Keep the Jars Cookin’: How to Safely Can with Glass-Top Stoves
If you own a ceramic or glass top stove, canning is a great way to keep the food you store for consuming in the future safe and preserved. However, many of the canning processes can be dangerous for such stoves as the heat generated by canners is often too high for them to handle. There are many types of canners, but the only ones certified to be safe for use on glass top stoves are flat bottom canners.
The issue with non flat bottom canners is that they will cause temperature fluctuations on your glass top stove since they do not distribute the heat evenly. Such fluctuations can cause cracks and discoloration on the top surface of your stove, leading to permanent damage. It is important to note that many salesmen do not inform customers of this risk when selling them a non flat bottom canner for glass top stoves, so careful selection is necessary.
In order for flat bottom canners to be safe for use on glass top stoves, two conditions must be met. Firstly, the canner should be less than an inch wider than the stove burner diameter. If the canner is wider than that, it could cause excessive heat to be distributed on parts of the glass top not intended to be heated thus shattering it. The second requirement is that it should be made of stainless steel, since this material is the most efficient and safest type of canner material when it comes to glass top stoves.
If you have a glass top stove, you should also avoid pressure steam canners as the steam may release suddenly and cause cracks on the surface of the stove. You can also avoid glass and porcelain canners as they are not suitable for glass top stoves since they run the risk of causing permanent damage.
When canning with a glass top stove, you should also be careful when it comes to transporting the canner. Do not drag it on the stove for two reasons: firstly, you risk damaging the stove permanently, and secondly, if the canner is filled with water, its total weight might be too much for the stove to handle. To ensure the safety of your glass top stove, it is best not to exceed the weight limit of 50 pounds with the canner and its content.
It is crucial to always consult the stove’s manual first before deciding which type of canner to use with your ceramic or glass stove. Each model is different and the manual will specify the safe canners and processes for it. Make sure to follow all the instructions given to ensure that your canning is both safe and successful.
