A Jar Lifter is a Must-Have Canning Tool

Although you can use a pot holder or small towel to lift hot jars out of the waterbath or pressure canner, these tend to get wet and don't allow a good grip for safe transfer of jars to the counter. A specially-designed canning jar lifter is a kitchen tool that has double handles with a wooden insert and wide non-slip covered gripping ends.

As you hold the jar lifter by the wooden handles, you can easily grip the top of hot jars (not the sides) and the lifter aligns and adjusts for a secure grip so you can safely transfer the jars to a waiting towel on your counter. As you relax the grip once jars have landed, it will release the jar. You can also use the jar lifter to lift and insert jars into the canner at the start of the canning process which is safer especially when jars have been hot-packed.

This is one canning tool that I find is a must for safe handling of hot jars. However, there are some models of jar lifters that have no rivets keeping the two parts of the tool together, only a recessed area. This is a flaw and this kind of lifter can come apart during the lifting process. Buy only a jar lifter with the two sections of the tool firmly riveted together.

A jar lifter can be used for removing either small or large mouth canning jars and this basic design is similar with most brands, except for the rivet detail. This tool is sold by itself or as part of a canning tool set. Inexpensive and safe, this handy canning tool will serve you well for years.



Other important canning tools include sealing/canning jars and replacement lids, a colander, tongs and a funnel. You'll also need a waterbath or pressure canner as well as recipes.



Read More About Canning & Kitchenware:

Canning 101
Successful Home Preserving
From Field to Freezer With Bernardin Freezer Jars
Finding Canning Equipment & Supplies
Pressure Cooking vs Pressure Canning
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