Updated May 2022
The Penley jars discussed in the post below are no longer in production. This post is originally from 2011. If you are looking to purchase canning jars that aren’t made by Ball Canning, I recommend you look to a jar distributor like Fillmore Container. They sell a wide variety of mason jars.
Canning jars, at least as we know them now, have been around since 1868. John L. Mason developed the system of a threaded jar with a lid designed for sealing (he used lead lids with a rubber seal, not exactly the two-piece lid we know now, but very close). The technology hasn’t change much since then.
It used to be that there were a number of canning jar manufacturers. Ball. Kerr. Atlas. Drey. Mason. Globe. Mom’s. Knox. Golden Harvest. However, as so often happens, through a process of competition and consolidation, the number of jar producers grew fewer over the years.
In 1993, the Ball Corporation (which by that time was the only domestic canning jar manufacturer) spun off their canning jar sector into the company that is now known at Jarden Home Brands. They make all the Ball, Kerr and Golden Harvest jars currently available in stores. One of the reasons that canning jars can be so pricey is that there’s been no competition in this sector of the market.*
However, thanks to the growing popularity of canning in recent years, we’re finally going to start seeing some new canning jars hit the market this season. Walmart has a line of mason jars called Mainstays, as well as a fancier variety branded with the Better Homes and Garden name. And soon, a variety of stores will be carrying Penley Mason jars (these are not the jars that Walmart is carrying). Those Penley jars are the ones I want to talk about today.
I recently had an opportunity to preview the line of jars made by the Penley Corporation. Up until now, they’ve been in the business of making and distributing clothespins, matches, toothpicks, plastic cutlery and drinking straws. Canning jars are a departure for them, but from the examples I’ve seen, they are doing an amazingly good job with their new product.
In most respects, they are physically nearly identical to the jars most of us currently use. They make pints and quarts in both regular and wide mouth and an embossed half pint in a regular mouth. Lids and rings are interchangeable between Ball, Kerr and Penley, which is fabulous for those of us who already have a stash of lids or who are planning on using Tattler lids this season.
When I met with the Penley rep, he pointed out the fact that they intentionally left the back of their pints and quarts smooth to better accommodate the labels that so many canners apply to their jars. I was happy to see that particularly since I’ve always hated the round of wheat and fruit on the back of the Ball jars (in researching this post, I learned that it’s been there since 1970).
As far as performance goes, I’ve canned in these jars several times now and they’ve been perfect, not a failed seal among them. What’s more, they just feel good in the hand. They are sturdy and solid, just the way I expect a good canning jar to be. As you can see from the picture above, there’s a water spot left on that jar from a run through the dishwasher, there because I’ve used this jar for leftover storage and the transportation of iced coffee to work. They’ve seamlessly become part of my collection of working jars.
Finally (and best of all), they are going to be less expensive than Ball or Kerr jars. While it will only be a dollar or two difference, if you do a lot of canning, that can add up quickly.
As far as I can see, there are only two drawbacks to these jars. The first is that they’ve left no space on the lid for writing. As someone who always writes on the lids of my preserves with a Sharpie, this is a minor annoyance. Second is that the jars are made in China. I pass no judgment on Penley for making this choice as in today’s market it is really the only way to make a lower cost product. If you are someone who avoids things made outside of the U.S. I wanted to make sure you were aware (and as you can see, they’ve clearly printed the origin on the bottom of all the Penley jars).
Disclosure: The Penley Corp. gave me an assortment of jars and lids to try. However, all thoughts and opinions expresses herein are my own and untainted by the free loot.
*There are the Leifheit jars, but they are so much more expensive (around $20 for six jars) than Ball and Kerr jars, that I don’t see them as a viable alternative for people who do more than the most basic recreational canning.
I have poked holes in the top of a used lid and have been using it for a watering jar for my little seedlings. It has been working like a dream!
i second the martini comment! I love canning jams and fruits at home. it makes me feel so little house on the prairie.
I love making infused cocktails in my quart jars. My favorite: Korean Soju (a lighter version of Vodka) steeped with a sliced pear and cinnamon stick. Mixed with a little apple cider it’s the most ridiculously delicious and easy Fall cocktail.
I enjoy drinking an after-a-bad-day martini out of one of my half-pint wide-mouth jars!
make it a full pint and i’m with ya, girl
That’s exciting! I have two half pint jars as terrariums on my window sill, and use a blue vintage wire top as a vase. Other than that, they pretty much stay in the kitchen =)
As the weather has gotten nicer out here, I’ve taken to using canning jars as the ultimate sack lunch accessory. I’ll make an individual salad in a pint mason jar by layering the components and then throw the dressing in a 4oz jar. The glass stays colder longer than the plastic does and there’s no mess.
I will look for these, although I am hesitant (for product safety reasons) to use jars made in China. Question: what do you think of the Golden Harvest jars? They seem thinner, although I have not had trouble with the few I have used.
My unconventional use for canning jars is to carry cheap wine to “BYOB” restaurants in this dry county of mine – no corking fee! Of course, they are quite commonly used for moonshine in this dry county of mine, too. ;^D
Sandra, I’ve only had limited experience with Golden Harvest jars, but those that I’ve used have been just fine. However, I’ve heard that other people have had increased breakage with their Golden Harvests.
Wow, nice jars, but, it really is too bad they aren’t made in the good old USofA! I am Canadian & feel we all really do need to think about supporting our own.
I’d love to try your new jars and give a review on my blog!
The last thing I did with a Mason Jar is made my husband and myself some bloody mary’s, but we also steep tea in the micro daily in the a mason jar
I made pop-overs in jars a few times recently with great success! (And I’m pretty sure I originally found the link through one of your facebook posts!)
Right now I have a couple of seedlings growing in jars in the window. I’ve also used them as candle-holders and catch-alls.
i’m completely new to canning and am happy to see a less expensive option as the initial investment is a little eye opening despite the fact that over the long term, I will be saving a considerable amount by preserving the products of my garden.
I would love to try these. I agree with you. No competition means higher prices.
I send friends home with leftovers in canning jars. Maybe I’m secretly hoping they’ll pick up the habit just to get rid of all the jars they’ve collected from me. 🙂
Most often they are used for canning and storage, but the most unconventional thing I’ve done with my empty jars is turn them into beautiful terrariums!
I use them for everything, like as catch all jars, but I will carry one in my purse for filling with bulk dry goods from the store 🙂
I use a Mason jar screwed into my blender base to make smoothies or hummus, chopped nuts or nut butters, salsa, ground spices or coffee beans, etc. — no need to switch the contents to another container, just drink the smoothie straight from the jar or screw on a lid to store the others. **Not suitable for hot liquids!!**
I also use a Mason jar for making yoghurt; this is especially handy when making it to take to a potluck brunch! And of course for storing dry goods and for canning.
I’m also in Canada, but couldn’t resist joining in!
I’m just itching for canning season. Even my husband stores all his nails, screws and other garage paraphenalia in canning jars.
We use canning jars for traditional things like leftovers and drinking glasses, as well as for crazy things. My favorite? Adding in glow sticks and using it as a portable lantern.
I’m still getting my feet wet with canning, but have lots of plans and recipes awaiting summer goodness. Would love to try these out and will keep an eye out for them in stores.
Thank you!
I use the jars to start roots in plants. Nice and clear so I can see the progress
What don’t we use canning jars for here?! Storing leftovers, drinking glasses (adults use quarts, kids use pints or half pints), storing nuts, herbs, dried fruit, craft supplies, making herbal tinctures. Half gallons get used for raw milk from the farm, storing baking supplies, homemade granola. Older, blue jars with zinc or glass lids are used for decor, storing seasonal candies or other seasonal items. Also use them as vases for flowers. Love, love, love them!
I just bought a couple cases of jars but could always use more. My boring unconventinal use – I use them as glasses. 🙂
We go through vast quantities of canning jars every year, but the cool antique jars become solar lights for window display or picnic tables.
What do you think about Weck jars? I haven’t started canning yet (would love to in a few years) and I love the look of these… Since I have no personal experience with canning jars, is there something to the traditional Mason/Ball type jars that throws people off of the Weck jars?
Use cheesecloth or window screen instead of lid, and close with ring for preying mantis or lightening bug houses.
Not THAT’s not conventional!
I don’t have any unusual uses for the jars. I like to buy the old blue/green colored ones at yard sales and use them decoratively around the house. ~Thank you.
I also use jars for everything. My favorite is as a blender! Most blenders fit regular mouth jars. Just attach the blade and blend! It works great for smoothies, spices, etc.
I just posted about a homemade sweetened condensed milk recipe using a jar and blender!
http://willisandciara.blogspot.com/2011/05/homemade-sweetened-condensed-milk.html
I seem to use my jars for just about everything. I even buy my lotion in gallon jugs at the massage school and portion it out in to 1/2 pints for use. So handy!
I like to store dry goods in my jars. These look great!
I use canning jars for morning coffee (with a knitted jar cozy, of course), as well as organizers for my vanity with various sizes holding bobby pins, hair clips, hair brushes, accessories, etc.
After reading through some of the comments, I’m not sure my uses for jars besides canning are that unconventional! Besides canning, I use jars for storing leftovers, storing dry items using food saver, candles, soaps, buttons … pretty much whatever I need a container to hold things!
I store in my jars, make salad dressing and can…..I’m so predictable. Sorry, no new and different ideas.
With a 3 boy household + a small jam & chutney business, I go thru’ jars like there’s no tomorrow! Kerr won’t sell me cases wholesale unless I buy a pallet, so I’m hoping this may help me out! The most unusual use we have had with our jars may have been the housing one provided a fire-bellied frog my son shared a room with…the jar is still with us. Alas, the frog is not…
I’m on the drinking from it wagon. My favorite is a handled canning jar I bought local honey in. Emergency candle (with lower temp burn soy wax) is another. With the handle you can just pick it up and go.
I use canning jars for transporting homemade frosting. That way when I take cupcakes to potlucks, each person can frost their own.
I use jars for just about everything including canning, cooking, storage, as beverage containers, and one for a terrarium.
I use my antique blue jars to hold stir sticks in my dye room. Also, for buttons, potpourri, herbs, salt…
Most unusual use…. candle holders!
Recently my 4 yr old decided to help himself to a glass of milk and poured it into a quart canning jar. He could reach the jars in my lower cupboards, his cups are kept in the upper cupboards.
He likes the jars better so I got some smaller jelly jars for him to use as drinking glasses and they work so much better due to the straight sides.
honey bee feeders
I use my canning jars for making sprouts.
I would love to win these! Canning is an absolute must this year!
The most unconventional use for Mason jars I know is a college professor I had (waaaay back in the 70s) said the only “Coke” suitable to drink came in 6 oz bottles (remember them??) and if you didn’t have a crystal glass to serve it in, a Mason jar was just as good.
I am so boring in my use of mason jars, but would love to win these!!!
I use them for storing grains from the bulk bin!
I would love to win these jars! Like several others here, I store a lot of my sewing supplies in empty canning jars.
I use them for storing leftovers and gifting food to friends. (After I had my baby, my doula brought me soup in a jar and I felt like I should smack myself in the head–why wasn’t I doing that?!) I also use one to store my white vinegar, because we buy vinegar in bulk and keep the big container in the laundry room (excellent alternative to commercial softeners). Hubby uses them to store all sorts of little things in his shop.
I love using jars to drink out of and store bulk items.