Comparison of containers for autoclave: what to choose?

Container for autoclave
what to choose for preservation?

Products for autoclaving:

Autoclave "A16 electro" (Universal)

11300 UAH

More details

Buy

Autoclave Twist-Off Lid

420 UAH

More details

Buy

Seaming lid SKO 82 mm (50 pcs)

300 UAH

More details

Buy

Doy-pack RETORT 160x210x41 GREEN 130 microns (for sterilization in an autoclave) 50 pcs.

550 UAH

More details

Buy

Steam valve

600 UAH

More details

Buy

Clamps for SKO lids "for steam" 10 pcs

400 UAH

More details

Buy

Container for autoclave

What to choose for preservation?

Did you know that the success of your preservation depends not only on high-quality equipment and a good recipe, but also on the right container? Choosing glass jars, tin cans, or modern retort pouches is a question that affects the preservation process, convenience, and quality of storage of your products. Let's figure out which container for the autoclave is best for you.

Let's figure out which container for the autoclave is best for you.

Glass jars with lid

The most popular option among home canning lovers is glass jars. For autoclaving, half-liter jars have proven to be the best, as their small volume ensures quick and even heating. This is important for meat and thick preserves, as the sterilization temperature reaches the center of the jar much faster.
Jars with a volume of 1-3 liters are suitable for vegetables and fruits, as they require lower temperature and heating duration.
It is not necessary to pre-sterilize glass jars before the autoclave, but it is important to check their quality: no cracks or chips. A simple way is the "sound test": a whole jar sounds clear, while one with micro-cracks sounds dull.

Lids for autoclave

The correct choice of lid directly affects the tightness and safety of preservation. Ordinary canning lids can deform under pressure. Therefore, it is worth buying lids for autoclave, specially designed for high temperatures and pressure. They are heavier due to the thickened wall and withstand sterilization without deformation.
Important: canning lids in the autoclave are not recommended to be reused, as after the first use the seal loses its tightness.

SKO lids

Reinforced canning lids that are easy to close with a key. This is a classic option tested over the years. Such lids are reliable, strong, and suitable for most home preserves. When canning in an autoclave with SKO lids you need to pump up the starting pressure to 1 atm.

Twist-off lids

Reinforced euro-lids with heat-resistant sealing. They are convenient to use, do not require a key for sealing, and provide a high level of tightness during autoclaving.

Twist-off lids with valve

Reinforced euro-lids with an additional built-in indicator: the valve shows whether the jar is "deflated" after sterilization. This is convenient for control and guarantees that your preservation was successful.

Tin cans for preservation

Another option for containers is tin cans. They are characterized by strength, compactness, and long shelf life. Perfect for meat and fish preserves, as they do not let light through and do not break. But they require a special sealing device, so most often tin cans are used in mini-workshops or industrial production. When cooking in a tin can, it is necessary to create an initial pressure of 1 atm in the autoclave.

Retort pouches - modern solution

An innovative type of container - retort pouches. This is a flexible and light package, which is ideal for autoclaving. The pouches take up little space, are convenient to transport, and do not require special storage conditions. Retort pouches are convenient for cooking stew, porridge, soups. It is important to choose only those pouches that are designed for autoclaving: their base has a metallized layer that withstands temperatures above 120 °C. UTEHO retort pouches also have instructions and usage rules indicated, which is very convenient.

Each type of container has its advantages

Glass jars with SKO lid - universal for most home preserves.
Glass jars with twist-off lids - guarantee of tightness and safety without extra effort.
Tin cans for preservation - for those who have production lines.
It is worth buying retort pouches for those who value compactness, convenience, and modern storage format.

But no matter what container you choose, your preservation together with Uteho autoclaves will always be the tastiest!

28.09.2025

Author: UTEHO Editorial Team
Reviewed by: UTEHO Technical Department Specialists

UTEHO Expert Editorial Team

The UTEHO team develops autoclaves and accessories for home food preservation. All informational articles, guides, and recommendations are tested in real UTEHO autoclaves before publication.

Our content is based on practical experience, technical expertise, recommendations from UTEHO engineers and technologists, as well as feedback from our customers.

Practically tested in UTEHO autoclaves

Reviewed before publication

Content is regularly updated