Quick answer
For most home preservers, Kilner® clip top jars offer a reliable, airtight seal with a classic design that's easy to use and clean. Le Parfait jars are equally respected, but Kilner® provides a wider range of sizes and often better value. Choose Kilner® for everyday preserving and gifting; opt for Le Parfait if you prefer their specific vintage aesthetic or need specialized sizes.
When it comes to home preserving, the choice of jar can be as important as the recipe. Two iconic names dominate the market: Kilner® and Le Parfait. Both offer clip top jars designed to create an airtight seal, but they have distinct characteristics that may sway your decision.
In this comparison, we'll look at the design, seal mechanism, capacity options, and practical considerations to help you decide which jar deserves a spot on your pantry shelf.
Design and Build Quality
Kilner® jars are known for their timeless glass design, featuring a sturdy wire bail and a rubber seal that creates an airtight closure. The glass is thick and durable, suitable for both preserving and storing dry goods. Le Parfait jars, on the other hand, have a similar clip top mechanism but often feature a more rounded, vintage-inspired silhouette. Both are made from high-quality glass, but Kilner® tends to offer a more uniform range of shapes and sizes.
The Kilner® clip top mechanism is straightforward: a metal wire loops over the glass lid, pressing it down onto a rubber seal. This design is easy to operate and provides a secure closure. Le Parfait uses a similar system, but some users find the Kilner® clip slightly easier to engage, especially when jars are hot.
- Kilner® jars are available in a wide range of capacities, from small 43ml jars to large 2 litre jars, making them versatile for various preserving needs.
- Le Parfait jars often come in a more limited range of sizes, focusing on traditional French preserving portions.
Seal Performance and Airtightness
Both Kilner® and Le Parfait jars are designed to create an airtight seal, essential for safe preserving. The rubber seal in a Kilner® jar is replaceable, ensuring that your jars continue to seal effectively over time. Le Parfait also uses rubber seals, but the availability of replacement parts may vary depending on your region.
The airtight seal is crucial for preventing spoilage and maintaining the quality of your preserves. Kilner® jars are often praised for their reliable sealing, and many home preservers trust them for jams, chutneys, and pickles. Le Parfait jars are equally reliable, but the choice may come down to personal preference in design and ease of use.
- Always check the rubber seal for any cracks or wear before each use to ensure a proper seal.
- When processing jars, the vacuum created during cooling will indicate a successful seal—listen for the 'pop' sound.
Capacity and Versatility
Kilner® offers an extensive range of jar sizes, from the small Kilner® Round Twist Top Jar 43ml perfect for spices, to the Kilner Universal Push Top Storage Jar 2 Litre ideal for storing biscuits and sweets. This variety makes Kilner® suitable for everything from single-serve jams to bulk storage.
Kilner Universal Push Top Storage Jar 2 Litre
Le Parfait jars also come in various sizes, but their focus is more on traditional preserving, with capacities ranging from 125ml to 2 litres. If you need very small jars for gifts or sampling, Kilner®'s mini jars are a distinct advantage.
- For small-batch preserves or homemade gifts, consider the Kilner® Clip Top Sloe Gin Bottle 0.3 Litre, which is perfect for infusions and cordials.
- For dry food storage, the Kilner Universal Push Top Storage Jar 2 Litre offers a stylish alternative to plastic.
Trade-offs to consider
- Seal reliability: Both Kilner® and Le Parfait use rubber seals and wire bails, but Kilner® seals are widely available and easy to replace, ensuring long-term reliability. If you plan to preserve frequently, Kilner® offers easier maintenance.
- Size range: Kilner® offers a broader range of sizes, from tiny 43ml jars to large 2 litre jars, giving you more flexibility for different recipes and storage needs. Choose Kilner® if you need variety in jar sizes.
- Aesthetic appeal: Le Parfait jars have a distinct vintage look that some prefer for rustic kitchen displays. Kilner® has a classic but more uniform design. If aesthetics are a priority, consider which style matches your kitchen décor.
Kilner® product facts
- Kilner® Clip Top Sloe Gin Bottle 0.3 Litre: Designed for infusing homemade gins, cordials, wine, and sauces. With a 0.3 litre capacity, this glass bottle offers a practical size for small-batch creations. Clip top closure for a secure seal, ideal for gifting or storing your own infusions. This bottle is perfect for small-batch infusions and makes an attractive gift, allowing you to share your homemade creations.
- Square Glass Clip Top Jar - 0.5 Litre: Kilner Square 0.5L Clip Top Glass Storage Jar is durable and practical. With an airtight clip top the jar is suitable for preserving jams, chutneys and storing dry food stuffs. The square shape maximizes shelf space and the airtight seal ensures your preserves stay fresh, making it a versatile addition to your kitchen.
Which jar is right for you?
Best for
- Home preservers who value a wide range of sizes and easy-to-find replacement seals.
- Those who want a versatile jar for both preserving and dry food storage.
Not for
- Those who specifically prefer the vintage French aesthetic of Le Parfait jars.
- If you need very large jars (over 2 litres), as Kilner® may not offer that size.
Both Kilner® and Le Parfait produce excellent clip top jars, but Kilner® stands out for its versatility, range of sizes, and reliable sealing. Whether you're making jam, pickles, or infusions, Kilner® has a jar to suit your needs. Explore the Square Glass Clip Top Jar - 0.5 Litre to start your preserving journey with confidence.
