If you’re a home preserver, pantry organiser, or DIY enthusiast, you’ve likely come across the term Mason jars—the popular canning jars from the USA—and their European counterparts: Kilner jars and Familia Wiss Terrine jars.

All three offer similar features with unique designs. Let’s explore how they compare, what makes them special, and why Familia Wiss Terrine jars are favourite for preserving, canning, and storage.

What Are Mason Jars, and Why Are They Popular?

Today, the term Mason jar is often used generically to describe any jar with a two-part lid system – a flat metal disc with a rubber seal and a screw-on band, which creates an airtight vacuum seal during the canning process. This innovative design was first introduced by John Kilner & Co. in the 1840s in the UK when a Kilner jar appeared on the market. Later, a similar design was patented by John Landis Mason in 1858 in the USA, giving rise to the iconic Mason jar. The Familia Wiss Terrine jars are the latest addition and a part of the Le Parfait brand, created by the famous Louis Pasteur, the pioneer of pasteurization. All three jars feature a two-piece lid system. However, unlike Mason and Kilner jars, Familia Wiss has one key difference - instead of a screw band, it features a full screw lid, which can be used without a sealing disc for dry food storage or short-term food storage in the fridge or with a sealing disc - for food canning and preservation. All three jars are very popular globally due to:
  • Durability: Made from thick, high-quality glass suitable for boiling and storage.
  • Versatility: Used for food preservation, pantry storage, canning, gifts, and DIY crafts.
  • Sustainability: Reusable, recyclable, and eco-friendly compared to plastic alternatives.
Among the three options, Familia Wiss Terrine jars are often considered superior thanks to their heavyweight, robust construction and exceptional durability.

Introducing the Familia Wiss Terrine Jars

Le Parfait, a French brand with a long-standing reputation for quality glassware, produces one of the most popular Mason-type jars, Familia Wiss Terrine Jars, offering Mason jar functionality with a European touch. A beautiful Familia Wiss Terrine jar with a screw lid Familia Wiss Terrine jar Le Parfait jars, in general, are of exceptional quality and design containers, and Familia Wiss type features all the brand's qualities plus some fantastic functionality. Key features:
  • Two-piece lid system with a twist: Unlike Mason jars and Kilner Preserve Jars, which use a metal disc and screw band, Familia Wiss jars use a sealing metal disc and a full screw top to create an airtight seal, making them ideal for preserving and canning. The advantage - you can use the screw tops as full lids for storage needs that do not require vacuum sealing.
  • Durable glass: Made from thick, heat-resistant glass, perfect for boiling water baths, freezing, or everyday use.
  • Variety of sizes: Available in several capacities to suit all your preserving and storage needs.
  • Aesthetic appeal: Their timeless design adds rustic charm to kitchen shelves, pantries, and DIY projects.

How to Use Le Parfait Familia Wiss Jars

Using Familia Wiss jars is simple, and following the correct method ensures a safe and airtight seal for preserving. Here are the instructions for use:
  1. Remove and clean vacuum lids: Wash the flat metal discs and screw caps with hot water to ensure they are sterilised. 
  2. Fill the jar: Place your prepared food or ingredients into the jar, leaving appropriate headspace as required by your recipe.
  3. Position the lid: Place the vacuum lid (rubber side facing down) on top of the jar opening.
  4. Secure with the screw cap: Close the jar firmly with the screw cap to hold the vacuum lid in place.
  5. Follow your recipe’s guidelines: Adjust the temperature and processing time according to your canning recipe.
  6. Cool down: After processing, allow the jars to cool naturally. Once cooled, carefully unscrew the screw cap to check the vacuum seal.
Two screw lids for Familia Wiss jars   Two screw lids for Familia Wiss jars Remember, the vacuum lids (discs) are single-use for canning; you must replace them after each session to ensure food safety. Screw caps, however, can be reused multiple times.

Comparing Familia Wiss, Mason Jars, and Kilner Jars

While all three jars share core features—high-quality glass, a two-piece lid system, and suitability for long-term storage and canning—there are subtle differences that might influence your choice.
Feature Familia Wiss Terrine Jars Mason Jars Kilner Preserve Jars
Lid System Two-piece lid with a full screw top and a sealing disc. A sealing disc and a screw band. A sealing disc and a screw band.
Durability Thick, heat-resistant glass. Thick, durable glass. Sturdy, heat-resistant glass.
Reusability Discs must be replaced after each use; screw caps reusable. Sealing discs should be replaced after each use; bands reusable. Discs must be replaced after each use; bands reusable.
Best Use Preserving, canning, dry storage, decor. Canning, storage, decor. Canning, preserving, decor.
Aesthetic Appeal European rustic elegance. Classic American vintage look. Iconic UK design.
  While all three options excel in preserving and canning, choosing between them often comes down to personal style and aesthetic preferences.

Sizes and Uses of Familia Wiss Terrine Jars

Whether you’re making small batches of jam or storing bulk pantry goods, Mason-type Familia Wiss jars come in a range of sizes to suit every need:
Size Best Use
200ml Condiments, spices, individual portions.
350ml Chutneys, sauces, smaller jam batches.
500ml Medium preserves, soups, pickles.
750ml Bulk pickles, fermented vegetables.
1500ml Dry food storage: flour, pasta, rice.
The variety of sizes gives you plenty of options, whether you’re gifting homemade treats or organising your pantry. Familia Wiss Terrine sealing discs Familia Wiss Terrine sealing discs

Creative Uses for Familia Wiss Terrine Mason Jars

Another great feature of these jars is their versatility. These jars aren’t just for preserving food. They are perfect for:
  1. Pantry storage: Store dry goods like rice, lentils, nuts, or pasta. The airtight seal keeps food fresh and protected from pests.
  2. Homemade gifts: Fill with homemade jams, sauces, or pickled treats for a thoughtful, rustic gift.
  3. DIY projects:
    • Turn them into candle holders or lanterns.
    • Use them as herb planters for your kitchen windowsill.
    • Create soap dispensers with a lid attachment.
  4. On-the-go containers: Use for packed lunches, layered salads, overnight oats, or smoothies.
  5. Craft supplies: Organise buttons, beads, or other small crafting materials.

Tips for Using Familia Wiss Terrine Jars Safely

To get the most out of your jars, follow these tips:
  • Firstly, always sterilise before use: Boil jars and lids in water for 10 minutes to kill bacteria before canning. More on this in our guide on how to sterilise jars and bottles at home. 
  • Secondly, remember to replace metal discs: Always replace the flat discs after each use when canning.
  • When canning, avoid thermal shock: Don’t pour boiling liquids into cold jars. Gradually warm them up to prevent cracking.
  • Check the seal: After canning, ensure the lids are properly sealed by pressing the centre of the disc; it shouldn’t flex.
  • Store correctly: Keep filled jars in a cool, dark place to maximise shelf life.
  • Lastly, always open with care: Use the Le Parfait Opener to pierce the vacuum disc and release the pressure safely.
If you are looking for versatile glass storage options, browse our range of glass jars with lids. You will definitely find jars suited to your purpose and budget.