The Best Mason Jars
Our Review Process
Don't Waste Your Money is focused on helping you make the best purchasing decision. Our team of experts spends hundreds of hours analyzing, testing, and researching products so you don't have to. Learn more.
Our Picks For The Top Mason Jars
- 1. Ball BPA-Free Regular Mouth Mason Jars, 2-Piece
- 2. YINGERHUAN Multi-Purpose Clear Glass Mason Jars, 4-Piece
- 3. Paksh Novelty Soda-Lime Glass Mason Jars, 5-Piece
- 4. SEWANTA Embossed Measurement Markings Mason Jars, 5-Piece
- 5. BHL JARS Reusable Dishwasher Safe Mason Jars, 4-Piece
- 6. SPANLA Rust-Free Aluminum Lids & Mason Jars, 12-Piece
- 7. KAMOTA Airtight Lids & Clear Glass Mason Jars, 12-Piece
- 8. SKOCHE Adhesive Labels & Wide Mouth Mason Jars, 24-Piece
- 9. VERONES Diamond Grip Design Mason Jars, 12-Piece
- 10. GLING Leak-Proof Lids & Regular Mouth Mason Jars, 6-Piece
These classic mason jars are ideal for preserves. They have a regular-sized mouth and a capacity of 32 ounces. The jars can keep food sealed for up to 18 months.
Classic ChoiceThese mason jars are ideal for preserves.
These versatile jars are ideal for home, office or studio use. They can hold food, liquids, office supplies, craft supplies or more. The jars have a capacity of 16 ounces.
Versatile OptionThese mason jars are ideal for home, office or studio use.
These tightly sealed mason jars are airtight and leakproof. They are crafted from high-quality glass that is lead-free. The jars work well for food as well as for candles.
Tightly SealedThese mason jars are airtight and leakproof.
These easy-to-use mason jars are microwave, freezer and dishwasher safe. They are made from a durable soda-lime glass. The jars can be sealed for 18 months.
Easy to UseThese mason jars are microwave, freezer and dishwasher safe.
Buying Guide
Mason jars are a great item to have in your kitchen. Whether you like canning fruit, vegetables and other food or like to use them for storing salad dressings, they come in handy for many uses. Some people even use mason jars as water glasses for every day use.
MORE: Make a fun DIY Mason jar ‘fairy light’ with your kids
There are many different types of mason jars available, so choosing the right one can be challenging. First, consider the intended use. Will you be canning and need a safe storage solution for food or do you plan to use the jars as table centerpieces for an event, for example. This will help you determine the type and quality of mason jars you require.
In terms of size, you need to first consider the mouth size of the jar. You typically have two choices: wide or regular. Wide-mouth jars are ideal for larger pieces of food, such as pickles, whole beets or even eggs. Regular-mouth mason jars can be used for all sorts of foods, such as jams, herbs, sauces and more. When it comes to capacity, you can find mason jars in a range of sizes from four ounces to 40 ounces. Use the smaller jars for smaller items you need to keep in smaller quantities, such as herbs and spices. The larger jars are for large items that you need to have a lot of, such as pickled or canned produce.
How many mason jars will you need? It’s unlikely you’ll just need one, which is why mason jars typically come in packs of multiples like two, four, five or six. It’s a good idea to have a couple of extra in case you end up making a bigger batch of preserves than you intended.
What to Look For
- If you’re planning on canning or preserving food, it’s best to check that the mason jars are specially made for this task and can seal properly. Canning jars will state the length of time they can be sealed for, which is typically 18 months. Be sure to write the date you made the food and the date the seal expires on the can so you can be sure to use is up before it goes bad.
- While mason jars are primarily used for food, they are also excellent vessels for holding other items like craft supplies, sewing supplies, dry goods, candles and more. Their convenient size and see-though body make it easy to always find what you’re looking for without having to read any labels.
- Food safety is key, so be sure to get mason jars which are dishwasher safe. This way, you can ensure they are cleaned well and no food or bacteria is left in any cervices, which can be hard to get if you’re hand washing the jars.
- Some mason jars are freezer safe. However, when placing them in the freezer, it’s important to ensure they are not filled too high. When liquid freezes, it tends to expand. If there is no room for the liquid to expand in the jar, then you may end up with cracked or broken jars in the freezer.
- Mason jars have a lovely country-chic look, which is why many people like to use them for décor – especially at events. Consider putting some colorful beads or stones in them or using them as a vase for cheery flowers.
More to Explore
How did mason jars get their name? You may be surprised to know that mason jars are actually named after their inventor, John Landis Mason. What made the mason jar so innovative in 1858 when it was patented was that it used bleached glass, allowing people to see exactly what was inside. This was particularly important for those preserving food so that they could tell whether it was still good to eat. While you may assume that Mason made a fortune off his invention, unfortunately that was not the case. He sold his patent before the jar gained popularity.