All categories
Featured selections
Trade Assurance
Buyer Central
Help Center
Get the app
Become a supplier
(668 products available)
Growler caps are available in several types. People need to understand these to select the right one for effective growler beverages.
Standard Screw-On Caps
Standard screw-on caps are the most widely used and common type of growler cap. They are simply retrieved by twisting a metal cap onto the neck of the growler. These caps offer decent sealing abilities and are easy to use. This makes them ideal for short-term storage of beer or any other beverage. However, breathable bottles require additional means for preserving carbonation, such as a growler keeper or growler pouch.
Rubber Sealed Caps
Rubber sealed caps come with a rubber lining or seal within the cap. This provides an extra layer of airtight sealing when the cap is screwed on. These caps are more common to find for use in glass and ceramic growlers. This is because glass and ceramic have a smoother and more polished surface. The rubber seal makes the screw-on cap ideal for beverages that are meant to have lengthy shelf lives, like cider or kombucha.
Flip-Top (Bail Wire) Caps
Flip-top or bail wire caps are easily identified. They typically consist of a glass bottle with a metal cap and a metal wire holding the cap in place. The metal wire can be flipped over and hooked onto the bottle’s neck. This growler cap style is usually found in European bottles. It has recently been introduced to the growing trend of craft breweries and home brewers in the US. Flip-top growler caps provide reliable sealing. This makes them suitable for storing carbonated drinks like beer and soda. Their retro look also makes them suitable for long-term aesthetic purposes.
Vacuum Sealed Caps
Vacuum-sealed caps are an innovation in growler technology. They offer airtight, leak-proof, and extremely long-lasting bottle storage. These caps have a mechanism that removes air from the bottle before sealing it. This greatly extends the life of beverages by preventing oxidation and lowering loss of carbonation. These caps are excellent for storing wine, flavored water, or vinegar in glass growlers.
CO2 Injector Caps
These caps are available in plastic growlers and are designed to maintain carbonation. They are also called CO2 injector caps. These caps can be connected to a small CO2 cartridge or a home CO2 system. The pressurized gas is injected into the bottle through the cap whenever the growler is opened. This counteracts the loss of carbonation caused by pouring. Breweries and home brewers who want to sell or drink scratch-made beer with sustained carbonation usually use these caps.
Growler caps are a critical aspect of growler design. They ensure safe transportation, storage, and beverage preservation.
Screw-On Caps
Screw-on caps are the most prevalent type of growler caps and are mainly known for their ease of use and effective sealing. These caps are manufactured from either aluminum or steel and are designed to be firmly tightened onto a threaded neck of a glass or metal growler. They seal the contents effectively, preventing oxidation and carbonation loss.
Snap-On Plastic Caps
Snap-on plastic caps are highly common in refillable glass growlers found in craft breweries or beverage stores. These lightweight and cost-effective caps can quickly snap onto and secure the growler’s top for short-term storage. Though not as durable as metal caps, they serve efficiently as temporary protective caps for growlers before sale or immediate consumption.
Bail Wire (Flip-Top) Caps
Bail wire caps, also referred to as flip-top caps, are both practical and retro in their designs. These caps are usually affixed to ceramic or glass growlers using a metal wire and a ceramic or rubber seal inside the cap. The cap can be flipped to close it, providing an airtight seal to preserve carbonation and freshness. Its reseal feature also makes it reusable and very convenient for long-term storage in growlers.
Vacuum Sealed Caps
The vacuum-sealed cap is a little more complex than the simple screw, flip, or snap-on caps. These caps have a sophisticated mechanism for removing air from the filled growler to minimize oxidation actively. These caps are mainly seen on high-end glass growlers that hold premium wines, sodas, or flavored waters. These caps preserve freshness for several weeks or longer, making them appropriate for drinks sensitive to air exposure.
CO2 Injector Caps
TheCO2 growler cap is designed to maintain beer and other carbonated beverages' original keg-like quality. These caps are coupled with a CO2 cartridge that injects carbon dioxide into the growler each time it is opened. This process counteracts the loss of carbonation caused by pouring. Breweries and home brewers who serve or sell beer are highly in favor of these caps.
To fetch the best performance from a growler cap, it is imperative that it adhere to certain key specifications.
Materials
Common types of growler caps include screw-on and flip-top caps, which are mostly made from aluminum, stainless steel, or heavy-duty plastic. These materials are corrosion-resistant and therefore work well to clean and seal alcoholic drinks like beer or cider. Vacuum-sealed caps may contain more complex polymers that improve airtight sealing, but these are also made from plastics or composites.
Seal Types
Growler caps are also equipped with different sealing technologies to enhance their performance. Rubber or silicone seals are embedded in screw-on caps to ensure airtight sealing. Flip-top or bail wire caps have internal rubber, ceramic, or silicone seals. Vacuum sealed caps take vitality to the next level with a built-in sealing mechanism that eliminates air and prevents oxidation for as long as possible.
Compatibility
Growler caps should be compatible with the necks of their respective growler bottles for optimal performance. Screw-on caps go to threaded growler bottles, while snap-on and flip-top caps fit seamlessly on their designated necks. CO2 injector caps may need additional tools or equipment to function properly. This makes selecting the suitable cap for the growler essential to avoid leakage, spoilage, or loss of carbonation.
Cleaning and Maintenance
Growler cap maintenance is key to ensuring beverages are properly stored and consumed. It is, advisable that caps, especially those with rubber or silicone seals, be cleaned immediately after each use to remove residue and prevent bacteria build-up. Users should also wash CO2 caps with special care since these caps may have internal mechanisms that require periodic inspection and cleaning to function effectively. Flip-top and bailing wire caps should also be cleaned thoroughly so that the wire does not rust, and residual contaminants do not accumulate on the cap or the bottle neck.
Storage and Sealing
Correctly sealing growlers with the appropriate cap extends the shelf life of drinks. Vacuum-sealed caps are arguably the best at this, but screw-on and CO2 caps can also do a decent job. Ensure no air can travel in or out of the cap when sealing is performed.
Growler caps are ideal in different cases, especially when storing and serving various drinks.
Craft Breweries
For craft breweries, having the right growler cap is non-negotiable for maintaining beer quality during storage and transport. Screw-on caps or CO2 injector caps are typically used for this purpose. These effectively preserve beer's freshness, flavor, and carbonation when filled and sealed. Breweries may use CO2 injector caps to top off growlers before handing them to customers, ensuring that the beer remains at its best until it reaches its destination.
Home Brewing
Home brewers need the proper growler caps to store their creations safely. Vacuum-sealed caps are great to use here since they prevent oxidation. This preserves flavors for weeks when filled with homemade cider or wine. CO2 caps, like carbonated water or homemade sodas, are compatible with plastic growlers and can maintain carbonation for several days.
Picnics and Outdoor Activities
Stainless steel growler caps are ideal for picnics or outdoor activities because they are durable, portable, and will not easily break. Screw-on, snap-on, or flip-top caps can secure growlers filled with beer, iced tea, or flavored water. Stainless steel growlers can keep drinks cold longer and retain securely sealed caps for refreshing drinks on the go.
Refilling Stations
Caps for growlers are mainly used at refilling stations in craft beer bars or juice bars. These places commonly have snap-on plastic or screw-on metal caps. These caps are kept in place while the growler is filled with fresh beer, juice, or kombucha. Some refilling stations may have CO2 machines to top off growler caps before consumers take them home.
When selecting a growler cap, people should consider various factors when selecting a growler cap.
Cap Types
Growler caps come in various types. They include screw-on, snap-on, flip-top, vacuum-sealed, and CO2 injector caps. Each type has advantages. For example, screw-on caps provide a strong seal, while flip-top caps allow easy access. People should settle for the type that suits their growler bottle best and matches their drink. An example is CO2 caps, which are suitable for carbonated beverages to avoid loss of carbonation.
Material
Growler caps are commonly made from various materials, including stainless steel, aluminum, and heavy-duty plastic. The material significantly affects the cap's durability, sealing performance, and ease of use. For example, stainless steel and aluminum caps are usually more durable and robust than plastic caps.
Sealing Mechanism
Sealing mechanisms are a growler cap's airtight and leak-proof ability. Some caps have rubber or silicone seals that enhance their airtightness. Others, like snap-on plastic caps, provide adequate sealing for short-term storage. The sealing mechanism to use will greatly depend on the type of drink people intend to store. Ensure they always choose a sealed proper beer or carbonated drink cap.
Maintenance and Cleaning
People have to consider whether they can easily maintain and clean the growler caps they settle for. Most screw-on and CO2 injector caps are usually easy to clean. However, vacuum-sealed caps with internal mechanisms might require more effort. Also, choose caps that are compatible with the cleaning solutions or methods they already use.
Cost Vs. Durability
Plastic caps are generally cheaper than other options. But they are less durable. On the other hand, while metal caps are more expensive, they offer greater durability. Weigh these factors carefully before making any decisions.
A1. No. Every bottle of growler has a unique cap that fits perfectly. It ensures an airtight seal that prevents spoilage and maintains freshness. When the cap and bottle are mismatched, it results in leaks, contamination, and a decline in the drink's overall quality. To avoid this, always use the recommended cap for each growler bottle.
A2. Yes. Many microbrewery growlers come with reusable caps, such as screw-on and flip-top. These caps can be resealed multiple times without losing their sealing effectiveness, making them ideal for beverages that need to be stored and transported frequently, like beer. They are also often used at refill stations where consumers refill their growlers with fresh beer or other drinks.
A3. Caps that enhance kombucha's carbonation, such as CO2 injector caps, vacuum-sealed caps, and metal caps. They will help preserve the drink's fizziness and flavor. These caps are designed to minimize oxidation and effectively seal the growler. In turn, this ensures the kombucha remains effervescent and flavorful for an extended period.
A4. There are no specific expiration dates for growler caps. However, factors like wear and tear and exposure to extreme temperatures can affect a cap's performance over time. Generally, a well-maintained growler cap can last several years. Regularly inspect the caps for signs of damage.
A5. The only difference between these two caps is the cap's sealing mechanism. While conventional caps, like screw-on and snap-on, simply close the bottle, vacuum-sealed caps actively remove air before sealing the bottle. This innovative feature prevents oxidation, allowing drinks like wine and flavored water to stay fresh longer than the regular capped drinks.
