direct oxygen to aerate.

[jcs401]

I'm looking at possible buying a kit to be able to oxygenate my worr using direct oxygen. Would this improve the quality and taste of my brews at all? Or is it not worth the $50

 

[dfhar]

Pure O2 makes it easier to consistently aerate your wort from batch to batch. You don't need it for ales, as you can get the required 8-9ppm O2 into the wort with a good few minutes of shaking (assuming you have a decent amount of headspace in your fermenter).

If you want to get serious about brewing lagers, you need pure O2 because you can't get 12ppm O2 (recommended for lagers) into the wort by just shaking the carboy.

 

[mjrinkenbaugh]

I just bought my direct O2 aeration kit as part of a big equipment upgrade to start doing all-grain brewing. For my first all-grain batch, my yeast totally took off unlike I've ever seen them do before... and I even forgot to make a starter! I don't speak of much experience on the O2 system, but I hear it will become very important when I start getting into really BIG beers (which I plan on doing)! With the first batch under my belt, I think it's worth the money spent! Just my opinion so far...

 

[alane1]

It definitely makes a difference, especially when it comes to controlling esters that you would get from stressed out yeast. Ever since I got my kit I've noticed a huge improvement in flavor. Worth every penny.

 

[billybryson54]

The simple answer is "Yes, direct O2 injection is worth the money" but the more important question in my opinion is "Which kit are you wanting to buy?" Each one has their pros and cons. Personally, I don't use the red disposable tanks, instead I use a big oxygen tank meant for welding. They are cheaper in the long run because just one will last almost forever by brewing standards. However, I already had that bottle so it wasn't an extra expense for me.