better bottle capping options?

jdphillips73 · Nov 25, 2016

Just finished capping my 3rd 5 gallon batch... and I am not impressed with the capper that I have (which is the standard capper that comes with beginner kits)

With that said, can someone recommend a better one?

Im eventually going to keg, but thats about 6 months away.

kh54s10 · Nov 25, 2016

I have heard the black one is the cheapest, the red one is intermediate. A bench capper is the best. I have been using the red one - Red Baron? for 5+ years with some kegging also. If you were to spend on a bench capper you are about 1/4 the way to kegging... Make the jump. And get a better capper if it is not working correctly. If it seals well it is usable.

jdphillips73 · Nov 25, 2016

FWIW... mine is the black one...its poor quality in my opinion.

joebob296 · Nov 25, 2016

I bought an old cast iron one from eBay for only $30 shipped. Works perfect and is extremely easy to use.

Edit: PictureView attachment ImageUploadedByHome Brew1480130843.275875.jpg

Kerrbrewer · Nov 26, 2016

I bought mine on eBay also. Very similar to joebobs. Great investment.

mclardass · Nov 26, 2016

I've been happy with the Red Barron capper but only use it for the occasional batch, most batches go to kegs (which you will love once you have them)

Hoppy2bmerry · Nov 26, 2016

With a bench capper you won't run into the capper not lining up with the crown of the bottle wrong. Easy to use with any bottle of the right diameter for the bell. I use a Colona capper/ corker, and it was definitely worth the investment.

Gravity · Nov 26, 2016

I have/had the Emily for a while...it worked will with no major problems...its geat for small batches...1-5gal....however its still time consuming...I upgraded to the Ferrari Bench capper ....best brewing decision I've ever made since getting a pump...While kegging is still 10x easier, the Ferrari makes bottling into a "non-chore" ...you wont regret getting one...I still have the Emily on standby....