The Best Places to Find Canning Jars, Lids, and Equipment
You can buy canning supplies at grocery stores, hardware stores, online retailers, and specialty kitchen shops. The fastest option depends on what you need right now: if you need jars and lids this week, a local grocery store or hardware chain will have them in stock. If you're building a full setup or want to compare prices, online retailers often have wider selections and lower costs, though you'll wait for shipping.
Most home canners buy from a mix of places. You might grab jars and lids at your local supermarket, order specialty equipment from an online retailer, and pick up pectin or vinegar at a hardware store. Knowing what each type of store stocks well—and what they don't—saves you trips and money.
Key Takeaways
- Grocery stores stock the basics (jars, lids, pectin) year-round but have limited selection and higher prices than online options.
- Hardware chains like Ace Hardware and Tractor Supply carry full canning lines and often run seasonal sales in late summer.
- Online retailers including Amazon, Walmart.com, and specialty sites offer the widest selection and lowest per-unit costs if you buy in bulk.
- Local restaurant supply stores and farm co-ops sometimes sell wholesale quantities at lower prices than retail, though you may need to buy larger cases.
- Thrift stores and estate sales occasionally have used jars and vintage equipment at low cost, though you should inspect them for chips and cracks before using them.
Grocery Stores and Supermarkets
Most grocery chains stock canning jars, lids, and basic supplies in the baking or canning aisle year-round. Stores like Kroger, Safeway, Whole Foods, and regional chains carry Ball and Kerr jars in common sizes (pint, quart, half-gallon), replacement lids, and canning-specific ingredients like pickling salt and powdered pectin. You pay a premium for the convenience—a dozen quart jars might cost $8 to $12 at a supermarket versus $5 to $7 online—but you get them the same day.
Grocery stores are most useful for last-minute supplies or when you need just one or two items. They rarely stock specialty equipment like jar lifters, bubble removers, or wide-mouth canning funnels. If you're starting from scratch, you'll end up making multiple stops or ordering the rest online.
Hardware Stores and Farm Supply Chains
Ace Hardware, True Value, Tractor Supply, and Atwood's carry full canning lines and often stock items grocery stores don't: jar lifters, canning racks, pressure gauges, and bulk pectin. These stores also run seasonal sales in July and August when demand peaks, sometimes discounting jars by 20 to 30 percent. If you have a local independent hardware store, call ahead—many order canning supplies specially during the season.
Hardware stores are your best bet for equipment and tools. A jar lifter costs $5 to $8 at a hardware store versus $8 to $12 online after shipping. The trade-off is that selection varies by location and season; in winter, canning supplies may be hard to find or ordered only by request.
Online Retailers and Bulk Options
Amazon, Walmart.com, and specialty retailers like Lehman's and Homesteading Today sell canning supplies with fast shipping and the lowest per-unit prices if you buy in volume. A case of 12 quart jars runs $25 to $35 online versus $40 to $50 at a grocery store. Shipping costs money, but buying a full case or combining orders with other items often makes the total cheaper than retail.
Online shopping works best when you know exactly what you need and can wait three to seven days. Read reviews on jars and equipment—some sellers ship damaged goods, and you want to know before you order. If you're a regular canner, buying a year's supply of jars and lids online in the off-season (October through May) saves the most money.
Restaurant Supply Stores and Farm Co-ops
Restaurant supply stores and agricultural co-ops sometimes sell canning jars and supplies at wholesale prices, though you usually have to buy in bulk—a case of 24 jars instead of a dozen. Prices per jar can be 30 to 40 percent lower than retail. You'll need to find a store that serves the public (some are wholesale-only), and you may need a business license or membership, though many waive this for home canners.
This option works if you can or preserve large quantities or want to split a bulk order with friends. Call ahead to confirm they sell to home canners and ask about minimum order sizes. Some co-ops also stock specialty items like large-format jars or commercial-grade equipment that retail stores don't carry.
Thrift Stores, Estate Sales, and Used Equipment
Thrift stores, estate sales, and online marketplaces like Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist sometimes have used canning jars, vintage equipment, and pressure canners at a fraction of retail cost. A used pressure canner in good condition might cost $20 to $40 instead of $75 to $150 new. Used jars are fine as long as they have no chips, cracks, or cloudiness inside (which can trap bacteria).
Inspect used equipment carefully before buying. Test a pressure canner's gauge and seals, and run jars under water to check for leaks. Avoid jars with decorative ridges or unusual shapes—they don't seal reliably. This route requires patience and local searching, but it's the cheapest way to start if you're on a tight budget.
What to Buy Where: A Quick Reference
| Item | Best Place to Buy | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Jars and lids | Online (bulk) or hardware store (small quantities) | Lowest per-unit cost online; fastest local option at hardware stores |
| Jar lifter, funnel, bubble remover | Hardware store or online | Grocery stores rarely stock these; hardware stores have them in stock |
| Pectin, pickling salt, vinegar | Grocery store | Widely available, no shipping cost, straightforward to grab with other groceries |
| Pressure canner | Online or thrift/estate sales | Expensive new; used models are reliable and much cheaper |
| Bulk jars (50+) | Restaurant supply or farm co-op | Wholesale pricing; worth it if you preserve regularly |
Money-Saving Tips for Regular Canners
Buy jars and lids in the off-season (October through May) when prices drop and selection is best. Many retailers clear inventory after summer, and online prices are lowest when demand is low. If you buy a year's supply at once, you'll pay 20 to 30 percent less than buying as you go.
Reuse jars year after year—they last indefinitely if you don't chip them. Replace lids and bands each season; lids are single-use, but bands can be washed and reused. Buying lids in bulk online saves money if you preserve large quantities. Join a local canning group or gardening club; members often split bulk orders or trade supplies, and you'll learn which local stores run the best sales.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use old jars from the thrift store without testing them?
Inspect them first. Hold each jar up to light and look for chips, cracks, or cloudiness inside. Fill it with water and check for leaks. Avoid jars with decorative ridges or unusual shapes—they don't seal reliably. If a jar looks clean and holds water, it's safe to use for canning.
Are Ball and Kerr jars the only brands that work?
Ball and Kerr are the most common and reliable, but other brands like Bernardin (in Canada) and Anchor Hocking work fine. The key is that the jar mouth fits standard canning lids. Avoid decorative or vintage jars with unusual threading. If you're unsure, stick with Ball or Kerr—they're widely available and tested.
What's the difference between buying jars at a grocery store and online?
Grocery stores charge more per jar but you take them home the same day. Online retailers charge less per jar but add shipping costs and take three to seven days. For small orders (one or two dozen jars), a grocery store is faster and cheaper. For bulk orders (50+ jars), online is cheaper even with shipping.
Do I need to buy new lids every year?
Yes. Canning lids are single-use—once you remove them, they won't seal again. Bands (the metal rings) can be washed and reused. Buy lids in bulk online if you preserve regularly; a case of 100 lids costs less per lid than buying small boxes at a grocery store.
Where can I find specialty items like wide-mouth funnels or jar lifters?
Hardware stores stock these in the canning aisle during summer. Online retailers like Amazon and specialty sites carry them year-round. Thrift stores occasionally have vintage versions. If your local hardware store doesn't have them in stock, ask if they can order them—most can within a few days.