Comparing Weck and Ball Canning Systems

The information in this video compares canning with Weck jars to canning with Ball jars on the characteristics of aesthetics, documentation efficacy, efficiency, and cost. While we recommend doing your own research on Weck jars, the information here will help steer you in the right direction.
RoseRed Homestead Book Store: payhip.com/roseredhomestead
Website: www.roseredhomestead.com
Amazon Store: roseredhomestead.com/amazon-s...
RoseRed Homestead Channel: / @roseredhomestead
Trail Grazers Channel: / @trailgrazers3690
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.

[@kelly_cat3165]

I have lived in Germany for over 30 years and use both Weck and Ball jars for water bath canning. There is indeed a trusted source for using WECK products and that is the company Weck itself. They have official, extensive documentation for use of the products, but it is of course in German ;). A lot of the cons you described are only due to the fact that you use the WECK jars as you would Ball jars... the water bath canners in Germany are much larger here and can hold up to 14 (fourteen!) 1 liter jars. The water level is always only 2/3 of the height of the tallest jar, but you can stack the jars in the canner. Here they don’t pressure can, but only use the water bath method, even for meats. For the newer “Rundrand” jars, which I recognize in your video, you do not leave any headspace. That was only necessary with the older model which had a somewhat domed lid. These are just a few differences. Both jar types have their advantages and when used correctly, both give great results. By the way, the rubber rings are indeed meant to be used again and again. Weck recommends to inspect them before use to make sure that they have no tears and are still pliable, especially if they are old. Before each use, boil them in water with a dash of vinegar for 2-3 minutes.

[@patricacompton9603]

Not to sound like a smart aleck, but you do realize there are Kerr and Mason canning jars that some of us use as well as ball. You never mention them at all, why?

[@dmarcouxbeatty374]

I live in Germany right now but I have lived all over the world. I use whatever jar services my purpose and is safe.

[@TheKneadyHomesteader]

This is one of the best videos on canning and comparing the two systems that I have seen. I am so happy I found your channel!

[@jocelynrobertson6387]

Everything old is new again? I remember how excited we were when the metal lids came out and we didn't have to mess with the glass lids and rubber lids any more.

[@honeyy79]

Weck should really look at this video to make improvements!

[@judycowling7069]

Wow your ball jars are cheap . Hard to get them in Australia . We randomly get kilner and I just bought them on special and it is 6 for $21.95 and seeing that I bought 4 packs I got postage free . I have been told that Kline now is made in China so I have to just grin and bear it . I would rather have some not the best jars and hope no lead comes out than have no food at all Judy from Maclean NSW

[@paulgrant5349]

in the UK Weck 545 ml (Just over 1lb) cost £1.77 each Ball 1lb jars cost £2.95 therefore here in Europe it is much cheaper to use Weck jars.

[@junezimmerman6279]

I agree 100%. Do not listen to the babble🥴

[@rkr5106]

Decades ago US canning processes also involved separate rubber gaskets, before the innovative use of rubber-applied-to -the lids themselves. We are in our 80s and barely remember our folks using those early lids-w/o-sealing gaskets. The Weck jar system looks visually appealing but we like the fact that it's easier to discern if a lid is 'sealed' or not with the US jars. You did a sort of Apples & Oranges thought - while tapping on the Ball lids to show their sealed condition, you didn't mention testing the Weck jars & seals. As it's virtually impossible to know if they're still sealed (in a vacuum) I'm not convinced about using that brand to pressure or water bath.

[@YvonneLarsen]

I used to get the same failures you are getting occasionally on my weck's. I have (grumble) started using four clips and have not had a single seal bulge failure since. My thought was this: my failures were always between the two longer sides (i was taught to make almost a peace symbol. not equilateral triangle which i always thought was the way one should go.). Anyhow I have started using four, a bit of a pain yes, but have had zero bulges in the last 20 or so pressure runs.

[@emmapochard5159]

Hi, European canner here. I found your video while I was researching the 2 different school of home preserving (North America VS Europe). I am not a scientist, I just tried to look into the 2 vastly different process and try to get a safe canning practice base on safe information. And if I am teaching you to suck egg, disregard that very long rant of a jealous European canner.

[@abcdfg3958]

My grandparents here in Holland use the weck gaskets till you could see dry cracks when you pull them.

[@PaulsRuleofThumb]

So much amazing information.. thank you for taking the time to share this with us!😉👍

[@jillbiggs4629]

Wow, I wished you could have been my teacher back in school. I love the way you explane things and make it understandable. Love your videos!!

[@heidefries1825]

I appreciate the level of detail and preparation you put into your videos ... thanks!!!

[@thefirstnoob5577]

I love seeing all my jars of home canned goods also. It makes me happy to know I did all that work and I know what ingredients and the quality of those ingredients that are in each jar.

[@hilaryboyd8594]

You can reuse your gaskets as long as they aren’t cracked and are in good condition. That’s one of the reason I like them so much! I also use the USDA cook times and just add a little time. Love your videos. Wonderful information.

[@farmerandadeleacres2726]

Thank you for all of the work you do yo try and get the best information out to everyone. Loving your channel ❤️

[@MommaT1970]

Thank you so much for the information. I’m a new canner, just collecting supplies as I can find them and hope to begin soon. I love to research, and very much appreciate you sharing.