The Best Mason Jars

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.

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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.

• 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.