I wouldn't have thought of a ladle because all my ladles are too big to dip into my 1/2 gallon jars. I tried the spoon option but that was really a spillage mess for me, I have less mess with the baster but like you say, whatever works best for ya.
I like the ladle option, thanks for that Rocky :-) I'm gonna find me a smaller one, seems like it sure would be faster!