How to Beat the High Cost of Canning Lids
Stocking up on canning supplies usually means spending money initially that you'll recoup over time by reducing your expenses at the grocery store. You'll re-use canning jars and the screw-on bands that secure the lids, but experts recommend that you don't try to re-use canning lids. Buying new lids every year is typically the single biggest cost homemakers face. Advance planning and careful shopping can help any frugal homemaker beat the high cost of canning lids. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Keep track of the per-unit cost of canning lids in your area. To calculate per-unit cost, divide the cost of a box of canning jar lids by the number in the box.
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Comparison shop from store to store to find the best deal. Prices may vary depending on where you live and when you're seeking to buy canning lids.
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Acquire your canning lids in bulk, keeping an ample supply on hand to last several years. Buying in large quantities will almost always reduce the per-unit cost. Most canning lids are sold in boxes of 12 lids. You usually can save several dollars by buying a case of six or more boxes.
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Shop for your canning supplies in the off-season when demand for canning items is down. Many stores will move canning supplies to clearance racks at deep discounts in late fall and early winter.
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Buy your canning lids separately from your canning screw bands. You'll re-use the screw bands but not the lids. Buying the items together costs more and results in an excess of screw bands.
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Check eBay, Craigslist, Freecycle and other online shopping outlets regularly for canning supplies. You can often find boxes of unused canning lids at a discount on these sites.
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Study garage and estate sale ads for local household and kitchenware goods sales. People who've given up canning or are selling grandma's estate items often will sell canning items in large quantities.
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Store your unused canning lids in separate boxes or containers from your used lids. Once used, canning lids lose their ability to hold an air-tight seal, which you need to keep your canned foods from becoming spoiled or contaminated.
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Tips & Warnings
If you plan to enter your canned goods in county fair or other competitions, be sure to check the rules regarding canning lids. Some fair organizations require a specific canning lid brand name.
When pre-washing new canning lids, use a soft cloth. Scratching the seal or underside of the canning lid can ruin its effectiveness.
Never re-use canning lids except for short-term refrigerated or frozen storage. Any lid lacking an airtight seal may result in spoiled food and illness.
References
- Photo Credit canned tomatoes image by Cinderella Morff from Fotolia.com
