Wide Mouth vs. Regular Mouth Mason Jars – The Same, But Different (2024)

UPDATE!

We’ve taken an even deeper look into the difference between regular mouth and wide mouth Mason jars – PLUS added details about all the different sizes and shapes of jars too in our new blog post!

Hey there, Mason jar fans!

Today we’re doing a deep-dive into one of the questions that we are most
often asked – What is the difference between a wide mouth and a regular mouth Mason jar? Let me start by saying this: one of the greatest things about Mason jars is that there are only two lid sizes: again, regular mouth and wide mouth. This means that any regular mouth lid will fit on any regular mouth Mason jar, and any wide mouth lid will fit on any wide mouth Mason jar.

For instance, if you like regular mouth jars and you have kiddos, you can give them their milk in a regular mouth 8 oz. jar with a straw lid at breakfast. You could then wash off that very lid and stick it right on your regular mouth 16 oz. jar and take a smoothie with you to work.

Back to the question, though. What is the difference between these two lid sizes?

The quick, dirty, and literal answer is: about 0.63 inches at the diameter of the jar mouth. But, as everyone knows, it’s not the width of the jar opening that matters, it’s what you can do with it that does.

So, here are some of the characteristics, width notwithstanding, that truly differentiate the wide mouth jars from the regular mouth ones:

This attribute, in and of itself, is enough to sell Mason jar enthusiasts on the wide mouth jar. But did you know that the wide Mouth jar is specially designed for stacking? With its flat, wide bottom (I feel you there, wide mouth!) and an equally large top opening, this jar is ideal when space is at a premium, whether being used for storage or for canned goods.

*Editor’s Note: We realize that stacking canned goods is a polarizing topic. We will be sharing our thoughts on this at a later date!

Many users prefer this type of jar for jellies, salsas, and sauces. They are also great for holding smaller, loose items, such as spices, thumbtacks, or bobby pins as the smaller mouth facilitates the pouring out of the contents.

Regular mouth jars can be slightly more difficult to clean, depending on the consistency of their contents (nut butters, for example), and thus slightly less user-friendly.

Also, due to their tapered tops/bottoms, they do not stack very well and tend to wobble or tip. This may not be an issue for you, but it is something to consider when choosing which jars to use for your specific needs.

Also, be sure to join us on our new Facebook Community – Living the Mason Jar Lifestyle. We have thousands of members and we’re loving the conversations and sharing going on over there. We’d love to have you there with us! Until next time, keep on keeping on with the Mason Jar Lifestyle!

Michelle Kettleborough is a life-loving, Denver-based writer and mother-of-two. She has just recently embarked on the Mason jar lifestyle. Keep up with her chronicles here.