Casing Selection

Casings are categorized into three sizes: large, medium, and small. If the casing is too large, the resulting sausages will be very thick and have a less pleasant texture when eaten. If it's too small, stuffing them by hand becomes very troublesome. Medium-sized casings are the recommended choice.

When purchasing casings, ask the vendor to inflate them by blowing air into them to check for leaks. Furthermore, if the surface of the inflated casing shows noticeable patterns or appears relatively thick, it's best to avoid them, as excessive thickness can negatively impact the eating experience. The most suitable casings are those that appear white and translucent when inflated.

Sausage Stuffing Tools

For making sausages at home, if you're not producing a large quantity, a simple sausage funnel is recommended. These are available at farmers' markets for a few dollars. If you plan on making larger batches, you could also consider buying a manual sausage filler, with prices ranging from tens to around one hundred dollars.

Of course, there's also a free method that has recently become popular online: using a plastic soda bottle as a DIY sausage stuffer. While cutting off the bottom of a cola bottle does create a makeshift funnel, its neck is often too short, making it difficult to attach the casing securely, which can be challenging for beginners. A better alternative is a certain type of soda water bottle available on the market, which features a longer neck and is more suitable for use as a stuffing funnel.