So,
I brew ~10Gal batches usually once a month(though hoping to step that up a little bit). I usually ferment in 1/2bbl kegs, on with a 4" tri-clamp and the keg king ball-lock top 4 Inch Tri-Clamp Kegmenter Lid with Ball Locks , and one un-modified with a 2" TC fermeter kit Brewers Hardware Sanke Keg Fermentor Kit with Thermowell
They work great though I've had a few bad batches(I think due to cleaning, and not really being able to see inside and clean as well as I like. I like the closed transfer, They fit in the spare fridge that is rigged for ferment temps, though they do get a bit heavy.
The wife has given the OK to look into SS conicals. I was looking at the spike CF-15. With the jacket and cooling/heating and all of that it's up around $1,000. Others seem around the same price once all the parts are in.
I don't want to ferment in plastic.
Still with me? As cool as it would be, part of my brain says $1,000 buys a lot of beer, and even more grain/hops/yeast. The other part of me just loves the look of stainless, and thinks of the time I will save cleaning if I can visually inspect everything.
The advice I'm looking for is, Which conical, why, and should I wait for a used one to pop up or just bite the bullet, get something shiny and new? Or am I looking at just as much cleaning, and sink the money other places (I already have a decent setup that I am happy brewing on, with the possible exception of quick-disconnects on the hoses)?
Thoughts, advice, beer? I'll take what you are offering..
Thanks,
Kevin
I brew ~10Gal batches usually once a month(though hoping to step that up a little bit). I usually ferment in 1/2bbl kegs, on with a 4" tri-clamp and the keg king ball-lock top 4 Inch Tri-Clamp Kegmenter Lid with Ball Locks , and one un-modified with a 2" TC fermeter kit Brewers Hardware Sanke Keg Fermentor Kit with Thermowell
They work great though I've had a few bad batches(I think due to cleaning, and not really being able to see inside and clean as well as I like. I like the closed transfer, They fit in the spare fridge that is rigged for ferment temps, though they do get a bit heavy.
The wife has given the OK to look into SS conicals. I was looking at the spike CF-15. With the jacket and cooling/heating and all of that it's up around $1,000. Others seem around the same price once all the parts are in.
I don't want to ferment in plastic.
Still with me? As cool as it would be, part of my brain says $1,000 buys a lot of beer, and even more grain/hops/yeast. The other part of me just loves the look of stainless, and thinks of the time I will save cleaning if I can visually inspect everything.
The advice I'm looking for is, Which conical, why, and should I wait for a used one to pop up or just bite the bullet, get something shiny and new? Or am I looking at just as much cleaning, and sink the money other places (I already have a decent setup that I am happy brewing on, with the possible exception of quick-disconnects on the hoses)?
Thoughts, advice, beer? I'll take what you are offering..
Thanks,
Kevin