Personally, at $200, I see a brewbucket as a better choice. Tritan copolyester is a BPA plastic replacement. While there is no BPA it still may have estrogenic chemicals. Eastman Chemicals have worked hard to supress any studies and rulings that may suggest it's anything but safe.
I certainly do not put any hot, acidic liquids in anything I own that has BPA or Triton copolyester.
Glass and stainless are the inert products of choice, IMHO.
Stiil, there are some new features with this fermenter that are unique.
Is it possible to order just the lid and silicone seal? I'd like to try adding a stainless steel thermowell to the lid, but I want to have an extra just in case things go awry.
Sure thing, just email us at info at CraftaBrew.com and we will get a order put together for you.
Well, after using the Catalyst for a NE IPA, I've decided I will not use it again as a fermentor.
Three times I had the silicone seal disengage itself from the lid, once falling into my wort, and twice into my fermented beer during a dry-hopping. No amount of care was able to prevent the separation.
I've also noticed that cleaning the Catalyst is also problematic. I can scrub the crap out of my steel fermentors with no ill effects. No matter how many times I scrub the Catalyst with a soft sponge, I always find a little something left over when it dries.
The Trub/Yeast trap is a nice touch, but way too much tends to stick to the sides of the Catalyst, and I end up having to do a transfer to a bright tank, and let the crud settle before moving it to my keg. When I use my sanke fermentors I can adjust my dip tube to avoid transferring crud, plus I can transfer under CO2, avoiding the big-ass air bubble that occurs when replacing the trub/yeast jar or bottling adapter.
I've got two Catalysts, and I'll probably keep one just as a no-chill cooling chamber, but I'm going to sell the other.
Just my $.02
We just released a new seal version 2.0 to fix the potential issue you mentioned. This new seal stays seated in the lid better so it will not come loose when opening the lid and it is also easier to install.
I've created a discount code for 50% off the seal for anyone who wants to purchase one. Use code "seal50" at checkout: https://craftabrew.com/collections/home-brewing-accessories/products/catalyst-seal-2-0
We just released a new seal version 2.0 to fix the potential issue you mentioned. This new seal stays seated in the lid better so it will not come loose when opening the lid and it is also easier to install.
I've created a discount code for 50% off the seal for anyone who wants to purchase one. Use code "seal50" at checkout: https://craftabrew.com/collections/home-brewing-accessories/products/catalyst-seal-2-0
I just order a seal and a ball valve. Will report back after next brew day.
BUT....
I also just saw a claim on youtube that you're making a 7 gallon stainless catalyst... Is that true @Craftabrew?!?
I got a card with my order that says so...
It IS on their website. I asked if anyone had any more info on the other catalyst thread, but no one answered. Looks pretty sweet.
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We just released a new seal version 2.0 to fix the potential issue you mentioned. This new seal stays seated in the lid better so it will not come loose when opening the lid and it is also easier to install.
If the SS conical is cost competitive, you've got a customer here. I'm quite happy brewing my small batches in 5 gallon cornies, but being able to collect yeast in the jar is enough to push me over the edge.
Install some lights on those end tables! Above, not inside.
Interesting choice. While the carboys definitely look comfortable in the living room I can't imagine keeping them at a consistent temp would be easy. Don't worry dear im making a Saison it's only gonna be this hot for 2 weeks but it'll be worth it lol
I'm curious, is there a way to set the Catalyst up for closed transfer via CO2? I currently own one and love it, but I'm wanting to try closed transferring with CO2, and not sure what the best way to go about it would be.
Couldn't you somehow connect through the airlock hole, add co2 slowly so it fills the space instead of air while the beer is drawn off through the spigot.
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