Mason Jar

Mason jars enjoy near-universal praise in the r/BuyItForLife community as one of the most practical, durable, and affordable storage solutions available. Users highlight their longevity — some citing jars that are 75–80 years old and still in use — along with their versatility across food storage, drinking, measuring, and even blending. The main criticisms are minor and mostly center on the two-piece metal lids, which can be fiddly and are not designed for reuse, though the community notes that alternative lids are widely and cheaply available.

Mason jars are inexpensive, genuinely last generations, are widely available, and have a robust accessory ecosystem that addresses nearly every limitation, making them one of the most defensible BIFL purchases in the kitchen.

The community consistently praises Mason jars for their extreme durability, low cost, plastic-free construction, and remarkable versatility. Standardized lid sizing across brands and the wide availability of accessories are frequently cited as major advantages.

• Jars last decades — some users own 75–80 year old examples still in use
• Two lid sizes fit all brands due to expired patents; lids are interchangeable
• Inexpensive to buy and replace, cheaper than most glassware alternatives
• Dishwasher safe and non-reactive — no plastic taste, no BPA concerns
• Enormous accessory ecosystem: pump lids, pour spouts, shaker balls, vacuum seals, straws
• Freezer safe (shoulderless versions), microwave safe, and usable as measuring cups

Criticism is limited and mostly directed at the standard two-piece metal lids, which wear out, can rust, and aren't designed for repeated reuse. A few users note that Mason jars are awkward for eating out of and don't stack reliably when full.

• Standard two-piece metal lids corrode over time and aren't meant for reuse
• Difficult to stack when full — risk of spills when opening a stacked fridge
• Cylindrical shape is inconvenient for eating directly from with utensils
• Standard lids have a plastic coating on the inner lining, a concern for some users
• Not borosilicate glass — less thermal shock resistant than lab or Pyrex glass

One user noted their most recent batch of jam went into jars made in the 1940s, and they store dry goods in jars from the 1920s — suggesting Mason jars can genuinely last a century with normal use.

A commenter pointed out that because the patent expired years ago, all Mason jar lids are interchangeable between brands, making it easy to mix, match, and replace without worrying about compatibility.

Someone who switched from expensive glassware sets noted that fancy glasses all chipped or broke within five years, while Mason jars and restaurant supply bar glasses have proven far more durable for a fraction of the price.

One user described the full accessory ecosystem — graters, shakers, spout adapters, vacuum seals, pump lids, and drinking lids — arguing that Mason jars can replace an enormous range of specialized kitchen containers.