What Size Stuffing Tube Should You Use for Summer Sausage? A Helpful Guide

Summer sausage is a popular smoked sausage that is enjoyable year round To make great summer sausage at home, having the right equipment is key One important piece of equipment is the stuffing tube. But with tubes coming in different sizes, how do you know what size stuffing tube to use for summer sausage? In this helpful guide, we’ll walk through everything you need to consider when selecting the perfect stuffing tube for making delicious summer sausage.

Why the Stuffing Tube Size Matters

The size of the stuffing tube determines how much sausage mixture can be pushed through into the casing at one time Too small of a tube and you’ll be fighting to fill the casing Too large and it can be difficult to fully fill the casing without air pockets. For summer sausage, a diameter between 1 to 1 1/4 inches is ideal. This allows you to easily fill even large diameter collagen casings, resulting in sausages with great texture and mouthfeel.

Common Summer Sausage Stuffing Tube Sizes

There are a few common sizes of stuffing tubes ideal for summer sausage

• 1 inch – Great for hog casings and smaller collagen casings. Allows good flow while stuffing.

• 1 1/4 inches – The most recommended size for summer sausage. Allows fast filling of larger collagen casings.

• 1 1/2 inches – Only recommended for very large diameter collagen casings. Can increase risk of air pockets.

Factors That Determine Best Tube Size

There are a few factors that will determine the best size stuffing tube for your specific summer sausage recipe:

• Casing type – Natural hog casings need a smaller tube than collagen casings. Check manufacturer recommendations.

• Casing diameter – Measure the casing diameter and match tube size accordingly.

• Meat grind – Fine ground meat flows through smaller tubes than coarse grind.

• Fat content – Higher fat content makes stuffing more difficult. Size up tube.

• Spices and ingredients – Ingredients like cheese and peppers can impact flow.

Tips for Finding the Right Summer Sausage Stuffing Tube

Follow these tips to select the ideal stuffing tube:

• Check your sausage casing package for recommended stuffing tube size. This is usually the best fit.

• Measure the diameter of your casing with calipers to determine ideal tube size.

• Start with a 1 1/4 inch tube if using collagen casings for most versatility.

• Make sure the tube fits your stuffer – confirm inside and outside tube diameters.

• Go up a size if using coarse ground meat or higher fat content recipes.

• Go down a size if experiencing air pockets between the meat and casings.

Stuffing Tube Material

Stuffing tubes come in plastic and stainless steel. For summer sausage, stainless steel is recommended. The smooth interior prevents meat sticking like it can with plastic tubes. Stainless steel also holds up better to repeated use and cleaning.

Proper Use of Summer Sausage Stuffing Tubes

To get the most of your stuffing tube, follow these best practices:

• Lightly lubricate the tube with oil prior to stuffing to prevent sticking.

• Load the casing onto the tube evenly to prevent air pockets.

• Apply consistent pressure when stuffing for uniform sausage shape and texture.

• Clean thoroughly after each use to prevent residue buildup over time.

• Store tube properly between uses to prevent dents or damage.

A properly sized stuffing tube makes creating amazing summer sausage much easier. Look for a tube between 1 to 1 1/4 inches in diameter for most summer sausage recipes. Match your tube size to the casing diameter for the best fill. And be sure to use a stainless steel stuffing tube for longevity and easy cleanup. Follow these tips and you’ll be ready to make the best tasting homemade summer sausage yet!