Canning has experienced a resurgence in popularity among individuals seeking greater control over their diet, reduced expenses, or a nostalgic connection to the past. This traditional method not only reduces household expenditures but also allows for unparalleled transparency regarding the ingredients and methods used in food preparation. As society’s emphasis on organic and homegrown produce continues to grow, canning has emerged as an ideal means of preserving the fruits of one’s labor.
Selecting the appropriate jar is the initial step in the canning process, as various types cater to different needs and food types. It is crucial to identify the most suitable option for your unique circumstances, taking into account the diversity of foods you plan to preserve.
The 6 Best Mason Jars
The Loew-Cornell Ball Collection offers a range of premium mason jars, including the Elite Pint Jar from their Heritage Collection. This jar features a classic design and is made from high-quality materials. The Half Pint Mason Jars are also part of this collection, perfect for storing small quantities of ingredients or condiments. For larger storage needs, the Ball Mason 32 oz Wide Mouth Jars provide ample space for storing dry goods or canning recipes.
Meanwhile, the Ball Mason “PINT” Jar with its wide-mouth design is ideal for freezing or canning a variety of foods, and our top pick among all options. The Jarden Ball Mason Wide Mouth Quart Jars offer even more storage capacity, making them perfect for large families or those who need to store a lot of ingredients.
Our Pick for the Best Mason Jar
The standout choice among our top picks for the best mason jars is the iconic Ball Mason ‘PINT’ Jars Wide-Mouth Can or Freeze, which boasts an impressive range of capacities spanning from 4 to 64 ounces. What’s more, this versatile jar is available in both regular and wide-mouth varieties, making it an ideal choice for any occasion. Whether you’re looking to store leftovers, preserve fresh ingredients, or even use as a makeshift vase, the Ball Mason Jar is sure to meet your needs.
And with its affordability and widespread availability on Amazon, it’s easy to see why this mason jar has earned its place at the top of our list.
Which Jar Type/Size to Buy
Jars, a staple in the world of home canning, come in various shapes and sizes, primarily made from glass or metal. While metal jars have their uses, glass jars are more versatile as they can be reused multiple times. The size of the jar depends on the specific canning application. For instance, regular-mouth pint jars are suitable for preserving smaller items like chilies, pickles, and fruits, while quart jars are ideal for storing sliced vegetables, juices, and bulkier items.
Regular-mouth quart jars have a 2-⅜-inch opening and wide-mouth quart jars have a 3-inch opening. The latter allows easy filling and emptying but can be challenging to seal properly. Wide-mouth gallon jars are perfect for large volume foods like juices, but they may require extra attention when it comes to heat penetration.
On the other hand, smaller jelly jars in sizes such as 4-ounce, 12-ounce, and ½ pint are better suited for gift-giving or small-scale canning.
The 12-ounce quilted jelly jar is particularly useful for its compact size and unique design.
Best Mason Jar – Reviews
Loew-Cornell Ball Collection Elite Pint Mason Jar
The Loew-Cornell Ball Canning Jar is an exceptional choice for both creative canning and storage purposes. Its unique shape and contemporary design make it a stunning addition to any table, perfect for serving salsa, pie fillings, fruit syrups, and dressings. As a thoughtful gift option, the jar’s beauty and functionality will surely be appreciated by friends and family. When filled with preserves, it adds an elegant touch to mealtime.
On the plus side, the Loew-Cornell Ball Canning Jar excels in terms of size, being perfectly suited for breakfast shakes that can be taken on-the-go. The jar’s durability ensures spills are minimized when carried in a bag. However, there are a few drawbacks to consider. Top-rim rusting may occur if the jars are put through the dishwasher, so it’s best to hand wash them instead.
Additionally, the Loew-Cornell Ball Canning Jar only comes in one size and mouth type, which might limit its versatility.
Ball Jar Heritage Collection Pint Jars
The Ball Jar Heritage Collection commemorates the 100th anniversary of the Ball brothers’ launch of the first ‘perfect mason’ jar in 1913. This limited edition series features regular mouth pint and wide mouth quart jars with a period-accurate purple hue, boasting embossed logos on both the front and back. While evoking a retro aesthetic, these jars maintain modern quality standards. They’re perfect for creative pursuits or as collectible items.
This set boasts a distinctive purple color, ideal for preserving jellies, sauces, vinegars, jams, and mustards. Each jar features a reliable seal, complete with custom-tested lid compound. The outside lid sports a sleek brushed silver design, matching modern kitchen styles. Jars can be refrigerated for up to three weeks, frozen for one year, or stored for a full year.
Pros:
* Unique purple color
* Functional as drinking glass and storage container
* Includes lids and rings, compatible with Ball storage caps
Cons:
* Although advertised as wide mouth jars, they’re actually standard-sized
* Stickers can be stubbornly difficult to remove
* Not everyone appreciates the purple hue
Check Amazon for pricing information.
Ball Regular Mouth Elite Collection Half Pint Mason Jars
The Ball Elite Collection Jars offer a versatile solution for preserving and showcasing fresh foods. Their glass construction makes them suitable for storing syrups, sauces, salsas, fruits, and vegetables, as well as decorative items like jellies, mustard, and flavored vinegar. With a custom-designed lid compound ensuring a secure seal, these jars are ideal for creative serving, gifting, or simply adding a touch of elegance to your kitchen décor.
They are freezer-safe for up to one year, refrigeration-safe for up to three weeks, and suitable for long-term storage of fresh preserves. While they may not be suitable for canning due to their lack of airtight seal, they excel as decorative pieces, available in two sizes with a unique brushed silver design that matches modern kitchen styles. The only drawbacks are the potential risk of food color change and slightly lower quality compared to other Ball jar products.
Ball Mason 32 oz Wide Mouth Jars
For home canning enthusiasts, Ball Jars with Lids and Bands are an excellent choice. Their versatility makes them ideal for preserving whole fruits and vegetables like green beans and peaches, as well as creating homemade pickles. These glass jars also excel in creative décor, serving, and gift-giving applications. A wide-mouth Ball quart jar is particularly suitable for storing mustards, flavored vinegars, sauces, jams, and jellies.
The proprietary sealing compound ensures a quality seal with each lid, ensuring the freshness of preserved foods. The new brushed silver design on the outside lids complements modern kitchen designs. These jars can fresh preserve foods for up to one year when stored properly or refrigerate for up to three weeks. While they have several advantages, such as being easy to clean and serving as a drinking glass, they do come with some drawbacks.
They are prone to breaking, especially during shipping, and are only available in one larger size. Nonetheless, the benefits of using Ball Jars with Lids and Bands far outweigh their limitations.
Ball Mason “PINT” Jars Wide-Mouth Can or Freeze
Ball Mason Jars are incredibly versatile, serving multiple purposes such as freezing, storage, canning, and preserving. The jars’ see-through glass features metric ounce/cup markings for easy measurement, making them dishwasher friendly. The wide mouth design allows for effortless cleaning and filling without spills, making it perfect for storing leftovers or fresh food.
With a storied history of custom sealing compounds, the accompanying metal lids provide an airtight seal to prevent oxygen from entering the jar after processing, while the rubber lining ensures jars remain leak-free even when not tightened extremely well. The glass keeps toxic substances out of your food, unlike plastic alternatives. These sturdy, reusable, recyclable, and dishwasher-friendly containers take up minimal space, allowing endless reuse.
They’re great for storing foods like sauces and smoothies, as well as being used as creative décor and gift-giving vessels. Some innovative uses include apothecary jars, gift jars, toothbrush holders, water holders for crafts or candle holders. The 12-pack is an excellent value and a fantastic gift option.
Available in six different sizes with both wide and regular mouth options, these jars are perfect for canning and preserving food stores for up to one year, refrigerated storage for up to three weeks, and frozen storage for up to one year.
Jarden Ball Mason Wide Mouth Quart Jars
The iconic Jarden Ball Jars have earned a reputation for excellence in preserving whole fruits, vegetables, and even homemade pickles. Their versatility extends to serving as a stylish addition to parties and home décor, making them an attractive gift option. The hallmark of these glass jars is the quality seal that prevents oxygen from seeping in after processing, ensuring your creations remain perfectly preserved. With over 125 years of manufacturing experience in the U. S. A.
, each lid features a custom sealing compound with an underside coating that shields against acidic reactions. While they excel in many areas, it’s essential to consider their limitations: the maximum capacity is 30 ounces when filled to the brim, and the lids are lined with BPA. Furthermore, these jars aren’t designed for freezer use, so caution is advised when storing prepared foods.
Our Top Pick for the Best Mason Jar
When it comes to selecting the ultimate mason jar, our top recommendation is the Ball Mason “PINT” Jars Wide-Mouth Can or Freeze. This versatile jar offers a broad range of options, spanning from 4 oz to 64 oz, and is available in both regular and wide-mouth configurations. Its versatility makes it an ideal choice for any occasion, whether you’re looking to store food, preserve memories, or simply add a touch of rustic charm to your table settings.
