On-Demand Canning: A Buying Guide for Cafes
Is on-demand canning right for your cafe? Everything you need to know before you buy.
8 min read
Is on-demand canning right for your cafe?
On-demand canning makes sense for cafes that want to sell their own branded canned beverages, reduce reliance on outsourcing, and capture the growing demand for ready-to-drink coffee and juice. If you sell, or want to sell, 50 or more canned beverages per week, on-demand canning is worth serious consideration.
Comparing canning options
There are three main options: outsourcing to a contract packer, buying a large-scale industrial canning line, or on-demand canning with a machine like Canlab®. Outsourcing has minimum runs and long lead times. Industrial lines are expensive and space-intensive. On-demand canning offers the best balance of cost, flexibility, and freshness for independent cafes.
The Canlab® machine: what's included
The Canlab® machine includes the fill head, seaming head, touchscreen controller, and a starter set of consumables. It also includes a setup session, barista training, and a 12-month warranty. Everything you need to start canning on day one.
Costs and ROI
The Canlab® machine is an investment, but it pays for itself. Compare the per-can cost of outsourcing (typically 1.50 to 2.50 per can including packaging) to the per-can cost of canning your own (typically 0.30 to 0.50 per can for consumables). At 50 cans per week, most cafes recover the machine cost within 12 to 18 months.
Installation and training
The Canlab® machine is designed for counter-top installation with no special plumbing or renovation. Setup takes about an hour. Our training session covers operation, cleaning, and basic maintenance, getting your team canning confidently on day one.
Frequently asked questions
Common questions include: How much space does it need? (600 x 450 mm counter-top). What beverages can I can? (Cold-fill: cold brew, iced coffee, smoothies, kombucha, juice). Can I switch can sizes? (Yes, in under 2 minutes). See our full FAQ section for more.