How to Choose the Right Kilner® Jar Size for Every Storage Need

Quick Answer

To choose the right Kilner® jar size, first identify what you'll store: small jars (0.35L) for spices and dry goods, medium jars (1L) for meal prep and liquids, and larger containers (1.5L) for bulk pantry staples or leftovers. For specific needs like sourdough or infusions, choose purpose-built sets that include the right jars.

Kilner® jars are iconic for a reason—they combine timeless design with practical functionality. But with so many sizes and styles available, it can be tricky to know which one is right for your kitchen. Whether you're storing dry goods, prepping meals, or crafting homemade drinks, choosing the correct jar size ensures your food stays fresh and your shelves stay organized.

In this buying guide, we'll break down the most common Kilner® jar capacities and their best uses. You'll learn how to match jar size to your storage needs, avoid wasted space, and make the most of your kitchen storage. By the end, you'll be ready to pick the perfect jar for every task.

Why Jar Size Matters

Choosing the right jar size isn't just about fitting everything in—it's about maintaining freshness and saving space. A jar that's too large leaves excess air, which can cause food to spoil faster. A jar that's too small means you'll constantly be transferring contents or running out of room. The goal is to match the jar's capacity to your typical portion sizes.

Kilner® offers a range of sizes, from small 0.35 litre jars to larger 1.5 litre containers. Understanding the volume you need for different food types—like dry pasta, liquids, or leftovers—will help you make the right choice. Consider how much you typically buy or prepare, and whether you need jars for short-term fridge storage or long-term pantry organization.

• Small jars (under 0.5L) are perfect for spices, seeds, and single servings.
• Medium jars (0.5L to 1L) suit liquids like dressings, sauces, and drinks.
• Large jars (1L and above) are ideal for bulk dry goods, leftovers, and meal prep.

Small Jars: 0.35 Litre and Under

If you're storing spices, dried herbs, or small quantities of dry goods, a 0.35 litre jar is a great choice. The Kilner® Round Glass Clip Top Storage Jar 0.35 Litre is a classic example, featuring the embossed Kilner logo and an orange rubber seal that keeps contents fresh. This size is also handy for homemade spice blends, tea leaves, or even small batch preserves.

Small jars are also useful for portion control—like storing a single serving of overnight oats or chia pudding. They take up minimal shelf space and are easy to grab. However, they're not ideal for bulk items like a whole bag of flour or pasta, which would require multiple jars or frequent refills.

• Use for: spices, herbs, small snacks, single servings.
• Avoid for: bulk dry goods, large quantities of liquids.

Medium Jars: 0.5 to 1 Litre

Medium-sized jars are the most versatile. The Kilner® Spiralizer Jar, with its 1 litre capacity, is a perfect example. It doubles as a storage jar for spiralized vegetables, making it a great addition to a health-conscious kitchen. This size is also great for storing salad dressings, sauces, or homemade kombucha.

For infusions and homemade liqueurs, the Kilner® Set of 3 Clip Top Sloe Gin Bottles offers a dedicated solution. Each bottle is designed for infusing and storing drinks, with a clip-top mechanism that seals in flavor. This set is ideal if you're into crafting your own beverages and want a consistent, attractive presentation.

Medium jars are also suitable for storing leftovers for a couple of days, but if you need to freeze or store larger quantities, you might want to go bigger.

• Use for: liquids, dressings, infusions, spiralized veggies, small leftovers.
• Avoid for: large family meals, bulk pantry staples.

Large Jars and Containers: 1.5 Litre and Beyond

For bulk storage, nothing beats a larger container. The Kilner® New 1.5 Litre Rectangular Fresh Storage Container is designed to keep food fresh while making efficient use of shelf and fridge space. Its rectangular shape allows you to stack multiple containers, maximizing vertical storage. With 1.5 litres of capacity, it's perfect for storing dry goods like pasta, rice, or cereal, as well as large batches of soup or stew.

This container is also great for meal prep—you can prepare several servings of a dish and store them in one container, saving fridge space and reducing plastic waste. The airtight seal ensures freshness, and the clear glass lets you see what's inside at a glance.

If you need even more capacity, consider using multiple large containers or exploring Kilner's range of preserving jars, which come in various sizes to suit different preserving needs.

• Use for: bulk dry goods, large leftovers, meal prep, fridge organization.
• Avoid for: small quantities where a smaller jar would suffice.

Decision Rules for Choosing Kilner® Jar Sizes

• Rule 1: Match capacity to typical portion size: Estimate how much of a particular food you usually store or prepare. For example, if you buy spices in small packets, a 0.35L jar is sufficient. If you cook large batches of soup, a 1.5L container is better. Avoid overfilling or underfilling by choosing a jar that closely matches your usual quantity.
• Rule 2: Consider the storage location: If you plan to store jars in a pantry shelf, measure the shelf height and depth. Rectangular jars like the 1.5L container maximize space, while round jars may leave gaps. For fridge storage, similar considerations apply. Rectangular shapes are more space-efficient for shelves and fridge doors.
• Rule 3: Think about what you're storing: Dry goods like flour and rice stay fresh longer in airtight jars. Liquids like dressings or kombucha need jars with a tight seal, like clip-top jars. For starters like sourdough, a dedicated set ensures you have the right jar and tools. Choose a jar with a seal appropriate for the contents—rubber seals for dry goods, clip-tops for liquids.

Kilner® Jar Sizes at a Glance

• Kilner® Round Glass Clip Top Storage Jar 0.35 Litre: The Kilner® Round 0.35L Clip Top Glass Storage Jar has the Kilner brand embossed in the front and is finished with an orange rubber seal. The jars are perfect for storing dry food. This small jar is ideal for spices, herbs, or single portions, and the secure seal keeps contents fresh.
• Kilner® New 1.5 Litre Rectangular Fresh Storage Container: The Kilner® New 1.5 Litre Rectangular Fresh Storage Container offers a practical and stylish solution for keeping your food fresh. Designed with the iconic quality you expect from Kilner®, this container is ideal for storing a variety of ingredients in your kitchen. 1.5 litre capacity provides ample space for storing dry goods, leftovers, or meal prep. Rectangular shape allows for efficient use of shelf and fridge space. This large container is perfect for bulk storage and meal prep, and its rectangular design maximizes space in your fridge or pantry.
• Kilner® Sourdough Starter Set: The Kilner® Sourdough Starter Set contains all components needed to make a successful sourdough starter, which will then be used to transform into a fresh and delicious sourdough. If you're into baking, this set provides the right-sized jar and tools specifically for maintaining a sourdough starter, taking the guesswork out of choosing the right container.
• Kilner® Set of 3 Clip Top Sloe Gin Bottles: Discover the set of 3 Kilner sloe gin bottles, perfect for infusing and storing homemade liqueurs and beverages. These durable glass bottles are ideal for preserving flavours. For homemade drinks, these bottles are sized for infusions and have a clip-top seal that ensures a tight closure, preserving the flavor of your creations.

Which Kilner® Jar Size Is Best for You?

Best for

• Home bakers and fermenters: the Kilner® Sourdough Starter Set provides the right jar and tools for maintaining a starter.
• Meal preppers and families: the Kilner® New 1.5 Litre Rectangular Fresh Storage Container is ideal for storing large batches and leftovers.

Not for

• Those needing tiny jars for spices or samples: consider the 0.35L Kilner® Round Glass Clip Top Storage Jar.
• If you're primarily making infused spirits, the Kilner® Set of 3 Clip Top Sloe Gin Bottles is a better fit than larger storage containers.

Choosing the right Kilner® jar size doesn't have to be complicated. Start by thinking about what you store most often, then match the capacity to your needs. Whether you opt for a compact 0.35 litre jar for spices or a spacious 1.5 litre container for meal prep, there's a Kilner® jar that fits your kitchen perfectly. Ready to upgrade your storage? Explore the Kilner® New 1.5 Litre Rectangular Fresh Storage Container and see how it can transform your pantry.