Pickling season! It is the time of year when the kitchen smells like vinegar, herbs, and you are trying to figure out how to store all these riches.  Let’s get you equipped with the right pickling jars so your pickling escapades go down in history.

Size Matters

When it comes to pickling, the size of your jar is crucial. Are you going for a few crunchy gherkins or enough pickles to last until next season? Then, you don’t want to pack your veggies so tightly that they suffocate—or worse—go limp. 

Indeed, size matters greatly here! For large batches, where you’re aiming to pickle enough to feed a small army, we recommend the 2372ml large glass jar. This beauty is big enough to handle whole cucumbers or large quantities of cabbage for sauerkraut. Think of it as your go-to for serious picklers.

For smaller batches, where you want to pickle just enough to stash in your fridge or give as a gift, the 10oz pickle jar is your best bet. It’s compact but roomy enough for things like carrots, onions, or a handful of peppers.

Wide vs. Narrow Mouth

Here’s a golden rule: if you’re pickling anything bulky—like whole carrots or large cucumber spears—you want a wide-mouth jar. Trust us, there’s nothing worse than trying to stuff a pickle into a jar that’s too narrow. 

The 500ml panelled jar 50 has a wide 82mm mouth, making it perfect for chunky vegetables like carrots or cauliflower florets. You won’t have to wrestle your produce into submission, and removing your deliciously brined pickles is easy.

For smaller vegetables or things that require more liquid, a narrower mouth will do just fine. Think pickled onions, small beets, or even radishes. They slide in easily, and the narrower opening helps with pouring out the brine when needed.

Airtight is Alright

An airtight seal is everything in pickling. If your lid isn’t up to snuff, say goodbye to crispy pickles and hello to soggy sadness. The key is ensuring that your jar comes with a reliable, airtight lid to lock in the goodness. Twist-off lids, button twist-off lids, screw lids, and lids that come with rubber seals ensure your pickles are safe from air exposure, which can ruin the whole batch.

Remember, whether you're pickling in large batches for long-term storage or whipping up small jars for quick use, keeping out unwanted air is essential. Without it, you risk spoilage—and no one wants that after all the work you’ve put in.

Pickling Essentials: What Fits Where?

Now, let’s talk about the fun part—what are you going to pickle? From crunchy cucumbers to tangy lemons, each type of produce has its ideal jar. Choosing the right one will ensure your pickles turn out perfectly preserved and burst with flavour.

For Classic Vegetables:

Pickling everyday favourites like cucumbers, carrots, beets, or onions?  You’ll want a jar that can comfortably hold enough to enjoy for over a couple of weeks but won’t overwhelm your fridge.

The 300ml food jar is perfect for these vegetables, giving you just the right amount of space while keeping everything fresh. The twist-off lid ensures an airtight seal, so you can store your pickles for weeks (if they last that long!).

For Larger Vegetables and Bulk Pickling:

Planning bigger projects like whole cucumbers, peppers, or large quantities of cabbage for sauerkraut? In this case, you’ll need something with more space and a wide mouth to fit those chunky veggies.

The 1062mI food jar is perfect for big batches. Its generous size and wide opening make it easy to pack in your vegetables and pour in the brine, ensuring everything stays submerged and pickles evenly.

For Exotic and Fruity Pickles:

Feeling adventurous? Then, pickling fruits like mangoes, lemons, or even watermelon rind can add a whole new dimension to your pickling repertoire. These require a jar with enough space for both the fruit and the brine. However, you would also want something that looks good on display (because who doesn’t love a pretty jar of pickled fruit?).

Clip-top jars work wonderfully for this. Their wide mouth and sturdy design make it ideal for larger fruit pieces, while the twist-off lid ensures your pickles are kept fresh and flavourful.

For Fermentation Projects:

For fermentation-based pickling, like kimchi or sauerkraut, you’ll want a jar that can handle the pressure. Fermenting vegetables release gases, so you need a jar that’s sturdy and can be checked on easily. So, the 1500 ml clip-top jar is your go-to here. Its size means you can ferment large batches without worrying about running out. More importantly,  the wide mouth makes it easy to pack in all the cabbage and spices your recipe calls for.

For Quick Pickling and Small Batches:

If you’re just dipping your toes into the world of pickling or want to make a quick pickle for a weekend brunch, smaller pickling jars like the 200ml Fido jar are ideal.

Quick pickling typically doesn’t require long-term storage. This size lets you whip up something tasty without committing to a massive jar of pickles. Try it with radishes, garlic, or even a mix of peppers—quick, easy, and delicious!

Pickling Jars Comparison 

Here’s a handy table to help you weigh up the pros and cons of different pickling jars:

Best For Jar Why It's Great Pros Cons
Large Volume 2372ml Large Glass Jar Perfect for large-scale pickling like sauerkraut or whole cucumbers. Large capacity, wide mouth. Bulky for storage.
Large Volume & Presentation 1500ml Fido Jar with Hinged Lid and Rubber Seal Airtight with a rubber seal, ideal for large batch fermentation projects. Hinged lid, secure sealing, looks gorgeous. Higher costs and difficult to replace lids. Seals wear out.
Large Volume 2372 ml Large Pickling Jar Great for preserving large quantities of vegetables. Strong seal, durable, practical, affordable.  Plain looking
Small Batches 300ml Panelled Jar or 10oz Pandora pickle jar Small and versatile, ideal for pickling onions, radishes, and small-batch projects. Compact, easy to store, easy to label, great all-rounder. Plain looking.
Small Batches 300ml Dip Jar A handy jar with a twist-off cap, perfect for pickling smaller quantities. Compact, twist-off cap for easy use, wide 82mm opening. Limited for larger veggies.
Wide-Mouth Needs All clip-top jars Wide mouth makes it ideal for packing large vegetables like carrots and cucumbers. Easy to fill, durable. Pricier than your ordinary jars.
Wide-Mouth Needs 500ml Clip Top Glass Jar with Hinged Lid Elegant jar for all your pickling needs. Attractive design, wide mouth for easy access. Price and difficulty to replace lids.
Specialty Pickles 200ml Fido jar Perfect for smaller specialty pickling like garlic or spiced fruits. Strong seal, attractive presentation. Pricier than basic jars.
Specialty Pickles 16oz Glass Pickle Jar with Twist Off Lid A more compact version, great for herbs, spices, or quick pickling projects. Airtight seal, versatile use. Limited size for larger pickles.
Gifting or Display 110ml Hexagonal Jam Jar Stylish and perfect for gifting small pickled items like chilies or capers. Unique design, ideal for small portions. Limited capacity.
Gifting or Display 212ml Bonta Jar Perfect for small pickled gifts like vegetable mixes, garlic, olives. Compact and elegant, wide opening. Small for larger pickling needs.
Everyday Storage 200g Square Jar The square shape is space-efficient for everyday storage of pickles and chutneys. Space-saving design, easy to store side by side. Smaller capacity than round jars.

Let's Sum Up

Overall, choosing the right jar is almost as important as the ingredients you put in it. Firstly, a good jar will ensure your pickles stay fresh, crisp, and bursting with flavour long after you’ve sealed the lid.

Secondly, the right size, shape, and seal can make all the difference between a perfectly brined cucumber and a soggy, sad vegetable that you’d rather not meet again.

Lastly, airtight seals keep those tangy flavours intact, wide mouths make packing and pouring a breeze, and the right size ensures you’ve got enough for yourself or to share if you’re feeling generous!