Accueil How to use the metal closure of Le Parfait jars: complete instructions
Accueil How to use the metal closure of Le Parfait jars: complete instructions

How to use the metal closure of Le Parfait jars: complete instructions

I love Le Parfait jars: thick glass, retro design, French quality, and especially that metal closure—frame or rim—that ensures a watertight seal. But for this system to work perfectly, there are specific steps you need to know. In this article, I'll guide you step by step through how to properly use, maintain, and replace the metal closure on your Le Parfait jars, and ensure the preservation of your food.

1. What is the Le Parfait metal closure?

  • The system consists of a glass jar , a glass lid (in the Super range), a rubber gasket (typical orange in the Super range), and a metal frame (frame or hoop) which acts as a lever/brake to keep the lid tightly closed.

  • The seal is compressed between the rim of the jar and the lid when the metal frame is closed. It is this compression + the vacuum generated after heat treatment that ensures the seal.

2. Steps to properly close a jar with a metal closure

Here's how to do it:

Stage

What to do

Preparation

Check that the jar, the rim of the glass, the lid, and the seal are clean, without chips or dust. Use a new seal if necessary.

Joint position

Place the rubber seal on the inside edge of the lid, making sure it fits snugly, without any creases.

Filling

Fill the jar with the hot mixture according to the recipe. Leave a space (air gap) as recommended (often a few millimeters below the rim) to allow the liquid to expand.

Temporary closure

Place the lid on, then close the metal frame (the hoop). The mechanism must be engaged properly so that the pressure is uniform.

Thermal treatment

Sterilization, water bath, or treatment according to your recipe: this creates a vacuum. The water must cover the jars and respect the time and temperature indicated.

3. Check that the closure is watertight

After letting it cool:

  • Gently try to unlock the metal frame (open the mechanism): if the cover remains “stuck”, it means that the vacuum has been created correctly.

  • If the lid does not stay stuck, this is a sign of a problem: defective seal, incorrect filling, insufficient heat treatment, dirty or incompatible rim of the jar. You will need to check these elements and, if necessary, start again with a new seal.

4. Maintenance and replacement of the metal closure

  • Clean all parts (glass + seal + frame) by hand or in the dishwasher depending on use, but avoid shocks or abrasive products.

  • The seal: must be replaced regularly. Even if it appears intact, aging of the rubber, deformations linked to heat or humidity can alter the seal.

  • The metal frame: check that it is not rusted, that it bends properly, and that the spring or joints are not loose. If it is damaged, there are spare parts available to replace it.

5. Common mistakes to avoid

Here's what I've seen often that can compromise the metal closure:

  • Using a worn or poorly positioned seal

  • Not cleaning the rim of the jar well or leaving dirt under the seal

  • Failure to respect the filling level: too low → poorly vacuumed; too high → overflow or incorrectly compressed seal

  • Do not perform heat treatment or sterilization according to the required time/temperature

  • Open the jar while it is still hot → thermal shock and loss of vacuum

  • Exposing the jar to humid cycles without drying → corrosion of the frame if it is not stainless steel or maintained

6. Variant: types of metal closures Le Parfait

Le Parfait offers different types:

  • Super range : metal frame + rubber seal + glass lid. “Stainless steel frame jar” shape or galvanized wire depending on the model.
  • Familia Wiss Terrines : Use metal capsules with a specific seal. The closure is slightly different, but the vacuum principle remains the same.

7. Useful tips

  • Use a washer puller to make opening easier: this allows air to be introduced without forcing.
  • Test the seal with cold water after cooling: if water passes around the lid when you unlock the frame, the seal was not good.
  • Store jars upright in a cool, dry, dark place. Label with the canning date.

The metal closure (frame, strap) of Le Parfait jars is an ingenious, durable system, perfectly suited to home canning. When you master the right techniques—properly positioned seal, maintenance, and vacuum check—it's easy and reliable to use. With these steps and tips, you'll be able to safely and confidently preserve fruits, vegetables, sauces, or homemade dishes.

The entire Le Parfait range, as well as the Le Pratique jars, are available here !

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