Ball® Preserving Starter Pack

I bought this a month ago. It doesn't contain the magnetic lid lifter which probably would have completed this pack. The tongs used to lift the jars out of the water are a bit temperamental. I used it a couple of times and the heat from the water made the plastic skew at the end of the jar lifter and the holders fell off. Probably wouldn't purchase again.

I used this for the first time when making strawberry jam last week. I did watch the video on the Ball web site which gives a few extra useful tips. All my jars sealed perfectly. I removed the rings as advised but wonder if I should replace them on the jars being given as gifts to give people a way of closing the jars once they've broken the seal.

I bought the pack because I want to try proper water bath preserving, and I'm pleased with the contents. I haven't used it yet but the various components seem well made, and the jars look lovely. The air bubble remover tool has a clever gauge at one end to easily measure the headspace at the top of the filled jars. There's a leaflet in the box with three recipes, and then you are directed to a UK web address for further recipes, and here's the only disappointment: all the recipes on the website are in American cups! It's a shame that, for UK cooks, they haven't been converted into metric.

I bought this as wanted to venture into canning. The set is very good, excellent basket and the jars are attractive and a useful size. The funnel is good and helps stop drips on the outside of the jars and the magnetic lid lifter is also good. The only problem is the jar lifter, having used it 3 times, I noticed a shiney bit on the inside of the round area where the jars make contact. On closer inspection, the plastic coating has split. This will make it difficult if not impossible to safely grab hold of hot jars if the metal is in contact. I was very disappointed as Ball has good reputation.