If you’re new to home canning or looking to upgrade your supplies, understanding the different types of canning jars is essential. This list covers the most popular and reliable jars used by home canners, detailing their features and best uses. Whether you’re preserving jams, pickles, or low-acid vegetables, this guide helps you choose the right jar for safe and effective storage.
Mason Jars
Mason jars are the classic and most widely used canning jars, originally patented by John Landis Mason in 1858. Made from thick, tempered glass, they are designed to withstand the heat and pressure of water bath and pressure canning. Mason jars come in various sizes, commonly 8, 16, and 32 ounces, and use a two-piece lid system with a flat metal lid and a screw band, which creates a reliable vacuum seal. Their versatility and availability make them the go-to choice for most home canners.
Ball Jars
Ball jars are a popular brand of Mason jars known for their durability and consistent quality. Manufactured by Newell Brands, Ball jars have been a staple in American kitchens for over a century. They feature the standard two-piece lid system and come in multiple sizes and shapes, including wide-mouth and regular-mouth options, which accommodate different foods and fill techniques. Ball jars are widely recommended for beginners due to their easy availability and trusted seal integrity.
Kerr Jars
Kerr jars, another brand of Mason jars, are favored by many for their slightly thicker glass and wide-mouth designs that make filling and cleaning easier. They are made in the USA and also use the two-piece lid system compatible with other Mason jar brands. Kerr offers specialty jars like the Heritage Collection, which includes unique shapes and decorative embossing, ideal for gifting or display. Their reputation for quality makes them a solid choice for both beginners and experienced canners.
Weck Jars
Weck jars are a German alternative to Mason jars, featuring a glass lid sealed with a rubber gasket and metal clips instead of a screw band. This design allows for reusability of the lid components, reducing waste and cost over time. Weck jars come in a variety of shapes and sizes and are made of thick, heat-resistant glass suitable for water bath canning. However, they are not compatible with pressure canning and require careful handling to maintain a proper seal.
BPA-Free Plastic Canning Jars
Some manufacturers offer BPA-free plastic canning jars designed for cold storage and refrigeration rather than heat processing. These jars are lightweight, shatterproof, and convenient for short-term storage of refrigerated preserves like salsa or chutneys. However, they are not suitable for water bath or pressure canning because they cannot withstand high temperatures. They’re best used for dry goods or refrigerated leftovers rather than long-term preservation.
Wide-Mouth Jars
Wide-mouth jars are a style rather than a brand but are worth noting separately due to their practical advantages. Their larger opening (about 3 inches) makes it easier to fill, pack, and clean jars, especially for chunky foods like pickles, whole fruits, or thick sauces. Wide-mouth jars are available in Mason, Ball, and Kerr brands and are compatible with standard two-piece lids. They reduce mess and speed up the canning process, especially for novices.
Regular-Mouth Jars
Regular-mouth jars have a smaller opening (about 2.75 inches) and are ideal for thinner liquids or purees such as jams, jellies, and tomato sauces. They use the same two-piece lid system and are often less expensive than wide-mouth jars. Regular-mouth jars also fit better into some pressure canners and storage spaces, making them a practical choice when you’re preserving smooth-textured foods.
Hexagonal and Specialty-Shaped Jars
Hexagonal and other specialty-shaped jars are designed primarily for aesthetic appeal and gift-giving rather than maximum sealing efficiency. These jars often have unique shapes and embossed designs, appealing for homemade jams and preserves intended as presents. While many use standard lids compatible with Mason jar bands, they may not always be recommended for pressure canning due to potential uneven heat distribution. Always check manufacturer guidelines before pressure processing.
French Canning Jars
French canning jars, like those made by Le Parfait, use a traditional clamp lid with a rubber gasket, similar to Weck jars but with a metal clamp closure. These jars are made from thick glass and are excellent for water bath canning of fruits, jams, and pickles. Their airtight seal is highly reliable, and the clamp mechanism allows for easy reuse of lids. However, they are less common in North America and may require sourcing from specialty suppliers.
Half-Gallon and Gallon Jars
For bulk preservation, half-gallon (64 oz) and gallon (128 oz) jars provide large capacity for storing foods like sauces, stocks, or low-acid canned goods. These large jars are typically Mason jars designed to withstand pressure canning. They reduce the number of jars needed for big batches but require careful handling due to their weight and size. Using them can save time and space but may increase the risk of seal failure if not processed properly.
How to Choose
When selecting canning jars, the most critical factors are size, mouth opening, material quality, and compatibility with your canning method. Always use jars made from tempered glass designed for heat processing to avoid breakage. Choose wide-mouth jars for ease of filling chunky foods and regular-mouth for thinner preserves. Brand reliability matters, but many Mason jars are interchangeable regarding lids and bands. Avoid reusing old commercial jars that were not manufactured for home canning, as they may not seal properly. Finally, consider the type of canner you use—water bath or pressure—and ensure your jars are rated for that method.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I reuse commercial jars for canning?
No, jars from store-bought foods like sauces or pickles are not designed for heat processing and may crack or fail to seal safely during canning.
Are all Mason jars safe for pressure canning?
Most modern Mason jars made of tempered glass are safe for pressure canning; however, always check the manufacturer’s guidelines to confirm, especially for older jars.
What’s the difference between wide-mouth and regular-mouth lids?
Wide-mouth lids fit jars with approximately a 3-inch opening, while regular-mouth lids fit jars with about a 2.75-inch opening. They are not interchangeable.
Can I use Weck or Le Parfait jars for pressure canning?
Weck and Le Parfait jars are generally recommended only for water bath canning. They are not typically approved for pressure canning due to their sealing mechanisms and glass thickness.
How long do canning jar lids last?
Flat metal lids are designed for one-time use to ensure a proper vacuum seal. Screw bands and jars can be reused multiple times if undamaged and clean.
Are BPA-free lids necessary?
Many modern lids are BPA-free, which is preferable for health reasons, but older lids with BPA are still considered safe for canning if used properly.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right canning jars is crucial for safe food preservation and ease of use. Mason jars from trusted brands like Ball and Kerr remain the most reliable and widely available option for both beginners and seasoned canners. Consider your food type, canning method, and jar size needs when selecting jars, and always prioritize heat-tempered glass and proper sealing components. With the right jars, you can confidently preserve your favorite recipes for months or even years.
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