Filling Methods For Beer Cans Easy Guide

[@GREEENZO]

Thanks David! I decided to get the Oktober Benchmk because it's the cheapest I was able to find, and it works great! Canning definitely isn't for everybody but it fits my needs better than bottling (main one is lots of friends and family live out of town and shipping cans is much less of a hassle), plus there's something novel and fun about cracking a can of homebrew open. Thanks! :)

[@DavidHeathHomebrew]

Great to hear, enjoy 🍻🍻

[@hofmann_25]

Hi David, great video. Do you think you could make a video of you actually canning? It all makes sense from your video but seeing you do it would be very beneficial. I think the community would be very grateful. Thank You. ✌️

[@DavidHeathHomebrew]

I will see what I can do there :)

[@hofmann_25]

@@DavidHeathHomebrew Ah your a legend David! 🤘

[@mikeestes3022]

Hey David - great video. We have the SS Brewtech Brite Tank. Will the beer gun work with this also? Second question - do you use the beer gun to purge AND fill? Thanks

[@DavidHeathHomebrew]

Thanks Mike, yes for transfer to bottles or cans it will. Yes both.

[@iudicium97]

KDVPM just randomly popped up as an ad on a random video here on youtube,.and i instantly recognized your voice. Very cool!

[@DavidHeathHomebrew]

Haha, yes! I was surprised when I was asked to do that :)

[@photokreso]

Hello David...is it possible to fill cans only with Bottle filler that i use for filling botlles from fermenter,like you said on this video on 2:49 min?? No need for CO2 if i use this way? Thanx

[@DavidHeathHomebrew]

By all means you can try it. No guarantees though.

[@mitchellprobert4979]

Hi David, Great video, I have recently purchased the cannular from Kegland and I have had a few attempts at canning. I bought the 500ml cans from kegland also. I have an issue with the taste of the beer, from my keg it tastes fine in a glass but from the can it tastes soapy, the cans were rinsed with stellar San prior. Any ideas on why this is the case. On every occasion this happens. It is very noticeable. Cheers mate

[@DavidHeathHomebrew]

Are you using a cleaner first and then rinsing with water before the san step?

[@mitchellprobert4979]

No just using the stellar San.

[@DavidHeathHomebrew]

I clean them also :)

[@sabrinap5686]

HI David, thanks for the video, can I use the same method canning iced tea?

[@DavidHeathHomebrew]

Sure, no problem there :)

[@williamolayabernal1123]

Thanks David for sharing your knowledge. One doubt, if you push the beer at a lower pressure than the carbonation (for example push at 3-5 psi from the keg, if you have a beer with 2.8 CO2 volumes at 4 ° C, it requires a pressure of 15.1 psi), don't you run the risk of having a flat beer in the can?. Thanks

[@DavidHeathHomebrew]

It is the co2 in the beer that matters. Cap on foam and all will be good.

[@raychard123]

Hi David what would be different if you were trying to fill a can with nitrogen for nitro cold brew. The same can with a widget used for guiness beer?

[@DavidHeathHomebrew]

Hi Richard, sorry but this is not something I have tried, so it is hard to advise on.

[@papilloncath6620]

Hi David Thank you for your video, I got a trouble. After process of keg carbonation by Co2 , I canned beer. When I open the can. My beer got flat ( I lost Co2) There is no foam in my beer. Do you know what step is my mistake or how can I fix it.

[@DavidHeathHomebrew]

Hi, glad you enjoyed it. Could it be that the cans were not airtight? Perhaps you need to adjust your can seamer?

[@bl4969]

I do appreciate David‘s video. My experience with the cannular has has been quite different however. I had the same problem with losing CO2 pressure. I came to find out that my machine was grossly out of tune. The problem is with this machine you were totally splitting hairs with the adjustments. You have to use feeler gauges, this is nothing that can be done by Eye. And the adjustments on the machine are so crude that by just tightening the 3/8” setscrew you can move your adjustment totally out of realm. I ended up actually machining the end of the set screws to a point. This allowed me to set the machine without fighting the setscrew from pushing me out of misalignment. Secondly I found that my rollers (specifically the first operation) were a little rough on the aluminum and were causing heavy chafing to the point where it compromise the seal. To fix this I put the roller in my metal lathe and polished the roller with steel wool. This helped a lot as it was able to mold the aluminum into form vs chafe. All in all with the directions online it took me about six hours and about 30 spent cans to finally hone in my machine to seal properly, To know that you got a good seal I would say do a test can with water, try to squeeze the heck out of it. If you can squeeze it to the point that the head starts to pop on the lid and no water comes out of the seem you got a good seal! Cheers! Overall I’m totally thrilled with being able to can like the pros!

[@BrewKegTap]

Hi David. I've heard a recommendation of using slow, low pressure CO2 and gently purge from the bottom. If you blast the CO2 in, it will just come straight back out and be replaced with air or at best air / CO2 mix. I think 10-30PSI is too high for good purging. I haven't tried this myself yet though. The Cannulars are built like tanks though eh? - nice bits of kit.

[@DavidHeathHomebrew]

Hmm I would think such a method would get odd pretty fast with all the extra waiting. No need for it either really. The important thing is to cap onto foam. How long you spend generating it really matters not.

[@Sapphrine1]

Possibly a daft question but do you still CO2 purge when filling from a faucet? Its seems like the answer should be a yes but less waste is always good hence checking!

[@DavidHeathHomebrew]

I would suggest so, if for long term storage.

[@Danedogafternoon]

Late to the party on this one but curious with the new serving tap addition to the boel itap would that work well filling a can with the added c02 purge already in place? Thanks

[@DavidHeathHomebrew]

As I understand it there are attachments that make this possible. I have not tested them though, at this point.

[@luke0b708]

Thanks mate. What is co2 purging? I just want to bottle or can beer that ends up clear without crap in the bottom.

[@DavidHeathHomebrew]

It is where you use co2 to remove oxygen :)

[@browndog171063]

Nice vid David, I had never even given thought to secondary carb in the can. Having said that I think I'd go pre-carbed to reduce sediment in the can.

[@DavidHeathHomebrew]

Thanks Tony. Yes, plenty of options and pros & cons :)

[@plaupez]

Hey David. How far up should I fill the cans for natural carbonation? Should I leave some headspace?

[@DavidHeathHomebrew]

The best way by far is to go as far as you can and cap on foam. This will work well and protect the beer also ;)

[@plaupez]

@@DavidHeathHomebrew Thanks for the quick answer! but what im not sure if I understand is: If the beer is not carbonated what foam should i cap onto?

[@DavidHeathHomebrew]

Pedro Sanchez To cap on foam is best. If not then leave a minimal head space but this will depend on the level of carbonation desired and how good the cans you use are.

[@gergelygruber5642]

Hi David! I've been using the cannular for about 1,5 months now. So far I've been just filling the cans straight from the kegerator tap faucet and always noticed some drop in CO2 when opening them compared to just filling a glass from the same system. I'll try to attach a hose and fill them from the bottom to control losing gas. However what I don't like about it is when I push the seal lever for the first action I always have some splashing happening to the left side (facing the cannular). Is it normal or do you think it means that the rollers are not adjusted properly, should I try to fiddle around with adjusting them more precisely to avoid getting beer/foam all over the place? Otherwise I love this product much easier than bottling.

[@DavidHeathHomebrew]

Hi :) yes best to fill from the bottom for sure. I didnt notice any pulling myself, could be just a little adjustment is needed there.

[@gergelygruber5642]

Cheers, it needed a little adjustment indeed :)@@DavidHeathHomebrew

[@DavidHeathHomebrew]

Great to hear:)

[@michaelellis660]

Hi David I would love to start canning my beer. I don't have a keg set up and will be doing it from the fermenter. Is it still ok to fill cans without having a foamy head? Thanks Mike

[@DavidHeathHomebrew]

You certainly can but the contents will not have the same shelf life sadly.

[@JBoosh1]

What sort of shelf life will they have

[@DavidHeathHomebrew]

You can expect greater life than bottles, over 2 years is possible but it relies on the right methods of transfer being used.

Nice tips, although cans are still a bit expensive for home brewing where I live. But I shall think about buying can seamer, if I ever go pico scale commercially.

[@DavidHeathHomebrew]

Thank you. Yes, not everyone will go this route but its nice to know the details I feel :)

[@sendoprey]

What kind of DO are you looking at for cans purged and filled with a beer gun?

[@DavidHeathHomebrew]

It will vary according to storage temperature but 6 months to 2 years is the range.

[@aleksandrnevedrov8456]

Hi David, Thanks! I was looking for such Video! May i ask "just for dummies" - how PROPERLY to fill CANS from TAP, to store them at least a month fresh? What adapters to use? How to Purge with CO2? I have ordinary Tap and Canning Machine. What are your advises, and what do you recommend to order? Thank you in advance. Please reply if possible

[@DavidHeathHomebrew]

Thanks :) I use Intertap faucets with the growler filler addon spout. I have a short piece of hosing that sits on the bottom of the can. I fill until the can is mostly beer but with foam on top. I cap onto this foam. I use a beer gun to purge c02 by simply appling it for 3 seconds and then starting the pour. My cans are lasting for much more than 1 month :)

[@aleksandrnevedrov8456]

David Heath Homebrew thank you very very much! So i’ll connect beer-gun to an extra CO2 fass and use it for gas only!! I’ll post after testing!!

[@DavidHeathHomebrew]

Great, please do :)

[@smallbatchbrewingco5675]

Do you have trouble with foaming using the gun ? Cheers David :-)

[@DavidHeathHomebrew]

Foaming is always the challenge people face. The main tip here is to lower the temperature but naturally its important to cap on foam.

[@krugsterone]

I’ve had good success controlling the foam when filling from a carbonated keg with the beer gun method. There is a difference that I do compared to what’s shown the video. Instead of the standard beer line (3/8”) I use about 2-2.5 meters of restrictor beer line (3/16”). This lets me put the keg at a higher pressure and have more control over the amount of foam by adjusting the pressure up and down (more pressure more foam). This also means I don’t need a second CO2 tank or secondary regulator for purging, just a tee connection in my gas line. I also weigh each can after seaming so I know how much is in the can and if I need to increase or decrease pressure in the keg. My calculation for ideal weights is can+end(lid)+desired volume for can type(330ml=330gram)+\-15grams. 330ml cans+end weigh 14 grams so I go with 345g plus/minus 15g for a range of 330-360 with closer to 345 being better. I find that I’m usually at about 1.2-1.4 bar pressure on a beer chilled to 0-1°C and fill levels and foam are very consistent. Hope this helps, if you have any questions about my method feel free to ask :)

[@smallbatchbrewingco5675]

@@krugsterone Awesome Mike, Thank you

[@DavidHeathHomebrew]

Great stuff Mike

[@DavidHeathHomebrew]

:)

[@eriktindeland3548]

Hi David, thanks for a nice and informative video as always. I have a question for you, i don't know if you have any experience with this, but it's worth a shot. Would you be able to fill pre carbonated beer straight from a Fermzilla/Fermentasaurus into cans/bottles with a beergun?

[@DavidHeathHomebrew]

Hi Erik, Glad you enjoy it. Yes, this is easily done and a very handy option. You will need to keep pressure in the Fermzilla whilst doing this. I use a sodastream bottle with a converter for this.

[@nicholasbarber8214]

Hi david, Could you fill straight from a fermzilla or fermentersaurus thats been fermenting under pressure?

[@DavidHeathHomebrew]

Hi, yes, no problem there if you use a beer gun or silicone tubing from a tap that reaches the bottom of your bottles.

[@Chxhsg662]

Will this work with energy drinks?

[@DavidHeathHomebrew]

I've not tested them but most likely it will

[@kandk920]

Why would you purge the can with CO2 first if can conditioning? You don't purge bottles when bottle conditioning, do you? Don't the yeast need a bit of oxygen to get started again?

[@DavidHeathHomebrew]

Because if you do not then you could end up with oxidised beer. If you want your bottled beer to last longer then you would purge them also.

[@Mike-qf3qr]

Good question: Don't the yeast need a bit of oxygen to get started again?

[@DavidHeathHomebrew]

The important thing here is to not oxidise the beer. The yeast will do its job still.

[@dantedeluca978]

Hey David, if I were to have a friend filling with a gun and me canning, how many do you think we could can per minute?

[@DavidHeathHomebrew]

Hey Ruan, I would not rush it :) Maybe 2-3 done carefully. Depends on how you set things up really:)

[@adrianaidone]

Great video David, thanks. Do you know if i fermented under pressure in a Fermzilla, could I then use a bottling gun straight from the fermenter? And if the beer is carbonated under pressure, would bottles then need carbonation drops/sugar?

[@DavidHeathHomebrew]

Thanks Adrian. Yes, no problem there at all. The best way would be to make sure the carbonation after fermentation is right for you first and then transfer to your cans. Naturally you can do this with bottles also.

[@dcos013]

Hi Adrian, did you ever do this? I'm considering this as a way around buying a kegging system

[@ruanmuller3577]

David how long do you purge with CO2?

[@DavidHeathHomebrew]

Afew seconds works for for bottles and cans.

[@GridzOfficialTube]

Hi David, is it possible to use carbonation drops with canning? What are the downsides to this?

[@DavidHeathHomebrew]

Yes, you sure can. The downside is shelf life.

[@GridzOfficialTube]

David Heath Homebrew thanks for the reply! How long on average would you say the shelf life is when using drops? And in terms of filling them, how much space should one leave at the top of the can?

[@DavidHeathHomebrew]

It then becomes like bottling beer manually. So if you are careful then it could last much longer. Some styles that involve adjuncts like wheat, rye will not last as long.

[@GridzOfficialTube]

David Heath Homebrew should one leave a cm on top of the beer for the carbonation, or do cans handle the pressure of being completely fillled with drops ?

[@DavidHeathHomebrew]

I would fill as far to the top as you can. Some find they need to reduce the carbonation sugar by up to 25% for cans compared to bottles.

[@vois]

Instead of filling beer, can you say, fill olive oil?

[@DavidHeathHomebrew]

Sure, no problem.

[@ridekernow]

Surely cans come already sterile from the manufacturer?

[@DavidHeathHomebrew]

As sterile as they can be.

[@Mister-Christer]

You keep mentioning purging. But I have no idea how to do it. Would have been nice to see. Otherwise awesome video as usual.

[@DavidHeathHomebrew]

You add the beer gun to the can and shoot c02 for 3-5 seconds :)

[@karlfromtas]

so how do you purge using growler attachment?

[@DavidHeathHomebrew]

You will need a beergun for purging for all methods.

[@tonigekko]

Я не хрена не понял

[@DavidHeathHomebrew]

Ok :)

[@mitchellprobert4979]

Hi David, Great video, I have recently purchased the cannular from Kegland and I have had a few attempts at canning. I bought the 500ml cans from kegland also. I have an issue with the taste of the beer, from my keg it tastes fine in a glass but from the can it tastes soapy, the cans were rinsed with stellar San prior. Any ideas on why this is the case. On every occasion this happens. It is very noticeable. Cheers mate

[@DavidHeathHomebrew]

Are you using a cleaner first and then rinsing with water before the san step?