Portable, or stand alone, burners might be a good option for those who have a smooth cooktop and the stove manufacturer states that canning should not be done because of the high heat, heavy canner weight, and possibility of cracking the stove top.
There are many options for portable burners, but not all of them are appropriate for home canning equipment. Check the burner manufacturer’s specifications and directions to make sure the burner can withstand canning. Some basic guidelines include:
- The burner must be level, sturdy, and secure enough to hold large canners filled with water and jars of food.
- The canner diameter should not extend more than 2 inches from the burner.
- For electric burners, the wattage should be comparable to a typical large household range burner. Most household range burners are at least 1,750 watts or more.
- The burner housing should hold up to high heat for long periods of time, without damaging countertops.
- At least one pressure canner manufacturer does not recommend using an outdoor heat source, such as a turkey fryer burner.
- Burners that produce more than 12,000 BTUs can damage your canner.
- Always follow manufacturer directions.
Learn more at https://nchfp.uga.edu/newsflash.
