Knock Off Mason Jars

[Richmond B. Funkenhouser]

We're still out of mason jars here in my town... I've got a few pounds of bulk piling up on me. Has anyone tried the knock off mason type jars? They're probably made in china and available from Dollar Tree. Seems like a pretty simple device.. how could they be inferior?

The real deal can be ordered from Amazon, but they are quite a bit more expensive that way.

Has anyone tried Non-mason mason jars?

 

[tg51]

Any ball-style jar with a rubber seal should work fine, whether in the interim or long-term. The only issue I would potentially foresee would be a cheaper material used on the lid creating a weaker seal. The cheapest foolproof alternative however would be to run to Walmart or home depot and grab some Mylar bags and then refill the jars you do have when you're ready to open the next bag.

 

[Chasing Embers]

I use Ball Mason jars, those are the same aren't they?

 

[tg51]

I use Ball Mason jars, those are the same aren't they?

Unless I am mistaken, which is not uncommon, Ball is the "official" mason jar, which I interpreted as the brand of mason-mason jars @Richmond B. Funkenhouser was referring to.

 

[beefeater33]

Do a quick search on your local Craigslist.
I bought a couple cases this past summer, when all the stores were sold out.............. cheap.
Used is ok too, just wash them good, or run through the dishwasher...... just my $.02

 

[Richmond B. Funkenhouser]

I'm talking about chinese no name plain glass jars without markings.

 

[bullet08]

Toilet paper and now mason jar.. What's this world coming to?

"Human sacrifice! Dogs and cats, living together! Mass hysteria!" - Peter Venkman

 

[Richmond B. Funkenhouser]

These jars have no markings.. same thing though two piece lid. These have no design, I believe they are marked made in china. The only difference in functional design i can see is that the rubber seal is clear or white instead of pink or red.. This may indicate that it's a different material.

 

[Chasing Embers]

Toilet paper and now mason jar.. What's this world coming to?

"Human sacrifice! Dogs and cats, living together! Mass hysteria!" - Peter Venkman

"Real wrath of God type stuff. Fire and brimstone raining down from the sky, rivers and seas boiling!"
-Ray Stantz

 

[tg51]

@Richmond B. Funkenhouser As long as the seal isn’t cracked or looks dry rotted you should be good to go. If you want to be extra sure get some isopropyl alcohol or high proof grain alcohol and pour a SMALL amount in. Submerge the bottom in some hot water. Lid pops up you‘re good. If you hear a hiss then a quick strip of rubber or electrical tape on the rim and problem solved.

 

[acidpox]

Just buy the jars with then pay the 3-5 dollars for "offical" ball lids off of amazon or Walmart.

 

[pantsBoots]

@Richmond B. Funkenhouser

I got suckered this summer ordering lids and rings for Mason jars from a website. The website clearly stated "US made shipped from US warehouses," which, unfortunately, should have been my first hint something was awry. Everything looked like they were selling Ball branded jars as that is what was pictured online.

What I received were cheap Chinese lids of very inferior quality shipped from China. Hunting around online, I found scores of dissatisfied consumers who had received exactly what I did, used them and had the lids buckle during canning process. The metal lids and bands are obviously thinner from visual inspection and tactile feel.

Getting a refund was a hassle. I asked for one immediately and kept getting the "we'll give you 10% refund" runaround, then 20%, then a whopping 50% percent. When I mentioned filing a fraud complaint with PayPal and my credit card, boy did the full refund coming flying back.

Caveat emptor. I only mess with Ball brand to ensure good quality. It may not be as critical with tobacco vs food storage, but I use my jars and lids for both.

 

[hoosierpipeguy]

I bought some from Amazon, 1/4 and 1/2 piht. I think they'll be okay but they are not the same quality level as Ball. Or at least that how they seem to me.

 

[fightnhampster]

Just buy the jars with then pay the 3-5 dollars for "offical" ball lids off of amazon or Walmart.

There are no official Ball jar lids available on Amazon or Walmart.com or Target.com. If anyone sees them, I would love a link.

I have wondered about this and am in the same boat as Funk. I have some previously used glass jars and am in need of new lids. I lean toward them being fine since I am not jarring a food product and would be keeping it at a stable temp of 68-72. Still havn't pulled the trigger yet though...

Thankfully the local Meijer and Walmart have had the cases of 12 8oz jars available so I have been picking up those.

 

[craig61a]

They are in stock at my local Target store. I cellar most of my bulk in Mylar. I only use the big quart jars to cellar aromatics. I have a vacuum sealer thingy that works great for vacuuming the quarts jars.

 

[cosmicfolklore]

I'm talking about chinese no name plain glass jars without markings.

There are a few companies that are producing blank jars in the US for those of us who make and sell jams, jellies, honey, etc... The biggest difference is that they are a different type of glass. Ball/Mason jars are heat tempered borosilicate glass. You can put a lid on them and hit them with a wooden bat like a baseball. You'd have to try really hard to break one.
The no-name jars aren't heat tempered, so when they are bulk processed with foods, you just have to be aware that they cannot take a fast shift in temperature. You have to let them cool slowly. Whereas, with a Ball/Mason jar, you can drop them in cold water with no worries.

For what we do, with no heat (or very little heat) those no name jars would work great. They do not allow air to pass, and they are even a little lighter.

I wouldn't worry. And, I really doubt they are from China. You can do a Google search for bulk jars or bottle, and get them for way less than Mason/Ball canning jars.

 

[DAR]

I have found many no-name jars in many stores like Big Lots and Target that have worked just fine for years. I don't care where they are made. If they keep a tight seal, I'm in.

 

[Richmond B. Funkenhouser]

There are a few companies that are producing blank jars in the US for those of us who make and sell jams, jellies, honey, etc... The biggest difference is that they are a different type of glass. Ball/Mason jars are heat tempered borosilicate glass. You can put a lid on them and hit them with a wooden bat like a baseball. You'd have to try really hard to break one.
The no-name jars aren't heat tempered, so when they are bulk processed with foods, you just have to be aware that they cannot take a fast shift in temperature. You have to let them cool slowly. Whereas, with a Ball/Mason jar, you can drop them in cold water with no worries.

For what we do, with no heat (or very little heat) those no name jars would work great. They do not allow air to pass, and they are even a little lighter.

I wouldn't worry. And, I really doubt they are from China. You can do a Google search for bulk jars or bottle, and get them for way less than Mason/Ball canning jars.

Yea Im not too much concerned with the strength of the glass, I pretty much try not to drop em.. and I don't do any kind of heat seal.

I just figured most everything like that In Dollar Tree comes from a company called Greenbriar International... Their main thing is imports from China, but I know a lot of their stuff comes from closeouts too.

I'll pick up a few today and post a couple pictures.

 

[cosmicfolklore]

8oz (240ml) Flint (Clear) Glass Jelly Jam Round Glass Jar - 70-450 Neck

100% Recyclable and BPA Free Container Tapered Profile Type-III Flint Clear Glass Food Contact Safe Wide Mouth Opening For Easier Access Ideal Container For Jams, Preserves and Pickling

www.bottlestore.com

You might look at these guys. The jam and jelly folks at the Farmers Markets get them sometimes for $0.50 a jar when they buy in bulk.
That is if you don't trust those that you mentioned.

 

[Old School 3319]

These jars have no markings.. same thing though two piece lid. These have no design, I believe they are marked made in china. The only difference in functional design i can see is that the rubber seal is clear or white instead of pink or red.. This may indicate that it's a different material.

you can always just use mason jar lids with the cheaper jars