re: Releasing Bubbles when Canning

Something I use is a plastic "stick" (for lack of better words!) to loosen air pockets/bubbles in my bottles as I am filling them. I pour the liquid aprox 3/4 up bottle (over veggies being pickled) & gently slide it down several times to loosen any air pockets. Check again after filling your bottles as high as you think they should be. You will be surprised how many times you have to add more liquid after releasing the "hidden" air the 2nd time. You can purchase where you purchase your canning supplies or you can use the plastic handle of a spatula-like I used to do, however, these plastic bubble release tools are only a couple $$ & well worth it.
I never used anything to check the levels - just followed the recipes.

Good Luck!
Kathy