The 5 Best Canning Jars of 2024 for Jams, Jellies, and More

Canning is such a rewarding activity because you can savor the bounty of your garden all year long. If you’re just getting started, picking the right gear can feel a bit overwhelming, especially since the best canning jars are essential for making yummy jams, jellies, green beans, and pickles galore. 

That being said, choosing the best canning jars doesn’t have to be a chore, either! Blair says a range of sizes and shapes is nice; wide-mouth jars are some of her favorites (her top pick is this classic 16-ounce jar from Ball!). We also included other great options for pickling, canned fruits, and more, so as long as you stick to our picks, you really can’t go wrong. 

Here are the best canning jars, along with some pro tips to consider for your next canning adventure.

Our Top Picks: 

1. Blair’s Overall Favorite: Ball 16 Ounce Glass Wide Mouth Jars – $15.44 at Walmart (12-Pack)
2. Best Canning Jars for Pickling: Ball 32-Ounce Glass Regular Mouth Mason Jars – $15.44 at Walmart (12 Pack)
3. Best for Jams and Jellies: Ball 4-Ounce Jelly Jars – $13.44 at Walmart (12 Pack)
4. Best Canning Jars for Fruits: Weck Tulip 33-Ounce Jars – $39.95 at Williams-Sonoma (6 Pack)
5. Best Multi-Use Canning Jars: Paksh Novelty Wide Mouth Mason Jars – $15.99  at Amazon (6 Pack)

1. Blair’s Overall Favorite: Ball 16-Ounce Glass Wide Mouth Jars (12-Pack) 

Ball Glass Jars are the gold standard for canning, which is why they’re a staple in Blair’s kitchen. Their durability, versatility, and classic design make them a must-have for any canning enthusiast. After trying out other lesser-known brands, Blair found that Ball’s two-piece lid system — a metal lid and screw band — creates a super secure seal, so she doesn’t have to worry about anything accidentally popping open. 

The wide-mouth design is great for packing whole stewed tomatoes and other large fruits or vegetables like Green Beans without hassle. “I typically use wide-mouth glass jars because they’re easier to fill without making a mess, but a range of sizes and shapes is always nice to have,” says Blair.

These heavy, clear 16-ounce glass jars are heat-resistant and microwave-dishwasher-, and freezer-safe. Plus, they can store dry goods or serve drinks at a rustic-themed party, and the classic look even adds charm to your kitchen decor!

2. Best for Pickling: Ball 32 Ounce Glass Regular Mouth Mason Jars (12 Pack)

Blair loves these 32-ounce jars for pickling and other high-yield projects. The wide mouth makes it easy to pack whole cucumbers or beans while still having enough room for brine and seasonings, ensuring thorough pickling.

Made from thick, durable glass, these jars are built to withstand the entire canning process. They seal tightly, keeping your pickles crisp and tasty. They’re also great for storing dry goods or fermenting, and their durability means you can use them for many canning seasons to come.

3. Best for Jams and Jellies: Ball 4-Ounce Jelly Jars (12 Pack)

Blair likes to use these half-pint jars when she makes her famous Peach Jam. The regular mouth makes filling them with hot jam easy, and their small size is perfect for small batches or giving samples to loved ones. 

Crafted from high-quality glass, these jars are designed to withstand the high temperatures of the canning process with a sturdy construction that prevents cracking or breaking. Coupled with the Ball two-piece lid system, they boast  a secure, airtight seal that helps prevent spoilage and extends shelf life.

The quilted design adds a charming touch, making them ideal for storing small food items or crafting supplies. They’re also sure to bring a smile to a loved one’s face when you present them with a jar of homemade Blackberry Jam! 

5 . Best for Fruits: Weck 35-Ounce Tulip Jars (6 Pack)

If you’re looking to splurge a bit, Weck Tulip Jars are worth it for their beauty, larger size, and durability. Their stunning tulip shape is perfect for canning fruits or making compotes. They’re a favorite because of their gorgeous tulip-shaped design, making them perfect for canning fruit or pie fillings, but they’re also great for sourdough starters. Unlike other canning jars, they use a sealed glass lid instead of metal.

What’s great about Weck jars is their almost indestructible quality. Made from high-quality, thick glass, these jars aren’t just pretty —  they’re also built to last and can handle the high temperatures of the canning process. 

5. Best For Multi-Use: Paksh Novelty Wide Mouth Mason Jars (6 Pack)

The Mason brand is an iconic storage jar, because the jars are affordable yet reliable, providing a good quality option for preserving your homemade creations. They are crafted from high-quality, food-grade, and lead-free glass and include measurement marks right on the jar. Their sturdy construction ensures they are built to last, offering long-term value for your investment. Blair uses these jars frequently because, like Ball jars, the lids stay very secure.

The wide mouth also makes them ideal for non-food uses, such as making candles for wedding favors or home decor, especially since they also impress with their charming design. Plus, they’re easy to clean, especially when dealing with tomato residue. After the jars have been emptied, the wide opening also makes it easy to thoroughly clean the jars since you can fit a scrub brush into the jar, making sure you clean every nook and cranny. 

What to Know About Canning Jars

Things to Consider When Choosing a Canning Jar

Now that you have some jar options in mind, let’s talk about what you should think about when making your choice. And if you have trouble choosing, don’t worry! Blair said it’s nice to have more than one kind of canning jar on hand. 

1. Material and Durability

Make sure you look for thick, high-quality glass that can withstand high temperatures and pressure. All of the options on our list feature super durable construction, but you’ll still want to avoid thin jars that might crack during the canning process.

2. Size and Shape

Think about what you’re preserving. Pint-sized jars are great for jams, while quart-sized ones work well for pickles. Wide-mouth jars are easier to fill and clean, while regular-mouth jars often have more readily available lids. 

3. Lid Availability

Make sure the jars you choose fit the lids you plan to use. Many manufacturers offer reusable lids, which can save you money over time. Remember, for safety reasons, metal lids can be used only once, but the metal rings can be reused.

What’s the Difference Between Canning Jars and Mason Jars?

You might have heard the terms “canning jars” and “Mason jars” tossed around, and while they’re often used interchangeably, there are some subtle differences. Canning jars are designed specifically for the canning process, while Mason jars are a specific brand that’s become the most popular choice for canning.

Essentially, all Mason jars are canning jars, but not all canning jars are Mason jars!

What Jar is Best for Canning?

Any of the jars on our list will do the trick, but Ball jars are a household favorite because they’re durable, reliable, and come in various sizes — perfect for all your canning needs. Regular-mouth Mason jars work great for pourable foods, while wide-mouth Mason jars are ideal for whole fruits and veggies.

What is the Best Way to Sanitize Canning Jars?

According to research, you don’t need to sterilize jars before canning if the processing time is longer than 10 minutes.

For recipes that require less time to process, like jams or jellies, the best way to sanitize canning jars is the same way our grandmothers always did it: by boiling them in water for at least 10 minutes. Always inspect jars for cracks and keep them hot until ready to fill to prevent breakage.

Blair’s Favorite Canning Recipes

• Cherry Jam
• Canning Green Beans
• Fig Preserves
• Damson Plum Preserves
• Blackberry Jam

Prices were accurate at the time of publication.