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The sharp, vinegary taste of pickled veggies are some of Meggan’s favorite ways to preserve seasonal vegetables. From crunchy cucumbers, crisp carrots, and zesty peppers, you’ll need one of the best pickling jars to get the job done. For as long as she can remember, Meggan’s go-to pickling jars have been the classic Ball jars.
“I use my Ball jars for pickling because I use them for everything,” says Meggan. “I keep them in my kitchen cupboard as our standard drinking glasses, too, and reach for them for everything from pickling to mixing up protein shakes.”
To create the best list of pickling jars, I started with what Meggan uses day in and day out and then read hundreds of online reviews to find what other great options are out there. I compared their specs side by side and rated them on design, ease of use, and overall value.
Table of Contents
Our Top Picks
- What’s in Meggan’s Kitchen: Ball 16-Ounce Glass Regular Mouth Mason Jars – $10.99 at Target
- Meggan’s Favorite Large: Ball 32-Ounce Glass Regular Mouth Mason Jars – $16.44 at Walmart
- Best with a Clip Top: Kilner 2-Liter Clip Top Glass Jar – $22.92 at Amazon
- Best Wide Mouth: Paksh Novelty Mason Jars – $14.99 at Amazon
Reviews of The Best Pickling Jars
1. What’s in Meggan’s Kitchen: Ball 16-Ounce Glass Regular Mouth Mason Jars
Ball mason jars are the gold standard for canning for a reason. For starters, they have a two-piece lid system that ensures a reliable seal that keeps foods preserved for up to 18 months, and the handy markings on the lid offer a spot so you can date each jar. They come in a slew of sizes with regular- and wide-mouth openings, though the 16-ounce regular mouth is Meggin’s favorite for its double-duty use as a drinking glass. Finally, the classic design adds a rustic charm to your pantry shelves. They’ve been the quintessential choice in kitchens for generations, including Meggan’s own kitchen.
“I’ve been using Ball jars for my entire adult life,” says Meggan. ”They are solidly made with sturdy construction and perform well day in and day out. I have 4-ounce, 8-ounce, 16-ounce, and 32-ounce jars on deck at all times.”
This 12-pack of 16-ounce high-quality jars is crafted for durability, made of heavy, clear glass that’s heat-resistant or canning and microwaving, dishwasher-safe, and safe to use in the freezer. Embossed measurements aid in precise filling but also mean the jars can double as handy measuring cups in a pinch. The two-part metal lids make a vacuum seal when used for canning and each package includes a jar opener that makes it easier to open them later on.
The Specs:
- Volume: 16 ounces
- Count: 12
- Material: Glass, metal
The Pros:
- Leak-proof and airtight
- Heat-, freezer-, and dishwasher-safe
- Date mark on lid and measurement marks on jar sides
- Includes a jar opener
- Made in the USA
The Cons:
- Lids can rust over time
What Others are Saying:
These jars earned a 4.7 rating from more than 3,700 Walmart shoppers and a 4.8 from over 600 reviewers on Target.
Buy the Ball 16-Ounce Glass Regular Mouth Mason Jars, 12-Pack:
2. Meggan’s Favorite Large: Ball 32-Ounce Glass Regular Mouth Mason Jars
These 32-ounce mason jars pack the same quality, durability, and versatility as the jars above, just in a larger size that Meggan likes to use when pickling larger veggies or a ton at once. You might opt for these if you’re making pickles in larger quantities or if you have a lot of vegetables to pickle at once, from a large garden harvest or for a big event or gathering. Just know you’ll likely need more liquid to fill the whole glass when doing so!
The Specs:
- Volume: 32 ounces
- Count: 12
- Material: Glass, metal
The Pros:
- Leak-proof and airtight
- Heat-, freezer-, and dishwasher-safe
- Date mark on lid and measurement marks on jar sides
- Includes a jar opener
- Made in the USA
The Cons:
- Lids can rust over time
What Others are Saying:
The 32-ounce Ball jars earned 4.8 stars from 900 Target reviews and 4.5 stars from over 3,600 Walmart shoppers.
Buy the Ball 32-Ounce Glass Regular Mouth Mason Jars, 12-Pack:
3. Best with a Clip Top: Kilner 0.5-Liter Clip Top Glass Jar
Right off the bat, we love the Kilner glass jar for its rustic charm. The metal clip-top latch locks down tight onto the rubber seal to create an airtight barrier to keep your food fresh. The jar is made with a durable glass construction that’s reliable for everyday use, has a wide mouth opening that is easy to fill, and is easy to clean in the dishwasher. They come in round or square shapes, too—a nice aesthetic option, especially if you plan to leave them out on the counter.
Like the Ball jars, the Kilners come in several sizes that are versatile and durable options for anyone looking to preserve various quantities of food. In addition, this jar is versatile enough to use for storing dry goods like rice, pasta, flour, or sugar. It can also be used for fermenting kombucha or storing homemade beverages like infused oils or flavored vinegar.
The Specs:
- Volume: 0.5 liters (about 17 ounces)
- Count: 1
- Material: Glass, stainless steel, rubber
The Pros:
- Wide mouth
- Airtight
The Cons:
- Much more expensive per jar than the Balls
What Others are Saying:
The Kilner glass jars have a 4.6-star rating on Amazon from more than 4,200 reviews. Additionally, Medium says Kilner makes the best clip top jars.
Buy the Kilner 0.5-Liter Clip Top Glass Jar:
4. Best Wide Mouth: Paksh Novelty Mason Jars
The Paksh Novelty Mason Jars are pretty enough to give out as gifts, and the wide mouth might make it easier for you to get certain produce inside the jar. The lids self-seal, making them airtight and leak-proof to keep your food fresher longer, and the metal lid is lined to help avoid rust. They are crafted from high-quality glass that’s both food-grade and lead-free, so these jars are built to last and are safe to use in the dishwasher.
Because their sturdy construction ensures durability, they’re suitable for a wide range of uses that extend beyond foods. No matter what you fill them with, these jars offer convenient storage for dry kitchen staples such as oatmeal, coffee, rice, candies, kombucha, iced tea, jams, flour, and sugar. If you like to make candles, you’ll appreciate the wide mouth of the jars, which makes it easy to pour in wax for wedding favors or decor.
The Specs:
- Volume: 8 ounces
- Count: 6
- Material: Glass, metal
The Pros:
- Pretty quilted design
- Airtight
- Leak-resistant
The Cons:
- More expensive than Ball
What Others are Saying:
Paksh Novelty Mason Jars has a 4.7-star rating on Amazon from more than 10,000 reviews.
Buy the Paksh Novelty Mason Jars, 6-pack:
Other Pickling Jars to Consider
Le Parfait French Glass Jar
Hailing from France, Le Parfait Jars exude elegance and sophistication, making them a cute addition to your pantry and a great gift. They come at a good in-between size at 24-ounces. But let’s be honest: You’re paying top dollar just for design. If you want to preserve foods in bulk, they’re just too expensive. The Le Parfait French Glass Jar is available at Amazon for $16.
Weck Tulip Jars, Set of 2
You can’t deny that these jars bring real elegance to the table with their distinctive shape. Because of this, they are great for gift giving, but the unique closing system may require some practice to master. They’re also more fragile and the rubber gaskets may warp over time, making them unable to seal properly. The Weck Tulip jars are available at Amazon for $36.99.
Bormioli Rocco Canning Jars, Set of 4
While Bormioli Rocco Canning Jars generally offer many positive attributes like durability and versatility, over time, the metal lids may rust or degrade, which compromises their ability to store foods safely and reliably. The Bormioli Rocco Canning Jars are available at Amazon for $18.99.
Why You Can Trust Us
Hi! I’m Belle, an award-winning content creator and an adjunct professor who works in restaurant public relations in the Midwest. For over 20 years, I’ve held almost every position imaginable in various restaurants, including ownership of a Korean-concept hot dog cart (which was named after my dog’s teeth!). My writing and on-camera work are on the Better Homes & Gardens website. In my grandma’s kitchen, using pickling jars wasn’t just a culinary technique—it was a labor of love that preserved family traditions and provided the family with delicious veggies from her garden throughout the colder months.
Meggan is the founder of Culinary Hill and works to develop, test, and share recipes with her readers. She’s also a classically trained chef and professional writer—and a serious pickle aficionado.
To pinpoint the very best jars for pickling, I started with Meggan’s tried-and-true favorites. I then researched highly recommended brands of pickling jars, reading hundreds of online reviews to find the best options out there.
Everything to Know Before Buying a Pickling Jar
What to Consider Before Buying a Pickling Jar
When selecting canning and pickling jars, consider the following factors:
Size: Choose jars that match the quantity of produce you intend to preserve. Smaller jars are ideal for jams, jellies, and relishes, while larger jars are suitable for pickles, whole fruits, and sauces.
Mouth size: Wide-mouth jars are easier to fill and empty, especially for chunky or whole fruits and vegetables. However, regular-mouth jars may be preferable for liquids like jams and sauces.
Material: Opt for high-quality glass jars that are resistant to thermal shock—i.e., the shift from hot to cold, or vice versa—and to the pickling process, which is highly acidic.
Closure system: Consider the type of lid and sealing mechanism offered by the jars. Two-piece lids, like those found on Ball jars, are standard for canning, while alternative closures, such as wire bails or clamps, offer a unique aesthetic and functionality.
How Do You Open a Pickle Jar?
If you find yourself wrestling with a jar that is sealed too tightly, a few techniques can help you avoid frustration.
- Tap the lid: Gently tap the edge of the lid on your countertop. Once you hit the sweet spot, it will break the vacuum in the jar and loosen the seal.
- Run it under cold water: Turn your faucet to the coldest temperature and run the jar in the cold water for 30 seconds or so. The cold will cause the metal lid to expand away from the jar, allowing you to twist it to open the jar.
- Use a gripping tool: If the lid is still stubbornly stuck, a rubber jar opener or something made of silicone—say, a pot holder—can help you get a better grip.
- Use a jar opener: If all else fails, consider using a jar opener tool specifically designed for stubborn lids. Some jar sets come with a jar opener in the box!
Do You Need to Sterilize Jars for Pickling?
Yes, you need to sterilize jars before you use them for pickling. This is a non-negotiable to help eliminate harmful bacteria, yeasts, and molds that could spoil your food or pose a health risk.
The most common method is to boil the jars in a large pot of water for 10 to 15 minutes. Ensure the jars are fully submerged in water and that there’s enough water to cover them by at least 1 inch. Remove the jars using sterilized tongs or a jar lifter and place them upside down on a clean towel to drain.
How Long Do Jarred Pickles Last?
Properly canned pickles that have been processed in a boiling water bath or pressure canner to create a vacuum seal and stored in a cool, dark place can retain their quality for about a year or longer.
This is different from refrigerator pickles, which can only last 1 to 2 weeks.
How Do You Get the Pickle Smell Out of Jars?
If you can’t get the smell out of the jar after washing them in hot, soapy water, you can soak them in vinegar overnight. Vinegar is effective at neutralizing odors and can help eliminate the pickle smell from the jars.
The Best Pickle Recipes
Whether you’re a pickling novice or a seasoned enthusiast, there’s a pickle recipe here to suit every palate! Get ready to pickle like a pro and add a burst of tangy goodness to your meals with some of Meggan’s best recipes:
Prices were accurate at time of publication.
Belle DuChene is an award-winning digital content producer who has a passion for all things lifestyle including food, fashion, and French culture. (And French wine, of course!) Over the course of 20 years, she's held almost every position imaginable in various restaurants and has eaten her way through the side streets of more than 20 countries. Always a student, her kitchen looks like a library of culinary school textbooks and she will sit for the level one sommelier exam with the Court of Master Sommeliers this summer. Belle owns an award-winning content creation agency, teaches communications at three colleges and universities, and tutors in French. In addition to Culinary Hill, her writing and on-camera demonstrations have been published on BHG.com.