How Do I Know If My Jars Have Sealed?

With the many different types of canning lids on the market today, it is getting more and more difficult to tell if they have sealed after processing. Here are some tips to help.

Any products we mention or show on our videos have been purchased with our own money and are recommended or not based on our own experience.

[covenof]

Interesting! I always just try to pick it up by the edge of the lid. I learned this after a couple of false seals which had just enough vacuum to bring the “bubble” down but were not actually properly sealed, and in a few days the air came back in and the lids detached. Not sure what caused that, but ever since, I’ve been using my fingertips or even nails to pick the jar up a couple inches off the table top, and this test has never failed me. Thought I’d share for Deaf & HoH viewers as another option :)

[vbachman]

Thank you for responding to my question! I will use the "tone" method in the future to confirm that my lids have sealed. I use Ball lids and the button on them is not actually down, it is flat. I can't wiggle them or take them off but was confused about the "button down" test everyone quotes. I am relieved to know the days I've spent canning have not been wasted. You are my go-to authority for all thon3gs canning. Thsnk you again.

[HappyBirdsGlitterNest]

This was very informative! Thank you so much!

[jaxxon]

Oh, my goodness, I found this video just in time! I canned my first batches of raw pack chicken, ground beef, and salsa verde and now I am panicking as to whether or not they have all properly sealed. I did the "lift" test by picking up the jars (gingerly) by the lids and none failed, but the "tap" test (with the fingernail) left me uncertain, not knowing the difference between a proper and failed seal. The Spoons have it! I am forever grateful. Thank you, Pam & Jim! 💋

[gwalsh]

Thank goodness for this video! I just canned 5 pints of chicken, and 2 of the jars had a false seal. Hubby got these jars at a yard sale with no lids or screw bands. The brands are "Mom's Mason Jars" with an image of a grandma, and "Mason Jar" with an image of a star. Never heard of these two brands; the jars were older but seemed to be nick-free and in good shape. I washed them, ran them through the dishwasher, and heated them in boiling water before use. I filled the jars and used brand-new "Ball" lids plus screw-bands I had on hand. After processing and cooling, the 'button' on Jar #1's lid was clearly up & the lid was loose, so I immediately put a screw band back on it & put it in the fridge. A few minutes later, Jar #2 suddenly lost it's seal, so I put it in the fridge with Jar #1. A couple of hours later I pulled both jars out of the fridge (both had lids + screw bands on) --- both 'buttons' were down, lids looked & felt sealed! My suspicions were aroused and I found Pam's video. I tested every single jar of meat I've canned this month using the spoon & sound method. Sure enough, the two jars in question sounded a hollow 'thunk/thud' while the other jars sounded a higher pitched, musical 'clink'. I have no idea what happened; I'm just grateful for good instincts coupled with this straightforward video.

[lynpat]

Please write a book that encapsulates most or all the methods and terms you’re using such as the caterpillar in bread making. Perhaps include books and sources where you found your info so others can go there and learn about the topic after done watching your videos. Your creativity and ability to help others comprehend whatever you’re teaching is superb.
Thank you for all you do!🌹

[annmarie]

Thank you! I’m going to tap every jar I have recently canned because I was wondering the same thing being a newbie pressure canner!

[Redeleiser]

Off course the empty jar sounds different, because it’s empty.

[amaineac]

Sounds like a drum NOT Sealed Has that ringing sound SEALED.

[bubs]

I’m new to this, just did 10 jars of blackberry jam from blackberries in back yard and they all sound like these, with the lid caved in so
I did it right!

[craigelmereugene]

Thank you, just finished my first time canning anything, made some salsa, I heard 3 of them pop so far, not sure if I missed the others popping? But will use that method to check them in a couple hours

[brookehamilton]

Is there a way to seal the lids after you found out they weren’t properly sealed. I just canned 13 cans of jelly and they’re still cooling. So far only half of them have popped but it’s possible I missed the sound. Can I throw them back in the water to can or is it too late and they must be resealed?

[tinamariedanke]

I'm a fifty-year-old woman that watched her grandmother and her great-grandmother can while growing up :-) I just started teaching myself how to can :-) I had a question about the Mason lids and twisting them, and when I posed that question, it took me to this micro video :-) I felt this was awesome and so helpful :-) you have a new subscriber :-)

[MaryWehmeier]

Great teaching moment. I'm going to send people over to watch this. I do what you've done, as well as pick up the jar by the ring-less lid. Between the two you'd covered. Thank you!

[dminarsch]

The more I watch your videos, the more I appreciate your videos. While I watch many canning videos from different folk, you are my ultimate go-to for the obvious reasons. Thank you for your thorough lessons.

[russellwood]

I haven’t started canning yet in a couple of days I’m going out to the farm to pick up some fresh produce from the farmer I have gotten myself a water bath canner a couple of recipe books and a pressure canner so I’m going to give it a go. This video was immensely helpful to some city bloke who knows absolutely nothing about canning thank you very much…..

[convoswithtoya]

THANK YOU!!!!
I’m ready to start my first canning batch of hamburger meat but this was one of the questions I needed an answer to. I definitely didn’t want to do my first cans of hamburger and all of them be contaminated due to botulism.🤢🤮🤢. Thank you! Very informative video!😊😊😊

[teresaharrell]

Thank you for this info. This is my first experience with canning with my sister as my teacher. We are having a difficult time also. I am even brave enough to try pressure canning. Your videos have taught me a great deal. I am grateful to have such a resource.

[sabrinabruinsma]

I am new to canning and have watched several of your videos. Thank you so much for such in-depth information! I canned peaches and pickles a few weeks back and tested the seal by pressing on the lid before 12 hours had passed. I didn't realize you shouldn't test the seal so early. Using the spoon test today the seal seems good, but I'm wondering if it's possible to create a false seal by pressing on the lids when the jars are still hot. I havent been able to find an answer anywhere and wanted to see if you might know. I also stored the jars without the ring.

[lechatbotte.]

There are lots of companies that produce lids. Many I’ve used have the button. Ball isn’t as reliable as they used to be. Many youtubers have done video on this issue but not as thorough as yours. Thank you for this. I’m moving away from canning except for small loads and water bath. I like the freeze drying idea. My dehydrating experiences seem to be so hit and miss and more labor intensive. Thank you