I'm brand new - have never canned anything before. Am intrigued by this machine, and was just curious if you could only do jams and jellies?
1271377
This machine is perfect if you are new to canning. If you follow the instructions your jams and jellies will turn out well. You cannot make anything else with this machine, but the Ball website has add more recipes that can be made in this machine. I also love that you do not have to make a huge batch of jam or jelly and can make recipes with or without sugar and low sugar as well.
1271378
I think you can contact Ball about doing other items because I haven't tried that. The machine is great but what it does is do the stirring that you usually have to stand and do yourself (the part that kills your back)!
1271379
I have only ever made jams and jellies, never tried anything else. It is wonderful, love it.
1271380
Loosely, this thing is the same concept as one of those oil-less deep fat fryers (think the T-Fal gizmo that runs $250). However, it runs on a set timer and has a limited heat range geared towards jams and jellies, so I'm not sure what else you'd do with it.
1271381
My wife and I are new to this as well, and just bought this unit too. So we really do not know just yet!
1271382
This machine is designed for jams and jellies. Therefore that is all you can do with it. However, if you have ever canned jams and jellies you will know that it is a hit/miss with the right consistency. That is what makes this item hot. It makes perfect jam/jelly every time. I bought 2 because I tend to make bigger batches than this machine will do.
1271383
I just saw a video on this machine and it states that you indeed can make marinara sauce with this!
1271384
I've made spaghetti sauce with it. When you stop looking at this machine as a "Jam & Jelly Maker", and realize it's a cooker with a built-in stirrer, things open up a little. But keep in mind, it comes to a boiling temp of its own setting, and the stirrer needs things to be mashed up pretty good. Perfect for things like spaghetti sauce, maybe homemade catsup, but I haven't come up with too many other things as yet...
965478
Maybe I'm wrong but I think the question may be asking if the Amazon bundle with "Home Preserving" and the canning kit are worthwhile. I'm a newbie as well so I can't really answer that although I did get the canning book in the mail today and it looks sturdy enough for a beginner. I already used the wide-mouth funnel for an unrelated cooking endeavor and wonder why I never had this handy gadget already.
1612683
It's better to put the flavouring on AFTER popping...because the popping machine will burn it. You only need a couple sprinkles for 1 batch. gr
2104002
I do not can, but the manual says that you can. I have enclosed a link where you can down load the manual and see the instructions for canning. I do have a friend who does some canning, she used this and likes it. http://www.maxi-matic.com/product.php?productid=206&cat;=80&page;=1
2015649
Yes. I just finished canning soup. You can do anything in it. I love this canner. I bought a second one to use this canning season.
2166186
I hate to admit this, but I haven't used my jelly making machine or pectin since I bought them. Unexpectedly had surgery and have not been able to be up and around. My mother-in-law has used pectin for ages, and swears by it. That's the closest I can come to acknowledging it's existence and use. Good Luck! b
1294302
The direction say that you can. I have not used it for canning yet. Sorry I cannot be more helpful.
666025
Hi Lisa, It does NOT have to be cooked..Yea! Jam turns out perfect . Even my 12 year old grandson [Jam Face] made a couple of batches. Easy and quick..plan ahead as sometimes it's hard to find. Stess
1854563
I don't know...I do not use this product for jam...i mix it with juice for my arthritis...works great for that purpose.
400686
You can make anything you want in this bad boy. You put the liquid in the pitcher and the ice is on the top of the machine, so you can mix up anything you like. Hope that helps!
1459008
it says you can use hard candy. But I was only able to make one cone using cotton candy sugar then the machine would not spin any more and I had a bunch of disappointed girl scouts.....I would not recommend this machine
1254488
I own one but have not had the chance to use it yet. There is a women on youtube that uses one all the time 'imstillworkin', I think her name is Susan and she will answer questions about almost anything concerning home canning and food storing. I hope this is helpful! :-)
986220
Oddly enough I agree with the previous reviewer about not jamming. Mine has not jammed either. I have barely used it but I'm very impressed with the tool at its price point. Having said that it doesnt have special methods to un-jam.
550930
You don't! You need pectin for that. Clear-jell is a corn starch....think the "goop" peaches are in in peach pie. Good luck w/the jam.
2204299
Sure Jell is a very good choice if you are going to can jams and jellies. Clear jel will work but you have to have a perfect measure for jams and jellies. I have never used clear jel but have read where it is like corn starch and is used for thickening soups, gravies, also for baking. If you are going to can jams and jellies, Sure jell is in small packages and is already measured out for perfect batches of jams and jellies.
957945
This is an excellent way to start canning. Includes recipes for 3 pint jar quantity. Go to the Ball website to see what you would need for general canning. I believe you need to elevate off of the pan bottom with a steamer at least.
1384981
The machine has never jammed for me, but I only use it occasionally. Sorry, I'm no help. Perhaps you can contact their customer relations department. Sometimes I even find information/demonstrations on Youtube. Good luck!