Freakin' Swing-Tops!

My first post here. I wish I had found and consulted this forum several weeks ago. I took a break from home brewing after my last batch failed to carbonate. I thought it was due to a too long of a secondary fermentation. Wrong. I read here, after I bottled my last back, about the issues with the LHBS swing-tops. My first regular bottle was awesome! Grolsch bottle - great. First LHBS swing-top great. Today I am 0 for 2. No carbonation - none! I know now that it is the bottles. I won't wait 2 years again. I'll be buying large, cap bottles and a bench capper.

What a waste!!! The three I had were awesome - couldn't wait to share them with friends.

Sorry for the rant, but I knew you guys would understand. Please if you are thinking of trying them, buy the Grolsch or other store brands - you know they'll work.

I've only brewed 5 batches and each one was getting better...then I started using swing-tops.

Bummer to hear about your loss, I have stayed away from swing tops for that very reason!

I ONLY use Grolsh bottles - never had a flat one yet. Stay away from those cheap aftermarket bottles you find at the LHBS.

Change the seals, maybe put 2 on for a good seal. Drop a carb drop in each one and see if they ferment again

lapaglia said:

Change the seals, maybe put 2 on for a good seal. Drop a carb drop in each one and see if they ferment again

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Definitely! If you haven't dumped it yet, don't. Keep em closed until you get new seals. Replace the seals and try carbing again.

I've bottled a few batches in swing tops ( never really trusted them ) haven't had any problems.

Maybe I've just been lucky.

I think your thought to use big cap bottles is the best idea.

I've used EZ-Cap bottles for two batches so far, and had good results both times in terms of carbonation. These are good bottles, I think they are made in Canada.

I've also had good luck with the EZ Cap bottles, I've filled my 2 cases at least 2-3 times and have had no carbonation failures yet. They seem to snap down tighter than Grolsch bottles for me. Either way I'd replace the seals every 3-4 refills.

I have had bad luck with the swing top caps also. About half haven't carbonated for me.

BUt, they do work very nicely for Ed's Apfel wine, and sangria.

Luck