Kamenstein Empty Jars

The Verdict

You can buy a dozen mason jars for the price of one of these. So why do 235 Amazon shoppers give Kamenstein’s Empty Jars a 4.7-star average? Because these aren’t mason jars. They’re the kitchen equivalent of buying a good chef’s knife instead of a block set — fewer pieces, but every one earns its place.

What You Actually Get

The set includes jars in multiple sizes (typically 4oz, 8oz, 16oz, and 32oz depending on the bundle you choose), each with a two-piece metal lid. The glass is noticeably thicker than standard canning jars — one buyer noted, “I dropped a 16oz jar on tile and it bounced. Not a crack. Not even a chip.” That’s the kind of durability that justifies the price premium.

The lids deserve their own mention. They seal with a firm, audible snap that tells you the contents are locked in. Another reviewer put it simply: “My coffee beans stayed fresh for three weeks longer than in the plastic container I was using before.” That’s the airtight seal doing exactly what it should.

Real-World Performance

I’ve tested these across three use cases: dry pantry storage, refrigerator pickling, and homemade spice blends. Here’s the breakdown:

Dry goods: Flour, sugar, and pasta stay bone-dry. The seal is genuinely airtight — no humidity creep, no clumping. This is where the jars shine brightest.

Fridge use: The glass handles temperature swings without sweating or cracking. Pickles and dressings stay fresh noticeably longer than in the original packaging.

Spice storage: The smaller 4oz jars are perfect for ground spices. The airtight seal means your paprika actually smells like paprika after six months, not like the inside of your cabinet.

Where It Falls Short

Let’s be honest about the tradeoffs. First, the metal lids are not dishwasher-safe. The manufacturer recommends hand-washing, and several reviewers confirmed that dishwasher cycles cause rust spots on the lid rims. If you’re a load-and-forget dishwasher person, this will annoy you weekly.

Second, there are no measurement markings on the glass. For fermenters and canners who need precise volume tracking, that’s a genuine gap. You’ll need a separate measuring cup or scale.

Third, the price. These cost 2–3x more than basic mason jars. You’re paying for the thicker glass and the superior seal — and it shows in performance — but if you’re just storing leftover pasta sauce, you don’t need this level of quality.

Who Should Buy These

Buy them if: You’re a serious home cook who stores spices, coffee, or homemade pantry staples and wants them to stay fresh. You appreciate durable glass that won’t shatter in your cabinet. You’re willing to hand-wash lids to get a truly airtight seal.

Skip them if: You need bulk canning jars for large harvests, you rely on dishwasher convenience, or you’re on a tight budget and just need basic storage.

FAQ

Q: Can I use these for water-bath canning? A: Technically yes, but I wouldn’t recommend it. These jars aren’t designed for the thermal shock of boiling water canning. Use them for dry storage, fridge pickles, and fermenting — not for shelf-stable preserves.

Q: Are the lids interchangeable with mason jars? A: No. These use a custom lid size, not the standard Ball/Kerr thread pattern. You’ll need to buy Kamenstein replacement lids when they wear out.

Q: How many jars come in the set? A: It varies by bundle. The most common listing includes 4 jars (one of each size), but some configurations offer 6 or 8 jars. Check the specific bundle you’re ordering.

The Verdict

Rating: 4.6/5 — The Kamenstein Empty Jars are a premium pantry upgrade, not a budget necessity. The thick glass and the genuinely airtight seal outperform anything in the mason jar category, and the durability means you’ll likely never replace them.

Buy it if you cook seriously and want your dry goods and spices to stay fresh for months. Skip it if you need bulk canning capacity, refuse to hand-wash lids, or just want the cheapest storage solution available.

For the home cook who’s tired of stale spices and clumping flour, these jars are the quiet upgrade that pays for itself in reduced food waste. Just budget for the lid hand-washing — it’s the one compromise you’ll make for a seal that actually works.

Where to Buy

👉 Check Price on Amazon →

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Last updated: 2026-08-06. Ratings and prices current as of review date. Verify on Amazon before purchasing.