Canning seamer: varieties, brief characteristics and principles of operation

Every summer resident and gardener knows that it is not enough to grow just a rich harvest of vegetables, berries and fruits, it must also be preserved. To do this, you will need not only proven recipes, but also a reliable canning seamer (or a seaming wrench), which will help to close the cans with high quality, provide sealing and protect their contents from microorganisms that can irrevocably spoil the product.

There are several types of seaming keys, each of which differs in modification and operating principles. The integrity and safety of the canned product will directly depend on how correctly the choice is made and one or another type of device for preservation is used. To determine which machine is better for seaming cans, it is necessary to consider in detail the features of each type of seaming device.

Manual canning seamer

This is the simplest type of device, characterized by a primitive principle of operation: it is enough to put such a machine on the lid and turn the handle until it stops. Using the device will require a lot of physical effort, on which the degree of sealing will depend.

In this case, it is quite difficult to determine how tightly the bank is closed, therefore, in addition to strength, you will need certain skills and experience. It is possible that a single application will not be enough and the seaming process will have to be repeated.

The main advantage of manual machines is their relatively low price and durability.

An improved model is considered to be a snail wrench, which has a spiral mechanism along which the seaming wrench moves during operation.

Of the advantages of this type of device, a number of factors can be noted:

1. This canning seamer requires less physical effort.
2. Even a novice hostess can handle a simple snail mechanism.
3. In the process, you do not need to hold the lid: it is securely fixed with a special mechanism.
4. When using a snail key, the chances of a reliable seal are much greater than in cases using a conventional manual seaming machine.

In addition, this type of seamer can be used to close cans with irregularly shaped necks.

When working with manual seaming machines, it is necessary to control the amount of physical force applied so that excessive pressure does not burst the cans and glass fragments do not get into the product.

Seamer semiautomatic

Semi-automatic seaming machines are in great demand due to their versatility, ease of use and affordable price.

At the same time, they provide a good level of sealing and reliability, and also have a whole set of amenities and advantages:

• due to the possibility of adjustment, the semiautomatic machine is suitable for working with different diameters of cans necks;
• reliable design of the device ensures durability;
• there is a control of the lid clamping, which prevents squeezing and deformation.

How to roll up cans with a semi-automatic seamer?

The principle of operation is very simple and straightforward:

• it is necessary to position the semi-automatic seaming key on the cover;
• press it tightly;
• turn until a characteristic click, indicating that the sealing process is complete;
• after that, the key will return to its original position.

Some skills are required to work with semi-automatic keys. In addition, you must have a good eye in order to periodically tighten the screw mechanism to the desired state. In this case, it is required to correctly apply force so that there are no chips on the neck of the can or, conversely, the pressure of the roller is not insufficient for reliable sealing. Well-rolled salad jars compotes keep the workpieces for a long time.

Automatic seaming machine

Automatic devices are also called canning crimpers. Such devices have high operating speed and high sealing reliability.

Also, from the features of the seaming machine, the machine can be separately distinguished:

1. Lack of rollers, which are replaced by a spring and a lever, due to which the process is automated.
2. Such devices will require a minimum amount of effort: from the hostess, you only need to install the machine on the lid and activate the lever
3. The presence of special protective devices and mechanisms will reliably protect cans and lids from chips, dents, scratches and deformations.

The only drawback is considered to be a higher price compared to conventional manual and semi-automatic machines. But this drawback can be attributed to insignificant due to the high quality and reliability of sealing.

When choosing, you need to pay attention to the manufacturer of the automatic seaming machine.

There are many fakes on the market, so there is a risk of buying a low-quality crimping machine that will not last long or will not provide the desired level of canning quality. It is also recommended to pay attention to double-lever automatic devices, which are considered more reliable and convenient in use.

Electric home canning seamer

Electric models are so far rarely used in domestic conditions and are more common for industrial scale. But there are compact hand-held electric seamers for home canning. Many housewives use them with pleasure.

The features of electrical canning units are:

1. High speed of the process: just place the machine on the lid and just press a button.
2. Reliability of sealing, the degree of which is determined automatically.
3. Almost complete absence of deformations and defective products.
4. Full automation.

Electric clippers have a high price point and are best suited for large scale jobs. In general, the question of which machine for seaming cans is better is decided taking into account personal preferences, the volume of products that need to be processed and budgetary possibilities.

How to choose and set up a canning seamer - video