Autumn is a time for harvesting the abundance of delicious ripe fruit you’ve been growing all year. And nothing beats the taste and home-grown produce, either fresh or used in jams, pickles, chutneys and jellies.
Using a garden trug can be especially helpful when it comes to harvesting and, when you’ve earmarked some berries for your favourite scone-topping jam recipe, you’ll just need to check you’ve got all the components of your jam making kit ready to go. From the essentials like a heavy bottom pan and clean jars to extras like decorative labels and even a machine that does it all for you, we’ve curated a list of handy jam making equipment to help you get started.
And if you need any advice on how to get the most from the produce in your plot, we’ve put together helpful guides explaining how to grow strawberries, how to grow raspberries, how to grow apples, and how to grow blueberries. Or for apple growers who also have an eye on cider-making, take a look at our guides to the best apple presses and best apple pickers.
Best jam making kits and jam making equipment
Browse our selection of jam making kit below;
Stainless Steel Maslin Jam Pan and Handle 9L
Stainless Steel Maslin Jam Pan and Handle 4.5L
This jam pan has a capacity of 4.5 litres so you can fit plenty of fruit inside. The heavy base prevents burning and sticking as the jam boils and it’s made from stainless steel for durability. There’s also a double-riveted handle so it won’t get too hot and a pouring spout for easier decanting.
Price: £24
Buy Stainless Steel Maslin Jam Pan and Handle at Amazon
Jam Sugar and Confectionery Thermometer
Jam Sugar and Confectionery Thermometer
When making jam, getting your mixture to the perfect temperature is crucial. Too low and it will be runny and won’t set but too high for too long and you risk a near solid end result. This jam and sugar, mercury -free thermometer is designed with that perfect balance in mind and has clear markings so you know exactly what to look out for.
Price: £7
Buy Jam Sugar and Confectionery Thermometer at Amazon
Tala Jam Straining Set
Tala Jam Straining Set
If it’s a smooth and seedless jam you’re looking to make, then this straining kit will be an essential piece of jam making equipment. The wire stand helps balance the nylon straining bag which filters out any pulp, pips and seeds from your mixture. It’s also reusable; simply wash and reuse time and time again.
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Price: £5.99
Buy Tala Jam Straining Set at Amazon
Clear Hexagonal Glass Jars 55ml 12 Pack
Clear Hexagonal Glass Jars 55ml 12 Pack
One of the most important things you’ll need when making your own jam or preserves is something to store them in. These hexagonal jars, which come in a pack of 12, are dishwasher safe, so they’re easy to reuse.
Price: £6.50
Buy Clear Hexagonal Glass Jars at Hobby Craft
Personalised Jam Jar Labels
Personalised Jam Jar Labels
These sweet, personalised labels can give homemade jams a more professional touch. With designs for a range of different jams and even marmalade, these contemporary labels make a great gift.
Price: £5
Buy Personalised Jam Jar Labels on Not On The High Street
Kilner Stainless Steel Easy-Fill Jam Funnel
Kilner Stainless Steel Easy-Fill Jam Funnel
There’s no denying that jam making is a messy business. Luckily, this funnel can help limit the damage by channelling the mixture from the pan neatly into jars. Designed specifically for jam making equipment, the wide funnel allows more space to pour the thick liquid into, especially if you’re using a pan without a pouring spout.
Price: £6
Buy Easy-Fill Jam Funnel at Amazon
Muslin Squares 45cm
Muslin Squares 45cm
Muslin squares are an ideal bit of jam making kit which can be used for straining out pips and pulp. These squares are also versatile and can be used in other ways such as herb bags or for straining home brews.
Price: £4.99
Buy Muslin Squares at Lakeland
Ginger Ray Jar Label Stickers 21 Pack
Ginger Ray Jar Label Stickers 21 Pack
Mark your jar with different flavours or add personal notes if you’re gifting your creations to friends and families. The labels are self-adhesive so you don’t need to affix them with string or glue. They are also handy for any other baking projects and would work just as well on cupcake or cookie boxes. You can choose from various patterns including gingham, floral and monochrome.
Price: £2.50
Buy Ginger Ray Gingham Jar Label Stickers at Hobby Craft
Ginger Ray Small Jam Jar Topper Kit
Ginger Ray Small Gingham Jam Jar Topper Kit 20 Pack
Jar toppers will add a charming country cottage look to your homemade jams. There are three different colours in the gingham packet so you can distinguish various flavours or you can choose other designs by Ginger Ray. Plus, elastic bands, tags and twine are included to properly finish off your jars.
Price: £4
Buy Ginger Ray Small Gingham Jam Jar Topper Kit at Hobby Craft
200 Waxed Circle Discs
200 Waxed Circle Discs
These waxed discs sit inside the lids of jam jars to create an airtight seal. The discs mean your jams can stay fresh while they’re in storage, ready for you to enjoy them. The discs are available for 1lb or 2lb jars.
Price: £3.99
Buy 200 Waxed Circle Discs For 1lb Jam Jars
Buy 200 Waxed Circle Discs For 2lb Jam Jars
Ball freshTECH Jam and Jelly Maker
Ball freshTECH Jam and Jelly Maker
While homemade jams, jellies and chutneys are delicious, making them yourself can be tricky to fit into a busy routine. This jam-making machine does all the work for you by automatically controlling the temperature and stirring on your behalf. All you need to do is add in your ingredients, press a couple of buttons and you can have jam ready in as little as 21 minutes.
Price: £163.99
Buy Ball freshTECH Jam and Jelly Maker at Lakeland
This product guide was last updated in September 2022. We apologise if anything has hanged in price or availability.