What is your question?

Carol

Is there any reason I should stay away from the cheaper ones or go for the more expensive ones? Or is a canning element a canning element and disregard price?

I think you'll find some of the more expensive elements have heavier-duty struts to support the canner. This can be an issue if you're using a large canner fully loaded with perhaps two layers of pints. Or say a large fully loaded All-American. That's a lot of weight and you don't want the supports bending or giving way.

The main issue, of course, is whether an element is compatible with your brand of stove.

Personally, my first consideration would be return policy so if you discover the element isn't compatible or is flimsy, you can send it back.

Carol

Price isn't the primary factor. Whether or not it will work on your particular range is. Most stove brands have a canning element made specifically for them so you begin with stove brand name. Since part of the price is the brand name TM, you'll likely pay a bit more for them and the attached warranty, ability to return if it doesn't work, etc. rather than some generic model that may or may not work on your stove.

Beyond that the only real consideration is correct size and how well built, as in type of element supports it uses.

Dave

Hmmm - Carol types faster. :)

Check here for appropriate canning elements for your stove, call them if not sure if will fit your model. I've ordered plenty of appliance parts from them over the years, including my canning element - quite happy with their service and prices.

Here is a link that might be useful: Repair Clinic Example canning element