A Mason jar is a molded glass jar that is originally used in canning to preserve food. Other common names for the original Mason jar include Ball jars (after the Ball Corporation), fruit jars and simply glass canning jars. All Mason jars are not created equal.

Whats the difference between Ball and Kerr Mason jars?

If the Kerr jars and their packaging looks eerily similar to that of Ball jars, its because theyre basically the same: Both Ball and Kerr brands are now owned and manufactured by the parent company Jarden.

Do Mason jar lids fit Ball jars?

Available in regular mason jar and wide mouth sizes. Bands, caps and lids are interchangeable with Ball or Kerr jars. Regular Mouth Lids for preserving fit all regular mouth glass preserving jars.

Why are Mason jars expensive?

So why are Mason jars so expensive? We go through the trouble of growing our own produce, making our own preserves, and then all the cost savings is taken up by an expensive glass jar with a red checker lid.

Are old Mason jars valuable?

Nowadays, you can even buy a big flat of Mason jars for pretty cheap at your local craft or household goods store — but the older ones can fetch much higher prices. Typically, the smaller or more common antique jars can go for about $20 apiece, but the more rare versions can sell for as much as $300.

What Mason jars are valuable?

The most valuable mason jars are:Van Vliet Improved Jar – $23,500.Black Amber Magic Star Fruit Jar – $3,000. 1933 Ball Upside Down Error Jar – $1,000. There are two types of Ball upside-down Mason jars. The 1870 Chief Mason Jar – $800. (Photo: gregspurgeon.com) 1858 Willoughby Stopple Jar – $500. (Photo: hoosierjar.com) Apr 23, 2021

How old are Mason jars?

Integral to this process is the Mason jar, which was created in 1858 by John Landis Mason, a New Jersey native. The idea of “heat-based canning” emerged in 1806 and was popularized by Nicholas Appert, a French cook who had been inspired by the need to preserve foods for long periods during the Napoleonic wars.

Are mason jars valuable?

Nowadays, you can even buy a big flat of Mason jars for pretty cheap at your local craft or household goods store — but the older ones can fetch much higher prices. Typically, the smaller or more common antique jars can go for about $20 apiece, but the more rare versions can sell for as much as $300.

What is the largest size Mason jar?

10. Wide Mouth Half Gallon Jar. The 64 oz half gallon jar is the largest jar youll find when buying canning supplies!

How big is a normal Mason jar?

In the United States, standard-size Mason jars are made of soda-lime glass and come in two shapes: regular mouth, 23⁄8 in (60 mm) inner and 23⁄4 in (70 mm) outer diameter; and wide mouth, 3 in (76 mm) inner and 33⁄8 in (86 mm) outer diameter, versions.

What is the point of a Mason jar?

Mason jars have a two-part top ― a lid with a rubber ring on the underside, which creates a vacuum seal (which is so integral for safe canning), and an outer band with screw threads that are reusable. The lids can only be used to seal once, but the jars and bands can be reused many times.