Depth is also important!

Susan,

Another thing the canners have is the proper depth. To can using the boiing water bath, the water needs to be two (2) inches over the tops of the jars. If you have a pot deep enough, it probably won't be the right size to be able to keep the jars from bouncing around when they are boiling, and they must boil.

I agree with Barb that the best thing to do is look for a canner, or borrow one if you just want to try this canning thing to see if you want to invest.

I inherited my boiling water bath canner from my Mom (I have to share with a sister but she doesn't like to can much.) and much of Mom's canning materials, including a wonderful book, "Putting Food By". My sister (the same one) and I went in together to buy a canner, Mom's double decker would not work on our stoves. (I get custody of it too!)

I find canning fun, not economical sometimes, but very satisfying.