Preparing an Al Fresco Canning Workshop in Your Backyard
Embarking on a project to set up a permanent outdoor canning kitchen? Here's a step-by-step guide to help you get started.
**Step 1: Planning and Design**
Choose a convenient location for your outdoor canning kitchen, preferably close to your main kitchen or a water source. Determine the size of the kitchen based on the space available and the equipment you plan to use, considering spaces for canning, cooking, and storage. Design a sturdy and weather-resistant roof, such as a simple gable roof or a more complex design to suit your needs.
**Step 2: Construction**
Decide on a foundation for the kitchen area, whether it's a concrete slab or a gravel base. Ensure it is level and secure. Use durable materials like wood or metal for the frame, and walls made from wood, brick, or metal, depending on your desired aesthetic and durability. Install a waterproof roofing material such as asphalt shingles, corrugated metal, or a membrane roof.
**Step 3: Electrical and Plumbing**
Ensure a safe and reliable electrical supply for your canning equipment, and install a water source, such as a hose or a plumbed-in line, for filling jars and cleaning.
**Step 4: Equipment Installation**
Equip the kitchen with necessary canning equipment like pressure canners (e.g., Presto), water bath canners, and tools for handling jars. Consider installing a cooking station for preparing food before canning, such as a BBQ grill or a dedicated outdoor oven.
**Step 5: Safety and Ventilation**
Ensure proper ventilation to remove steam and fumes during canning. Install adequate lighting, a fire extinguisher, and possibly a smoke detector for safety.
**Step 6: Final Touches**
Install durable countertops and storage solutions for jars, utensils, and other supplies. Add lighting, seating, or other decorative elements to make the space comfortable and inviting.
### Additional Tips
Consider interior design elements that facilitate efficient workflow and comfort, such as using Pinterest for inspiration. Familiarize yourself with various canning techniques, including water bath and pressure canning, to maximize the use of your outdoor kitchen.
The author of this article has recently set up an outdoor canning kitchen, complete with a high output 3-burner outdoor stove and a purpose-built outdoor canning kitchen. The first batch made was low sugar strawberry jam. The author invites readers to share their plans for canning in the comments. Canning outdoors is preferred by the author to keep the house cool during peak canning season.
The new outdoor canning kitchen is located under an overhang on the north side of the shop, providing shade and ideal conditions for an outdoor kitchen. The kitchen now includes two grills, a three-burner canning stove, a stainless prep table, and a dining table. It is also used for cooking lunch and brewing homemade beer, in addition to canning.
The Amish Made Canner, used in the outdoor kitchen, can hold up to 36 pints at once. It is designed to go across two burners, allowing it to heat up quickly. Washing produce indoors before bringing it out is necessary due to the lack of a sink in the outdoor canning kitchen. The author prefers to use an enameled cast iron dutch oven to help distribute heat during jam making.
The author expresses a desire for a more permanent outdoor canning kitchen structure. A 12 x 16 cedar framed roof was added to provide a dedicated structure for outdoor canning. A wood-fired pizza oven was set up next to the overhang for cooking and roasting ingredients.
The author has a passion for canning and has a separate website dedicated to canning recipes. The author mentions that the tractor wanted its parking spot back under the overhang, implying that the outdoor canning kitchen was previously located there. The author is happy with the new outdoor canning kitchen and plans to test out creative canning recipes.
- With the completed outdoor canning kitchen, the author is encouraging a lifestyle that seamlessly blends home-and-garden activities with outdoor-living, inviting readers to share their own canning plans.
- As a canner enthusiast, the author has created a website dedicated to sharing diverse canning recipes, including tips for water bath canning and pressure canning, making it easier for others to explore the art of canning at home.
- In the quest for an ideal outdoor canning setup, the author plans to venture further, perhaps considering ways to integrate canning with enjoyable outdoor activities such as water bath canning by the shore or pressure canning during camping trips, enriching the overall experience of outdoor-living.
