Spiedel Fermenter question.

[DJolly]

I'm fairly new to brewing beer. I've brewed a few one gallon batches , but am getting prepared to do five gallon batches. I'm looking at the Spiedel fermenters. I'd like to have a 7.9 gallon for primary , and 5.3 gallon for secondary. But , I'm having a hard time getting a 7.9. Would I be alright getting the next size up , which is a 15.9 gallon ? I'm wanting to do 5 gallon batches. Thanks for any advice !


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[Copbrew133]

I have the 15.9 and it seems like alot of headspace and diameter for a five gallon batch. I also did a cursory search online and everybody has them on backorder in the 7.9, guess they are selling pretty well. Have you tried calling Morebeer to see when they have them back in stock? IMO it might be worth waiting to get the right size one for the volume your fermenting.

 

[FoamFollower]

I've got a pair of the 15.9 Spiedels and I've only done 5 gal batches with them, 3 so far. No problems at all, but one concern. The spigot seems to set up a vortex and in the first inch hose when transferring to bottling vessel. Possibly oxygenating the beer. So far no off tastes, but I've pinched in on the valve quite a bit. I'll probably start using the siphon again, because it takes quite awhile pinched in...
Next up I'll be doing 10 gal batches when a new BK can purchased.
Good luck, hope this helps

 

[winvarin]

I have the 15.9 but do 10 gallon batches. I do however, agree about the spigot. So far, that is the only downside. I don't use mine because it has the air vent that would absolutely let oxygen into the finished beer. I transfer from fermenter to keg with an autosiphon instead so that I can minimize oxidation.

As for availability, morebeer.com has a neat function on their website when something is out of stock. Below the out of stock message, there is a link that says "Email me when available". Click on that and give them your email address. They'll let you know when it's back in stock. I have used that feature a couple of times and have never had to wait more than about 10 days to hear that they had restocked an item.

 

[dtwhite]

The MoreBeer near me says they only get a shipment of them once or twice a year, but they should be coming in soon. Keep your eye out for the 7.9 gallon.

 

[Weezy]

as far as the spigot, try making sure the drain tube is full prior to starting the drain off. Try holding the outlet end of the tube up higher than the fermenter, then opening spigot, then slowly lowering outlet end of tube letting it completely fill before finally tipping end down into bottling bucket or keg. Air can't swirl in the tube if there is none in the tube.

 

[DJolly]

Thanks for the replies. I called and talked to the guys at morebeer. I first talked with them about three weeks ago and they were looking for a shipment if 7.9's. The guys there said I would be fine using the 15.9 as a primary. My brew kettle is large enough to eventually brew 10 gallon batches. I'll probably order two 5.3 gallons and split 10 gallon batches to two different secondary containers. That way I can experiment with dry hopping and such to see the different results. Thanks again !


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[HopSong]

I do 5g batches in my 5.3 and works just fine. I've only done one "big" beer and had a little blow off.. but not much. Normal IPA, APA, Stout, etc.. never had a problem with the 5.3. I'm sure others will tell you go bigger.. Obviously, I don't get a full 5g of beer out due to trub.. but, very close.

 

[FoamFollower]

Follow this link. It says out of stock but I received an e-mail that they had them IN stock. Good luck

https://morebeer.com/view_product/12094

 

[riceral]

Follow this link. It says out of stock but I received an e-mail that they had them IN stock. Good luck

https://morebeer.com/view_product/12094

I received the same email this morning at a little past 8am (eastern time). Went online and ordered and received confirmation.

About 2 or 2 1/2 hours later went back to the More Beer site and noticed it said out of stock.

When I was told they sell out fast, they weren't exaggerating!