Healthy Canning
• IA State Edu