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Although bottling a beer is the best and low-cost method of conditioning and storing it, it can be a big hassle if you don’t have the right tools. In this review, I will help you identify the best bottle capper for home brewing.
Contents
My Top Bottle Capper for Home Brewing Review
The best bottle capper will help you cap bottles of varying sizes without using too much energy. These are some of the best hand and bench bottle cappers available in the market right now.
FastRack Colt Bench Capper
If you are looking for a sturdy and durable bottle capper, then the FastRack Colt Bench Capper might be the best option for you.
Unlike the Red Baron bottle Capper this bottle Capper is built or an industrial-grade still making it suitable for both home and commercial bottle capping tasks. Unlike the Brooklyn Brew Shop Bottle Capper, this bottle capper is specifically designed for mounting on a flat surface.
This gives this bottle capper flexibility to be used as a standalone unit or to be mounted on a tabletop or a brewing bench. It is adjustable, giving you the flexibility to use it with all bottle sizes ranging from 3 inches to 14 inches tall.
When it comes to capping the bottles, this bottle capper comes with a pull lever handle that allows you to easily seal all glass bottles, especially those with 26 mm crown caps. However, it is the heaviest on my list and unsuitable for carrying around when capping bottles.
Pros
- It is adjustable allowing you to use different sizes of bottles ranging from 3 inches to 14 inches.
- The pull lever handle allows easy sealing of all glass bottles.
Cons
- It is the heaviest on my list making it and suitable for carrying around when capping bottles.
- Unlike the Red Baron Bottle Capper, it takes much space, making it unsuitable for brewers without a brewing station.
- Reinforced bench capper
- Easily adjust height for different size bottles
- Lever-type action
FastRack Ferrari Super Agata Capper
The FastRack Ferrari Super Agata Capper is the best option if you want to upgrade from a hand bottle capper to a bench bottle capper that will allow you to bottle more than 5 gallons of beer per day.
Also, this bottle capper doesn’t leave a dimple on the bottle cap, making it suitable for printed bottle caps. Like the FastRack Colt Bench Capper, this bottle caper is adjustable, and you can use it with varying bottle sizes including the champagne, 375 ml, and 750 ml bottles.
Like the G Francis Manual Bottle Capper, the Fast Ferrari Super Agata Capper comes with a magnet for holding the bottle caps in place when capping, and so you don’t have to worry about the bottle caps falling off.
Although it is designed for use with 26 mm crown caps, equipping it with a bell housing adaptor allows it to handle larger bottle caps of up to 29 mm. However, the plastic piece around the bell housing can break if you use too much force.
Pros
- The lack of dimple on the bottle cap makes it convenient for printed bottle caps.
- The bell housing adaptor allows handling larger bottle caps.
Cons
- The plastic piece around the bell housing is breakable when subjected to too much force.
- It is the second heaviest on my list, making it unsuitable for carrying around when capping.
- Easy to adjust for different size bottles
- Caps bottles quickly, cleanly, and accurately
- Has a magnetic Bell to hold cap in place
G Francis Manual Bottle Capper
If you want a bottle capper that will make it easier and quicker to cap your beer bottles, then go for the G Francis Manual Bottle Capper. This bottle capper features a comfortable plastic gripping which allows you to use it for an extended time without your hand aching.
Like the Red Baron Bottle Capper, this bottle capper comes with a magnet that helps to hold the bottle caps in place when capping. Once the bottle and the cap are in alignment, you only need to press the twin lever handle to tighten the capper’s grip.
Unlike the Red Baron Bottle Capper, this bottle capper is built of tempered steel which ensures durability and longevity regardless of the force you are using. Even with this sturdy construction, this bottle cover weighs 0.64 pounds, which is the most lightweight on my list.
This lightweight nature makes it convenient for carrying out when capping bottles. However, this bottle capper only works with bottles that have a lip on the neck below where the cap goes.
Pros
- The plastic gripping allows usage for a prolonged period without hurting your hands.
- The lightweight nature ensures convenient carrying when capping bottles.
Cons
- This bottle capper only works with bottles that have a lip.
- Unlike the FastRack Colt Bench Capper, you can’t use it to cap large bottle sizes.
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Red Baron Bottle Capper
The Red Baron Bottle Capper is one of the most widely used bottle cappers by homebrewers because of its ease of use. Although this capper comes with a plastic body, the plastic is sturdy enough and will serve you for years without breaking.
This bottle capper comes with long handles, which allow you to cap the bottle without using too much energy. Even with the long handles, this bottle capper has the smallest form factor on my list, making it easier to store.
However, the bulky shape makes storage look awkward. When it comes to capping, you only need to place the caps into the device’s magnet slots, align over the bottle and then squeeze the wings.
This self-explanatory bottle-capping operation makes this bottle capper the best option for beginners. However, the capping process might be tiring and time-consuming considering you will be using your hands, unlike the FastRack Colt Strong Bench Capper.
Pros
- It has the smallest form factor on my list, making it easier to store and carry around when capping.
- It’s constructed of sturdy plastic which ensures durability and reliability.
- The longer handles allow capping with less effort.
Cons
- Unlike the FastRack Ferrari Super Agata Capper, it makes the capping process tiring and time-consuming.
- It has a bulky shape that makes storage awkward.
- Emily Plastic Wing Capper
- Model Number: LDC 4016
- Item Package Dimension: 7.199999992656" L x 6.699999993166" W x 2.399999997552" H
Brooklyn Brew Shop Bottle Capper
If you want to avoid any surprise and enjoy a sturdy bottle capper, then go for the Brooklyn Brew Shop Bottle Capper which comes with 50 caps. These free caps allow you to test the functionality of this bottle capper instead of testing with the caps you have bought.
This bottle capper is easy to use, and you won’t need an instructional manual even if you are a beginner. Unlike the Red Baron Bottle Capper, this bottle capper is constructed of steel and tin, making it sturdy and durable.
It is flexible enough to cap bottles of varying sizes which improves its overall versatility. However, the bottle caps might stick after crimping, causing inconveniences.
This bottle capper comes with dimensions of 8.03 x 7.48 x 2.6 inches which is compact enough to handle and store without problems.
However, this bottle capper weighs 1.41 pounds, which is 0.77 pounds heavier than the G Francis Manual Bottle Capper, making it unsuitable for carrying around when capping.
Pros
- Its construction makes it durable and sturdy.
- Its flexibility allows it to capper different sizes of bottles, enhancing versatility.
- Its compact nature enhances handling and storage.
Cons
- The bottle cappers may cause inconveniences considering they stick after crimping.
- It’s 0.77 pounds heavier than the G Francis Manual Bottle Capper, making it unsuitable for carrying around during capping.
- Manufacturer: Brooklyn Brew Shop; Includes: Bottle capper
- Material: Tin
- steel; Care: Hand wash only; Dimensions: 7" x 2" x 8"
Features to Consider for the Best Bottle Capper
Bottle cappers come in varying types, sizes, and build quality, and some will suit homebrewing more than others. Here are some of the features I should consider when choosing a bottle capper. Additionally, the table below highlights some of the most critical features to look for.
| Product | Type | Material | Weight (Pounds) | Dimensions (Inches) |
| Red Baron Bottle Capper | Hand Capper | Plastic | 1.01 | 6 x 3 x 8 |
| G Francis Manual Bottle Capper. | Hand Capper | Steel, Plastic | 0.64 | 18 x3.8 x 2.5 |
| Brooklyn Brew Shop Bottle Capper | Hand Capper | Steel, Tin | 1.41 | 8.03 x 7.48 x 2.6 |
| FastRack Colt Bench Capper | Bench Capper | Steel, Plastic | 4.85 | 22 x 8.5 x 8.25 |
| FastRack Ferrari Super Agata Capper | Bench Capper | Plastic | 2.51 | 6.6 x 8.75 x 19.75 |
Type
Bottle cappers come in two types, the bench type, and the hand type. The bench cappers are mounted on a bench or a table semi-permanently and will allow you to cap the bottles by loading the bottle cap into the bell. With the bottle cap placed underneath, pulling the handle down seals the bottle.
On the other hand, hand bottle cappers come with handles in a wing shape and are much more portable than bench cappers. They are also more tiring and time-consuming than the bench bottle capper. The advantage is that they’re less expensive compared to the bench bottle cappers.
That means that hand bottle cappers are a great choice for homebrewers who only brew once or twice a year. They are also a great option for beginners who are on a tight budget. However, if you tend to brew large batches of beer, it’s advisable to invest in a bench bottle capper such as the FastRack Ferrari Super Agata Capper.
Space
Before deciding on which bottle capper to purchase, you should consider the space it is going to take on your working bench and during storage. Typically, a bench bottle capper tends to be larger than a hand bottle capper because it is designed to be mounted on a tabletop or a bench.
Although you can use bench bottle cappers as stand-alone units, they still take much more space than their hand bottle capper counterparts. However, it is easier to use a hand bottle capper than using a bench bottle capper as a standalone unit.
It is therefore advisable to go for a bench bottle capper if you have a homebrew bottling station in your basement or garage. Such a setup will make bottling using a bench bottle capper much quicker and smoother.
If you have limited space, then consider going for a compact hand bottle capper such as the Brooklyn Brew Shop Bottle Capper.
Number of Bottles
It is important to consider the number of bottles you’re capping. If you own a brewing business where you deal with a large number of bottles every day, you should consider adding more bench bottle cappers instead of employing many workers who will be using hand cappers.
Oxygen is the worst enemy after your beer has undergone complete fermentation. You will therefore need to cap your bottles of beer as fast and efficiently as possible to avoid oxidation which may spoil your beer.
If you want to cap a large number of bottles within a short time, the FastRack Colt Bench Capper is the best option. This capper allows is fast and efficient, unlike a hand capper which can be time-consuming and exhausting.
Quality of the Bottle Capper
The build quality is one of the most important features to consider when choosing a bottle capper. Typically, you will want a bottle capper that can serve you for years without breaking. Bottle cappers constructed of steel such as the G Francis Manual Bottle Capper are durable and reliable.
Also, bottle cappers constructed of steel and tin blend such as the Brooklyn Brew Shop Bottle Capper are sturdy and will serve you for years without breaking. Keep in mind that some of the bottle cappers constructed of steel feature plastic parts that might break and make them useless.
Besides, the build quality of the bottle capper should allow it to work with minimal energy. Ensure the magnet is strong enough to hold the bottle caps in place when capping. The handle grippings should be comfortable in a way you can use the bottle capper for an extended time without your hands aching.
Mechanism of Operation
Whether you are a beginner or an experienced homebrewer, you will want a bottle capper that is easy to operate. Some bottle cappers such as the Brooklyn Brew Shop Bottle Capper are easy to use, and you don’t even require an instructional manual.
Apart from the ease of use, you will want a bottle capping mechanism that you can adjust to accommodate varying bottle sizes. For instance, the FastRack Ferrari Super Agata Capper is highly adjustable, and you can even equip it with a bell housing adapter if you want to use bottle caps of up to 29 mm.
Closure’s Tolerance
The tolerance of a hand capper depends on the thickness, shape, diameter, height, and size of the closure. That means that the tolerance of the machine should match the closure tolerance. Besides, the tolerance affects the torque force or the number of twists required to finish one capping.
It is therefore advisable to choose a machine that will induce minimal torque force on the bottle caps such as the FastRack Colt Bench Capper. With such a machine, you can be able to cap many bottles at the same time.
Cleaning
When shopping for a bottle capper, you will want one that you can clean and sterilize easily. Bottle cappers come with moving parts that might require lubrication.
Typically, it’s easier to clean off the dirt, stains, and oils from bottle cappers made of steel such as the Brooklyn Brew Shop Bottle Capper than those made of plastic such as the Red Baron Bottle Capper.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do I Cap a Bottle?
Move the bottles you want to cap to the bench, and then position a sanitized cup on top of the bottle. Align the bottle capper over the bottle cap and then press the bottle capper levers. This will press the crown of the bottle cap, making it seal around the lip of the bottle.
Is a Bottle Cap Reusable?
Yes, you can reuse bottle caps if they are not deformed. You only need to sterilize them adequately before reusing them during the first removal. Also, some bottle caps are specifically designed for multiple uses, and so you won’t have any problem reusing them.
Is It Possible to Bottle Cap a Twist-off Bottle?
Yes, it is possible to use a standard style crown cap on a twist-off bottle, and so you don’t have to keep looking for a special twist-off crown. However, you will need to use benchtop cappers such as the FastRack Colt Bench Capper when bottling a twist-off bottle because they don’t grip the ring.
Which Is the Best Bottle Capper?
If you have a few bottles to cap or your space is limited, you should consider going for a hand bottle capper. The Red Baron Bottle Capper is the best and most durable hand bottle capper on my list.
On the other hand, if you are bottling regularly and you want to make your bottling work easier, then go for a bench capper such as the FastRack Colt Bench Capper.
Conclusion
Both the bench and hand bottle cappers are great options when it comes to bottle capping. Although the best bottle capper to go for will depend on the budget, the number of bottles you want to cap per day, and space, you can’t go with any of the above options.
