Anyone ever try to use a 15 gallon keg as a fermenter?

How did it go? Were you able to clean it after fermentation was done? I want to use a 15 gallon keg as a fermenter any issues you might think of? I want to order another keg from ADVENTURES IN HOMEBREWING so I can make a 15 gallon batch and not rack 3 carboys. I can get a unmodified keg for $139.00. Any thoughts?

 

http://www.brewershardware.com/American-Sanke-Keg-Fermenter-Kit-with-Thermowell.html

I am working on this right now.

 

Yeah I used to ferment in an unmodified sanke with no problems. I bought a carboy cleaner that attaches to a drill to clean it and it worked great... others have have good success with just filling it with PBW or oxy and letting it sit for a day or so. The thing I liked best was steam sanitizing... just put about a gallon of water in it, put a foil cap on and boil for about 20 minutes. Let it cool and drain the water and you are ready for wort. I used an orange carboy cap, just boil it for a few and stretch it to fit the neck of the sanke.

 

They make great fermentors. But I wouldn't plan on putting 15 gallons in them. I only do ten so there is plenty of headspace.

 

like someone else also pointed out you might lose some of your beer out of the blow off unless you use something like fermcap. i ferment 15 gallons in a 20 gallon fermentor.

 

I'm fermenting right now in a 15.5 Sanke, with just a #11 rubber stopper. It seems to seal just fine, as I had bubbling through the airlock.

 

It works great. I've done 13 gallons in a sanke with no problems. (use a blowoff just in case)

Only problem I've had is the temp-control. 13 gallons of wort has a huge thermal mass, and cooling is a bit uneven in my temp-controlled freezer. I let mine sit for a few hours before pitching, and shake/swirl it a bit during that time to even out the temp.

The thermowell fermenter cap is a great investment, buy one (or two) and don't look back.

I think it's easier to clean 1 sanke than 2 carboys, I use a sump-pump cleaning machine, and a homemade spinning carboy cleaner.

 

Im glad that some like the ss beer kegs as fermenters! Im going to be ordering one for such purpose.

One question though before I buy another one. Where is the cheapest place to get another one? Ive been qouted a price of $139.00. Any place cheaper or is that a fair price?

 

Hi everyone,

Sorry about reviving an old thread, I have a 15.5 gal sanke and am going to try this, but I'm unsure about the recipe.. Do I just double all ingredients like you would a cake mix etc?

Thanks in advance!

 

That's exactly what I've been doing for about a year now in my sanke keg. Note you'll want to double your yeast pitch as well...

And if anyone is looking and has a brewery nearby, check to see if they have damaged kegs that have been taken out of service. I got mine free that way...

Good luck!

-- bob

 

That is exactly what I'm thinking of doing, what a great idea 23L is just not enough haha