Conical Fermenter

[BongoYodeler]

Are you interested in keg fermenting in general, or in serving with a top-draw system?

There are two of these available and I bought both to audition them. There is the Clear Beer Draught System, and this product from William's Brewing.

The CBDS is twice the price but it's also nicely engineered, heavier, and has an available screen to permit dry hopping in the serving keg. The other product is simpler and seems to work just as well most of the time. In my pre-usage tests with water, it would fail to pick up liquid in some situations, mostly due to length of the silicone tube, which could be rectified pretty easily. The tube is sized for 5 gallon kegs, and I use 2.5 and 3 gallon kegs a lot so this is a factor. Because the CBDS is heavier, the tube flexes better and I did not need to cut it to work in a smaller keg. The William's tube had to be trimmed to work properly. No big deal though.

I am currently trying these for the first time with beer. I fermented a simple pilsner recipe, 3 gallon batch, and split it into two 2.5 gallon kegs (1.5 gal each). I pitched lager yeast in one (it's still conditioning) and a Belgian yeast in the other (it's in the keezer carbing up).

I also brewed a 2.5 gallon batch of English bitter and put it into a 5 gallon keg. I just moved that one to my keezer.

So far I have nothing bad to say! I transferred from kettle to keg, pitched yeast, sealed, attached blow-off, eventually removed that and put the keg on tap. No transfers of any kind. The beer (pulled from the top) is nearly clear after 4 days, and tastes just like a green beer should. Time will tell if the stuff at the very bottom impacts flavor at all.

There are plenty of reviews about the CBDS, but very few mentions of serving from the fermenter-keg. It was one person in particular who claimed to have done it 20+ times that convinced me to go for it. Check out Angel's post in the comments on this Brulosophy review.

Thanks for the links. I was actually rolling the idea in my head possibly fermenting in my new 5g corny keg instead of my 7.9g Speidel fermenter. Two reasons - one, to eliminate a transfer and oxygen exposure. Secondly, I don't have a temperature controlled fermentation fridge, just a second fridge that I use for to keep my homebrew and store-bought beer cold. I'm fearful about putting the plastic Speidel in that to cold crash due to negative pressure. I don't really have the space for yet a third fridge or freezer to be used as a dedicated fermentation chamber. Anyway, just in the thinking-about-it stage at this time.

 

[McKnuckle]

It's really simple to do. After all, a keg is just a cylindrical stainless steel vessel with some ports. Reduce your batch size to fit the keg, such as 4 gallons or less of wort in a 5 gallon keg. This is perfect for me since I brew 2.5-3 gallons most of the time. Others balk because it's not enough beer. Oh well!

Fill it from your kettle either through the dip tube with a liquid QD and tubing, or just through the opening at that point. Close the keg and shake it to aerate. Attach a blow off tube to the gas port QD with tubing running to a jar of sanitizer.

When you are ready to transfer to a serving keg, if not using the nifty top-draw products referenced above, you can use an auto-siphon just like you'd do from a carboy.

Or if you get more crafty, you can push the beer with CO2 from one keg to the other. I personally found that challenging. I had even bent my dip tubes away from the trub, but still could never reliably guess what level the trub would reach, so I experienced a couple of clogs and promptly stopped that. Others will tell you they have no trouble at all. That's homebrewing for you.

 

[MT's AZ Ale Haus]

Looking to upgrade my setup after 3 batches. Just have the typical starter kit. I am looking at conical fermenting setups. The best option I see financially is the Fast Ferment 7.9 setup, but the reviews vary. Should I just save up and get something stainless. Advice appreciated.

I think I'm going to give the Brew Demon Conical Fermenter a shot.

It's only $45 to start and see how things go.

BrewDemon Conical Fermenter - Amber https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00DCC50BC/?tag=skimlinks_replacement-20

 

[TheFlyingSparge]

Home brewer for 10+ years. I've used buckets, carboys and currently own a SS BrewTech 1/2bbl with temp control and a Spikes 10gal conical with temp control. If you have unlimited funds and need to buy something right now, I really like the Spikes equipment. Brewtech is nice too. I have an older model. Looks like the newer stuff is slightly more sturdy.

That being said, I agree with other members that there is other stuff to spend $$ on that will have a greater impact on your brewing. Like investing in all-grain equipment. Kegging equipment is awesome to have also. For most beers, a conical fermenter is not going to make the beer taste any better. It does make your brewery look cooler.

 

[McKnuckle]

I think I'm going to give the Brew Demon Conical Fermenter a shot.

Certainly it's way cheaper than stainless steel anything, but read the Amazon reviews. I had one and it lasted for about 3 batches before the seam beneath the spigot cracked and it leaked. It's all plastic, thin plastic at that, and not great value at close to $50.

 

[TheEagleRising]

So I cant help myself lol, I am going to step up and get the Ss Brewtech Brewmaster 6.95 fermenting bucket. While my first 3 batches have turned out ok, I just want to add to my kit bag. When I return to the states I will definitely be asking for help on converting a fridge or freezer for temp control and kegerator. As well as swapping from extract to all grain.

 

[undertaken]

So I cant help myself lol, I am going to step up and get the Ss Brewtech Brewmaster 6.95 fermenting bucket. While my first 3 batches have turned out ok, I just want to add to my kit bag. When I return to the states I will definitely be asking for help on converting a fridge or freezer for temp control and kegerator. As well as swapping from extract to all grain.

After reading this thread I ordered one of those yesterday. Should be here tomorrow and have a brew day planned for Sunday. [emoji3]

 

[TheFlyingSparge]

So I cant help myself lol, I am going to step up and get the Ss Brewtech Brewmaster 6.95 fermenting bucket.

Look at the Spikes CF5 fermenter also. It’s a little bit more money but you can do more with it like pressurized closed system transfers, 2” trub port and a giant 4” TC port up top for dry hopping, etc. It is incredibly well made and you will never need another vessel upgrade.

I own a CF10 and really enjoy brewing with it.

Whatever you decide is right for your brewery, good luck. Cheers!

 

[TheEagleRising]

Look at the Spikes CF5 fermenter also. It’s a little bit more money but you can do more with it like pressurized closed system transfers, 2” trub port and a giant 4” TC port up top for dry hopping, etc. It is incredibly well made and you will never need another vessel upgrade.

I own a CF10 and really enjoy brewing with it.

Whatever you decide is right for your brewery, good luck. Cheers!

WOW, well when I get settled and switch to all grain and Kegs I will have to keep that in mind. Baby steps for now until I can brew quality stuff consistently, or as consistently as possible lol

 

[LostHopper]

For those who want to improve their fermentation temp control without purchasing a chest freezer I have found another MacGuyver method that works well for my fermentation buckets and carboys (3 gal and 5 gal)

Old large ice chest like Coleman Extreme 120 or 150. Even better if the lid is gone. Place in bath tub or coolest spot in house.

Place fermenters in ice chest, place frozen water jugs with a cheap additive called Ice Extender in between the fermenters
Ice Extender keeps the jugs frozen longer requiring less frequent replacement during fermentation, maybe once a day depending on room temp. I keep these Ice Extender jugs in my freezer year round for brewing or keeping food and drinks cold on camping trips.

Make a Reflectix lid/cover with holes for blow off tubes or airlocks.
I have no problem keeping fermentation temps in the low to mid 60's. 70's are a breeze.

I started brewing with a water bath in the ice chest but found the water to be unnecessary with the ice extender jugs, ice chest and reflectix cover.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B005Z7YZA4/?tag=skimlinks_replacement-20