When it comes to home canning, there’s no room for compromise on quality. If you’re someone who values preserving food and ensuring it lasts throughout the year, choosing the right canning lids is crucial. I’ve been canning for several years now, and through trial and error, I’ve learned that not all canning lids are created equal. Recently, I came across Pur Canning Lids, and I decided to give them a try, drawn in by their lower price point. However, after using them extensively, I can honestly say that they fall short in several key areas. I’ll share my experience and insights about these lids, including their pros, cons, and maintenance tips, so you can make an informed decision about whether they’re right for you.
What Are Pur Canning Lids?
Pur Canning Lids are a brand of canning lids designed for sealing mason jars during the canning process. These lids are made of metal and are intended to create an airtight seal that preserves food for long-term storage. The lids are compatible with standard mason jars, making them a convenient choice for those who already have jars on hand. Pur Canning Lids are marketed as an affordable alternative to well-known brands like Ball or Kerr, making them attractive for budget-conscious home canners.
The lids feature a simple design, with a metal band that is used to secure the lid onto the jar during processing. They are advertised as being lightweight and easy to use, even for those new to canning. Pur Canning Lids are often praised for their affordability compared to other brands, allowing users to save money on large batches of home-canned goods.
However, despite their low price, many users report significant issues with Pur Canning Lids. Complaints include poor sealing performance, with some lids failing to properly seal jars, especially during the canning process. The metal used in these lids is thinner than more reputable brands, making them prone to denting, warping, and even rusting after prolonged use. These factors raise concerns about the safety of using Pur Canning Lids for long-term food storage, especially when canning acidic foods such as tomatoes or pickles. Because of these issues, many experienced canners opt for other more reliable brands for their preserving needs.
Tips for Using Canning Lids
If you’ve already purchased Pur Canning Lids and are determined to use them, there are a few tips that might help you get the most out of them. However, I’d be cautious about investing too much in these lids in the future.
- Inspect for Damage: Before using the lids, be sure to inspect each one carefully. Look for any dents, rust, or imperfections that could affect the seal. The thinner metal construction means that any damage will likely compromise the lid’s effectiveness.
- Use Fresh Lids for Each Batch: One thing I learned the hard way was that using lids more than once with these types of low-quality canning supplies is a gamble. Always use fresh lids with every batch, even if the lid appears to be in good condition.
- Proper Sealing: If you find that some of the lids aren’t sealing properly, you may need to adjust the process. Make sure you’re following the recommended guidelines for heating and preparing the jars. If that doesn’t help, it might be time to invest in higher-quality lids.
- Store Lids Properly: After each canning session, store the lids in a dry, cool place away from moisture. The metal is prone to rusting, so keeping them in optimal conditions will help prevent early deterioration.
Pros & Cons of Pur Canning Lids
Pros:
- Affordable: Pur Canning Lids are significantly cheaper than other reputable brands, making them an attractive option for those on a budget.
- Easy to Use: They fit standard mason jars and are straightforward to use for both beginners and experienced canners.
- Good for Short-Term Use: For quick, short-term storage, they can serve their purpose without breaking the bank.
- Lightweight: The thinner metal construction makes them lighter compared to other brands, which can be advantageous for some canning setups.
Cons:
- Poor Sealing Performance: A major issue with Pur Canning Lids is their failure to seal properly. Many users report the lids buckling or ballooning during the canning process.
- Thin Metal: The metal is thinner than other brands like Ball and Kerr, which makes them more prone to rusting, denting, and warping under pressure.
- Risk of Food Spoilage: Due to the inconsistent sealing, there is a higher risk of spoilage or contamination, especially for long-term storage.
- Not Ideal for Acidic Foods: Pur lids tend to corrode when used with acidic foods like tomatoes or pickles, affecting the safety of your preserved food.
- Not Durable: After repeated use, these lids can deteriorate faster than other high-quality alternatives, leading to wasted time and money.
Also Read: My Thoughts On Lodge Vs. Cuisinart Dutch Oven
Pur Canning Lids Vs. Other Brands
- Pur Canning Lids Vs. Ball Canning Lids
Pur Canning Lids may be an affordable option, but when compared to Ball Canning Lids, they fall short in terms of performance and reliability. Ball lids are renowned for their ability to maintain a tight seal, ensuring food stays fresh for long-term storage. Ball lids are made with thicker metal, which prevents buckling, rusting, and denting, even during high-pressure canning. Pur lids, on the other hand, often experience sealing issues, especially when subjected to heat. The thinner metal construction of Pur lids also makes them more prone to rust and damage over time. While Pur lids may be cheaper upfront, investing in Ball lids is a smarter choice for those seeking secure, long-lasting seals.
- Pur Canning Lids Vs. Kerr Canning Lids
Kerr Canning Lids are another staple in the canning community, offering superior performance compared to Pur Canning Lids. Like Ball, Kerr lids are known for their durable construction and excellent sealing capabilities. The metal used in Kerr lids is thicker and more resistant to damage, ensuring a more reliable seal throughout the canning process. In contrast, Pur lids often fail to seal properly, with some even buckling during the canning process. While Kerr lids are slightly more expensive than Pur, the added cost is well worth it for those who value safe food preservation and long-term storage. Pur lids, while affordable, simply don’t provide the same level of reliability.
- Pur Canning Lids Vs. Tattler Reusable Canning Lids
Tattler Reusable Canning Lids offer an eco-friendly alternative to traditional metal lids, unlike Pur Canning Lids, which are designed for single-use. Tattler lids are made from BPA-free plastic and include rubber gaskets, making them reusable for multiple canning seasons. This makes them a great choice for sustainability-conscious canners. While Pur lids are affordable, they are made from thinner metal and often suffer from sealing issues and rusting. Tattler lids, on the other hand, are much more durable and offer consistent sealing performance when used properly. If you’re looking for a long-term, eco-friendly canning solution, Tattler lids are a much better option than Pur Canning Lids.
- Pur Canning Lids Vs. Harvest Guard Canning Lids
Harvest Guard Canning Lids are another reusable option that outperforms Pur Canning Lids in terms of sealing and durability. Unlike Pur lids, which often buckle or fail to seal, Harvest Guard lids feature a unique silicone gasket that ensures a tight, reliable seal every time. These lids are designed for both water bath and pressure canning, making them versatile for all types of canning methods. Pur lids, however, are made from thinner metal and have a tendency to rust and corrode, especially when used with acidic foods. While Harvest Guard lids are a bit pricier upfront, they offer long-term value and reliability, making them a better choice for serious canners.
- Pur Canning Lids Vs. Golden Harvest Canning Lids
Golden Harvest Canning Lids are another trusted brand in the canning community, offering durability and excellent sealing performance that Pur Canning Lids fail to provide. Golden Harvest lids are constructed with thicker metal, which prevents them from warping or denting during the canning process. They are also designed to form a reliable vacuum seal, which is crucial for preserving food properly. In contrast, Pur lids often fail to seal and are prone to rust and deterioration. While Golden Harvest lids may cost a little more, the investment is worth it for their superior performance and long-lasting durability. Pur lids, on the other hand, are more prone to damage, making them a less reliable option overall.
Also Read: My Thoughts On Miele Vs. Bosch Induction Cooktops
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Pur Canning Lids are manufactured by Pur Health Group LLC, a company that specializes in a variety of home goods and products, including canning lids. However, based on my experience and feedback from other users, their canning lids seem to fall short of expectations in terms of quality.
Yes, Pur Canning Lids are designed to fit standard canning jars, including those made by Ball. However, the fit may not always be as snug or reliable as you’d get with Ball’s own lids, and I’ve had issues with the lids not sealing properly during canning.
Some of the older, traditional canning lid brands are being discontinued or phased out due to the rise in more cost-effective alternatives. However, companies like Ball and Kerr continue to lead the market in terms of high-quality canning lids that are reliable and widely available.
There can be several reasons why new canning lids aren’t sealing. One common reason is using low-quality lids, like Pur Canning Lids, which may not form a proper vacuum seal due to the thin metal or faulty construction. Another reason could be improper sealing techniques or improper jar preparation before processing. Always inspect the lids, check the sealing surface, and ensure you’re following the correct canning procedures.
Final Thoughts
After using Pur Canning Lids, I cannot recommend them for serious canners or those who value long-term food storage. While they may save you some money upfront, the risk of seal failure, rusting, and denting makes them a poor investment in the long run. If you’re looking to preserve food safely and effectively, I suggest opting for trusted brands like Ball or Kerr that offer superior quality, reliability, and security for your home canning needs. Your time, effort, and food are too valuable to risk using inferior products like Pur Canning Lids.
