An Outdoor Canning Kitchen

With an outdoor kitchen for your canning process you can eliminate working in a hot kitchen during the afternoon.

During the early part of the last century, having an outdoor canning kitchen was necessary for many housewives. As the harvest from garden and fields began maturing, canning kitchens all over the country began heating up. The purpose of these kitchens was to achieve the temperatures needed without heating up the entire house.

Very little equipment is needed for an outdoor canning kitchen, once you have your structure built. The structure needs to be equipped with electricity, water and, if using a gas stove, either natural gas or propane.

The structure doesn’t need to be very large; an 8’ X 8’ frame will be more than enough. Instead of finished walls, use aluminum screening to allow any breezes to help keep the room cool. Either a concrete or wood floor is fine, although the concrete, with a built in floor drain, is easier to keep clean.

Once the structure is in place, the only other items needed are a stove, a worktable, a sink and counter space. Many people like having at least a small refrigerator in their canning kitchens, but if the cost is too prohibitive, you can do without one.

Stainless steel is highly recommended for both the sink and countertops, as it is simpler to clean and disinfect regularly. The larger the sink you install, the happier you will be in the long run. If possible, installing two double sinks will increase your productivity.

Layout your canning kitchen for ease of use. Have a sturdy workspace next to the stove to set loaded canners on, as these can become very heavy and when hot can be difficult to move long distances. Place your worktable near the stove also to unload the hot canning jars from the canner when done. Ideally, this table will be in, or near, the center of the room to allow for even cooling.

An outdoor canning kitchen can be a welcome way to save your harvest for winter use. Once the canning season is over, the space can be used for entertainment or simply as a place to enjoy a morning cup of coffee and watch the sun rise.

Before building any structure on your property, be sure to check to find out what building permits and code regulations are needed in your area. It is also mandatory that if any type of digging will be done, that you contact your local utilities.

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