Canning
Beginner
Article

What to Do When a Jar Breaks During Canning (+ How to Prevent It)

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Sep 3, 2026, 09:50 PM
A wooden shelf filled with lots of jars of food
Photo: Unsplash - Ray Shrewsberry

About This Resource

The article provides essential guidance on what to do when a jar breaks during the canning process and how to prevent such occurrences. It emphasizes safety first, advising against reaching into boiling water or attempting to open a pressure canner prematurely. The author outlines steps to take if a jar breaks in either a water bath or pressure canner, including how to handle the intact jars and the broken glass. Common causes of jar breakage, such as thermal shock and damaged glass, are discussed, along with preventive measures like inspecting jars before use and avoiding sudden temperature changes. The article reassures readers that a broken jar does not necessarily ruin the entire batch if the other jars were processed correctly. This practical advice empowers readers to continue canning confidently and safely.

Key takeaways

What to know before you act on this, from the SteadScape editors.

  • Inspect each jar for cracks or chips before use; discard any damaged jars to prevent breakage during canning.
  • Always maintain at least one inch of water above jar tops during water bath canning to ensure proper processing and prevent breakage.
  • After a jar breaks, wait for the canner to cool before removing broken glass; this can take 30 to 60 minutes depending on the canner type.
  • If a jar breaks, discard its contents immediately to avoid the risk of glass contamination in your food.
Best for
Beginners with home canning experience; prepare in late summer during harvest season.

Source Information

Domain: homesteadingfamily.com

Summary and key takeaways written by SteadScape. How we choose resources

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