Is There A 64 Oz Mason Jar?
Mason jars are a type of glass jar used for food preservation. The jars have a screw-on metal lid and rubber seal that allows them to be used for canning fruits, vegetables, jams, sauces, and other foods to store them at room temperature for extended periods.
Mason jars were invented and patented by John Landis Mason in 1858 ([1]). The jars are also commonly known as Ball jars, named after the Ball Corporation which popularized them for home canning in the late 19th century ([2]).
Today, mason jars remain a popular way for home cooks to preserve and store homemade foods. They come in a variety of standard sizes, typically ranging from 4 ounces to 32 ounces. In addition to canning, mason jars are also frequently used for food storage, DIY projects, and decorative purposes. Their versatility, reusability, and nostalgic design has helped them endure as an iconic American kitchen staple.
- [1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mason_jar
- [2] https://masonjars.com/history-of-ball-jars-html/
Standard Mason Jar Sizes
Mason jars come in a range of standard sizes, from tiny 4 oz jars up to large 128 oz jars. The most common sizes are:
- Half-pint – 8 oz – 1 cup
- Pint – 16 oz – 2 cups
- Quart – 32 oz – 4 cups
The quart size 32 oz mason jar is generally considered the most popular and versatile size. Quart jars are about 10 inches tall with a diameter of 3.5 inches. Other common sizes include the pint jar (16 oz), which stands about 8 inches tall and has a 3 inch diameter, and the half-pint jar (8 oz), which is 6 inches tall with a 2.5 inch diameter.
While most mason jar manufacturers like Ball and Kerr produce the standard sizes, there can be slight variations in exact dimensions between brands. Always check the product details for the precise height and diameter if dimensions are important for your intended use.
Largest Mass-Produced Mason Jars
The largest size of mason jar commonly mass-produced by major brands like Ball and Kerr is 32 ounces (Size Matters! Your Comprehensive Mason Jar Size Guide). This is equivalent to 1 quart or approximately 946 milliliters. The 32 oz wide mouth mason jar stands about 6.5 inches tall with a diameter of 3 inches at the mouth (Types of Mason Jars | All Things Jar).
While some brands like Ball produce mason jars up to 1 gallon or 128 oz, the 32 oz size is the largest that is readily available from major retailers. It represents the upper limit of what most home canners need for typical canning projects. Anything larger becomes more specialized.
Specialty Extra-Large Mason Jars
While most mass-produced mason jars don’t go above 32 oz, some companies offer specialty extra-large mason jars on special order. These include gallon-sized jars (128 oz) and half-gallon jars (64 oz).
Companies like Sprouting Healthy Habits and Fillmore Container offer gallon-sized canning jars for purchase. These hold around 128 oz. Though not as common, some companies like uBrands also sell half-gallon or 64 oz canning jars.
These specialty extra-large mason jars tend to be more expensive and made-to-order compared to standard sized jars. But they allow storing and canning very large batches of food or other items.
Uses for 64 oz Mason Jars
64 oz mason jars, sometimes referred to as half-gallon jars, have many versatile uses thanks to their extra-large capacity. Some of the most popular uses include:
Canning Large Batches – The 64 oz size is ideal for canning large batches of fruits, vegetables, salsas, sauces, jams, and more in one jar. This allows you to do less canning overall. For example, you can fit a large batch of tomato sauce in a 64 oz jar versus needing multiple quart jars.
Fermenting Foods – The 64 oz jar provides enough room for fermenting foods like sauerkraut, kimchi, pickles, and kombucha. The extra space allows for vigorous fermentation without overflow.
Terrariums – A 64 oz jar makes an interesting terrarium for plants or small animals. The large opening makes it easy to decorate and access the inside.
Bathroom Storage – These jars are handy for holding cotton balls, q-tips, bath salts, and other bathroom essentials. The large opening makes it easy to dispense items.
Kitchen Storage – Use 64 oz jars to store bulk foods like flour, sugar, rice, pasta, oats, coffee, and more. The wide mouth makes scooping ingredients simple.
Decor – The large jars make attractive decorations for the home. Fill them with colored water and flowers, fairy lights, seashells, pinecones, and other decorative items.
For more mason jar inspiration, check out: https://cottoncreations.com/2020/07/31/60-uses-for-mason-jars/
Pros of 64 oz Mason Jars
One of the biggest pros of using a 64 oz mason jar is that it requires less frequent refilling. With a larger capacity, you can store more food, ingredients, or drinks in a single jar before needing to refill it. This makes it great for storing bulk items that you go through quickly like coffee beans, trail mix, granola, etc. Only needing to refill once a week or less, rather than every couple days, can save time and effort.
The 64 oz size also allows you to store more at once. For items like beans, rice, pasta, or other pantry staples, you can keep a good quantity on hand in just 1-2 jars. Compared to several smaller jars taking up more space, the 64 oz allows efficient storage. You’ll waste less food from opened packages going stale before use.
Finally, the large 64 oz mason jar makes a statement. The generous proportions stand out on the counter or shelf, showing off just how much it can hold. The glass jars add a rustic, vintage feel to any decor. For crafters and DIYers, the big jar provides ample space for projects. Using these oversized mason jars helps make an impact.
Source: https://www.allrecipes.com/article/mason-jars-sustainable-food-storage-containers/
Cons of 64 oz Mason Jars
While large 64 oz mason jars have their benefits, there are some downsides to consider as well:
First, 64 oz mason jars can be very heavy when full, especially if storing dense foods like sauces, jams, or liquids. Given their large size and weight, these jars can be difficult to lift and move around. Some people, especially those with strength or mobility issues, may struggle with handling the heaviness of a full 64 oz jar.
Second, the large diameter of 64 oz mason jars means they likely won’t fit on refrigerator shelves. Storing them in the fridge would require taking up a lot of space. Their size also makes them tricky to position and maneuver within a crowded fridge.
Lastly, given their wide mouth opening and large capacity, 64 oz mason jars can be more difficult to properly clean, especially by hand. Reaching down deep into the jar with a sponge or brush is hard. The jars’ tight spaces also limit water flow, making it hard to rinse away soap residue.
According to one source, “Mason jars are messy to pour from.” This suggests wide-mouth 64 oz mason jars could lead to spills and messes when pouring out their contents (https://culinesco.com/blogs/blog/3-problems-with-mason-jars).
Pricing for 64 oz Mason Jars
Due to being a specialty size, 64 oz mason jars typically cost more than the standard mason jar sizes. While regular mason jars like pint jars may only cost $1-2 each, the larger 64 oz size usually costs between $10-15 per jar.
On Walmart.com, a 6 pack of Ball brand 64 oz wide mouth mason jars is priced at $34.62 for the set of 6, working out to $5.77 per jar. On Amazon, a 2 pack of 64 oz Ball mason jars is $15.99 for 2 jars, or $8 per jar.
For bulk purchasing, the per unit price typically drops somewhat. Still, expect to pay around $10-15 per 64 oz jar, significantly more than smaller pint or quart sized jars that only cost a few dollars each.
The higher price point reflects the specialty nature of this extra-large size. While regular mason jars are mass produced in huge quantities, the 64 oz size has more niche appeal and smaller production runs. So the prices are inflated compared to standard jar sizes.
Where to Buy 64 oz Mason Jars
While 64 oz mason jars are not as commonly used as smaller sizes, there are still several places where you can purchase them:
Online retailers like Amazon, Walmart, and Target carry 64 oz wide mouth mason jars, usually in packs of 6. They offer convenient online ordering and delivery.
You can also special order 64 oz jars directly from major mason jar manufacturers like Ball and Kerr. They will often allow you to purchase cases of 12 or more jars. This is a good option if you need a large quantity of the same size jar.
Some local hardware stores or home goods stores may stock 64 oz jars on shelves or be able to special order them for you as well. Check with stores in your area to see if they carry this large jar size.
Conclusion
In summary, while 64 oz wide mouth mason jars are not a standard mass-produced size, some specialty manufacturers do offer extra-large jars in this capacity. These oversized mason jars tend to be more expensive and harder to find than regular sizes, but can be useful for large batch canning, fermenting, or storage purposes. The main benefits of using a 64 oz jar are the ability to process greater quantities at once and minimize headspace. Drawbacks include the heavier weight when full and potentially higher cost per unit. With some searching online you can find U.S. brands offering 64 oz wide mouth mason jars for $10-20 each. Consider whether the larger capacity is worth the tradeoffs before investing in these specialty jars.
