Conical Fermenter

[SpikeBrewing]

Subbed! I'm in the market myself and lots of good info here so thanks to all.

Spike, any idea when your 14gal conical with glycol setups will be available?

I'd be willing to do some beta testing for you

We are looking to stay away from Glycol as it is so expensive. That's all I can say right now.....

I'm disappointed that the rotating racking arm will not be incorporated into the Spike conical. My Blichmann 14g and BH 20 gallon both have them. After HUNDREDS of gallons brewed in each, I have no issues like depicted in the video and the rotating arm works great as a sample port.

I like the 2" bottom port on the BH conical, but saying it will not clog is a bit of wishful thinking.

I WILL NOT PURCHASE A CONICAL THAT DOES NOT HAVE A WELL DESIGNED (FUNCTION OVER FORM) ROTATING RACKING ARM. (I really like the design of the BH racking arm)

If I understand you correctly you like the racking arm because it allows you to sample clear wort out of the racking port, correct? Well our conical will have a specifically designed sample port. The racking port will be for racking only and we have not found any need for a rotating racking arm (but again we will offer one as an add on).

 

[brick_haus]

If I understand you correctly you like the racking arm because it allows you to sample clear wort out of the racking port, correct? Well our conical will have a specifically designed sample port. The racking port will be for racking only and we have not found any need for a rotating racking arm (but again we will offer one as an add on).

No, I use the racking arm to rack clear wort into the kegs and leave very little beer behind. The fact that I can also use it for sampling is a plus. I'm interested in seeing the design of your optional rotating arm. If designed well, I could very well be among your first customers. I really like the other equipment that I have purchased from Spike!

 

[headbanger]

We are looking to stay away from Glycol as it is so expensive. That's all I can say right now.....

Doesn't have to be glycol as long as it can chill on its own. Looking for something a little more effective than an aquarium pump and some vinyl tubing.

 

[zepkep]

Doesn't have to be glycol as long as it can chill on its own. Looking for something a little more effective than an aquarium pump and some vinyl tubing.

Agreed. I will probably be purchasing a Spike conical along with some kettles for a new brew system from scratch - will pass on SS Brewtech even though their system is available now. Its crucial though that Spike has stand alone cooling and I will probably hold off purchasing until the cooling system is released (I hope that is soon). Really excited for these new products from Spike! I love the quality and details that you put into everything you make.

 

[mkirkland]

I have the 7 gallon SS Brewtech Brewmaster Edition with the casters. I built a 9 gallon glycol chiller system for temp control and it works really well so far in the warm garage. Everything about this conical i like and i dont have any exp with any other of the conicals. Was worth the price to me.

 

[usarcher]

Spike, is the temp control option going to just cover cooling or will there be a heating option too? This would be going in my basement and winter temps can get down into the 40's so having a heat wrap of some kind would be great.

 

[SpikeBrewing]

Spike, is the temp control option going to just cover cooling or will there be a heating option too? This would be going in my basement and winter temps can get down into the 40's so having a heat wrap of some kind would be great.

Good question! This will be a true temp control unit. We are in WI and most of the time we are heating (minus the 3 weeks of summer).

 

[ViciousFishes]

Good question! This will be a true temp control unit. We are in WI and most of the time we are heating (minus the 3 weeks of summer).

Ben, this fermentation chamber is impatiently waiting for a new Spike conical:



However, the interior is only 35" high. Will that be an issue for the 14g conical? 7g conical?

 

[usarcher]

Good question! This will be a true temp control unit. We are in WI and most of the time we are heating (minus the 3 weeks of summer).

Great, I was getting ready to pull the trigger on the Ss Brewtech but kept holding off because of the weldless ports they decided to use. I thought it a strange addition seeing if you are already going to buy a conical over a plastic bucket or glass carboy I don't think the price would have been an issue to do a few more welds.

I keep refreshing the conical page hoping it changes from 'Coming Summer 2016' to 'Add to Cart'!

 

[LTS]

Having just purchased my Spike kettles I am going to have to buy some "interim" fermenter until the conical gets released. Hurry up boys!

 

[The_Bishop]

@SpikeBrewing - Looks like your design changed a bit, any new info on the fermenters?

 

[SpikeBrewing]

@SpikeBrewing - Looks like your design changed a bit, any new info on the fermenters?

Just waiting on the stamp of approval from our PE as we'd like this to be pressure rated...

Details we know for sure are:

-Huge 2" TC dump
-1.5" TC racking port
-1.5" TC sample valve
-1.5" TC thermo
-Polished SS
-Etched logo and volume
-Domed lid with:
-4" TC (modular port for hops additions, future cooling coil, pressure transfer, etc, etc)
-1.5" TC blowoff port

We can't wait to get them out!

 

[The_Bishop]

That's *AWESOME*. Ok, I'm sold. I'll wait.

 

[Bowtiebrewery]

OMG OMG OMG... Sorry. The design change is awesome... I am so getting in line. I was going to spend the money lifting my truck... Now.... Getting myself a SB Conical!

 

[clarkpadgett]

Just waiting on the stamp of approval from our PE as we'd like this to be pressure rated...

What is the pressure you're shooting for? I ferment under pressure then carbonate in a modified sanke keg. I'd love to be able to do the same thing in a conical.

 

[SpikeBrewing]

What is the pressure you're shooting for? I ferment under pressure then carbonate in a modified sanke keg. I'd love to be able to do the same thing in a conical.

We are shooting for 15psi sustained pressure....

 

[The_Bishop]

Why can't I hit the like button more than once?

 

[clarkpadgett]

We are shooting for 15psi sustained pressure....

Hmmm. I always go above that. Usually to just under 30 psi. I might have to stick with my sanke, but I'm sure that 15 psi is going to make a lot of people happy.

 

[BrewmasterBrad]

Hmmm. I always go above that. Usually to just under 30 psi. I might have to stick with my sanke, but I'm sure that 15 psi is going to make a lot of people happy.

If you don't mind me asking, why do you need to go up to 30 psi? I ferment in sanke kegs too, so I am curious.

Also, for those looking for a conical, looks like all the features you are looking for are already available here.

 

[SpikeBrewing]

If you don't mind me asking, why do you need to go up to 30 psi? I ferment in sanke kegs too, so I am curious.

Also, for those looking for a conical, looks like all the features you are looking for are already available here.

For $1000 more

 

[clarkpadgett]

If you don't mind me asking, why do you need to go up to 30 psi? I ferment in sanke kegs too, so I am curious.

I start out at 7 PSI for the majority of the ferment, usually at 68F. When I get to within about 20 points of the final gravity, I close off my PRV to let the pressure build up over the next couple of days to the carbonation level I want. 2.5 volumes at 68F is 27.6 PSI (I usually keep it a little bit under that).

 

[Bowtiebrewery]

Hey Spike, I know the 14g is unlikely to fit in my Fridge (top bottom) but any idea on what the overall height is going to be? I might just build a fermentation chamber for this bad boy. I have an extra air-conditioner just sitting around.

 

[BrewmasterBrad]

I start out at 7 PSI for the majority of the ferment, usually at 68F. When I get to within about 20 points of the final gravity, I close off my PRV to let the pressure build up over the next couple of days to the carbonation level I want. 2.5 volumes at 68F is 27.6 PSI (I usually keep it a little bit under that).

Interesting process. I don't want to hijack this thread, but I would like to learn more about your experience fermenting under pressure since I haven't tried that yet.

 

[SpikeBrewing]

Hey Spike, I know the 14g is unlikely to fit in my Fridge (top bottom) but any idea on what the overall height is going to be? I might just build a fermentation chamber for this bad boy. I have an extra air-conditioner just sitting around.

I'm seeing roughly 35" high from feet to top of the 4" TC in the lid.

 

[Bowtiebrewery]

Interesting process. I don't want to hijack this thread, but I would like to learn more about your experience fermenting under pressure since I haven't tried that yet.

There have been a few articles on this so just search the forum and you will find links to those forums regarding fermenting under pressure and perceived differences.

I'm seeing roughly 35" high from feet to top of the 4" TC in the lid.

Thank you!

 

[Bowtiebrewery]

Just saying, but I love Spike stuff. Would do a video review and post up on HB Talk for a free shirt or two...

 

[jmrybak]

I'm seeing roughly 35" high from feet to top of the 4" TC in the lid.

How tall is the 7g version? I have a fridge with about 35" clearance I use to control ferment temps with my Ss Brewtech Chronical and I am considering giving your conical a try if it will fit!

Also, I use a yeast harvester (sight glass based) how much space is there from the 2" dump to the ground? Would need to go 2" dump --> butterfly --> sight glass --> end cap.

Looks fantastic guys!

 

[SpikeBrewing]

How tall is the 7g version? I have a fridge with about 35" clearance I use to control ferment temps with my Ss Brewtech Chronical and I am considering giving your conical a try if it will fit!

Also, I use a yeast harvester (sight glass based) how much space is there from the 2" dump to the ground? Would need to go 2" dump --> butterfly --> sight glass --> end cap.

Looks fantastic guys!

I don't have any final dimensions for the 7gal yet, sorry!

I'm showing about 7" from bottom of the 2" TC to the bottom of the legs. We use a 90* TC elbow so everything comes out towards you instead of straight down.

 

[The_Bishop]

Question on the conical sizes. You have them listed as 7 gallon, 14 gallon, and 1/2bbl which would be 15.5 gallons. Is that 1/2 bbl designation correct, or is it supposed to be 1 bbl? From 14 gallon to 15.5 gallon doesn't seem like much of a jump in size.

Also, is the capacity listed as a 'full to the brim' or is it that capacity with room to ferment?

 

[jmrybak]

I don't have any final dimensions for the 7gal yet, sorry!

I'm showing about 7" from bottom of the 2" TC to the bottom of the legs. We use a 90* TC elbow so everything comes out towards you instead of straight down.

Thanks for the speedy relpy guys!

I understand you are still finalizing some things. I will keep an eye out. I am really looking forward to the final details and a potential side by side with my Ss Brewtech. I like that conical a lot, but if your conical performs as well as your v3 kettle i just got my dad, I may need an upgrade ;D

I just like having the yeast harvester vertical. Makes for a cool way to watch the fermentation if you dump the trub early and no concerns with yeast getting stuck in the cone. Although your 2" TC should help with that too.

https://youtu.be/OIQCpfJJ-zI