Mason jars have become a staple in many homes for their versatility and charm. These glass jars were originally designed for canning and preserving food, but today they are used for everything from drinking glasses to decor. Mason jars are appreciated for their durable design, airtight seal, and nostalgic look. Let’s explore the history and many uses of mason jars.
Why Are Mason Jars Called Mason Jars
The name “mason jar” refers to the special threaded design that allows a metal screw-on lid to create an air-tight seal. This innovative threading was patented by John L. Mason in 1858 for his glass fruit jars. Mason sold his patent to several companies, including the Ball Corporation, which mass-produced the jars.
Mason Jar Origin
Before Mason’s patented design, preserving food at home was difficult and unreliable. Glass jars would often crack or lose their seal. Mason’s threaded jar with a metal lid created a much more dependable product for home canning.
The air-tight seal allowed food to be sterilized and preserved for long periods of time. This greatly improved food storage and preparation abilities for the average household. Mason jars quickly became a popular staple in home kitchens during the late 19th century.
Ball Mason
The Ball Corporation revolutionized the production of Mason’s ingenious design. Thanks to technological advances, Ball was able to manufacture glass jars on a large scale. This made Mason jars affordable and accessible to the public.
Ball Mason jars are still widely used today, over 150 years later. The company continues to update the classic design with new colors, patterns, and ergonomic lids. However, the signature threaded rim remains the essential feature.
Mason Jar Size
Mason jars come in a range of sizes to suit different household uses. The size refers to the jar’s volume capacity.
Mason Jar Size Chart
| Jar Size | Volume (oz) | Volume (mL) | Common Uses |
| Half pint | 8 oz | 240 mL | Jams, sauces |
| Pint | 16 oz | 480 mL | Canning fruits/veggies |
| Quart | 32 oz | 950 mL | Pickling, freezing |
| Half gallon | 64 oz | 1890 mL | Bulk dry goods |
Different Mason Jar Sizes
The most common sizes are half pint, pint, and quart sized jars. Half pint jars hold about 1 cup of content and are useful for jams, sauces, and dressings.
The larger pint sized jars can handle about 2 cups, perfect for canning fruits and vegetables. Quart jars have a 32 oz capacity, suitable for pickling vegetables or freezing bulk recipes. For very large batch preserving, half gallon mason jars hold up to 64 oz.
How Big Is a Standard Mason Jar
The standard mason jar size is 16 oz, also known as a pint jar. This mid-range size works for most basic canning and storing needs.
Pint jars allow enough room to hold 2 cups of fruits, vegetables, sauces, etc. The wide mouth version makes it easy to fill and clean the 16 oz jar. Many mason jar craft projects also use the versatile pint sized jars.
Size of Small Mason Jars
For smaller uses, go with a 4 oz or 8 oz Mason jar. The 4 oz (1/2 cup) jars are best for dressings, toppings, and spices. The 8 oz (1 cup) size works well as drinking glasses or for jams and sauces. The narrow mouth design makes these small jars suitable for liquids. Consider getting extra small mason jars for gifts like jams, mixes, and bath products.
Fancy Mason Jars
Decorated mason jars have become a trendy DIY craft. The classic jars get transformed into works of art, adding a homemade touch to gifts and decor.
Customised Mason Jars
For special occasions like weddings, people customize plain mason jars with paint, lace, twine, and other embellishments. Tags and fabric are also used to decorate the lids. Etching the glass gives a rustic feel, while decals and gemstones create an elegant style. The decor options are endless with these versatile jars!
Mason Jars Lifestyle
Mason jars fit with various lifestyles and aesthetics. The vintage look matches farmhouse, rustic, and boho decor. Bold painted jars suit colorful kitchens. Neutral jars work for minimalist styles. Drinking from a mason jar glass also fits the casual outdoor lifestyle. Since the jars are fully customizable, they can be designed to match any individual’s taste.
Mason Jar Decoration Ideas
- Pastel ombre effect using spray paint
- Etch a monogram or phrase on the jar
- Add burlap and lace for a rustic wedding
- Attach ribbons, buttons, and pom poms
- Decorate the lid with scrapbook paper or glue on flowers
- Fill with colored sand or glitter for accent lighting
- Paint chalkboard paint to create a menu jar
- Add stickers, fabric, raffia, or jute twine
No matter the occasion, mason jars make great decorations or favors when decorated. The transparent glass also allows the contents to shine through creative designs.
Mason Jar Application
In addition to canning and crafts, mason jars have many other uses around the home. Their versatility and leak-proof lids make them convenient for numerous tasks.
Best Mason Jars for Drinking
Wide-mouth mason jars sized from 12-16oz work great as glasses. The shape fits well in your hand, with room for ice cubes too. For traveling, go with plastic or stainless steel mason jar-style lids. Some even have built-in straws! Embellish with vinyl, fabric, or other accents to personalize your drinking jar.
Food Storage Mason Jars
Thanks to their airtight seal, mason jars are ideal for storing dry goods like beans, pasta, rice, baking ingredients, and more. Smaller sizes work well for spices. The glass construction keeps the contents visible. Just be sure to label each jar! If storing in the pantry, go with plastic lids to prevent rusting.
Using Mason Jars to Store Fruit
The sealing lid and glass jar material make mason jars perfect for storing whole and cut fruit. The airtight seal keeps air away from the fruit, preventing oxidation.
For cut fruit, fill the clean jar then top with a bit of homemade fruit juice or water before sealing. Store in the fridge and use within 5-7 days. The jars keep contents visible so fruit never gets lost in the back of the fridge!
Mason Jars for Candle Holders
Mason jars make attractive and safe containers for homemade candles. Use wax or silicone to adhere the candle to the base of the jar. This prevents tipping and wax drips. For candlelight ambiance, dot holes in the metal lid or use a wire cutter to remove the center of the lid. Place a tea light or LED candle inside the jar and enjoy the diffused light.
Advantages of Being a Mason
Mason jars offer many benefits for crafters, home cooks, and organizers. Here are some key advantages of using mason jars.
Affordable and Durable
Glass Mason jars are typically cheaper than plastic food storage containers. They are also more durable since the glass does not stain or absorb odors. With proper care, mason jars can be reused indefinitely. Ball Mason jars come with a lifetime guarantee, so they are a budget-friendly option.
Versatile Uses
From canning to crafts to decor, mason jars are incredibly versatile. Their popularity has sparked endless unique uses over the years. They make great drinking glasses, organizational tools, gifts, wedding favors, and lighting. Mason jars adapt well to any lifestyle or aesthetic.
Airtight Seal
The threaded rim and metal lid create an airtight seal, making mason jars ideal for preservation. Food stored in mason jars stays fresh longer thanks to the vacuum seal. It also prevents leakage, which is essential for transporting sauces, beverages, and salad dressing.
With advantages like durability, versatility, and a reliable airtight seal, it’s easy to see why mason jars remain popular after more than 150 years. They are a true staple item for any home.
Where to Buy Mason Jar Cheap
Find where are mason jar made and you will find mason jars don’t have to an expensive purchase. MC Glass Bottle Factory as glass jar manufacturer offer various sized customised storages jars. When buying mason jars in bluk, please contact us for affordable pricing.
Personalized mason jar with lids.
- glass jar design ability – As custom glass bottle jars manufacturer, we have professional design team, engineering and technicians with over 20 years factory experience. We commit to produce a real empty mason jar from sketch.
- in-house mold factory – Molds making, molds revision can done in factory and the whole processes are transparent and cost effective.
- customization decoration, various lids and caps – As a realiable glass jar manufacturer, we had projects spray painted mason jars, green ball mason jars providing mason jar glasses with logo printing lids and caps.
For bulk mason jar glasses order, client can get some advantages buying directly from a glass bottle factory.
- Low Cost – high efficiency mass production will save direct production cost.
- Wide variety to choose from – 750ml, 8oz, 16oz and 32oz mason jars are in stock.
- Quality – strict quality control and quality assure system.
Go with brands
- Attractive, beautiful and practical packaging – Designing a unique mason jar with your branding can build connection and communication between the consumer, the product and the brand.
- Reflections of identity, personality, loyalty to the brands – adding value.
With some smart sourcing, you can buy mason jars with competitive pricing. The savings let you get creative with craft projects, organizing, and preserving.
Conclusion
Mason jars have stood the test of time as a kitchen necessity and creative craft supply. The history of mason jars reflects innovation in food preservation that made home canning achievable.
Today, versatile glass jars have far more uses than just canning. Their airtight seal makes mason jars a favorite for storage. They also provide a durable and customizable DIY craft material. Whether used for drinking, decorating, organizing, or preserving, mason jars offer an affordable and reliable tool for any home.