Blichmann Fermenter Options

[jgaepi]

So I moved up from Ale Pales to Better Bottles. Now I need another Fermenter and I am tempted to get one of the Blichmann Fermenters. I look at the options, and there is an obvious $250 difference, for standard connector or tri connector. But nothing available to explain why the extra $250 is worth it. $600 is already a ton of cash compared to $70 for a better bottle. So the extra $250 better have a little guy attached who cleans the thing.

My set up is essentially a kettle to fermenter to bottle. I don't do my own mash. I don't need cool towers. I am intrigued by the stainless steel, conical shape and ability to dump the yeast out for second stage.

Lastly, the extra $120 for a blow off valve. As opposed to $7 for a rubber blow off valve.

You are in my shoes ... what options would you go with? Thanks.

 

[weirdboy]

Assuming you have the space, I think the Brewhemoth is a much better deal.

http://brewhemoth.com/brewhemoth

$629 for 1/2 barrel fermentation capacity, and tri-clover fittings for $10 more.

They also have options for active temperature control via their immersion chiller, although you'd need to get your own temperature controller and a pump to fully take advantage of it.

 

[jgaepi]

I should have said that I am limited on space. I can do either 7 or 14 gallon. Nothing more, nothing less. Thx.

 

[xmacro]

There are a few manuf's who make plastic conicals; about half the price of the SS ones

 

[BoomerHarley]

I have a Blichmann 14.5 conical without the tri fittings. I love it. Don't go smaller. What I like over the brehemoth is the conical shape is better for dropping the yeast (cone is more steep).

 

[jgaepi]

I have a Blichmann 14.5 conical without the tri fittings. I love it. Don't go smaller. What I like over the brehemoth is the conical shape is better for dropping the yeast (cone is more steep).

I will never brew more than 5 gallon batches. I like to constantly drink different stuff. Keeps things interesting. So unless the 14 gallon will make my 5 gallon batch better, I will stick w the 7. Do u have the blow off accessory or are you using a rubber plug?

 

[ArcLight]

>>I will never brew more than 5 gallon batches. I

I used to say that until I realized the additional effort of making 10 gallon batches was a little more time to heat water, and bottling day was a bit longer. Call it an hour or so of extra work, for an extra 5 gallons of beer. Pretty good use of time in my opinion.

 

[Face Eater]

The tri clamps are more sanitary and easier to clean. If you clean everything well and sanitize well then you can go without the tri clamps. It is worth it for me due to the ease of cleaning and less chance for infection but they are not necessary.