To sterilize jars in the oven, preheat the oven to 275 degrees Fahrenheit. Wash each canning jar or mason jar and lid with hot soapy water, then rinse but don’t dry them. Place each clean jar on a baking tray and place in the oven for 10 minutes. Soak the lids in boiling water for five minutes. However, it is important to note that sterilizing jars in the oven is less reliable than other methods, such as boiling water or an Instant Pot. Ovens can be inaccurate in their reading of temperatures, and the quick change in temperature and the effect of dry heat can potentially damage the glass. Therefore, it is recommended to use other methods to sterilize jars. If you do choose to sterilize jars in the oven, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Make sure your oven is clean before using it to sterilize your jars.
- Use warm jars when sterilizing in the oven. This is because a sudden change in temperature can damage the glass. It’s best to sterilize them shortly after washing them in hot water.
- Adjust your oven racks so that it can accommodate your jars.
- If you’re using old storage jars, make sure they are free from cracks or chips.
It is important to keep in mind that the USDA does not support jar sanitizing in the oven, and it is not a reliable method for sterilizing jars.