safety pop lids preserving

dave987

Hi,

Does anyone know if there's a way to test for a seal on jars that don't have safety pop lids?

Incidentally, does anyone know where you can purchase Ball or Kerr jars in bulk for reasonable prices (.25l for <1.50 per piece)? I've searched everywhere and don't seem to be able to source them outside the States, where you can buy them for around 80c a piece it seems!

Thanks! :-D

0lddog

I'm a cheapskate and (re)use any glass jars that have a metal lid with a good condition seal ( these all have pop up lids so its easy to check for a good seal on the finished product )

This work fine ( but its not pretty ) for jams & jellies

I've got a lot of wide neck Kilner jars ( http://www.kilnerjar.co.uk/ ) for bottling fruit but no longer use then as for me freezing is better ( & I dont know where to buy the metal sealing discs for the jars )

( sorry - not really an answer to your question )

dave987

Thanks very much for replying! The kilner jars are great but can't seem to find them cheap. I've read that cheap imitation versions can not create a good seal though. Ikea seems to do a screw-top jar (http://www.ikea.com/ie/en/catalog/products/40315041/) though bit worried whether would create a good seal - I don't think it has a pop lid.

Thanks for input anyway!

MissFlitworth

Alpack get a serious thumbs up for jar prices and types in our 'Making your own Christmas Presents' thread.

http://www.alpack.ie/Glass_Jars_230ml_to_320ml/Default.147.html

dave987

MissFlitworth wrote: »

Alpack get a serious thumbs up for jar prices and types in our 'Making your own Christmas Presents' thread.

http://www.alpack.ie/Glass_Jars_230ml_to_320ml/Default.147.html

Thanks! Shall have a look at that thread now. Alpack are great but they don't do many jars with the safety pop lid, and not the nicest ones!.

rubadub

I found this place the other day, stupidly high prices though.

http://masonjars.ie/

Alpack sell the caps separate, if they do not have the poping lids I expect they could be bought online elsewhere separately, while shipping glass would be expensive and risky.

Alpack do not include vat on the site, but there is also a 5% discount if you buy online.

There are kilner ones here.
http://www.homestoreandmore.ie/search?q=glass+storage#esp_pg=2

although it does not appear to have the popping centre it says

The original Kilner jar, first invented by John Kilner and Co. in the 1840’s is a product that has stood the test of time for over 150 years. The clever iconic design has been recently updated but has maintained its unique vacuum feature helping households all over the country to successfully preserve and pickle fruit and vegetables.

I think many jars without the popping centre can still be tested by simply seeing if there is any give at all in them. So you might not be able to tell by simply looking at it from a distance but it should be obvious if the vacuum has been broken.

dave987

rubadub wrote: »

I found this place the other day, stupidly high prices though.

http://masonjars.ie/

Alpack sell the caps separate, if they do not have the poping lids I expect they could be bought online elsewhere separately, while shipping glass would be expensive and risky.

Alpack do not include vat on the site, but there is also a 5% discount if you buy online.

Oh buying lids separately is a great idea, thanks!

Yeah I found that masonjars.ie site too, but e7 a jar!? They must be kidding.

Cheshire Cat

Lakeland has Ball jars. A pack of 6 x 240 ml jars is £8.99. Fairly pricey, but they are pretty!
They sell replacement lids, too.

http://www.lakeland.co.uk/70511/Ball®-Quilted-Crystal-Jam-Jars-240ml-x-6

CJhaughey

I have been using the Le Parfait Familia Wiss jars for bottling Tuna for a few years now with good success.
I have some Kilner as well but the steel lids were hard to get for a while, and the rubber seals for the glass lids are stupidly expensive.
Leifheit steel lids fit the Kilner jars so this is a solution if you are prepared to use them instead of the glass lids.
Whatever you use try and buy some that are available here.
This is the main reason I went with the Famila Wiss versions.

lazeedaisy

I use ball jars, sent you pm