In the world of making homemade preserves, a glass jar is not just a storage container; it’s a showcase for your cooking creativity. Whether you’re an experienced jam maker or a beginner who is eager to try your hand at making your own condiments, chutneys, and beyond, choosing a good set of glass jam jars can be the shining trophy showing off your cooking results.
At sellers like Amazon UK and Lakeland UK, the quest for your ideal set of glass jam jars has become an exciting expedition with a wide range of choices. But how do you start to sift through this vast array to find the jars that not only look appealing on your cupboard shelf but also offer the best storage solutions for your needs? In this review I have compared four different sets of glass jars with sealable lids, each set comprising 6 medium-sized marvels (volumes ranging from 240-280ml).
Storing jams and jellies is not the limit of what these types of jars can be used for. They can prove their worth in many ways and earn their keep.
Imagine them filled with layered puddings for a picnic, housing homemade yogurts, or even as charming containers for your DIY gifts.
As they are available in a range of designs, lid types, and sizes, there’s a glass jar out there for every purpose – be it preserving, cooking, storing, or gifting.
NOTE:
• While I focus on sets of 6 glass jars here, it’s worth mentioning that larger sets of jars are available for those with more extensive preserving (or other) plans.
• There is a wide variety of designs and lid types so there’s a style to suit every taste and preservation need.
• The size range that is available ensures that no matter your recipe or project, you are likely to find a jar that can accommodate it.
REVIEWS
6 Ball Regular Mouth Quilted Crystal Mason Preserving Jars 240ml
PRICE: £10.99**
CAPACITY: 240ml
FEATURES:
- 6 jam jars with 2-part screw and band lids. Quilted effect decoration for increased visual appeal.
- Small capacity may only suit small batch preserve making.
- The jars (NOT the lids) are microwave and dishwasher safe.
- This set comes with a Lakeland 3-year guarantee.
PROS:
- ‘Ball’ is a well-established and trusted brand known for quality and durability.
- The quilted pattern on the glass makes for an appealing vintage presentation as gifts.
- Versatile – these jars can be uses to store a wide range of preserves, but also for storage of herbs/spices amongst other things.
CONS:
- While glass allows visibility, the quilted effects means that the contents of the jars may not be fully visible, making it challenging to easily identify the preserves if it does not have a label.
- Smaller capacity may not be sufficient for larger batches.
- The design may feel too old-fashioned for some users.
HEFTMAN Small Glass Jars with Lids
PRICE: £11.99**
CAPACITY: 250ml
FEATURES:
- A set of 6 hexagonal glass jars.
- Red-and-white gingham patterned screw top lids for an air-tight seal.
- Hexagonal shape makes for easy stacking and storage.
- The jars (NOT the lids) are dishwasher safe.
PROS:
- Affordable price makes it accessible to budget-conscious shoppers.
- Thick food-grade glass construction with appealing shape.
- Capacity and looks make them ideal for creating food gifts.
CONS:
- The smaller capacity may not be suitable for larger batches of preserves.
- A small number of users found their lids to have a problematic fit.
- Glass jars, by their nature, are prone to breaking if mishandled.
Statoys 250ml glass jars with lids
PRICE: £12.99**
CAPACITY: 250ml
FEATURES:
- 6 round 250ml glass jars.
- Dark coloured metal screw-top lids.
- The jars (NOT the lids) are dishwasher and microwave safe.
PROS:
- The clear glass jars allow for easy visibility of the contents, making it simple to identify the preserves and assess their quality.
- Glass jars can be washed and reused multiple times, making them a sustainable option for packaging homemade preserves.
- They can be used to store a range of foods including preserves, herbs, and spices.
CONS:
- The lids must be checked regularly for potential to rust.
- A traditional round shape may not be preferred by all users and are less efficient to store.
- It is a plain and functional set of glass jars with lids, without any extra design appeal.
Eathtek Mason Jars 8oz (240ml) with Regular Lids
PRICE: £23.40**
CAPACITY: 240ml
FEATURES:
- 6 mini round clear mason jars.
- Comes with 2-types of metal lids –6 with and 6 without sealing rings screw-tops.
- This set comes with labels, twine and tags included.
PROS:
- Small size is ideal for small batch preserves and food gifts.
- Classic preserve jar; with clear glass for easy identification of contents.
- The tags, twine and labels encourage you to be creative with the storage/packaging of your preserves for sharing.
CONS:
- Smaller capacity may not be suitable for larger batches of preserves.
- Higher price than other available options.
- Some users experienced the lids as feeling a bit cheap and flimsy.
With the magic that is making homemade preserves the details do matter – from the selection of ingredients to the cooking process, right down to the how you will store and present the finished creations.
Having a set of good quality glass jars with sealable lids is not just beneficial; it’s essential for anyone looking to make and store their homemade preserves safely and attractively.
Whether you prefer vintage charm or a more minimalist, functional design, there’s undoubtedly a set that meets your preserving needs and resonates with your personal style. And while factors like price, capacity, lid type, and additional decorative features can play a significant role in your choice, the investment in good quality glass jars is more than this.
How your preserving results is presented is important, but at its core the glass jars have the supreme function of ensuring the longevity of the contents on your cupboard shelf. And the ability to reuse the jars underscores their practicality but also embodies a sustainable approach to cooking and storage.
Investing in a good quality set of glass jam jars is investing in the future of your homemade delicacies and the endless possibilities they hold.
**Note:
The prices listed here were correct at the time of this review was written. For up-to-date prices, please visit the relevant retailer’s site.