Advantages of a Conical Fermenter?

[Pierce]

This is probably a stupid questions but I haven't seen a good explanation yet. What are the advantages of a conical fermentor? Are they really worth the cost?

 

[weirdboy]

Here's the advantages from my perspective (I don't own a conical, so owners please correct me):

1. No need to rack from primary->secondary. Just dump off the yeast after fermentation is done.
2. Easier to save/reuse yeast. You can dump the yeast in a manner such that you don't need to wash it.
3. Easy access for mid-fermentation checks.
4. Minimizes amount of wasted beer when packaging. In my bucket fermenters and carboys I always feel like I'm leaving behind one quarter to one half gallon of liquid because otherwise I'd be stirring up all the sediment trying to rack that last bit.


Of course the main disadvantages, at least for my process, are:

1. Temperature control isn't as easy. I can't just throw a conical in a swamp cooler and fill it with water like I do for a bucket or carboy. Unless you get a jacketed fermenter in which case you're talking much more expensive.
2. Cleaning isn't as easy.
3. Not nearly as easy to move around a 7 gallon conical as it is a 7 gallon bucket.

 

[samc]

IMO beyond yeast harvesting I don't see many advantages to the average home user. If it will hold pressure then it's good for CO2 push to keg. They are nice for lagering, but then you will be without your fermenter for a long time, so you need to have more than one.

If you have the money and like to have quality equipment that looks good then buying one is great.

I have a plastic inductor tank (15+gallons) and at some point I might upgrade to SS conical, but it is not a priority.

 

[zymurgy101]

I'm looking at moving from two - six gallon glass carboys to one 14 gal Blichmann conical and was making the same considerations. Here are a couple of pros I had on my list:

(Pro) - it seemed to me the 14 gal conical doesn't weigh that much and is fairly easy to move around using the flip up handles.

(Pro) - the 14 gal conical is ~31.5" tall, which will store nicely in my pantry and will take up less overall floor space than my two glass carboys.

(Pro) - there is no syphon or racking cane needed! Maybe it is because I just don't like a racking cane, but I find this feature so very nice. Either use the leg extensions to gravity feed or CO2 to pump the ale up to the keg (up to six feet in head). I am a big fan of using pressure and eliminating the need for gravity (counter space).

I'll do more reading, but I really like the idea of the Blichmann Conical. The issue I am having is whether it is worth the $200+ for the TriClamp feature...I'm leaning towards no...but it sure is nice looking!

 

[Elshauno]

I'm looking at moving from two - six gallon glass carboys to one 14 gal Blichmann conical and was making the same considerations. Here are a couple of pros I had on my list:

(Pro) - it seemed to me the 14 gal conical doesn't weigh that much and is fairly easy to move around using the flip up handles.

(Pro) - the 14 gal conical is ~31.5" tall, which will store nicely in my pantry and will take up less overall floor space than my two glass carboys.

(Pro) - there is no syphon or racking cane needed! Maybe it is because I just don't like a racking cane, but I find this feature so very nice. Either use the leg extensions to gravity feed or CO2 to pump the ale up to the keg (up to six feet in head). I am a big fan of using pressure and eliminating the need for gravity (counter space).

I'll do more reading, but I really like the idea of the Blichmann Conical. The issue I am having is whether it is worth the $200+ for the TriClamp feature...I'm leaning towards no...but it sure is nice looking!

These conicals look mighty tempting http://conical-fermenter.com/products/conical-fermenters/

 

[EarthBound]

+1 on the no siphoning. You just hook up the tubing, turn the valve, and into the keg it goes.

I have a U.S. plastic inductor tank, and it works wonders for only $75. I would be wasting $800 (at least) if I wanted to buy a SS conical just for some bling. Those two prices include the tank and required parts.

I love saving $$$, and I'll never have an off-flavor with using brass and plastic. I'll probably install a racking arm for easier transfer.

 

[suprchunk]

These conicals look mighty tempting http://conical-fermenter.com/products/conical-fermenters/

Pretty good prices on those. Toledo Metal Spinning has just the hopper for $172. I figure all the extras, and them doing the mod is more than worth about $100. Thanks for the link.

 

[Quan]

I know I've read something about conicals generally being the optimum vessel shape for fermentation as well... dunno if that's true.

 

[GilaMinumBeer]

More bling.

 

[Bad Influence]

I've been thinking of going this route.... but samc and Earthbound's comments about the plastic inductor tank is really making me think a little.

I found a tank, but not the stand yet. Quick search was 75 bucks for 15 gallons. I'd still need to add a little, but it seems I can have 3 of these tanks for the price of one steel, and increase my capacity as well.

At that price, you don't mind leaving 10 gallons of a Belgian tie up a fermenter.

Must look into this a bit more.

Jonathan

 

[zymurgy101]

I've been using the Fermentap system (http://morebeer.com/view_product/16662/beerwinecoffee/Fermentap) for many years; it's surprising it still works. Carefully turning a six gallon carboy upside down while full of wort will make a vein protrude in your forehead...and many other places! I tried this system because it replicated the large scale brewers' protocol. Once I found how effective it was, I began looking for other conical methods.