Ball Jar Lifter Review
The Ball jar lifter is the trusted standard for handling hot canning jars, with a secure rubberised grip and coated handles. It is an inexpensive but essential safety tool that makes moving jars in and out of boiling water safe and easy.
Overview
The Ball jar lifter is a simple, purpose-made tool for gripping hot mason jars during canning. Rubberised jaws grip the jar securely, and coated handles keep your hands away from the heat.
What stands out
It does the single most important safety job in canning well: lifting hot, wet jars out of boiling water without slipping or tilting. The grip fits regular and wide-mouth jars, the handles are comfortable, and it is cheap and durable. For anyone canning, it is essential rather than optional.
Where it falls short
It only does one job, so it is one of several tools you need, and very large or unusually shaped jars may fit less snugly. That is about the extent of the downsides.
Who it is for
Every home canner. Trying to lift hot jars with tongs or towels is risky, so an inexpensive jar lifter like this is a must-have in the kit.
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Frequently asked questions
Do I really need a jar lifter for canning?
Yes. Processed jars come out of boiling water extremely hot, and a jar lifter grips them securely without slipping. Tongs or towels are unsafe by comparison.
Does the Ball jar lifter fit all jar sizes?
It fits standard regular and wide-mouth mason jars from half-pint to quart. Very large or unusually shaped jars may fit less snugly, but standard jars are covered.