How does bench capper work?

Answered by James Porterfield

The bench capper is an essential tool for homebrewers and craft enthusiasts who want to bottle their beer and maintain its freshness. It is a simple yet effective device that allows you to securely cap your beer bottles, creating an airtight seal that keeps the carbonation intact.

To use a bench capper, you start by placing a bottle of beer into the capper. The bottle should be clean and free from any debris or residue. It's important to ensure that the bottle is the correct size for the cap you will be using.

Next, you take a cap and place it on top of the bottle. The cap should be made of a material that is suitable for bottle capping, such as metal or plastic. It should also be compatible with the capper you are using. It's always a good idea to have extra caps on hand in case any are damaged or misplaced during the capping process.

Once the cap is in place, you position the bottle and cap under the capping mechanism. The bench capper typically has a lever that you pull down to crimp the cap's edges around the bottle's lip. This action creates a tight and secure seal, preventing any air from entering or escaping the bottle.

As you pull down on the lever, the capper exerts pressure on the cap, bending and sealing it tightly onto the bottle. It's important to apply enough pressure to ensure a proper seal but not too much that it damages the cap or bottle. Finding the right balance takes a bit of practice, but you'll quickly get the hang of it.

One of the advantages of using a bench capper is that it provides a consistent and reliable method of capping bottles. This is especially important for homebrewers who want to maintain the quality and freshness of their beer. A properly capped bottle will keep the carbonation levels intact, preventing any loss of bubbles and ensuring a delightful drinking experience.

In addition to capping beer bottles, a bench capper can also be used for other beverages like or . The process is essentially the same, regardless of the liquid being bottled.

Using a bench capper can be a satisfying and rewarding part of the homebrewing process. It allows you to take control of your beer's packaging and ensure that each bottle is properly sealed. It's also a great way to personalize your beer by adding custom caps with your own logo or design.

A bench capper is a straightforward and efficient tool for capping beer bottles. By following the steps of placing the bottle, adding a cap, and pulling down the lever, you can create an airtight seal that preserves the carbonation and freshness of your homebrewed beer. So, if you're a passionate brewer looking to bottle your creations, a bench capper is definitely worth investing in. Cheers!