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When the timer goes off, turn the oven off. Leave the jars inside to cool down gradually. Pulling them out immediately is like jumping into a cold pool after a hot bath—jar version of a heart attack.
Leave them in there for at least 30 minutes. I’ve let them sit overnight with no issues. Bonus: your kitchen smells like a cozy bakery from the residual heat.
One more thing: never put wet lids in the oven. The rubber seal will melt into a sad, gummy mess. Sterilize lids separately in simmering water (just below boiling) for 10 minutes.
What Temperature To Sterilize Jars In The Oven | Detroit Chinatown
What About Higher Altitudes?
Ah, you live a mile high like me? Good question. High altitudes (above 3,000 feet) mean water boils at a lower temp, but oven heat is dry heat—it doesn’t change much. Stick with 275°F, but add 5 minutes to your timer just to be safe.
Oh, and check your oven’s actual temperature with an oven thermometer. I once discovered my “350°F” was actually 400°F. That explains the burnt cookies and the slightly warped jar rims.
If your oven runs hot, drop the temp to 260°F and extend the time to 30 minutes. The goal is to hold 275°F inside the glass, not just in the air.
