Kilner® Easy Fill Funnel vs. Standard Funnels: Which Is Better for Jar Filling?

Quick Answer

For most jar filling tasks, a Kilner® Easy Fill Funnel is the better choice because its wide mouth and angled design reduce spills and make filling faster. Standard funnels are fine for occasional use with narrow openings, but they often cause messes and are less stable on larger jars. Choose based on your typical jar sizes and how often you fill them.

Filling jars with liquids, dry goods, or preserves can be messy if you don't have the right funnel. A standard funnel might seem sufficient, but the Kilner® Easy Fill Funnel is designed specifically for the wide mouths of Kilner® jars, making it a more practical tool for frequent canning and storage.

In this comparison, we'll look at the key differences between the Kilner® Easy Fill Funnel and standard funnels, focusing on design, fit, and performance. We'll also give you honest tradeoffs so you can decide which one belongs in your kitchen drawer.

Design and Build: Wide Mouth vs. Standard

The Kilner® Easy Fill Funnel features a wide mouth that matches the opening of most Kilner® jars, from small spice jars to large 3-litre storage jars. This wide design lets you pour ingredients quickly without the need for a separate scoop or steady hands. Standard funnels, in contrast, often have a narrow top that requires precise pouring and can easily cause spills.

When it comes to materials, the Kilner® Easy Fill Funnel is typically made of durable stainless steel, which is easy to clean and won't absorb odors or stains. Standard funnels are often plastic, which can be lightweight but may not hold up as well to hot liquids or frequent use. The stainless steel construction also makes the Kilner funnel more stable when placed on a jar, reducing the risk of tipping.

• Wide mouth funnels are ideal for chunky preserves, granola, or pasta, while standard funnels work better for narrow-neck bottles.
• If you plan to fill hot liquids, choose a stainless steel funnel over plastic to avoid warping or chemical leaching.

Fit and Stability on Kilner® Jars

One of the biggest advantages of the Kilner® Easy Fill Funnel is its tailored fit on Kilner® jars. The funnel sits securely on the rim, leaving both hands free to pour. This is especially helpful when filling multiple jars during a canning session. Standard funnels, on the other hand, may wobble or slip, especially if the jar mouth is larger than the funnel's base.

For dry goods like rice, beans, or flour, a stable funnel is essential to avoid waste. The Kilner® Easy Fill Funnel's wide base and low profile keep it centered, so you can pour confidently. Standard funnels often require you to hold them in place, which can be awkward when you're also handling a heavy bag or scoop.

• Test the funnel on your jars before buying to ensure a snug fit—an ill-fitting funnel can cause more spills than no funnel at all.
• If you use jars with different mouth sizes, consider a funnel with a removable insert or multiple sizes.

Cleaning and Maintenance

After a day of preserving, the last thing you want is a funnel that's hard to clean. The Kilner® Easy Fill Funnel's stainless steel surface wipes clean easily and is dishwasher safe, saving you time. Standard plastic funnels can retain stains and odors, especially after contact with tomato sauce or spices.

The wide opening of the Kilner funnel also makes it easier to scrub by hand, while narrow standard funnels can be tricky to reach inside. If you value convenience and hygiene, the Kilner® Easy Fill Funnel is a clear winner in this area.

• Always dry your funnel thoroughly before storing to prevent water spots or rust on stainless steel.
• For sticky substances, soak the funnel in warm soapy water before washing.

Tradeoffs at a Glance

• Wide mouth vs. standard: The Kilner® Easy Fill Funnel's wide mouth speeds up filling but may be too large for narrow-neck bottles. If you only fill narrow bottles, a standard funnel might be better.
• Stainless steel vs. plastic: Stainless steel is durable and easy to clean but can be heavier and more expensive than plastic. Choose steel for long-term use; plastic is fine for occasional light tasks.
• Fit on Kilner® jars: The Kilner® funnel is designed for Kilner® jars, offering a stable fit that reduces spills. Standard funnels may not sit securely. For frequent Kilner® jar users, the tailored fit is worth the investment.

Product Facts: Kilner® Tools That Complement Your Funnel

• Kilner Thermometer and Lid Lifter for Jam Jars: This unique set combination of the Kilner® Thermometer and Lid Lifter are essential tools for preserving and pickling, with accurate measurements. When you're filling jars with hot jam or pickles, a thermometer ensures your mixture reaches the right temperature, and the lid lifter helps you handle hot lids safely—both pair perfectly with an easy fill funnel.
• Kilner® Round Glass Clip Top Storage Jar 3 Litre: The Kilner® Round 3L 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 large jar is a great candidate for a wide-mouth funnel, making it easy to fill with bulk dry goods without spilling.

Which Funnel Should You Choose?

Best for

• Home canners and preservers who fill multiple Kilner® jars regularly
• Anyone who stores dry goods in wide-mouth jars and wants to avoid spills

Not for

• People who only fill narrow-neck bottles or use non-Kilner® containers
• Those on a tight budget who need a funnel only for rare, small tasks

Choosing between the Kilner® Easy Fill Funnel and a standard funnel comes down to how you fill jars. If you're serious about preserving, pickling, or bulk storage, the Kilner® funnel's wide mouth, stable fit, and easy cleaning make it a worthwhile upgrade. For occasional use with narrow bottles, a standard funnel may suffice—but expect more spills and less convenience.