Blichmann Fermenator Owners - Are You Happy?

[lamarguy]

I do have a sanke along with one of Derrin's fermenter kits, but have yet to use it - I'm terrified of not being able to clean and sanitize thoroughly when I just have a 2" hole to work with.

I actually just went downstairs and used a combination of an angle grinder and Dremel to cut a hole in the top of the sanke to accept a corny lid.

Sanke fermentors around the world just cried out in unison.

 

[user 40839]

Mwahahaha.

Sorry, I appear to be hijacking every conical-related thread in an attempt to figure out what one to pull the trigger on, given budgetary constraints.

Since the Blichmann is weldless, I assume that the ports (dump and siphon) are the same size on both the "standard" and "sanitary" models, and that the difference is the weldless kits they ship with? I've emailled AHS, Williams, Northern Brewer, and Brewmasters Warehouse (as well as Blichmann directly) and gotten no response on this.

 

[zymurgy101]

Since the Blichmann is weldless, I assume that the ports (dump and siphon) are the same size on both the "standard" and "sanitary" models, and that the difference is the weldless kits they ship with?

I've emailled AHS, Williams, Northern Brewer, and Brewmasters Warehouse (as well as Blichmann directly) and gotten no response on this.

I do believe the ports are the same size; however, you cannot upgrade a 'standard' to a tri-clamp version.

Just order your MoreBeer conical now and be done with it! The larger dump valve is a good thing and it's a butterfly valve to boot. You may not always get an immediate reply, but there is always someone to answer your call at MoreBeer.

One more thing...if it is your first time ordering with MoreBeer, you will get 10% off your order (sign up on their website first and you'll get a code).

 

[user 40839]

Dude! I *want* the Morebeer conical, don't get me wrong. But $899 plus tax for California residents brings it to just shy of $1,000 - which is basically the cost of TWO near identical fermenters from Stout! (Alas, I've ordered PLENTY of stuff from those guys, so no 10% discount for me, unless I have my in-laws buy it or something)

FWIW, I got an email from John Blichmann regarding the "standard" and "sanitary" versions:

The fittings are NOT intrechangeable.* THe TC models use larger holes.* While the TC models are a joy to use and look cool as hell, they really don't do anything more than the NPT models.* If you dump regularly you don't have to worry about compacted yeast plugging the bottom dump (it is more a function of yeast compaction than dia of the dump valve).* So frequent dumping keeps that at bay.* ANd a bit of pressure will get it moving even if it does.

My new nefarious scheme is to just get the standard Blichmann, and in a few months pull the weldless dump valve off, and have a 1.5" tri elbow sanitary welded in it's place.

 

[zymurgy101]

Ah..."plus tax"...'nuff said. Prior to finding out about the 10% discount, they did tell me they would match the price of a Blichmann ($829, I believe). That still doesn't compare to the $599 price of a standard 14 gallon Blichmann...with no tax. Looking forward to feedback on the new toy!

 

[user 40839]

Or the $499 (plus shipping) on a Stout Tank short model, with thermowell and customized lid with 4" and 1.5" tri clamp ports for the blowoff and access port! (Which... I wouldn't get for six months)

 

[BrewMoreBeers]

ubermick... you are killing me. Seriously, every thread... Just order something already. You know what you want and we are not going to change your mind.

 

[user 40839]

That's the problem! I don't!! And it's driving me absolutely friggin mental!!!!!!! I want the Stout Tank, but I sure as hell don't wanna wait until the middle of Summer to get it. I want the Morebeer, but can't afford it! I'd get the Brewhemoth, but it won't @## fit!!

 

[zymurgy101]

Blichmann...ready...go! Sounds like a no brainer to me and I would have already pulled the trigger provided the info you have.

 

[Captain_Bigelow]

Blichmann...ready...go! Sounds like a no brainer to me and I would have already pulled the trigger provided the info you have.

+1, You obviously don't want to wait for a Stout conical, so just buy a Blichmann.

 

[billtzk]

I love my 14.5 gallon Blichmann. I have the standard model with the NPT fittings. It's very well made and super easy to clean. While the triclamp version has a much higher "bling" factor, it's not worth the extra bucks to me.

I sometimes wish I had two of them.

 

[user 40839]

Sanke fermentors around the world just cried out in unison.

Awww, c'mon. Not that bad:

 

[Naz]

Quick question about capacity. We're thinking about a 14.5G but we routinely brew about 13 - 14G per brew day - 15G pots. Just how much beer can you ferment in one of the 14.5G models? The 27G model wont fit in the brewery and from what I've heard when it's full it weighs more than kirstie alley's arm fat! (not sure whee that came from; it sounded good @ the time.) :0)

 

[brewtime]

How do you all clean the conical after fermentation?

take the top off roll it out side and hit with a garden hose cleans up easy. I like mine i did not opt fore the TC fittings stll cheaper than to the More beer conical of simular size.

 

[brewtime]

Quick question about capacity. We're thinking about a 14.5G but we routinely brew about 13 - 14G per brew day - 15G pots. Just how much beer can you ferment in one of the 14.5G models? The 27G model wont fit in the brewery and from what I've heard when it's full it weighs more than kirstie alley's arm fat! (not sure whee that came from; it sounded good @ the time.) :0)

I think the Blichamann is about 12 gallons with out the top. you could do more but you better have a good seal our you will have some leakage. I would think you would be pushing it with 13 gallons in a 14.5 version. i have never had any issuse doing 12 gallons in mine.

I do use a pump to fill it because once it it is full it is heavy and arkward to lift it in to my soda display fridge I use to ferment in.

 

[gruversm]

I own a 14.5g Blichmann and absolutely love it. Disassembly and cleanup is a snap.

Only drawback is that I still must use carboys when I Lager, as it won't fit into my glass-front fridge with the leg extensions.