The following jam making equipment is needed for making jams and other preserves. As you get more into preserving you may also want the additional equipment or to upgrade it. To start with there are some basics that you will need. There are other things that you can wait to get later if you do not want to get everything at once.
Somethings such as kitchen scales, are more general, you will probably have in your kitchen already. Others are more specific to making preserves.
Jam making Equipment Essential Basics for Start Up
Jam Jars
You will need glass jars with lids. It is best if you get these new where you can.
Budget tips: You can re-use jars that you already have.
However, there are a couple of things to be aware of.
- The glass may not be as strong if already used which may result in it shattering. I have used all kinds of jars. From those, I got from my sister with jam in from Christmas to ones that were shop bought with pickled onions in them.I always check for any damage or cracks although these may not always be seen. You can get jars new quite cheaply. If you have any concerns just get those.
- If you are using pre-used jars you will need to check the lids. (NB: Not everyone will want to do this as it is considered a hygiene risk. They need to have a plastic seal on them. If not you can either get new lids or seals.
- Make sure the jars and the lids are very clean. They will need to be sterilised as with new jars.
Jar Sizes
The size is purely up to you, how much jam you intend to make and if you will use a lot in one go. I would personally choose a medium size. I found the small ones did not hold enough jam and my hands are not large enough to open the large jars. Try a range of sizes.
As a beginner, you will probably only be making small amounts of jam anyway.
For more on jam jars
Wooden Spoons & Preserving Spoons
I confess when I started out I did not have a wooden spoon, nor did I know that it was better. I used normal metal desert spoons. If you can, get a wooden one. They are not expensive to buy.
- They are better because they do not melt like plastic might.
- They have longer handles so prevent you getting burnt or scolded from spitting jam when you are stirring.
For more on spoons
No Thermometer? No Problem: Plate or Metal Spoon For the Jam Set Test
If you do not have a thermometer you will need a plate (or metal spoon) to test if the jam has set or not.
Kitchen Scales Are a Must
You will need a set of kitchen scales to weigh your ingredients.
You Can Start With A Saucepan
If you are starting out you may not want to buy a special jam making pan. You can make do with a large saucepan.
My mum never had any special pans and made great jam. All 3 of us sisters have also made jam without the pan without any problems.
However, it may be something for the future as the right equipment makes life easier. Depending on what type of saucepan you have the jam may burn and stick to the bottom. I used a stainless steel one and not a non-stick and that was fine. If you prefer you can buy a maslin pan.
Labels for the Jars
If you are making different kinds of jams or giving them away to friends you will need a sticky label to say what your jams are. You can get some very pretty ones in a style to suit you.
More on labels, lids and jar covers
Nice to Haves
A Thermometer Especially for Jam
A jam making thermometer for me was essential as I explain in the Jam setting page. It is in the nice to haves because many people will make jam and get them to set quite well without them. You need to make sure the jams get to a set temperature for them to set. Just seeing them bubble is not enough. It still might not be hot enough. A thermometer takes out the guess work.
Pouring Funnel
This is a funnel, especially for jam making. It is a metal funnel with a larger than normal opening. This helps you to put the jam in the jars. It reduces mess and jam going on the outside of the jars. It can also prevent burning.
Tongs Are Needed to Lift the Jars
Tongs for lifting the jars caused me major problems in the beginning as I wasn’t sure if you really needed them or not. I think this will depend on the method you use to sterilise your jars and how hot you can stand in temperature when picking up empty heated jars.
The tongs are used by being above the jar and putting the rubber ends around the lip of the jar.
Jam Jar Covers
I love these. Very country kitchen. They give the finishing touches to your jams and jellies. I guess it is a bit like having a frame for a photo. The improve the presentation a 100 fold. They come in all kinds of colours and designs.
Enthusiast Equipment
Jam and Jelly Straining Kit
If you either don’t like pips or you want to make a jelly you will need to have jam straining equipment of some description. These usually consist of a muslin bag and a stand.
Maslin/ Jam Pans Are Better than Saucepans
These are large pans especially made for jam and jelling making. They are often stainless steel and have handles on both the side and the top. They also can have the measurements marked on the inside of the pan.
