A can sealer preserves your canned goods, protects stored items from moisture and pests, and extends the shelf life of pantry staples after you open them. Whether you’re looking to reseal opened cans of pet food, vegetables, or other kitchen supplies, the right sealing method keeps contents fresh and reduces waste.
This guide explains how can sealers work, which types suit different needs, and how to choose and use them effectively in your home.
What Is a Can Sealer and How Does It Work?
A can sealer is a device that creates an airtight closure on opened metal or aluminum cans to preserve their contents. Most home can sealers use a simple mechanical lid that fits standard can sizes, while commercial models crimp metal lids onto cans using pressure and rotating mechanisms to form an airtight seal.
Types of Can Sealers for Home Use
Understanding the different sealing options helps you match the tool to your storage needs and budget.
Plastic Lid Can Covers
These flexible or rigid plastic lids stretch or snap over the rim of an opened can. They create a basic seal that prevents spills and keeps insects out but does not provide a true airtight closure.
Plastic can covers work best for short-term refrigerator storage, typically one to three days. They’re inexpensive, reusable, and come in sets that fit standard can sizes from six ounces to large cans.
Look for BPA-free materials and dishwasher-safe designs. These lids do not prevent oxidation or significant moisture loss, so they’re not suitable for pantry storage.
Silicone Can Covers
Silicone covers create a better seal than basic plastic lids because the material compresses against the can rim more effectively. Many designs include a center tab that you pull to break the seal when you’re ready to use the contents again.
These covers tolerate temperature changes better than plastic and typically last longer without cracking. They’re safe for refrigerator and freezer storage and can usually handle temperatures from freezing to around 400 degrees Fahrenheit, though you should check manufacturer specifications.
Manual Crimp Can Sealers
Manual crimp sealers attach metal lids to cans using a hand-crank mechanism that folds the lid edge around the can rim. This creates a hermetic seal similar to factory-sealed cans.
These tools require specific lids designed for the sealer model you own. You position the can and lid in the device, then turn a handle that rotates the can while a roller crimps the lid edge.
Manual sealers work well for home food preservation, especially if you regularly can soups, sauces, or pet food in reusable metal cans. Expect to pay more upfront than for simple covers, and factor in the ongoing cost of replacement lids.
Electric Can Sealers
Electric models automate the crimping process, making them faster and more consistent than manual versions. You place the can and lid in position, press a button or lever, and the machine completes the seal.
These sealers suit high-volume users such as small-scale food businesses, farmers market vendors, or households that preserve large quantities of food. The initial investment is higher, and the equipment requires counter or shelf storage space.
Electric sealers are not necessary for typical household use unless you regularly seal dozens of cans per week.
Choosing the Right Can Sealer
Your choice depends on how often you seal cans, what you’re storing, and how long you need the contents to stay fresh.
Match the Sealer to Your Storage Goals
For short-term refrigerator storage of opened cans, plastic or silicone covers provide adequate protection at low cost. If you’re preserving home-cooked foods for pantry or long-term storage, a crimp sealer creates a true airtight seal that prevents spoilage.
Consider whether you’ll seal the same can size repeatedly or need versatility for different diameters. Universal-fit silicone covers adjust to multiple sizes, while crimp sealers often require specific can dimensions.
Check Can Compatibility
Standard food cans in the United States typically measure 2.6 inches, 3 inches, or 4 inches in diameter. Measure your most frequently used cans before purchasing covers or sealers.
Crimp sealers specify compatible can sizes in their documentation. Using the wrong size can result in incomplete seals or damage to the equipment.
Consider Ease of Cleaning and Storage
Silicone and plastic covers rinse clean easily and take up minimal drawer space. Manual and electric sealers have moving parts that may require periodic cleaning and need dedicated storage areas.
If counter space is limited, choose compact designs or models that disassemble for storage. Check whether components are dishwasher-safe or require hand washing.
How to Use a Can Sealer Effectively
Proper technique ensures a reliable seal and maximum freshness for stored contents.
Preparing the Can
Wipe the rim of the opened can with a clean, damp cloth to remove food residue, oils, or debris. Any material left on the rim can prevent a complete seal.
Dry the rim thoroughly before applying a lid or cover. Moisture trapped between the lid and rim can promote bacterial growth even if the seal appears tight.
Applying Plastic or Silicone Covers
Center the cover over the can opening and press down firmly around the entire edge. For stretch-style covers, pull the material evenly over the rim without twisting or bunching.
Test the seal by gently tugging on the cover. It should resist removal without slipping off easily.
Operating a Manual Crimp Sealer
Place a clean lid on top of the filled can, ensuring it sits flat and centered. Position the can in the sealer according to the manufacturer’s instructions, usually on a platform or between guide rails.
Turn the handle steadily at a moderate speed. Turning too quickly can create an uneven crimp, while stopping midway may leave gaps in the seal.
Once the sealer completes a full rotation, remove the can and inspect the crimp. The lid edge should be folded smoothly around the can rim with no visible gaps or loose sections.
Safety and Hygiene
Always work with clean hands and sanitized equipment when sealing food. Do not seal cans that have been left at room temperature for more than two hours, as bacteria may have already begun to multiply.
Label sealed cans with the contents and date. Even with an airtight seal, refrigerate perishable foods and use them within safe timeframes recommended by food safety guidelines.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Small errors can compromise the seal and waste food you intended to preserve.
Overfilling Cans Before Sealing
Leave at least a quarter inch of space between the food and the rim. Overfilled cans prevent lids from seating properly and may cause leaks.
If you’re transferring food to a different can for sealing, choose a size that accommodates the contents without crowding.
Reusing Damaged or Dented Cans
Inspect cans for dents, rust, or bent rims before sealing. Imperfections prevent an airtight seal and may harbor bacteria in crevices that cleaning cannot reach.
Dents near the seam or rim are especially problematic. When in doubt, transfer contents to a sound container.
Assuming Sealed Means Shelf-Stable
Home can sealers do not replace proper canning methods for shelf-stable storage. Foods that require heat processing to destroy bacteria, such as low-acid vegetables and meats, must be canned using a pressure canner or water bath canner following tested recipes.
Can sealers are suitable for refrigerator or freezer storage of already-cooked or previously processed foods. They extend freshness but do not make foods safe for room-temperature storage unless you follow complete canning procedures.
Maintaining Your Can Sealer
Regular care keeps sealers functioning reliably and prevents contamination between uses.
Cleaning After Each Use
Wipe down plastic and silicone covers with hot, soapy water, then rinse and dry completely. For manual or electric sealers, remove any food particles from the crimping mechanism using a soft brush or cloth.
Do not submerge electric sealers in water. Follow the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions to avoid damaging electrical components or seals.
Inspecting for Wear
Check silicone and plastic covers for cracks, tears, or stretched areas that no longer fit tightly. Replace damaged covers immediately, as they will not seal effectively.
Examine crimp sealers for worn rollers, loose parts, or misaligned components. These issues create incomplete seals and may worsen over time if not addressed.
Cost Considerations
Can sealers range from a few dollars for basic plastic lids to several hundred dollars for commercial-grade electric models. Most households find that a set of quality silicone covers priced between ten and twenty dollars meets their needs.
Manual crimp sealers typically cost between fifty and one hundred fifty dollars, plus ongoing expenses for replacement lids. Calculate whether the investment makes sense based on how many cans you seal monthly and the value of the food you’ll preserve.
When to Call a Professional
If you plan to sell home-canned goods, consult your local health department and cottage food regulations before proceeding. Many jurisdictions require commercial-grade equipment, inspections, and specific food safety certifications for any food sold to the public.
For large-scale food preservation or production, work with a food scientist or extension agent to ensure your methods meet safety standards. Improper sealing or processing can lead to foodborne illness and legal liability.
Maximizing Freshness After Sealing
Even with a good seal, proper storage practices matter. Store sealed cans in the refrigerator at 40 degrees Fahrenheit or below, and use contents within three to five days for best quality.
For longer storage, transfer contents to freezer-safe containers or use sealers specifically designed for freezing. Standard can sealers work in the freezer, but expansion during freezing may compromise some seals or cause cans to bulge.
Opened cans of acidic foods like tomatoes or citrus may react with metal, even when sealed, causing off-flavors. For these items, transfer contents to glass or plastic containers instead of resealing the original can.
Final Thoughts
A can sealer reduces food waste, keeps your refrigerator organized, and protects stored items from contamination. Choose a sealing method that matches your storage needs, use it correctly, and follow food safety guidelines for refrigeration and use-by dates.
Start by measuring your most commonly used cans and selecting covers or a sealer that fits those sizes. With the right tool and good habits, you’ll keep opened cans fresh and ready to use.
For more helpful home and garden advice, explore our guides on stock investment strategies and collectible coins to help you make informed decisions across all areas of your household.