The best mason jars have been fixtures of home canning and preserving for generations, with a variety of sizes and shapes available to choose from. The tradition of using mason jars didn’t begin until 1858 when John Landis Mason invented the jar with a threaded neck, enabling it to be sealed with a metal lid.
Mason jars have become a staple in home decor, from crafting projects to storage solutions. With so many sizes and shapes available, it can be difficult to choose the best mason jar for your needs. To help you pick out the perfect mason jars for your project or purpose, we’ve put together a list of the ten best mason jars.
10 best mason jars
1. The Ball Mason Jar is widely known as one of the most iconic and versatile mason jars available. This classic-style jar comes with multiple lid options to fit any need – whether you’re looking for an airtight seal or an easy pour spout. You can also customize your Ball Mason Jar with decorative lids or bands that’ll make your jar look even more stylish.
2. The Ball Elite Collection is an elegant take on the traditional mason jar. These jars come in a variety of sizes and shapes, from wide-mouth to regular-mouth, and feature a ribbed design that adds texture to any project. The lids are also made with rust-resistant standards for long-lasting use.
3. Kerr Wide Mouth Mason Jars offer superior quality at an affordable price. You can choose from either half-pint or pint sizes, perfect for storing liquids or food items without any spills or messes. The jars also feature a smooth lip and curved shoulders for easy pouring and handling. Plus, these mason jars are incredibly durable and long-lasting.
4. The ever popular Le Parfait French Glass Jar is a must-have for any mason jar enthusiast. These jars come in multiple sizes and feature an airtight seal that’s perfect for preserving food items or creating beautiful storage solutions. The elegant design of this jar also makes it perfect for displaying flowers, spices, or other decorative items.
5. Fido Jars are ideal for storing dried goods like beans, grains, and cereals thanks to the rubber gasket that lines the lid and creates an airtight seal. You can choose from two sizes – one liter or two liters – depending on your needs. And with its clear glass construction, these Fido Jars make attractive display pieces too.
6. Libbey Mason Jars offer a modern take on classic mason jars. These jars are made with tempered glass for extra durability and come in multiple sizes and styles – from wide-mouth to smooth-sided. Plus, the lids feature an easy pour spout so you can easily store liquids without making a mess.
7. Next is the Ball Collection Elite Color Series VINTAGE JADE Mason Jar with Lid. This 8-ounce glass jar has a jade green color with a golden lid, giving it an old-fashioned vibe that will certainly bring some charm to your home or garden. The wide mouth makes it easy to pour in ingredients and fill up this jar quickly. It also features a leak-proof seal so you don’t have to worry about spilling any of its contents, making it ideal for storing jams and juices safely. Plus, since these jars are made out of durable glass, you can trust that they’ll last for years to come.
8. Next is the Ozark Trail 32 Oz Wide Mouth Canning Jars. These jars are perfect for canning fruits and vegetables as they are equipped with a thick glass design that ensures durability. The wide mouth design makes them easier to fill than traditional mason jars, while their airtight lid locks in freshness. They are also microwave safe and dishwasher friendly, making them a great option for busy households.
9. The Waenerec Sunflower Mason Jar is hand-crafted with attention to detail and care. It features a beautiful sunflower design and will brighten up any kitchen. The jar is made from durable, high-quality glass and comes with a lid for easy storage of ingredients or other items. The airtight seal prevents food from going bad and locks in freshness longer than traditional mason jars. The jar also boasts an ergonomic handle for secure grip when pouring out contents or carrying the jar around. The wide mouth allows for easy access to contents, while a silicone gasket ensures a tight seal every time. You can use this stylish jar for anything from storing spices, fruits, and vegetables to serving beverages at gatherings or special occasions.
10. The Libbey Mason Jars are another popular option for those seeking quality jars at an affordable price. These containers feature thick walls that provide extra protection against breaking or cracking. Also, the lid of this jar is designed with a tight seal that helps to preserve food for longer periods of time. Additionally, these jars come in a variety of sizes and shapes so you can find the perfect fit for your needs. The Libbey Mason Jars are also microwave safe, making them ideal for reheating leftovers or preparing meals quickly.
What is a mason jar?
A mason jar is a type of glass jar used for canning and storing food. They have been in use since the early 1800s, when John Mason patented the first screw-on lid with a rubber seal. This design allowed for airtight sealing, which has made them popular among both home cooks and commercial producers ever since.
Mason jars are traditionally made from soda-lime glass, although other materials like plastic or metal may also be used in some cases. The most common size is the quart jar, but they come in a range of sizes from half-pint to gallon-sized. Mason jars are typically embossed with their brand name and/or size on the outside, making it easier to identify them.
The versatility of mason jars makes them a great choice for many different types of food preservation. Pickling and canning are common uses, but they can also be used to store dry goods, sauces, and more. Mason jars have become somewhat of an icon in the DIY and craft world as well, being recycled into everything from vases to candle holders. The classic look and durability of these jars make them a timeless staple in any kitchen.
Things to look for in the best mason jars
Today there are many types of mason jars available ranging from very large one-gallon jars down to tiny 4 oz. jelly jars or half pint ‘canning’ jars. Each jar is designed for specific needs such as long term food storage or short term refrigerator use. Commonly used mason jar sizes include: quart size (32 ounces), pint size (16 ounces) and wide mouth half pint (8 ounces).
When selecting mason jars for home canning, the best choice is always a two-piece lid that includes a flat metal disc with sealing compound on one side and a threaded metal screw band. This type of lid helps create an airtight seal needed to preserve food products. Wide mouth jars are also popular as they enable easy filling and removal of contents.
When it comes to long term storage, you may want to consider jars with rubber gaskets or those that have been specifically designed for this purpose. These types of jar lids are meant to keep out air and moisture from entering the jar, which can potentially spoil food over time. For longer shelf life, look for jars made from heavy-duty glass and with a thicker wall. This will keep the contents safe from cracking or shattering if dropped.
For short-term food storage, such as refrigeration, any type of mason jar should work fine, although it’s best to avoid using jars larger than one quart in size. The reason for this is because larger jars tend to be more susceptible to breakage due to temperature changes that occur when taking them in and out of the fridge.
No matter which type of mason jar you choose for your canning and preservation needs, remember that safety should always come first. Be sure to follow all directions on how to properly use the jars and lids for effective results.
Which is better Kerr or Ball mason jars?
Kerr and Ball mason jars both offer plenty of advantages to the consumer. However, which one is better for you may depend on your individual needs and preferences.
When looking at these two brands side by side, Kerr mason jars tend to be more durable and secure than Ball mason jars due to their heavier-duty construction. The lids also create an airtight seal, ensuring that whatever food or items you store in them will stay fresher for longer. In addition, Kerr mason jars come in a variety of sizes, allowing you to find the perfect size jar for your needs.
On the other hand, Ball mason jars offer some distinct advantages compared to Kerr mason jars as well. They are typically less expensive, making them more affordable for those on a budget. In addition, Ball mason jars come in a wide variety of styles, giving you plenty of options to choose from when selecting the perfect jar. The lids also feature a unique design that makes them easier to open and close than Kerr mason jars.
Ultimately, which brand is better for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences. Both types of mason jars offer plenty of advantages and features that make them ideal for home canning and storage. Be sure to compare all the features before deciding which one is best suited for your needs.
Is there a difference in mason jars?
Mason jars come in different sizes, shapes and even colors. Depending on their intended use, some are more suitable than others. For example, a wide mouth mason jar is ideal for preserving jams or jellies because it can easily be filled with the ingredients and sealed securely. A regular mouth mason jar may be better suited for storing dry goods such as rice or pasta or for making cold-brew coffee since its lid helps keep out air and moisture.
The material that the jars are made from also determines their suitability for particular uses. Glass mason jars are most commonly used in food preservation and crafts, while plastic mason jars work best when used to store fluids like water or juice. Mason jars can also range in overall size and strength. Pints, quarts and half-gallon jars are all available in both glass and plastic. Depending on the recipe or purpose for their use, these different sizes may be better suited than one another.
For example, a wide mouth quart is best for canning certain fruits or vegetables because it allows enough space to fit them comfortably while still providing a secure seal. On the other hand, a regular mouth pint jar is perfect for storing individual servings of sauces or dressings because its lid helps to keep out air and moisture even more effectively than the quart-sized version.
Ultimately, choosing the right type of mason jar boils down to personal preference and intended application. Different sizes, shapes and materials can offer unique benefits that make them better suited to particular projects or recipes. It’s important to consider these factors when deciding which jar to use in order to get the best results.
No matter what kind of mason jars are used, maintenance is key for getting the most out of them. Mason jars should be cleaned and inspected before each use, and if any chips or cracks appear, they should be discarded immediately. Additionally, it’s important to ensure that all lids are tightly secured before use in order to maintain a secure seal throughout their intended application.
Keeping these simple tips in mind can help extend the life of your mason jars and keep them performing at their best over time. With proper care and maintenance, mason jars can provide years of reliable use for preserving and crafting projects.
In summary, there is a variety of mason jars available that can suit different applications. It’s important to consider the intended use of the jar and its size, shape, material and strength when making a selection in order to get the best results. With proper care and maintenance, these jars can provide years of reliable use for all types of projects.
