Help me decide between Spike CF10 and SSBrewtech Unitank

[couchsending]

Have people been happy with their SS Uni’s? Thinking of getting one for hoppy beers. I’m especially interested in being able to bung at the end of ferment and at least naturally carbonate a portion of the beer. Has anyone been doing this?

Also is everyone who owns one using a CIP ball? I’d imagine you’d have to right? Since there is no lid to remove?

 

[Ride123ca]

do you guys that have the spike confirm that it can hold a constant c02 pressure without leaking as this is one of my biggest concerns........i really want to purchase the spike because of the better welds and quality of steel BUT its hard to justify because they dont have the temp controll available(heat)and with this kind of investment.....i refuse to tape a makeshift heat mat and janky controller with it.....im just scared im gonna purchase and spike wont have their heater/and jacket available for months and months......thats why im debating the ss unitank......but with the ss......im a little concerned about how easy it is to clean through a 4"tc on the top.....and i have a brewmaster conical now with the ftss,and im not that impressed with the guage/quality of the steel......but wish i could keep c02 pressure in it.......arghhhh......thanks for the help deciding

 

[dthompson79]

do you guys that have the spike confirm that it can hold a constant c02 pressure without leaking as this is one of my biggest concerns........i really want to purchase the spike because of the better welds and quality of steel BUT its hard to justify because they dont have the temp controll available(heat)and with this kind of investment.....i refuse to tape a makeshift heat mat and janky controller with it.....im just scared im gonna purchase and spike wont have their heater/and jacket available for months and months......thats why im debating the ss unitank......but with the ss......im a little concerned about how easy it is to clean through a 4"tc on the top.....and i have a brewmaster conical now with the ftss,and im not that impressed with the guage/quality of the steel......but wish i could keep c02 pressure in it.......arghhhh......thanks for the help deciding

I can confirm that it holds sustained pressure without leaking just fine. Mine is currently been sitting at 37 degrees with about 9 PSI for a week while lagering. FWIW I really like everything about mine. The quality is tip top. And the removable lid is very handy for cleaning.

P.S. I feel you on the accessories slowly trickling out. Hopefully by Xmas the jackets and heaters will be released

 

[marjen]

Have people been happy with their SS Uni’s? Thinking of getting one for hoppy beers. I’m especially interested in being able to bung at the end of ferment and at least naturally carbonate a portion of the beer. Has anyone been doing this?

Also is everyone who owns one using a CIP ball? I’d imagine you’d have to right? Since there is no lid to remove?

I think a lot of us our in our maiden voyages. So far the unit itself is great. I am having some issues with my FPSs controller and the power supply.

With regards to cleaning if you take out the cooling coil there is actually a ton of room to get in there and clean the unit by hand if needed. I have a CIP ball but dont have a pump that will work with it yet. I reclined it by hand and was surprised how easy it was to get in there.

Also remember if you want to carbonate at room temps, you will need to get up to the 28-30 psi range. Not sure the spike is rated for that. It might very well be, but worth confirming.

 

[iijakii]

wrong thread

 

[Ride123ca]

i definitly wont be at room temp trying to pump 30psi into it....i will cont cooling with a temp controller running a pump from keezer through fermentor coils.......but am paying with the idea of going glycol once i finally decide between spike or ss for a second fermentor as i want that valuable space back in keezer

 

[Ride123ca]

might try the penguin 1/2hp glycol bath as the price is right and cant be a bad product if spike is promoting them......wish the cabinet wasnt white on them though....lol

 

[couchsending]

The Penguin glycol unit was the best $$ I’ve spent on this hobby. Not having to change out frozen water bottles at all hours of the day is soooo damn nice. I run three SS 7g conicals on it. I don’t Lager with it but crashing and even holding at 40 for a few days is seamless.

 

[Ride123ca]

Just pulled the trigger on the penguin 1/2 glycol and spike cf10 with a bunch of accesories.....but im gonna use my ss brewtech controller and heat pad for the temps.....thanks couchsending......i needed that final push

 

[Dewfang]

I’m expecting my CF10 to be delivered today, can’t wait! I didn’t order the chiller coil yet since I have a full size freezer for a fermentation chamber. So far maintaining temp and cold crashing haven’t been a problem with my other fermenter but who knows I may add one later.

 

[Dewfang]

This is why didn’t get a chiller!View attachment IMG_1843.jpg

 

[user 246304]

Before looking on the previous page, I thought this was a freezerless refrigerator. Off topic, sorry OP but briefly Dewfang - mind sharing the make and model?

 

[Dewfang]

It is actually a Frigidaire convertible, you can use it as a refrigerator or a freezer but I still got an external temp control.
View attachment IMG_1846.jpg

 

[Dewfang]

Both Home Depot and Lowe’s sell them for around $700 but you’ll probably have to order it.

 

[martianpc]

I must be missing it, but 700 for a big freezer that you still have too lift the conical into. I just built a glycol ac unit system for 50 bucks. Works perfectly, I can disconnect the conical and wheel it to the the boil kettle to fill. Cost aside, less space required and no lifting.

 

[user 246304]

I would like a means to build a sterile air fermentation chamber for 68F-32F, in a garage with ambient range 120F- [15f]. I could roll an open, 20 gallon vat from brewhouse to that controlled, sterile fermentation chamber.

 

[Dewfang]

I must be missing it, but 700 for a big freezer that you still have too lift the conical into. I just built a glycol ac unit system for 50 bucks. Works perfectly, I can disconnect the conical and wheel it to the the boil kettle to fill. Cost aside, less space required and no lifting.

What you’re missing is I already had the big freezer and as far as lifting that thing full, that ain’t gonna happen. I’ll be using a chugger pump for wort transfer and cip. Don’t get me wrong I’d like to have a glycol chiller at some point but I’m just using what I have for now. Also being in Florida with the humidity in my garage where I do my brewing and storage a good insulated jacket is a must which is something I won’t have to worry about in the freezer.

 

[martianpc]

Gotcha, that makes sense. I thought it was a preference.

 

[davehenry]

This is why didn’t get a chiller!View attachment 419223

I have a coke fridge that I’m using to control temps with my Speidel plastic fermenters. I’m looking to pull the trigger on a Spike conical or Brewtech unitank. How well does the freezer cool through the thick stainless of the Spike?

 

[Dewfang]

I’m sure the steel is not as thick as some glass carboys plus steel conducts heat better and easier! Short answer is it works very well..

 

[davehenry]

I’m sure the steel is not as thick as some glass carboys plus steel conducts heat better and easier! Short answer is it works very well..

Thanks!

 

[TimBrewz]

I am glad I found this thread. I am trying to make the choice between these two brands, but at the 1/2 barrel size.

It looks like this thread has lost some steam can anyone post an update about experiences with either of these unitanks?

I found this on the SS Brewtech site https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0...unitank_all_unitsnew.jpg?11887141875371638501

On a side note:
It indicates that SPIKE is made in China but the specialized welding is done in USA? Personally, I will always go with a domestic product of equal quality as long as the price is reasonable.

Cheers, Tim

 

[Carlscan26]

That comparison chart is a little out of date now - Spike does now offer a PRV manifold with gas in and a gauge, and they have a carb stone option too. A temp control system and neoprene jacket are coming.

Spike purchases the basic conical without ports from China and then welds all of the ports in the MN using sanitary welding techniques. The work on mine is flawless.

If you want all of the bells and whistles then they end up being about the same price. I went with Spike as I didn’t need/want all of the stuff on the SSBT model. I’m not a huge fan of the Spike lid and clamp but it is much better than their old one and it will be easier to clean than the SSBT model which basically requires you to use a CIP process (potentially more cost). I haven’t used my Spike yet as it just arrived. For me the ala carte options made it the better fit.

I’m being very nit picky here but I was a bit disappointed with the quality of the etching. There’s a smear on their logo that appears to have happened after the etching - I’m guessing during when they welded on the fitting below the logo. When I asked them about it they said it was normal. But two people have commented on it and it is disappointing to have this shiny and expensive piece of equipment with a flaw on their logo.

Other than that very minor issue I’m really happy with my purchase of the Spike and am excited to use it. The quality of this product is top notch.

 

[TimBrewz]

Thank you Carlscan26. That is very helpful!

 

[trevelynzx]

Hey guys, any updated thoughts on this topic? I also at am a crossroads between these two brands’ 1/2 BBL unitanks.

 

[Morrey]

Hey guys, any updated thoughts on this topic? I also at am a crossroads between these two brands’ 1/2 BBL unitanks.

Was just thinking about pricing as we are all keeping our eye on the impending steel tariff. No matter the brand you choose, sooner is better than later anticipating price increases.

I have Ss and 100% happy. My brewing buddy uses Spike and is totally pleased. I don't think the differences are significant. He likes the detachable "lid" on his Spike and I prefer the 6" port on mine. Either is top shelf and I have stuck with Ss since the brew bucket days. Brand loyalty I suppose.

 

[Dcpcooks]

I have a coke fridge that I’m using to control temps with my Speidel plastic fermenters. I’m looking to pull the trigger on a Spike conical or Brewtech unitank. How well does the freezer cool through the thick stainless of the Spike?

I’ve been using a commercial fridge for one of my half bbl conicals for a few years now. If you have the space it’s a great solution. I can crash to 33-34 overnight on half barrels. 32 takes another day. A small space heater and a good temp controller and your good to go between 32 and 85. So you can make any style any time of year.

Those coke units are decent units. They are designed for heavy use and have good compressors. You may want to look for the original pdf for set up. I think they are set to 38-40. You can usually offset the temp control for elevation which will let the unit run colder without any additional mods to the unit. I have a few old units from true and victory with that option.

Don’t worry about stainless thickness. Your speidel is a better insulator that steel. Pick your unit based on the features you want. Personally I have two of the cheap ss conicals and they work great. If I were deciding between a uni tank and a bright tank I’d always go uni tank. While you could argue a bright tank has a purpose in a home brew set up it’s not necessary. A uni tank allows for so much flexibility. Ferment, clarify, add adjuncts and carbonate is a great set of tools. You can carb in a keg.

 

[trevelynzx]

Thanks for the reply @Morrey. My two main concerns are 1) the removable lid of the Spike vessel - not sure I like the look of that seal and the associated management. And 2) supposedly the SS vessel was rated up to 30 PSI, the Spike PRV looks like it is set for 12-13 PSI.

Right now I'm leaning toward SS merely for those reasons.

 

[philly224]

Thanks for the reply @Morrey. My two main concerns are 1) the removable lid of the Spike vessel - not sure I like the look of that seal and the associated management. And 2) supposedly the SS vessel was rated up to 30 PSI, the Spike PRV looks like it is set for 12-13 PSI.

Right now I'm leaning toward SS merely for those reasons.

The lid is awesome imo cause it makes it easier to clean. You are correct that the spike conical is rated for 15 psi though.

I don't think you can go wrong either way honestly so just go with whatever one is speaking to you haha.

 

[user 246304]

I’ve been using a commercial fridge for one of my half bbl conicals for a few years now. If you have the space it’s a great solution. I can crash to 33-34 overnight on half barrels. 32 takes another day. A small space heater and a good temp controller and your good to go between 32 and 85. So you can make any style any time of year.

Those coke units are decent units. They are designed for heavy use and have good compressors. You may want to look for the original pdf for set up. I think they are set to 38-40. You can usually offset the temp control for elevation which will let the unit run colder without any additional mods to the unit. I have a few old units from true and victory with that option.

Don’t worry about stainless thickness. Your speidel is a better insulator that steel. Pick your unit based on the features you want. Personally I have two of the cheap ss conicals and they work great. If I were deciding between a uni tank and a bright tank I’d always go uni tank. While you could argue a bright tank has a purpose in a home brew set up it’s not necessary. A uni tank allows for so much flexibility. Ferment, clarify, add adjuncts and carbonate is a great set of tools. You can carb in a keg.

DCP, do you happen to have a pic of your fridge setup?