​What equipment do I need for jam making?

With spring now sprung, we're fast approaching jam season and our customers are keen to know what supplies they need to perfect their own recipes. So what do you use for jam making, other than glass jam jars? In this blog, we'll cover everything you need to know.

The basics of jam making

A good jam basically combines fresh fruit and sugar to make a preserve that will retain the delicious flavour of the fruit with plenty of sweetness and a jewel-bright colour, perfect for spreading on toast or using to sandwich together those delicious cakes and bakes. It requires a specific kit for each stage of the process, but you don't need to buy kits. Ready-made jam-making equipment kits can be expensive and include things that you won't necessarily use. Here's a guide to what you will need, and you'll probably find that you already have some of these things in your kitchen.

1. Jam jars

Glass jars are perhaps the most obvious piece of equipment you need for jam-making. A good quality jam jar will allow you to store your jams and preserves properly and ensure that the contents remain sterile. However, you don't need a new glass jar every time you make jam. You can simply sterilise them each time. Do get the right jars to begin with. Kilner is perhaps the most recognisable, but many of our customers like other brands too, with a wide range of styles available. You can also buy wax discs to finish your preserve in the traditional way.

You'll find a huge range of glass jars here: https://www.waresofknutsford.co.uk/search.php?search_query=jam%20jars§ion=product

2. A Jam Pan

A good pan is essential - in fact, you can buy Maslin pans, which are bespoke jam-making pans with thick bottoms and wide tops. These are great for making big batches of the sweet stuff, especially if you do so regularly.

3. A funnel

Beginners often think they can get away with not using a funnel to fill their jam jars, but it's a messy error! Funnels are cheap and simple and funnels from brands such as Kilner are designed to perfectly fit their jars, making the pour a foolproof task!

4. Jam spoons

Again, you need the right type of spoon, and the most basic kind is a simple wooden spoon or a more high-tech silicone spoon. Avoid using metal as it can conduct heat or scratch your pan.

5. Thermometer

A food thermometer will tell when the sugar hits the right temperature - vital to the success of the recipe. Again, jam thermometers are inexpensive but they last for years.

6. Measuring scales

The right digital scales will help you to avoid guessing when it comes to weighing up your ingredients, especially when you're new to jam-making and need to make your measurements accurate and precise. Measuring jugs and scales are even useful when you're more experienced, saving time and guaranteeing the results of your hard work.

7. Ladle

A ladle with a spout is very useful as an alternative to a funnel for pouring jam into a smaller jam jar. If you're likely to make jams regularly, then it's a good investment.

8. Timer

Some people like to have a standalone timer with an alarm to measure their jam-making intervals. Your oven will probably have one too, so this really does come down to preference.

9. Labels

A pretty label is essential for finishing off your hard work! There are plenty of lovely decorative labels available and you can use them to record the type of jam within the glass jar and the date that it was made. Look for personalised labels too if you're making jam for wedding favours or a special event.

10. A large bowl

A good mixing bowl is essential for mixing your fruit and sugar before the process begins. Make it heavy so that it doesn't fly off your work surface! We're a big fan of Mason Cash mixing bowls which are perfect for this: https://www.waresofknutsford.co.uk/the-kitchen/mason-cash-ranges/mason-cash-mixing-bowls/

11. Optional tools

There are some more specialist tools, too which are perhaps optional but which you might feel are a worthwhile investment. These include stone removers which help to keep fruit stones out of your jam and jar lifters which are great for lifting steaming jars from bain maries without scalding yourself. Bubble tools are also great for removing bubbles from the finished result for a professional finish.

Everything you need

You'll find a wide selection of jam-making equipment at Wares of Knutsford, with everything you need to indulge your favourite hobby. Whether you love making strawberry jam, marmalade, preserves or chutneys, you'll find glass jars and bottles of all sizes, mixing bowls and plenty of other equipment, including decorative items for gifting your craft to loved ones. We offer great prices on our broad product range, fast delivery and superb customer service. Why not sign up for our newsletter for the latest news, offers, and inspiration, so that you're always in the know!