How to Use a Kilner® Strainer Funnel for Canning
By Kilner® - Iconic Glass Jars, Bottles & Equipment | Kilner® | Published: 2026-10-17
Category: How-to Guides
Learn the correct steps to use a Kilner strainer funnel for canning. Avoid common mistakes and keep your preserve jars clean and sealed properly.
Quick answer
Place the Kilner strainer funnel into the mouth of your preserve jar before filling. The stainless steel mesh strains out seeds and pulp while the wide opening guides food into the jar without spills. Always center the funnel and avoid overfilling to keep the rim clean for sealing.
Why use a strainer funnel for canning
A strainer funnel does two jobs at once: it filters out unwanted solids and directs the liquid or soft food into the jar. The Kilner strainer funnel is made from stainless steel, so it resists rust and holds up to repeated use. It is also dishwasher safe, making cleanup simple after a long canning session.
The funnel fits standard wide-mouth preserve jars, such as the Kilner 0.5 Litre Wide Mouth Preserve Jar. Using it helps you fill jars faster and keeps the rim dry, which is essential for a vacuum seal.
What you need
You will need the Kilner strainer funnel, a clean wide-mouth preserve jar, your prepared preserve (chutney, jam, or pickled fruit), and a ladle or spoon. Have a clean damp cloth nearby to wipe the jar rim if any liquid escapes.
Step-by-step: Using the Kilner strainer funnel for canning
- Step 1: Position the funnel on the jar: Set the strainer funnel squarely into the mouth of a clean, warm wide-mouth preserve jar. The funnel should sit flush so it does not wobble. Checkpoint: If the funnel tilts, adjust it before pouring – a crooked funnel can spill onto the rim.
- Step 2: Ladle the preserve through the funnel: Using a ladle, pour your hot jam, chutney, or pickling liquid into the funnel. The stainless steel mesh will catch seeds, pulp, or spice pieces while letting the liquid pass through. Common mistake: Pouring too fast can cause the mesh to clog. Pour in steady, moderate streams.
- Step 3: Fill to the correct headspace: Stop filling when the preserve reaches the recommended headspace (usually 1/4 to 1/2 inch below the rim). Lift the funnel straight up – do not drag it across the rim. Checkpoint: If any liquid touches the rim, wipe it clean with a damp cloth before sealing. A dirty rim prevents a proper vacuum seal.
- Step 4: Clean the funnel and jar rim: Rinse the funnel under hot water or place it in the dishwasher. Wipe the jar rim with a clean cloth to remove any residue. Next step: Immediately apply the lid and ring, then process the jar according to your recipe.
Product facts
- Kilner strainer funnel, stainless steel: The Kilner Stainless Steel Straining Funnel is made from durable materials designed to successfully preserve and pickle. This strainer is dishwasher safe. Dishwasher-safe stainless steel means you can sanitize the funnel quickly between batches, and it will not corrode from acidic preserves.
- Wide Mouth Preserve Jar 0.5 Litre: The Kilner 0.5 Litre Wide Mouth Preserve Jar is perfect for preserving whole fruits and vegetables as the wider opening allows for easy filling. Pairing the strainer funnel with a wide-mouth jar makes filling effortless – the funnel sits securely and the wide opening reduces the chance of clogging.
