What Cans Can I Seal with My Can Sealer?
If you're new to food and beverage storage, one of the first questions you might ask is: what size cans can my sealer actually handle? The answer depends on which model you own — and the good news is that many sealers are more versatile than you might think, especially when you add a chuck or adapter.
Here's a breakdown of the All American 1930 can sealers by model so you know exactly what you're working with.
Model 225-2 Manual Can Sealer
Out of the box, the 225-2 is set up to seal #2 cans (16 oz.) — a great everyday size for fruits, vegetables, and dry goods. Examples of these foods to can include rice, dry beans, coffee beans, soups, stews, pasta sauces, crushed tomatoes, jams, etc. Want more flexibility? With the purchase of a compatible chuck, you can also seal:
- #1 cans (10 oz.)
- #2.5 cans (28 oz.)
- #3 cans (32 oz.)
Model 1502 Manual Can Sealer
The 1502 is built for serious bulk storage, defaulting to #10 cans (128 oz.) — the large restaurant-style cans perfect for long-term food storage. With a chuck and adapter, it can also handle a wide range of smaller sizes:
- #1 cans (10 oz.)
- #2 cans (16 oz.)
- #2.5 cans (28 oz.)
- #3 cans (32 oz.)
Model EL122532 Electric Can Sealer
Like the 225-2, the EL122532 defaults to #2 cans (16 oz.) and expands its range with a chuck to include:
- #1 cans (10 oz.)
- #2.5 cans (28 oz.)
- #3 cans (32 oz.)
Model ELS202A Electric Can Sealer
The ELS202A is designed specifically for beverage cans, handling 8 oz., 12 oz. (slim or regular), and 16 oz. cans right out of the box — no additional accessories needed. Perfect for home brewers and anyone looking to can their own drinks. This model is also ideal for canning beverages such as orange juice or lemonade made from fresh oranges and lemons.
Model EL8000D Electric Can Sealer
Another beverage-focused sealer, the EL8000D defaults to larger 25.4 oz. and 32 oz. beverage cans, making it ideal for bigger batches or larger format drinks. These larger can sizes are perfect for canning beverages like watermelon juice for parties or family gatherings.
Model 8010 Electric Can Sealer
The 8010, like the 1502, defaults to #10 cans (128 oz.) for high-volume storage. Add a chuck and adapter, and you can seal smaller sizes too:
- #1 cans (10 oz.)
- #2 cans (16 oz.)
- #2.5 cans (28 oz.)
- #3 cans (32 oz.)
Best Practices for Using a Can Sealer
Preserving your own food at home is a rewarding way to enjoy shelf-stable dry goods, flavorful soups, sauces, broths, and beverages all year long. Whether you’re sealing rice, beans, baking mixes, or home-brewed beer, using a can sealer correctly is key to keeping your food and drinks safe, delicious, and ready for long-term storage.
Here are some best practices to help you get the most out of your can sealer:
- Start with quality ingredients: Choose fresh, dry goods like rice, beans, and baking mixes, or freshly prepared soups and broths. For beverages, ensure your home-brewed beer or juice is ready for sealing. Proper preparation helps maintain flavor and safety.
- Select the right can size: Match your can size to the product you’re sealing. Smaller cans work well for sauces and broths, while larger #10 cans are ideal for bulk storage of dry goods or large batches of soups.
- Fill with care: When filling your cans, leave the recommended headspace to allow for expansion during heat processing or storage. This helps maintain product quality whether you’re sealing soups, sauces, or beverages.
- Create a proper seal: Use your heavy duty can sealer to remove air and create a vacuum-tight seal. This step is crucial for preventing spoilage and protecting your sealed goods from bacteria and contaminants.
- Store in optimal conditions: Once sealed, keep your cans in a cool, dark place to preserve their freshness and shelf life. Proper storage ensures your sealed products remain safe and ready to enjoy whenever you need them.
By following these steps, you can enjoy a wide variety of sealed foods and beverages—from hearty soups and sauces to dry goods like rice and beans, as well as homemade beer and fruit juices. Sealing lets you control what goes into your pantry, supporting a practical and efficient approach to food and beverage storage.
With a can sealer, you can preserve the best of your homemade products, ensuring they stay fresh and nutritious for months to come. Whether you’re preparing meals, snacks, or drinks, sealing is a reliable method to extend shelf life and maintain quality.
So, gather your favorite dry goods, soups, and beverages, fire up your can sealer, and start building a pantry full of shelf-stable, homemade foods and drinks. Your future self—and your convenience—will thank you!
The Bottom Line
Most can sealers are built around one default can size, but several models can be expanded with optional chucks and adapters to handle a broader range. If versatility matters to you, it's worth investing in the accessories — they open up a lot of possibilities without requiring a second machine.
Not sure which chuck or adapter fits your model? Reach out to us and we'll point you in the right direction!
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>