Mason jars are one of those simple items that are wonderful to have but easy to take for granted. Named after American inventor John Landis Mason, Mason jars are distinguished by their airtight screw-top lids (usually with a two-piece design), glass construction, and old-fashioned American aesthetic that hasn't changed much since they were first patented in the 19th century.
Glass Mason jars are typically used for preserving perishable food products, and they are handy for many other things as well. Canning homemade goodies including jam, storing dry food items such as herbs and spices, and serving as airtight containers for keeping things like coffee or pipe tobacco fresh (two of my personal favorite uses). They're also often used as decorative items, to hold candles, or even for drinking, as the popularity of Mason jar mugs has shown.
True Mason jars should always be made of glass, not plastic, and have a lid that creates an airtight seal. Two-piece Mason jar closures typically feature a rubberized rim underneath the flat part of the lid. This is securely pressed onto the jar's opening by the ring part of the lid, or "band," which screws down, thus creating a tight seal. These lids also usually have a "popper" in the center. After spending time in the fridge, after being boiled for canning, or if the jar contains something that consumes oxygen, a properly sealed lid will pop when opened due to the pressurized air inside.
Here are the best Mason jars:Prices and links are current as of 8/27/20. We updated the formatting of this post and added a product showcase so you can easily shop all our picks. We also added a selection of related buying guides.