A canning funnel looks like a kitchen funnel that someone cut short, and that’s the idea. The wide mouth takes chunky salsa, fruit and jam, the short, wide spout drops them straight into the jar, and the rim stays clean. A kitchen funnel with a narrow stem jams up with anything solid, which is why canners keep a separate one. For oils and bottles, see our guide to the best kitchen funnel.
A clean rim matters because the lid has to seal on it. The National Center for Home Food Preservation also points out that a jar needs the right headspace, the gap between the food and the lid, so a funnel that helps you see the fill level earns its keep.
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Quick verdict: which canning funnel to buy
Buy the HIC Kitchen Canning Funnel. It is 18/8 stainless steel with a side handle, a stated 2.25-inch bottom opening for jars from jelly size up and dishwasher-safe care. If you want one tool for jars and bottles, Lehman’s removable-spout funnel handles both. If you want headspace marks built in, look at the FORJARS set.
Five canning funnels by jar and job
| Funnel | Best for | Material | Bottom opening | Buy on Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
HIC Kitchen Canning Funnel, 18/8 Stainless SteelBest overall
|
Most home canners | 18/8 stainless | 2.25 in | View on Amazon |
Norpro Stainless Steel Wide Mouth Funnel with Silicone StrainerBest with a strainer
|
Straining jelly and juice | Stainless, silicone | 2.25 in | View on Amazon |
Lehman’s Canning Funnel with Removable SpoutBest for jars and bottles
|
Jars and bottles | Stainless | Removable spout | View on Amazon |
FORJARS Canning Funnel Set with StrainerBest headspace marks
|
Checking headspace | Stainless | Not stated | View on Amazon |
Westmark Wide Mouth Canning FunnelBest for whole fruit
|
Whole or cut fruit | Not stated | Not stated | View on Amazon |
Our picks for the best canning funnel
Sizes and materials come from each maker’s Amazon listing. We have not used these funnels ourselves. No funnel makes canning safe on its own: that comes from a tested recipe, the right headspace and the right processing.
1. HIC Kitchen Canning Funnel, 18/8 Stainless Steel – Simple, Sturdy and Dishwasher Safe
This funnel has what a canning funnel needs and not much more. It is 18/8 stainless steel, 3.125 inches tall, with a 5.625-inch top and a 2.25-inch bottom opening. HIC says it fills small jelly jars, standard jars and larger mason jars, and a handle at the side adds stability and keeps your hand away from hot food.
Stainless steel is a sensible material here, because hot jam and tomato sauce won’t stain or warp it the way they can with some plastics. It goes in the dishwasher, too. It has no headspace marks, so keep a ruler or a bubble tool handy. It was also sold by Amazon when we checked, which keeps returns simple.
Why we like it
- 18/8 stainless steel, per the maker.
- Side handle for hot fills.
- Covers jelly jars through larger mason jars, per the listing.
Key specifications
| Model | 41194 |
|---|---|
| Material | 18/8 stainless steel |
| Top width | 5.625 in |
| Bottom opening | 2.25 in |
| Jar fit | Jelly, standard and larger mason jars |
| Headspace marks | No |
| Extras | Side handle |
| Care | Dishwasher safe |
Why we recommend it
It suits most home canners, from a first batch of jam to a season of tomatoes. It’s a tool you can buy once and not think about again.
Skip it if you need built-in headspace marks or a strainer; you’d need a separate tool.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Durable metal
- Easy to clean
- Wide spout for chunky food
Cons
- No headspace marks
- Metal gets hot with hot food
2. Norpro Stainless Steel Wide Mouth Funnel with Silicone Strainer – Adds a Strainer for Jelly and Juice
Norpro makes a separate plain canning funnel that appears in our kitchen funnel guide. This one adds a silicone strainer, and that is why it’s here. The mouth is 5.5 inches across, the stem is 2.25 inches wide, and the strainer is heat resistant to 500 degrees Fahrenheit, according to the listing.
A strainer helps when you want to keep seeds or pulp out of the jar, and it can double as a quick way to catch stray bits when you are pouring juice or stock. For salsa or chunky preserves, just lift the strainer out. Norpro recommends hand washing.
Why we like it
- Silicone strainer is rated to 500°F, per the listing.
- Listed as ideal for canning.
- Stainless steel body.
Key specifications
| Model | 241 |
|---|---|
| Material | Stainless steel, silicone strainer |
| Top width | 5.5 in |
| Bottom opening | 2.25 in |
| Jar fit | Not stated beyond “ideal for canning” |
| Headspace marks | No |
| Extras | Silicone strainer |
| Care | Hand wash recommended |
Why we recommend it
It suits someone who makes clear jelly, juice or broth as well as chunky preserves, and wants one funnel to handle both.
Skip it if you never strain anything, since the plain HIC does the rest of the job and goes in the dishwasher.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Strains and fills
- Heat-resistant strainer
- Sold by Amazon when checked
Cons
- Hand wash recommended
- Strainer is one more part to store
3. Lehman’s Canning Funnel with Removable Spout – One Funnel for Jars and Bottles
Lehman’s is an Ohio retailer known for old-fashioned household goods, and it calls this funnel a Lehman’s exclusive. It is stainless steel with a removable spout, giving you a large opening for jars or a narrow one for bottles. The listing says it fits jar openings from 2-3/8 to 5-1/4 inches inside diameter and bottle openings from 5/8 to 2-1/8 inches.
That makes it the best fit for a kitchen that bottles sauces and syrups as well as filling jars. Those are the sort of projects a single wide funnel can’t handle. The listing gives clear fit ranges but no care instructions, so check them when it arrives.
Why we like it
- One funnel covers both jars and bottles.
- Clear inside-diameter fit ranges.
- Sold by Lehman’s itself when checked.
Key specifications
| Model | 801389C |
|---|---|
| Material | Stainless steel |
| Top width | Not stated |
| Bottom opening | Fits openings 2-3/8 to 5-1/4 in; bottle spout 5/8 to 2-1/8 in |
| Jar fit | Regular and wide mouth, per title |
| Headspace marks | No |
| Extras | Removable spout |
| Care | Not stated |
Why we recommend it
It suits a home preserver who makes hot sauce, syrup or vinegar along with jam. It saves you buying two funnels.
Skip it if you only fill mason jars, since you’d never use the second spout.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Two functions
- Durable stainless steel
- Stated fit ranges
Cons
- Two pieces to keep together
- Care not stated
4. FORJARS Canning Funnel Set with Strainer – Headspace Gauge Cut Into the Funnel
FORJARS is a canning brand we know mainly through Amazon, and this is the one set here with the headspace feature we wanted to see. Each of its two funnels, one for regular jars and one for wide mouth jars, has a cut-out gauge in quarter-inch steps. There’s also a mesh strainer in the set.
The steel is 0.8 mm thick, according to the listing, and two side handles and a broad platform steady it on the jar. It’s dishwasher safe. Since you get a funnel for each jar size, you have more to store than with a single funnel. The gauge is a convenience and doesn’t replace reading the headspace your recipe calls for. These details rest on the maker’s listing.
Why we like it
- Quarter-inch headspace gauge on each funnel.
- A funnel for each jar mouth, plus a strainer.
- Two handles for stability.
Key specifications
| Model | FJ-FS |
|---|---|
| Material | Stainless steel, 0.8 mm |
| Top width | Not stated |
| Bottom opening | Not stated |
| Jar fit | Regular and wide mouth, one funnel each |
| Headspace marks | Yes, 1/4-inch steps |
| Extras | 2 funnels, mesh strainer |
| Care | Dishwasher safe |
Why we recommend it
It suits a newer canner who wants a built-in check on headspace, and anyone who regularly uses both jar sizes.
Skip it if you want one funnel in a small drawer, since this set is three pieces.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Headspace gauge built in
- Strainer included
- Stable on the jar
Cons
- More pieces to store
- Rests on listing details only
5. Westmark Wide Mouth Canning Funnel – A German-Made Jar Filler
Westmark is a German kitchen tool maker, and its listing describes this as a wide mouth canning funnel made in Germany that fits over most standard jars. It has a very wide opening meant for fruit and goes in the dishwasher. The listing doesn’t state the material, so confirm it can take boiling-hot food before you pour.
European jars can differ from American mason jars, so its “most standard jars” line is one to check against your own jars. Westmark’s guarantee is mentioned in the listing, which is more than many funnels offer. This one ships through Amazon Germany, so allow extra time for it to arrive.
Why we like it
- Listed as made in Germany.
- Very wide opening for fruit.
- Dishwasher safe, per the listing.
Key specifications
| Model | 11502270 |
|---|---|
| Material | Not stated |
| Top width | Not stated |
| Bottom opening | Not stated |
| Jar fit | Most standard jars, per listing |
| Headspace marks | No |
| Extras | None |
| Care | Dishwasher safe |
Why we recommend it
It suits a jam maker who works with whole or cut fruit and wants the widest opening a funnel can offer.
Skip it if you want stated dimensions and a stated material, since this listing gives neither.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Very wide opening
- Made in Germany, per the listing
- Easy cleanup
Cons
- Material and sizes not stated
- Check fit with American jars
- Ships from Amazon Germany
6. Westmark Classic Stainless Steel Preserve Funnel – A Narrow Spout for Small Jars
Westmark’s Classic has a 5.1-inch top and a narrow 1.4-inch bottom opening, well under the 2.25 inches of the HIC. That helps with small jelly jars, little bottles and narrow European-style jars, and it keeps drips under control. It’s stainless steel, dishwasher safe and backed by the Westmark guarantee.
The narrow opening cuts both ways, though. Whole strawberries or large tomato chunks will back up in a 1.4-inch spout. Think of it as a tool for smooth jam, jelly, sauce and small-diced preserves, not a first choice for chunky salsa. It was sold by a third-party seller when we checked.
Why we like it
- Stated 1.4-inch opening for smaller jars.
- Stainless steel and dishwasher safe.
- A maker’s guarantee is mentioned.
Key specifications
| Model | 12442270 |
|---|---|
| Material | Stainless steel |
| Top width | 5.1 in |
| Bottom opening | 1.4 in |
| Jar fit | Not stated; narrow spout suits smaller jars |
| Headspace marks | No |
| Extras | None |
| Care | Dishwasher safe |
Why we recommend it
It suits a jam and jelly maker who fills many small jars, especially gift-size ones.
Skip it if you can whole fruit or chunky salsa, which needs a wider spout.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Precise fill into small jars
- Easy cleanup
- Durable metal
Cons
- Too narrow for large chunks
- Sold by a third-party seller when checked
7. Kitchen Crop Canning Funnel – A Basic for Both Jar Sizes
Kitchen Crop is the home preserving brand behind the Victorio line, and this is its plain funnel in red. The listing says the wide opening takes both regular mouth and wide mouth jars, and that it helps keep food in the jars and prevents spills. It also lists a 5-year warranty, which is unusual for such a small tool.
The listing doesn’t state the material or the dimensions, so we can’t tell you how it copes with very hot food. Check the maker’s guidance when it arrives. Kitchen Crop’s specialism in canning gear is the reason it makes the list. It would be our pick if you wanted a bright funnel that’s easy to find in a busy kitchen.
Why we like it
- Fits regular and wide mouth jars, per the listing.
- Listed with a 5-year warranty.
- A brand focused on home preserving.
Key specifications
| Model | VKP1001 |
|---|---|
| Material | Not stated |
| Top width | Not stated |
| Bottom opening | Not stated |
| Jar fit | Regular and wide mouth |
| Headspace marks | No |
| Extras | None |
| Care | Not stated |
Why we recommend it
It suits a home canner who wants a simple, cheerful funnel from a preserving brand.
Skip it if you want stated materials and sizes; the HIC gives both.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Fits both common jar sizes
- Long stated warranty
- Brightly colored
Cons
- Material not stated
- Size not stated
- Care not stated
8. Kilner Stainless Steel Easy Fill Funnel – From the British Jar Maker
Kilner is the British jar brand, and it says the original Kilner jar goes back more than 180 years. Its funnel is mirror-finish stainless steel with a 4-centimeter base, or roughly 1.6 inches, and Kilner says it suits many jar sizes. It’s aimed at warm jams, chutneys and jellies, and the wide opening is there to prevent spills.
The base is narrower than most American canning funnels, closer to the Westmark Classic. A narrow base can sit well in a regular mouth jar, but it will slow chunky food. It’s dishwasher safe. It ships from the Amazon Global Store UK, so check the shipping time before you plan a canning day around it.
Why we like it
- Maker known for preserving jars.
- Stainless steel and dishwasher safe.
- Designed around jam and chutney.
Key specifications
| Model | 0025.410 |
|---|---|
| Material | Stainless steel |
| Top width | Not stated |
| Bottom opening | 4 cm |
| Jar fit | Many jar sizes, per listing |
| Headspace marks | No |
| Extras | None |
| Care | Dishwasher safe |
Why we recommend it
It suits a jam and chutney maker who likes well-finished tools. It also makes a nice addition to a gift of Kilner jars.
Skip it if you can big fruit pieces, which need a wider opening.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Polished finish
- Easy to clean
- Clear size information
Cons
- Narrow for chunky food
- Ships from the UK store
How to choose a canning funnel
Check the bottom opening. This is the measurement that matters most. A funnel with a 2.25-inch opening handles chunky food, while one around 1.4 inches suits smooth jam and small jars. Measure the inside of your jars if you aren’t sure.
Regular or wide mouth. Most home canners use both. Some funnels here cover both jar sizes in one, and the FORJARS set gives you one of each. Look for a stated fit in the listing.
Choose the material. Stainless steel handles hot food well and goes on for years, though it heats up. Plastic stays cooler in the hand, but check that it is rated for very hot food. Several listings here don’t state a material, and that’s worth weighing.
Look for a way to judge headspace. The National Center for Home Food Preservation specifies 1/4 inch for jams and jellies and 1/2 inch for fruits and tomatoes processed in boiling water, and more for low-acid foods. Too little and food can bubble out and spoil the seal. A gauge is useful, but a ruler works, and your recipe has the final say.
Think about handles and care. A side handle keeps your fingers away from hot food. Many steel funnels go in the dishwasher, and a sticky jam funnel benefits from that.
How we picked these eight canning funnels
We looked for funnels sold specifically for jars, and we checked stock on Amazon before anything else. We kept to makers we could identify, with only one brand known mainly through Amazon. We also left out the two canning funnels already covered in our kitchen funnel guide, and full tool kits, so this page offers different choices. A search for independent reviews turned up thin affiliate lists, so these picks rest on maker and listing details. We have not used these funnels.
Canning funnel questions, answered
What is the difference between a canning funnel and a regular funnel?
A canning funnel has a short, wide spout that sits in the mouth of a jar, so that chunks of food can pass through. A regular funnel has a narrow stem for liquids, which food would clog.
Does a wide mouth canning funnel fit regular jars?
Often yes, if the bottom opening is narrower than the jar’s mouth. Kitchen Crop and Lehman’s both state that theirs work with both. Check the opening against your own jars, since listings vary.
Do you need a canning funnel?
You can can without one, but it’s messier. A funnel helps keep the sealing rim clean, and you’d still wipe the rim with a clean damp paper towel before putting the lid on, as recipes from the National Center direct.
Is stainless steel or plastic better?
Stainless steel stands up to very hot food and doesn’t stain, so it’s our general preference. Plastic can feel cooler and lighter. Either is fine if the maker says it’s suitable for hot food.
What can I can with a funnel at home?
A funnel works with whatever your tested recipe covers. High-acid foods can go in a boiling water canner, while low-acid foods need a pressure canner, and our guide to the best canning pressure cooker explains that side.
Our final pick for canning day
Related guide: Best mason jars.
The HIC is the one we’d start with: simple, sturdy and easy to clean. Buy a tested recipe source along with it, and don’t improvise on acid or processing times. If you’re canning salsa, our page on salsa roja versus salsa verde explains the two styles, and if canning is not for you, there’s always our guide to the best jarred salsa. You can also call Julia’s at (346) 546-8283 and call to order.