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How to Can Beets
Follow these 5 steps to start canning beets today. We'll teach you a simple way to preserve your beets, so you can enjoy them all year long.
Read More July 14, 2015 | Blain's Farm & FleetHow to Choose the Right Mason Jar Sizes for Canning
Find the best canning jars for your needs with our guide.
Canning is a great way to preserve your favorite foods and enjoy them year-round. One of the most important decisions you’ll have to make before you start canning is choosing the right mason jar size. Using the right size and type of jar will ensure your fruits, vegetables, sauces, or jams stay fresh and that the canning process is easy and efficient.
With a variety of sizes and styles available, understanding the differences can save you time, money, and frustration. This guide from Blain’s Farm & Fleet will walk you through the types of mason jars, their sizes, and practical tips for selecting the best one for your needs.
Types of Mason Jars: Regular Mouth vs. Wide Mouth
Before choosing a mason jar size, decide which type you need. The two primary types of mason jars are regular mouth and wide mouth.
1. Regular-Mouth Mason Jars
Regular-mouth mason jars are classic canning jars with a smaller opening. They work best for foods that pour easily into the jar, such as jams, jellies, sauces, and syrups. Regular-mouth mason jars are a popular choice, and the lids for them are widely available, making them a convenient option for home canners. However, they can be harder to fill with larger or bulkier items like whole fruits or vegetables.
Best for:
- Jams and jellies
- Sauces and syrups
- Smaller fruits or vegetables
2. Wide-Mouth Mason Jars
Wide-mouth mason jars have a larger opening, making them ideal for bigger foods like whole fruits, vegetables, and pickles. They’re also easier to fill and clean, especially if you’re working with foods that might stick or need to be spooned out. And they’re the go-to choice for foods that need to be packed tightly. While the lids and rubber seals for wide-mouth jars can be slightly more expensive, they are often worth it depending on the type of food you’re canning.
Best for:
- Pickles
- Whole or halved fruits or vegetables
- Chunky sauces or stews
- Tightly-packed foods
Mason Jar Sizes and Their Uses
Mason jars come in a variety of sizes, with each suited for specific purposes. Here’s a breakdown of common sizes for both regular- and wide-mouth jars and how to best use them:
- 4 oz (Quarter Pint) Jars: These tiny jars are great for gifting small samples of jams, jellies, mustards, or dipping sauces. Their compact size makes them perfect for single servings.
- 8 oz (Half Pint) Jars: These are perfect for slightly larger portions of jams and preserves. Many people choose this size because it’s a good portion size and easier to fill than smaller jars.
- 12 oz Jars: These are slightly larger than the half-pint jar and are great for those who want a little extra space for jams, marmalades, or similar products. They aren’t as common as other sizes but can be handy for slightly larger batches of preserves.
- 16 oz (Pint) Jars: These are very popular among both beginners and experienced canners, as they’re one of the most versatile options. They’re perfect for storing salsa, pie fillings, relishes, chutneys, and more. Both regular- and wide-mouth options are very common in this size.
- 32 oz (Quart) Jars: If you’re preserving large quantities of fruits, vegetables, or juices, these are your best option. They’re great for storing bulkier items like pickles. And their large size makes them practical for families or recipes prepared in bulk.
- 64 oz (Half Gallon) Jars: Although less common in home canning, these are great for storing juices, large quantities of pickles, or even dry storage for dry goods like rice and pasta. Keep in mind that these jars aren’t always safe for water bath canners or pressure canners, so always double check before using.
Shop Mason Jars
Ball Mini 4 oz Jars, Clear Glass, Silver Lids
Price: $7.99
Ball 4-Pack 16 oz Pint Wide Mouth Nesting Jar
Price: $11.99
Ball 12-Count Regular Mouth Half Pint Jars
Price: $11.99
Kerr 12-Count Half Pint Wide Mouth Jars
Price: $12.99
Ball 12-Pack Regular Mouth 4 oz Jars
Price: $11.99
Anchor Hocking Wide Mouth Pint Jars, 12-Pack
Price: $10.99
Ball 12-Pack Wide Mouth Pint 16 oz Mason Jars
Price: $13.99
Anchor Hocking Wide Mouth Quart Jars, 12-Pack
Price: $11.99
Ball 12-Pack Regular Mouth Pint Mason Jars
Price: $11.99
Ball 4 Count Regular Mouth 4 Pint 16 oz Flute Jars
Price: $12.99
Ball 12-Pack Regular Mouth Quart 32 oz Mason Jars
Price: $13.99
Ball 6-Pack 64 oz Wide Mouth Half Gallon Mason Jars
Price: $14.99
Tips for Choosing the Right Mason Jars
Here are some things to consider when deciding which mason jar shape and size to pick:
- Follow the Recipe: If you’re following a recipe, it will often specify the type and size of jar to use. Following these recommendations can ensure your food gets preserved properly and safely.
- Type of Food: A good rule of thumb is to use regular-mouth jars for pourable foods like sauces and jams and wide-mouth jars for larger or whole foods like fruits and vegetables.
- Storage Capacity: Think about the quantity of food you’re preserving and your storage space. Small Ball jars are great if your fridge and pantry space is tight, while large jars may need more dedicated room.
- Ease of Use: Wide-mouth jars are much simpler to fill, making them a better choice for chunkier foods. Regular-mouth jars work well if you’re concerned about storage space or are canning foods that pour easily.
- Usage Time: Are you preserving jams for occasional toast or pickles for everyday snacking? Choose jar sizes based on how quickly you expect to consume the contents.
Choosing the right mason jar for canning doesn’t have to be complicated. By following this guide and understanding your needs and the options available, you can select the best containers for the job.
For more buying guides like this one, check out our other Canning articles.
