I almost ordered a Fermonster recently for these reasons (large size and clear to see fermentation progress). Does anyone know if morebeer is going to make a ported version of these? I called and asked about a month ago, and the person didn't really know.
To me, the Speidel still has these beat in some ways: comes in a ported version (yes, I could drill into a Fermonster, but I'd rather have it done "professionally"), comes with handles attached, can except a carboy cap which has two ports (airlock, thermowell). When you add the cost of the Fermonster and a brewhauler strap, there is not much difference in cost between the two. If they either made a ported Fermonster, or a clear Speidel, it would be great!
The 6 gallon I ordered from HBS just came in today. I'll use it tomorrow. I also have a 3rd BMB coming soon. Initial impression of the fermonster are very good. I also still have one of my Better Bottles. Some initial impressions between the three are:
Fermonster:
Pros:
Smooth sides so cleaning could be easier than the Better Bottle and BMB.
No lid to modify for a good seal.
Same size bungs for the Better Bottles can be used with these fermenters.
Punted bottom seems to be higher than the BB and BMB.
Smaller in height, so probably better choice for smaller ferm chambers.
Cons:
Brew Hauler harness doesn't stay up due to the smooth sides (minor complaint).
Only two volume markings on the carboy at 5 and 6 gallons. Again, minor complaint.
Carboy's mouth is smaller than the BMB, so getting your hand down to the very bottom could be problematic.
About the same width as the Better Bottles, so could be crammed for space compared to the taller BMBs.
Big Mouth Bubbler:
Pros:
Large opening seems to be best for getting to the bottom for adequate cleaning.
Volume markings at every gallon.
Ribbed design seems to keep brew hauler snug in place.
dual ported lid availability.
Slimmer in width for better room in a ferm chamber.
Cons
Taller height may be problematic for smaller ferm chambers
Lids (gasket based and screw on) do not hold a good seal. Requires modding for the OCD brewer.
Requires a smaller bung due to the lid design.
Carboy seems thinner and "flexes" a bit easier than the Fermonster and BB.
Price is a bit on the high end, especially after all the accessories.
Lots of "nooks and crannies" in the BMB with the molded rib and bubble design in the plastic make it a bit harder to clean.
Better Bottle:
Pros:
Small neck best for the least amount of head space.
Uses same size bung as Fermonster.
Ribbed design makes it a bit more robust than the BMB, less flexing.
Ribbed design also seems to better suit use of a Brew Hauler harness or similar.
No lid sealing issues since a bung and airlock are all that's used.
Smaller height may be better suited for smaller ferm chambers.
Cons
When fully loaded, picking up the carboy will have some suck back unless you have these in a milk crate* (I don't have this issue with the BMB and the Fermonster is unknown at this time).
No volume markings, unless you know which ribs on the carboy tell you the amounts (1,3,5 I think).
Wider diameter may be problematic for some smaller ferm chambers.
Bung sized opening makes cleaning them a major PITA.
* I had issues with my BBs flexing to where sanitizer would suck back into the wort when picked up. Of course, the easy solution is a solid stopper until you get the carboy to its final destination. I never had this issue with my BMBs, but I use a solid stopper anyways and will do the same on all my fermenters.
Looking forward to seeing how this new fermenter stacks up. So far I'm liking what I'm seeing with it.
I'm interested in this as well. The Fermonsters have a flat spot near the bottom, on the side, specifically for drilling out a spigot hole. My only concern with drilling it out is, what kind of bit to use and at what RPM so I don't maul my Fermonster?
The fermonster is thin so it is a possibility. That said why not take the airlock off when you move it? there is almost no chance of something screwing up the beer in the minute it takes to move it.
After having a glass carboy crack in half (luckily right after racking out of it) I decided to get rid of all my glass. There are plenty of threads showing the injuries from glass and I was fortunate to escape that. Got my FerMonster 7 Gallon Carboys a few weeks ago and love them, ordered more.
That being said I have a couple of questions.
1) When cleaning the lids do you remove the gaskets? I am worried taking them off and on every time will damage them but not removing gasket could make it hard to completely sanitize.
2) Even during active ferment I am not seeing any action coming through the airlock, but if I press on the side of the fermentor air bubbles do come through the airlock so I feel the seal is air tight. What is probably going on?
There's a lot more headspace in the 7 gallon fermonster so the activity would slow down sooner
2) Even during active ferment I am not seeing any action coming through the airlock, but if I press on the side of the fermentor air bubbles do come through the airlock so I feel the seal is air tight. What is probably going on?
I found that if the stopper is moist at all (StarSan in my case) it slides back out and does not quite seal. It seals when it is dry.So it turns out the #10 stopper was not seated tight enough. After pushing it in further getting plenty of airlock activity.
Planning to get one using as primary but since I will be mostly working with 5 gal batch so still deciding whether which one should I go with, 6 or 7 gal. Anyone could suggest on head space of 6 gal fermonster with 5 gal batch? Picture would be much appreciated.
This is six gallons in a seven gallon fermenter. I'd think if you had a six you'd be fine, but if you ever wanted to ferment slightly more you might wish you had a seven.Planning to get one using as primary but since I will be mostly working with 5 gal batch so still deciding whether which one should I go with, 6 or 7 gal. Anyone could suggest on head space of 6 gal fermonster with 5 gal batch? Picture would be much appreciated.
This is six gallons in a seven gallon fermenter. I'd think if you had a six you'd be fine, but if you ever wanted to ferment slightly more you might wish you had a seven.
This is six gallons in a seven gallon fermenter. I'd think if you had a six you'd be fine, but if you ever wanted to ferment slightly more you might wish you had a seven.
5.5 in a 7 gallon
Does anyone use the 7 gallon in a cool brewing bag? Have the bag coming next week, and am considering one of the fermonsters. Would like to get the 7, but want to be sure there will be enough room inside.
I want to replace a few of my buckets I use for primary fermentation and just came across the FerMonster on Moore Beer today when getting an order together for an upcoming batch. A few questions for those that have been using these......
I brew exclusively 11 gallon batches splitting it in half for 2 separate primaries. With 5.5 gallon batches would you guys recommend the 7 gallon or 6 gallon? 7 gallon seems to be the way most of you are going, but I'm not sure I have the vertical space in my chest freezer. Would I be blowing off with 5.5 gallons of wort in the 6 gallon fermonster?
How are you guys hauling these things around when full? I use a chest freezer as my fermentation chamber, so a bucket handle is nice for getting buckets in/out of my fermentation chamber. Looks like some of you have been using the brew hauler. Would I need 2 brew haulers? Or can I swap the brew hauler to my second fermonster once the first one is in the fermentation chamber? Just wondering how easy it is to remove and put back on the brew hauler from a full fermonster in a crammed chest freezer.
Have had my FerMonsters in my fermentation chamber now for close to 3 weeks fermenting a Two Hearted Ale clone. Loving them so far. The only negative I have is that while cold crashing the thin plastic will suck/collapse at the sides with the cooling liquid/air inside the FerMonsters compressing. I just release the bung a bit and they pop right back out though. The negative with that is I'm sure I'm introducing oxygen into the FerMonster this way. I naturally carb in my kegs so the oxygen should be taken care of when I keg tonight, but do you guys do anything different to combat the collapsing of your FerMonsters while cold crashing?
Anyone having any luck with getting the lid off easily after fermentation? Mine are a bear to get off. I lube the o-ring with keg lube on brew day, but it doesn't seem to help much at all. I need a second person to hold the Fermonster so I can man handle the lid to get it off. Last batch I was by myself so I just transferred through the bung hole and dealt with the lids after I got all the beer out. A strap wrench would probably work, but I don't have one that fits good. Any other ideas?
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