[CottonBall]

Here are some odds&ends from prior topics:
- a comparison of canner lid prices
-keeping a canner clean (includes the All-American)

_____________________________________Canning Lid Prices

Here is a comparison of prices for Tattler Reusable Lids and a high quality disposable lid.

Tattlers wide mouth 1 dozen $1 each, 100 $.87 each https://www.reusablecanninglids.com/search?q=wide
rings about $.30 each

Ball Lids. 1 dozen $.50 each Tractor Supply or Amazon buying 6 (cheapest I could find)
https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/search/wide%20mouth%20lids
https://www.amazon.com/Ball-Jars-Wide-Mouth-Count/dp/B07P9MTFQ2/ref=sr_1_7?crid=2HLTPBJ3T38O3&keywords=ball+wide+mouth+lids&qid=1699504021&sprefix=ball+wide%2Caps%2C203&sr=8-7

With Tattlers, you’d easily get 2 uses out of each lid and rubber ring, so I’d consider it a better deal.

Tattler now makes a disposable lid, still using the rubber rings, so let’s look at those prices-
Tattler disposables with rings $.41-.45 each. You’d throw away the lid but keep the ring to use again. Although the price of the disposables without the ring is hardly much less so that wouldn’t be cost effective. I would use them with the original lid. And this is slightly cheaper than the ball lids. But with the idiot-proof (I’m talking about me -not you!) nature of the Ball or Kerr Lids, I’d stick with those.

There are lots of cheaper one-unit lids, sometimes sold in bulk. If anybody has any input on those, I would love to hear it. I’ve been afraid to try them.

_________________Keeping an All-American Canner Clean______________________

I called all american to see if I can use vinegar in the canning water.

The lady said it was fine to use vinegar. I told her how in my Presto it was even in the directions. She said the vinegar doesn’t cause pitting, what does is leaving water in the canner. So always make sure it is very dry when you store it.

I didn’t ask her about cream of tartar for cleaning it but that’s what the Presto said to do, and it worked extremely well. Now I have to because I ran my test and got all this ugly water mark stuff.

The AA canner pdf does say you can add vinegar or cream of tartar to clean, but it references miniscule amounts. if anybody has experience with this, I’d love to hear that also

I used cream of tartar in the Presto to clean it the few times I forgot the vinegar. I tried to remember the vinegar cuz it is so much cheaper than cream of tartar! Especially the amount needed. I used 1 Tablespoon per quart water, which ended up being 6 T in 6 quarts to get above the water line. I put the weighted gauge on 10 lb, then when it got there, turn off the canner for 2-3 hours. Looks tons better.....but not pristine like the Presto got.

oh well. I got the lid to close the first time, so it was a win-win.

[CottonBall]

This is your ping to the All Things Prepping, Simple Living, Back to the Basics [a place to come sit on the porch and chat, an on going thread]

This week's topic is Canning Lid Prices and Keeping a Canner Aluminum-Colored at Post #631

If you want off/on this list, just let me know.

[bgill]

Why was the lid not fitting? I have a Presto that doesn’t want to close correctly so have to mess with it and usually just use the other same Presto’s lid. I think one of the posts is bent. Both were second hand.

[metmom]

Does it get rid of the black discoloration of the aluminum?

[Lurker]

I buy my regular canning lids at Wal Mart, the generic ones. They’re made in the USA and work just fine. They’re less expensive than the Ball ones. I’ve had home canned soups stay perfectly sealed for 18 months. The food was just fine.

I’ve yet to try the cream of tartar trick to clean the inside of my All American. I’ll give it a try and report my results.

L

[LilFarmer]

Good tips about cleaning, thanks!

I have only used a Presto canner. A tip for prepping - make sure you have a backup o-ring, gauge, and stoppers. They do tend to wear over time. I replace mine every few years. Presto’s parts page: https://www.gopresto.com/part-finder.php?category_id=3

[Augie]

There are lots of cheaper one-unit lids, sometimes sold in bulk. If anybody has any input on those, I would love to hear it. I’ve been afraid to try them.

I've purchased a lot of bulk lids over the years. The lids sold at the nearby Amish grocery look like Ball lids without the printed logo. They are heavy and work well. I wish I knew the brand name.

The bulk lids I've purchased on Amazon aren't so great. They are seal well, but they're lightweight and aren't going to last. A couple days ago I opened a can of tomato juice from '22. There was a small rust spot starting to form on the bottom side of the lid. I won't buy any more of those. It's better to pay a bit more for lids that will last.