Top FAQs About Starting Your Own Beverage Canning Line

For many beverage entrepreneurs, canning feels like the natural next step in growth. Whether you’re running a coffee shop looking to sell nitro cold brew, a microbrewery ready to expand distribution, or a kombucha startup wanting to reach new markets, canning offers a way to get your drinks into the hands of more customers.

But starting your own beverage canning line also raises a lot of questions. What equipment do you need? How much does it cost? How do you keep your products fresh and safe?

To help clear things up, we’ve put together this comprehensive FAQ guide to walk you through the essentials of launching your own canning operation—with insights on how equipment like the iKAN seamer and FENIX filler make the process easier, more affordable, and more professional.

1. Why should I consider canning my beverages instead of bottling?

While bottling has its place, cans have become the go-to packaging for small and medium beverage producers—and for good reason:

• Freshness Protection: Aluminum cans block light and, with proper seaming, prevent oxygen ingress better than most bottles.
  
• Portability: Cans are lightweight, unbreakable, and easy to store or transport.
  
• Sustainability: Aluminum is one of the most recyclable materials available.
  
• Shelf Presence: Cans offer a sleek canvas for branding and stand out on retail shelves.
  
• Cost-Effectiveness: In the long term, cans often cost less than bottles, especially for bulk orders.

For carbonated or nitrogenated drinks (like beer, kombucha, or nitro coffee), cans also maintain gas retention better than bottles.

2. What equipment do I need to start a small-batch canning line?

At the most basic level, you’ll need two core pieces of equipment:

1. Can Filler – A machine that fills cans with your beverage while minimizing oxygen pickup. The FENIX reverse-pressure filler is ideal for small-batch producers because it reduces foaming, preserves carbonation, and delivers consistent fills.
   
2. Can Seamer – A machine that seals the lid onto the can body. The iKAN manual can seamer provides professional-grade double seams in a compact, affordable format.

Additional items may include:

• Cans and lids (in your chosen size: 250ml, 330ml, 500ml, etc.)
  
• A CO₂ or nitrogen supply (for carbonated or nitro beverages)
  
• Cleaning/sanitation equipment
  
• Labeling/branding materials

For many small businesses, a FENIX + iKAN system provides everything needed to get started.

3. How much does it cost to set up a canning line?

The cost depends on scale, but for small businesses, it’s far more affordable than many think.

• iKAN Seamer: Available for purchase (€3,280) or leasing (€100/month after 36 months).
  
• FENIX Filler: Also compact and budget-friendly compared to large industrial fillers.
  
• Cans and Lids: Prices vary, but bulk orders typically cost a few cents per unit.

Compared to outsourcing canning (which can run €0.30–€0.60 per can depending on volume), investing in your own setup often pays for itself quickly—especially if you’re running frequent small batches.

4. Can I seam different can sizes with one machine?

Yes—versatility is key for small producers. The iKAN seamer is designed to handle multiple can sizes, from slim 250ml energy-drink-style cans to standard 330ml or larger 500ml formats.

This flexibility is useful if you want to test different products or target different market segments without having to buy multiple machines.

5. Is canning suitable for non-carbonated drinks?

Absolutely. While canning is popular for carbonated beverages like beer and soda, it’s equally effective for still drinks like juices, cold brew, and functional beverages.

The key factor is oxygen management. Even still beverages benefit from a proper seam, which prevents spoilage and preserves flavor. For sensitive drinks like coffee, a filler like FENIX ensures minimal oxygen pickup during packaging.

6. What about nitro coffee—can I can that?

Yes. Nitro cold brew coffee has exploded in popularity, but packaging it correctly can be tricky. The challenge is maintaining nitrogen infusion without losing gas during filling.

The FENIX filler addresses this with reverse-pressure filling, which reduces foaming and locks in nitrogen. Once sealed with iKAN, your nitro coffee retains its creamy texture and cascade effect.

7. How do I ensure food safety and compliance?

Food safety is non-negotiable in beverage production. To stay compliant:

• Use Food-Grade Equipment: Machines should be made from stainless steel (like iKAN and FENIX, which are EU-certified).
  
• Sanitize Regularly: Clean equipment thoroughly between runs.
  
• Monitor Seams: Regularly check seam quality with visual inspection or seam analysis tools.
  
• Follow HACCP Guidelines: Implement systems to track and control potential hazards.

By choosing certified equipment and maintaining proper hygiene, you’ll meet EU and international standards.

8. What are the biggest mistakes new producers make when canning?

Some common pitfalls include:

• Cutting Corners on Equipment: Cheap or DIY seamers often lead to inconsistent results.
  
• Ignoring Oxygen Management: Excess oxygen can ruin flavor and shorten shelf life.
  
• Overfilling or Underfilling: Leads to leaks, waste, or poor customer experience.
  
• Skipping Maintenance: Dirty or worn seaming rolls can compromise seams.
  
• Neglecting Branding: A plain can doesn’t sell as well as one with strong visual identity.

Avoiding these mistakes ensures your canning line supports growth rather than creating headaches.

9. How do I maintain my canning equipment?

Maintenance is relatively simple but essential:

• Clean Daily: Rinse and sanitize after each production run.
  
• Lubricate Parts: Keep moving parts in good condition.
  
• Inspect Seams: Regularly check for leaks or weak spots.
  
• Replace Wear Parts: Seaming rolls and chucks eventually wear down and should be swapped out periodically.

Eazy Canning provides guidance and spare parts to make upkeep straightforward.

10. Can I start small and scale up later?

Yes—and this is one of the biggest advantages of a compact system like FENIX + iKAN.

Start with small batch runs sold directly from your café, brewery, or farmer’s market stall. Once demand grows, expand into wholesale or retail distribution. You can even scale your equipment setup gradually, moving from manual to semi-automatic systems when the time is right.

11. How does in-house canning compare to outsourcing?

Outsourcing (mobile canning or third-party co-packers) can be useful for very small or one-off runs, but it has drawbacks:

• Cost per Can: Outsourcing quickly becomes expensive at scale.
  
• Scheduling: You’re dependent on the co-packer’s availability.
  
• Flexibility: Limited ability to experiment with new flavors or small batches.

In-house canning gives you:

• Full control over production.
  
• The ability to run smaller, experimental batches.
  
• Lower costs in the long run.
  
• Faster response to market trends.

12. What kind of return on investment can I expect?

ROI depends on volume and pricing, but many small businesses see payback within the first year.

For example:

• If you sell 1,000 cans a month at €3 each, that’s €3,000 in revenue.
  
• Outsourcing could cost €300–€600/month.
  
• With in-house canning, after the upfront equipment investment, your ongoing costs are mainly cans, lids, and ingredients.

This margin difference adds up quickly, making in-house canning a smart long-term investment.

13. What role does branding play in canned beverages?

Cans are more than containers—they’re marketing tools. Strong branding:

• Catches the eye on shelves.
  
• Differentiates your product from competitors.
  
• Builds customer loyalty.

With flexible canning equipment, you can experiment with limited-edition designs, seasonal flavors, or collaborations—all of which help drive excitement and sales.

14. What support is available if I choose Eazy Canning equipment?

When you purchase or lease from Eazy Canning, you’re not just getting machines—you’re gaining a partner.

Eazy Canning offers:

• Setup guidance and user training.
  
• Spare parts and accessories.
  
• Leasing options for cost flexibility.
  
• Ongoing support to ensure consistent performance.

This means you’re never left figuring things out alone.

Final Thoughts

Starting your own beverage canning line can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. By asking the right questions—and choosing equipment designed for small-scale producers—you can package your drinks professionally, affordably, and reliably.

The iKAN can seamer and FENIX filler from Eazy Canning give you everything you need to get started, whether you’re a coffee shop, brewery, kombucha maker, or juice producer. With compact design, EU-certified safety, and professional-grade results, these machines take the guesswork out of canning.

Canning isn’t just about packaging—it’s about growth, branding, and unlocking new opportunities. With the right setup, you can take your beverage business to the next level—one can at a time.