Hi,
I am the one posting these on Portland's Craigslist. I'll answer your question - Are they the same ones seen before on E-Bay? No. But they are new.
- Are they okay to brew in? Yes. My factory specializes in various sanitary stainless steel items for the food industry. I have used mine with no problems whatsoever. If you have specific concerns, please ask and I'll reply.
- Will they hold pressure? No, they are not designed to hold pressure. I would recommend using a conical for your primary fermenter, and take advantage of the bottom outlet to drop out the trub and yeast. When your SG drops to where you want to naturally carbonate, then you could transfer the beer out of the side outlet to your corney keg and seal it up for carbonation. This will give you all of what you want.
- Is it the same as "every other conical"? No - these conicals have sanitary fittings, valves, welds, finish and no threads to trap contaminants. But, they cost a bit more as a result. I have over 20 years brewing experience, both professional and home brewing, and put in the features that I know will make the most difference in beer quality.
I am putting together a website that will have more information about them. When they are all ready, in about 3 or 4 weeks, I'll be shipping them to people who have contacted me through Craigslist. Here is the website link (I apologize for the fact that it is still under construction). Stainless Steel Home Brew Conical Fermenters:
www.conical-fermenter.com.
Cheers!