Storage, Organization, And More: This Vintage Kitchen Essential Is Making A Comeback For Its Many Uses

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It's easy to see why vintage items, especially those made for the kitchen, are seeing a surge in popularity. Take Weck jars, for example. Though this German-based company has been in business for more than a century, its jars maintain a vintage appeal that speaks to feelings of nostalgia, as well as long-term practical usefulness. Today, they're making a comeback because they're excellent for storage, organization, and a wide range of other uses.

Weck jars are a common brand in Europe. They come in numerous shapes and sizes, but their key features are the rubber gasket and metal spring clips, which connect each jar's lid to the base. This helps keep the jars airtight, which is important if you plan on using them for canning or food storage purposes. For a lot of collectors, the aesthetic of Weck jars, with their whimsical strawberry logo, will be a key reason why they're so popular in vintage thrift hauls.

While you can find Weck jars on the company's website or on larger retail sites like Amazon, you might want to consider visiting your local thrift shop for a good vintage hunt. You may be able to find some Weck jars that you can upcycle into a DIY home project, and they could be a lot cheaper than buying them new. Plus, because they're made of durable glass, the older ones you find will likely be in just as strong condition as the ones you'd buy brand new.

Apart from their charming vintage looks, Weck jars have become popular for their versatility. Unlike Mason jars, they come in a range of shapes and sizes, providing you with plenty of options if you are looking to do more than just store canned goods.

Outside the kitchen, a Weck jar can be used to make a DIY hummingbird feeder, candle holder, succulent pot, flower vase, and even a soap dispenser to upgrade your bathroom. You can also utilize these jars as containers for different household items, including buttons, screws, seeds, pins, sewing needles, pens, small electronics, and more. The fact that Weck jars are stackable gives them an edge over Mason jars too, as this makes them easier to store in an organized fashion.

These jars provide value in terms of design, too. Using one as a vase for flowers, or even as an ornament on a book shelf, will add a quirky vintage look to your home. You could even use one to make a small terrarium. The possibilities are endless.

Weck jars are pretty easy to spot. Look for their iconic strawberry logo and the brand name "WECK" stamped on various parts of the jar. Other identifiers include the orange rubber gasket and distinctive metal clips that connect the lid to the base. If you find one without a lid, you can still tell it's a Weck jar by its hefty weight and absence of threaded grooves on the lip. Note that this is for thrifting purposes — if you buy from Weck directly, you're guaranteed the real deal.

If you intend on using your Weck jars for food storage, then you will need to understand the process of cleaning them. The rubber gasket is important to clean and check for mold regularly, as it can deteriorate over time. While the official recommendation is to use a new gasket every time you reuse a jar, most Weck users find they can use each one several times before needing to replace it. All parts of the Weck jar can be cleaned with hot, soapy water, then boiled for sterilization. 

As for finding replacement parts, you can purchase jar lids, gaskets, and metal fasteners on the Weck company website. They aren't expensive, but they will allow you to continue using your Weck jars for years to come.