Fowlers Vacola has been part of Australian preserving since 1915. The big thing to understand from the start is that Fowlers is a system. You are not just buying jars. You are buying into a matched setup of bottles, rings, lids, clips and preserving units that are all designed to work together.
That matters because most beginner mistakes come down to buying the wrong accessories for the wrong bottle size. Get that part right and the rest becomes straightforward.
The one table you need
Before anything else, this is the reference that matters. The three current Fowlers bottles and the accessory size each one needs:
| Bottle | Capacity | Lid and Clip Size | Ring Size | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| No. 14 | 350 mL | Size 3 | Size 3 | Current |
| No. 20 | 600 mL | Size 3 | Size 3 | Current |
| No. 31 | 1 L | Size 4 | Size 4 | Current |
No. 14 and No. 20 share the same accessories. No. 31 is different. That is the single most important thing to remember when buying Fowlers products.
Historical Fowlers bottle sizes
Fowlers has manufactured over 30 bottle sizes since 1915. If you have inherited old bottles or picked some up second-hand, use this table adapted from Fowlers' official Bottle Size and Accessory Guide to find the right accessories.
| Bottle No. | Lid and Clip Size (inches) | Ring Size (inches) | Capacity | Accessories Available | Ceased Manufacture |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 2 | 2 | 125 mL | Yes | 1976 |
| 6 | 2 | 2 | 200 mL | Yes | Not known |
| 8 | 3 | 3 | 200 mL | Yes | Not known |
| 10 | 2 | 2 | 240 mL | Yes | 1975 |
| 12 | 2.5 | 2 | - | No | 1935 |
| 14 | 3 | 3 | 350 mL | Yes | Current |
| 15 | 4 | 4 | 1 lb | Yes | Late 1930s |
| 16 | 2 5/6 | 2 5/6 | 1 lb | No | 1935/36 |
| 17 | 3 | 3 | 350 mL | Yes | 1938/39 |
| 18 | 2.5 | 2 | 1.5 lb | No | 1935 |
| 19 | 2 | 2 | 450 mL | Yes | 1960s |
| 20 | 3 | 3 | 600 mL | Yes | Current |
| 26 | 2.5 | 2 | 2 lb | No | 1935 |
| 27 | 3 | 3 | 850 mL | Yes | 1970s |
| 28 (tapered) | 4.25 | 4 | 600 mL | Yes | 2006 |
| 29 | Screw top | N/A | Not known | No | Not known |
| 30 | 4 (VV clips) | Flat style | 800 mL | No | Not known |
| 31 | 4 | 4 | 1 L | Yes | Current |
| 32 | 2 5/6 | 2 5/6 | 2 lb | No | 1935/36 |
| 33 | 2 5/6 | 2 5/6 | 1.5 lb | No | 1935 |
| 36 | 4 | 4 | 1.2 L | Yes | 1978 |
| 39 (tapered) | 4.25 | 4 | 2.25 lb | Yes | 1940s |
| 40 | 3 | 3 | 1.04 L | Yes | 1935/36 |
| 42 | 4.25 | 4 | 2.5 lb | Yes | 1976/77 |
| 45 | 4 (VV clips) | Flat style | Not known | No | Late 1930s |
| 48 | 3 | 3 | 1.4 L | Yes | Not known |
| 56 (tapered) | 4.25 | 4 | 2.75 lb | Yes | Late 1940s |
| 60 | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| 65 | 4 | 4 | 2 L | Yes | 1975 |
| 73 | 3.5 lid / 4 clip | 4 | 910 mL | No | Mid 1940s |
| 74 | 3.5 | 3 | - | No | 1946/48 |
| 75 | 3.5 lid / 4 clip | 4 | N/A | Yes / No lid | Not known |
| 180 | 2.5 lid / 2 clip | 2 | 500 mL | Yes / No lid | Not known |
| 200 | 3 | 3 | 1.15 L | Yes | Not known |
| 270 | 3 | 3 | 910 mL | Yes | Not known |
| 320 | 4 | 4 | 4.5 L | Yes | Not known |
| 1940 | 3.5 lid / 4 clip | 3 | 1 L | No | Mid 1940s |
| 1/4 lb meat | 3 | 3 | 1/4 lb | Yes | 1935/36 |
| 1/2 lb meat | 4 | 4 | 1/2 lb | Yes | 1935/36 |
| 1 lb jam | Gripper | - | 1 lb | No | Late 1950s |
| 2 lb jam | Gripper | - | 2 lb | No | Late 1950s |
Current bottle and accessory compatibility verified against Fowlers' official Bottle Size and Accessory Guide. Historical bottle data adapted from the same guide. Some legacy entries have limited or unclear current accessory availability. If you are matching older bottles and are not sure, check the official Fowlers guide or bring the bottle in to us and we will help you match it.
How the Fowlers Vacola system works
The classic Fowlers setup uses four parts: the glass bottle, the rubber ring, the stainless steel lid and the metal clip. You fill the bottle with prepared fruit and your chosen preserving liquid, fit the ring around the rim, place the lid on top, then clip it down. The sealed bottles go into a preserving unit filled with cold water, which heats over the processing time. As the bottles cool afterward, a vacuum seal forms. The next day you remove the clips and store your preserves in a cool, dark place.
Everything except the rubber rings is reusable, season after season.
Follow the instructions for your specific preserver and recipe. Processing times and methods differ between the Simple Natural Kit and the Professional Steel unit, and Fowlers recipes are written with specific setups in mind.
What can you preserve?
Fowlers lists most fruits as suitable for preserving, including apples, apricots, berries, tomatoes, cherries, citrus fruits, grapes, mangoes, passionfruit, peaches, pears, pineapple, plums, quinces, or a combination.
Vegetables such as onions, capsicum, broccoli, mushrooms, zucchini, squash and chilli can be pickled alone or combined for antipasto.
For fruit, Fowlers describes the preserving liquid as water, fruit juice, sugar syrup, liqueur or spirits. For vegetables, the preserving liquid is a mix of 50% vinegar and 50% water.
Which preserving kit should you start with?
Fowlers sells two electric preserving kits. Both include bottles, accessories and the 49-page "Secrets of Preserving" recipe and instruction book with a 12-month warranty.
Simple Natural Preserving Kit
This is the entry point for most beginners. Fowlers describes it as fast, easy and the perfect way to start preserving, with a fruit processing time of around 60 minutes.
The kit includes:
- Electric Preserving Unit (19 L capacity, 1800 W)
- 3 x No. 14 Bottles (350 mL) with rings, lids and clips
- 49-page "The Secrets of Preserving" book
- 12-month warranty
The unit holds up to 8 x No. 20 bottles or 5 x No. 31 bottles per batch. It does not fit the larger old-style No. 36 or No. 65 bottles.
Buy this if you are new to preserving, want the simplest way to start, or expect to do smaller batches each season.
Professional Steel Preserving Kit
This is the step-up for regular or higher-volume preserving. The stainless steel unit has a built-in thermostat adjustable from 30 degrees to boiling point, and at 34 litres it holds significantly more per batch: 12 x No. 20 bottles or 7 x No. 31 bottles at a time. It also comfortably fits larger old-style Fowlers bottles such as the No. 36 and No. 65. Fowlers describes fruit processing time in the Professional unit as around 75 minutes.
The kit includes:
- Professional Stainless Steel Preserving Unit (34 L capacity, 2400 W, thermostat controlled)
- 3 x No. 31 Bottles (1 L)
- 3 x No. 20 Bottles (600 mL)
- Size 3 Rings (12) and Size 4 Rings (12)
- Size 3 Stainless Steel Lids (3) and Size 4 Stainless Steel Lids (3)
- Size 3 Clips (3) and Size 4 Clips (3)
- 49-page "The Secrets of Preserving" book
- 12-month warranty
The Professional Kit comes ready to use with both bottle sizes and all matching accessories. We also sell the Fowlers Vacola Professional Steel Preserving Unit on its own for people who already have bottles and accessories and just want to upgrade their preserving unit.
The thermostat also makes the Professional Unit useful as an urn for catering, and it is used by some home brewers for processing hops and barley.
The bottle sizes explained
No. 14 - 350 mL
Uses Size 3 rings, lids and clips. This is the small bottle in the current range. It suits jams, jellies, relishes, chutneys and smaller portions. A good gift size too. Included in the Simple Natural Preserving Kit.
No. 20 - 600 mL
Also uses Size 3 rings, lids and clips. This is the best all-rounder in the system and the bottle most preservers reach for first. It works well for bottled fruit, tomatoes, sauces and general preserving. Available as a single bottle or as a Fowlers Vacola Preserving Jar Set No. 20 - 600mL with lid, ring and clips included.
No. 31 - 1 L
Uses Size 4 rings, lids and clips. This is the larger bottle with a wide neck, particularly suited for preserving whole or halved stone fruits like peaches, plums and apricots. Also the right choice for bulk batches and family-sized portions. This is the bottle used in Fowlers' fermenting products. Available as a single bottle or as a Fowlers Vacola Bottle Jar Set No. 31 - 1L with lid, ring and clips included.
Older bottles and the Size 4.25 lid
Fowlers Vacola Standard Preserving Lid Size 4.25 - 1 Pack
Fowlers has manufactured over 30 different bottle sizes since 1915. Their accessory guide still lists every historical format and which current accessories fit. Size 3 accessories fit old-style bottles No. 8, 17, 27, 40, 48, 200 and 270 among others. Size 4 accessories fit old-style bottles No. 36, 65 and 320. The Size 4.25 Standard Preserving Lid fits the tapered bottles No. 28, 39, 42 and 56.
We stock the Size 4.25 lid for people using older Fowlers bottles picked up second-hand, at clearing sales, or passed down through the family.
The accessories that matter most
Preserving Rings
Fowlers Vacola Preserving Rings Size 3 - 12 Pack
Fowlers Vacola Preserving Rings Size 4 - 12 Pack
These are the consumable part of the system. Use fresh rings for the best chance of a proper seal. Stock up at the start of each preserving season. No. 14 and No. 20 use Size 3 rings. No. 31 uses Size 4 rings. We also stock Fowlers Vacola Preserving Rings Size 1 - 12 Pack and Fowlers Vacola Preserving Rings Size 2 - 12 Pack for older bottle formats.
Stainless Steel Preserving Lids
Fowlers Vacola Stainless Steel Preserving Lids Size 3 - 12 Pack
Fowlers Vacola Stainless Steel Preserving Lids Size 4 - 12 Pack
Reusable as long as they stay flat and undamaged. Check the rim is smooth before each use. Match the size to your bottle.
Preserving Clips
Fowlers Vacola Preserving Clips Size 3 - 12 Pack
Fowlers Vacola Preserving Clips Size 4 - 12 Pack
Clips are only needed during processing and cooling. Leave them on for 12 to 18 hours. Once the vacuum forms, the clips come off and can be reused on the next batch. We also stock Fowlers Vacola Preserving Clips Size 2 - 12 Pack and Fowlers Vacola Preserving Clips Size 4.25 - 12 Pack for older bottles.
Snap-On Caps
Fowlers Vacola Snap-On Caps Size 3 - 4 Pack | Fowlers Vacola Snap-On Caps Size 4 - 4 Pack
Storage caps, not preserving caps. They snap onto bottles once opened, keeping things fresh in the fridge. Also used in Fowlers fermenting recipes for fridge storage after fermentation.
Bottle Tongs
For safely lifting hot bottles out of the preserving unit. Fowlers recommends these alongside both kits.
Stainless Steel Jam Funnel
Keeps jar rims clean when filling. A clean rim means a better seal.
Bottle Opener
Designed to break the vacuum seal without bending the lid, so the lid stays reusable.
Packing Stick
Helps settle fruit inside the bottle and remove trapped air pockets before sealing.
Preserving Thermometer
Useful for monitoring water temperature during processing, particularly with the Simple Natural unit which does not have a built-in thermostat.
Buy by use case
I want to bottle fruit
Start with the Fowlers Vacola Simple Natural Preserving Kit. Add a Fowlers Vacola Preserving Jar Set No. 20 - 600mL for the most versatile bottle size, extra Fowlers Vacola Preserving Rings Size 3 - 12 Pack, Fowlers Vacola Bottle Tongs and a Fowlers Vacola Stainless Steel Jam Funnel. That is a complete working setup. The kit comes with three No. 14 bottles for smaller preserves, and the No. 20 set covers everything else.
When you are ready to preserve larger fruit or bigger batches, add Fowlers Vacola Bottle Jar Set No. 31 - 1L and Fowlers Vacola Preserving Rings Size 4 - 12 Pack.
I want to make jams and chutneys
Start with bottles (No. 14 is the right size for most jams), then add:
- Fowlers Vacola Stainless Steel Jam Funnel for clean filling
- Fowlers Vacola Stainless Steel Preserving Pan 8L 16 x 30cm for cooking jams and sauces
- Fowlers Vacola Jamsetta 50g for a reliable set (1.5 kg raw fruit to one 50 g packet)
- Fowlers Vacola Kleerview Covers - 24 Pack for sealing hot jam (not suitable for high-vinegar pickles or chutneys)
- Fowlers Vacola Preserving Wax for pickles, chutneys and high-vinegar preserves where Kleerview is not suitable
- Fowlers Vacola Jelly Bag & Stand if you want to make clear jellies
I want to ferment
You need No. 31 bottles. If you already have them, add the Fowlers Vacola Fermenting Set to Suit No. 31 Jar (lid with grommet, clip, ring and airlock). If you do not have No. 31 bottles, get the Fowlers Vacola Fermenting Jar Set No. 31 which includes the bottle and all fermenting accessories plus recipes. Pick up a Fowlers Vacola Snap-On Caps Size 4 - 4 Pack for fridge storage once fermentation is done.
I have old family Fowlers bottles
Check the bottle number (stamped on the glass) and look up the accessory size in the table at the top of this guide. Most old bottles take either Size 3 or Size 4 current accessories. If you have tapered bottles (No. 28, 39, 42 or 56), you need the Fowlers Vacola Standard Preserving Lid Size 4.25 - 1 Pack. Stock up on fresh rings in the matching size before your first batch.
First-time preserving tips
These are the details that make the difference between a successful first batch and a frustrating one.
Match the bottle number to the accessory size. No. 14 and No. 20 use Size 3. No. 31 uses Size 4. Getting this wrong is the most common beginner mistake.
Use the right preserving liquid. For fruit: water, fruit juice, sugar syrup, liqueur or spirits. For vegetables: a mix of 50% vinegar and 50% water.
Do not overfill your bottles. Many Fowlers fruit recipes call for approximately 12 mm of headspace below the rim. Check your specific recipe.
Leave clips on for 12 to 18 hours. Do not remove them early. The vacuum seal needs time to form fully as the bottles cool.
Use fresh rings. Old or stretched rings are the most common cause of a failed seal.
Check rims and lids before every batch. A nick in the glass rim or a bent lid will prevent a proper seal.
Follow the instructions for your specific preserver. The Simple Natural Kit and the Professional Steel unit have different processing times and methods. Fowlers recipes specify which setup they are written for.
Common beginner mistakes
Buying Size 4 rings for No. 20 bottles (they need Size 3).
Reusing old rings that have lost their elasticity.
Filling bottles right to the top with no headspace.
Pulling clips off after a few hours instead of waiting 12 to 18 hours.
Assuming the Sauce Bottle or Jam Jar works with the ring-lid-clip system (they do not).
Trying to process low-acid vegetables without pickling them first.
Products outside the core bottle system
Not every Fowlers product uses the classic ring-lid-clip setup. These are useful parts of the wider range, but they seal differently.
Fowlers Vacola Sauce Bottle 350ml with Black Lid is a tall, slender bottle with a narrow neck for tomato sauce, passata, cordials and pourable liquids. It uses a screw-on black lid. Replacement Fowlers Vacola Black Lids for Sauce Bottles - 12 Pack are sold separately.
Fowlers Vacola Jam Jar 300ml with Lid is a squat, round jar (75 mm tall, 90 mm wide) with a twist-top puff button lid. Designed for jams and condiments.
Fowlers Vacola Swing Top Bottle 500ml is a tall bottle (265 mm) with a metal swing top closure and silicone washer on a plastic stopper. Suited for cordials, infused vinegars, oils and fermented drinks.
Dehydrating accessories (Fowlers Vacola Fruit Roll / Leather Sheets - 2 Pack, Fowlers Vacola Clean-A-Screen - 2 Pack, Fowlers Vacola Add-A-Tray - 2 Pack) are part of the broader Fowlers range and are designed for use with Fowlers' dehydrating products, not the preserving units.
Jam and jelly making in detail
If you are buying Fowlers primarily for jam and jelly work, these are the extras that matter.
Fowlers Vacola Jamsetta 50g is Fowlers' own pectin product. It ensures jam will set without excessive boiling, which Fowlers says preserves the colour. Their general rule: 1.5 kg of raw fruit to one 50 g packet. This varies by fruit type, and low-pectin fruits like strawberries may need additional Jamsetta. Do not double jam recipes. The mixture should only fill one-third of the preserving pan to allow for expansion at full boil.
Fowlers Vacola Kleerview Covers - 24 Pack are square cellophane covers that stretch over jars when dampened. They come with 24 covers, rubber bands and labels. Fowlers recommends these for sealing hot jam, but specifically notes they are not suitable for pickles and chutneys with high vinegar content, as the vinegar will evaporate and leave a thick, dry product. When dampening the Kleerview Cover, place it damp side up to prevent condensation forming underneath, which can cause mould. If you prefer to place the damp side down, use vinegar instead of water.
Fowlers Vacola Preserving Wax creates an airtight seal that Fowlers says ensures freshness and longevity. Fowlers recommends wax especially for preserves with high vinegar content, such as pickles and chutneys, where Kleerview Covers are not suitable.
Fowlers Vacola Jelly Bag & Stand is the proper way to strain fruit for clear jellies. Hang the bag, let gravity do the work, and you get crystal-clear jelly.
Fowlers Vacola Stainless Steel Preserving Pan 8L 16 x 30cm is a dedicated pan for making jams, chutneys, sauces and fruit prep work. This is not a preserving unit. It is a cooking pan that pairs well with the preserving system.
Fruit-specific tools
Fowlers Vacola Peach Pitting Spoon makes quick work of removing stones from stone fruit. Worth having if you are preserving peaches, plums or apricots in any quantity.
Fowlers Vacola Pear Corer removes the core cleanly from halved or whole pears.
Frequently asked questions
Do No. 14 and No. 20 bottles use the same accessories? Yes. Both use Size 3 rings, lids and clips. The No. 31 bottle uses Size 4.
Do I need new rings every time I preserve? Fowlers recommends using fresh rings for the best chance of a proper seal. Old or stretched rings are the most common cause of a failed seal.
Can I use old family Fowlers bottles? Yes. Fowlers has manufactured over 30 bottle sizes since 1915 and their accessory guide lists which current accessories fit each legacy format. Size 3 and Size 4 accessories cover most old bottles. The Size 4.25 lid fits tapered legacy bottles such as No. 28, 39, 42 and 56.
Are Sauce Bottles and Jam Jars part of the same preserving system? No. The Sauce Bottle uses a screw-on black lid. The Jam Jar uses a twist-top puff button lid. Neither uses the ring-lid-clip vacuum seal system.
How long do clips stay on after processing? Leave clips on for 12 to 18 hours. The vacuum seal needs time to form fully as the bottles cool.
What is the difference between the Simple Natural Kit and the Professional Steel Kit? The Simple Natural is a 19 L plastic unit (1800 W) with 3 x No. 14 bottles, processing fruit in around 60 minutes. The Professional Steel is a 34 L stainless steel unit (2400 W) with thermostat control, 3 x No. 31 and 3 x No. 20 bottles plus all matching accessories, processing fruit in around 75 minutes. The Professional holds more bottles per batch and fits larger old-style bottles.
What fruits and vegetables can I preserve? Fowlers lists most fruits including apples, apricots, berries, tomatoes, cherries, citrus, grapes, mangoes, passionfruit, peaches, pears, pineapple, plums and quinces. Vegetables such as onions, capsicum, broccoli, mushrooms, zucchini, squash and chilli can be pickled.
We stock the full Fowlers Vacola range of 43 products at The Essential Utensil. If you are not sure where to start, come in and talk to us at 428 Swift Street, Albury or call (02) 6021 8455.
