An autoclave is designed for canning and sterilizing jars. The easiest way to choose is by how many jars you can process per batch, and also by autoclave type (water, steam, or 2-in-1), heat source, and material.

1) Quick choice by jar capacity

• Capacity: 0.5L – 16 jars, 1L – 7 jars, 2L – 3 jars
  (usually not intended for 3L jars).
• Capacity: 0.5L – 24 jars, 1L – 14 jars, 2L – 3 jars
  (usually not intended for 3L jars).
• Capacity: 0.5L – 32 jars, 1L – 21 jars, 2L – 6 jars
  (usually not intended for 3L jars).
• Capacity: 0.5L – 40 jars, 1L – 21 jars, 2L – 9 jars
  (usually not intended for 3L jars).

2) Autoclave type: water, steam, or 2-in-1

• Water: sterilization happens in water. A classic, easy-to-understand option.
• Steam: sterilization happens with steam. Convenient if you prefer steam mode.
• 2-in-1 (water + steam): a universal option that lets you use either mode depending on your routine.

3) Electric or gas autoclave

• Electric (universal): convenient for home use, stable режимes and simple operation.
• Gas: a good option if you use gas (stove or burner) and want faster heating.

4) Material: stainless steel or coated metal

• Stainless steel: practical to maintain, durable, and corrosion-resistant.
• Coated metal: a reliable workhorse option with protective coating. Use carefully to avoid damaging the coating.

5) Practical tips from the manual (for safety and best results)

• Water level: about 2 cm above the top jar row. Do not fill to the very top, leave an air gap.
• Initial pressure: for classic lids, an initial pressure of about 1 atm is commonly used. For Twist-off, initial pressure is usually not required.
• Temperature and pressure: sterilization is commonly done in the 80–120°C range. Do not raise pressure above 5 atm. If pressure approaches or exceeds 5 atm, stop heating and let it cool down.
• Opening: release air/pressure and open only after cooling down to about 30°C.
• First run: for the first use, we recommend a test run with 1–2 jars to understand the process.

Steam mode (if you use it)

• Required: a dedicated steam valve. Water is poured to about 8–10 cm from the bottom.
• Time: the holding time in steam mode is usually longer than in water mode.
• Jars: in steam mode it is safer to use Twist-off. Classic lids may require additional jar clamps/fixators.

Care tip

• If water is hard and the autoclave is electric, you can add a small amount of citric acid to reduce scale on the heating element.

Autoclave brands

• UTEHO: premium autoclaves for those who want maximum convenience, quality, and consistent results.
• SOVEK: a more budget-friendly option for jar canning, focused on practicality and value.
• Other manufacturers: other models with different configurations are also available. The easiest way to choose is by jar capacity, autoclave type, and heat source.

Quick tip: tell us which jars you use most often (0.5L, 1L, or 2L), how frequently you can, and whether electric or gas is more convenient for you. We’ll recommend the right autoclave and compatible accessories.