Need to secondary before kegging?

[PistolaPete]

I'm going to try kegging for the first time and was wondering if going into a secondary fermenter is recomended or needed before transfering to a keg? I usually just let my beer sit in the primary for 3 weeks before bottling. I've read some of the "stickys" on here but sometimes with brewing I've noticed you don't always have to go by the "rules" and things can still work out great...what do most of YOU guys recomend?

 

[MedicMang]

Secondary is never really "needed". Keep it in the primary for a little longer if you wish, or don't. I've done both ways and it's really a preference thing.

 

[mbird]

I never use a seconday. I ferment in the primary until it's done and the krausen drops leaving the surface clear. I then rack to the kegs and do my best to minimize the transfer of yeast from the bottom of the fermentor. I immediately force carbonate and let the beer condition and clear in the keg which usually takes a couple weeks. Then the keg goes in the kegerator and once chilled the first pint or two will dispense some yeast sediment. After that, it's good to go.
mark
www.backyardbrewer.blogspot.com

 

[RI-Brewer]

For myself I have always used a secondary to help with clarifying and to just let the beer age as well. I usually do 1 week first and 1 or 2 weeks secondary depending on beer type. This way in my keg you may get a little sediment on glass one but it is a very little. So it is up to you on how fast you want to get to the end. I also never force carb slow and steady for me

 

[PistolaPete]

Ok thanks guys. From what I can tell from your replies and what I've read so far, I think a lot of people just go to a seconday before kegging to minimize yeast sediment in the first few pints. I would assume my beer has already been conditioned after being in the primary for 3 weeks, so I might just go straight into the keg and force carb it and just pour off the first few yeasty pints.

 

[caioz1jp]

I would assume my beer has already been conditioned after being in the primary for 3 weeks, so I might just go straight into the keg and force carb it and just pour off the first few yeasty pints.

I think we all know about assumptions. To me at least, conditioning is an ongoing process. I like to think conditioning is just the initial stage of aging. I personally like my beer to condition/age for about 6 weeks, including fermenting, before even thinking about kegging. Thats just me though. It helps with clarity and smoothness of the flavors. From week to week I can't tell a difference but month to month makes a huge difference.

 

[betarhoalphadelta]

There's no need to secondary. If all you're looking for is conditioning time, your keg can act as a secondary if you just leave it at room temp.

I primary anywhere between 10-21 days, then cold crash (and sometimes add gelatin for clarity) for ~3 days, then keg. Cold crashing prior to transfer and a good transfer process give me relatively clean pours, even on the first one.