Spike Conical- observations and best practices

[Nate R]

Oh, how childish.....I kid.

Nope, no agenda and Spike replaced my first defective kettle received and then replaced the replacement defective kettle received. The third kettle received did not have any defects in it. It took several weeks to finally receive a working kettle but I didn't mind. They were responsive when my order was missing three larger items. Finally, they issued a $50 gift card which I told them I did not need but they insisted. After nearly two years passing, I used that gift card when I bought more items from them. All this occurred when they had a warranty.

I like Spike and I believe Spike tries very hard and that is why I am so surprised in their actions.



Meh, I see you are still trying to justify their warranty removal with emotional statements that really do not address why they removed their warranty. Oh well....

Actually, I was trying to lighten the thread with what I considered a hilarious and spot-on reference to a warranty or guarantee with a delightful GIF from Tommy Boy. Warranties don't automatically mean you will get a better product. And likewise- blind loyalty to a company that used to be good can get you burned.
My father has a large set of Craftsman hand tools that were sold with a lifetime guarantee. He never once had to use it- the tools will last a lifetime. Would I buy anything from Sears or Craftsman today? No way
At any rate, you also raise some great points of concern for Spike moving forward.
And here's another GIF, 'cause why not?

 

[specialkayme]

FWIW, I asked Spike about the removal of their slogan, and this was their response:

Thanks for reaching out and we appreciate the feedback.

As with any company, messaging, logos, websites, etc change from time to time for various reasons. While this statement isn't used as much as it was in the past, it in no way implies that our quality has decreased or that our policy has changed regarding our warranties. We are still producing equipment that will survive many organ failures, including your liver.

If you want some apparel with the logo, refer to the apparel page.
Spike Apparel | Spike Brewing

From what I can tell, the slogan still appears on their tshirt (Short Sleeve Spike Tee | Spike Brewing) only, although that may be a result of them "cycling through" designs.

Unrelated to the issue, props to Spike for responding within about 39 minutes.

 

[CodeSection]

FWIW, I asked Spike about the removal of their slogan, and this was their response:



From what I can tell, the slogan still appears on their tshirt (Short Sleeve Spike Tee | Spike Brewing) only, although that may be a result of them "cycling through" designs.

Unrelated to the issue, props to Spike for responding within about 39 minutes.

Good to hear. Now if they only would reply to the lack of a written warranty as quickly......

 

[TheMadKing]

I just read this whole thread - man you guys talk a lot

Thanks for all the great info - specifically, Mongoose, Blazinlow, Eric, and Vale - your technical posts were extremely helpful to a first time CF buyer so thank you

 

[jekeane]

Below is a screenshot of Spike's reply regarding their warranty. I assume they are formulating a new written warranty because they were sued or were having their original warranty exploited. It is possible that their warranty was to open initially and they needed to get a lawyer to ratify a statement to protect themselves more. The stainless products I believe are all their manufacturing while the the electrical is mostly outsourced (ebrewsupply, peguin, whomever) that poses another hurdle to a written warranty.

This statement is what I would expect in how they view their products. I assume their future warranty statement will look similar.

 

[CodeSection]

Below is a screenshot of Spike's reply regarding their warranty. I assume they are formulating a new written warranty because they were sued or were having their original warranty exploited. It is possible that their warranty was to open initially and they needed to get a lawyer to ratify a statement to protect themselves more. The stainless products I believe are all their manufacturing while the the electrical is mostly outsourced (ebrewsupply, peguin, whomever) that poses another hurdle to a written warranty.

This statement is what I would expect in how they view their products. I assume their future warranty statement will look similar.

View attachment 680346

I'm glad the customer service manager responded but this issue is probably higher than his paygrade. The answer given and your assumption about needing to get a lawyer to ratify a statement doesn't really make sense. Nor does it really take that long...... I suspect they made the change months ago.

If an attorney was involved counseling them on their warranty, no respectable attorney would piece meal the issue by leaving the warranty on the Nano Systems and Spike Systems and eliminating other warranty language on other items while the company is "currently developing a more formal warranty policy". I suspect they are blindly going through a learning curve and I recommend they should contact an experienced attorney regarding warranty and contract language because their actions taken do not make any sense nor do they reconcile with the above response from the customer service manager.

I want Spike to succeed. But they need to help themselves here. It is really not that complicated, as you all are making out to be, to have a written warranty statement on ALL their items they sell. It's not like they are recreating the wheel here...... If they don't want to spend money on an attorney, there are other companies in the industry that have warranties that they could read and adapt to their situation.

Come'on Spike let's get the warranty up and be done with this!

 

[specialkayme]

I'm glad the customer service manager responded but this issue is probably higher than his paygrade. The answer given and your assumption about needing to get a lawyer to ratify a statement doesn't really make sense. Nor does it really take that long...... I suspect they made the change months ago.

If an attorney was involved counseling them on their warranty, no respectable attorney would piece meal the issue by leaving the warranty on the Nano Systems and Spike Systems and eliminating other warranty language on other items while the company is "currently developing a more formal warranty policy". I suspect they are blindly going through a learning curve and I recommend they should contact an experienced attorney regarding warranty and contract language because their actions taken do not make any sense nor do they reconcile with the above response from the customer service manager.

CS - you have literally no idea what you're talking about here.

That's coming from an attorney.

 

[CodeSection]

CS - you have literally no idea what you're talking about here.

That's coming from an attorney.

Simply not true. No respectable attorney would piece meal this.....

 

[jekeane]

Im done with the warranty talk there isn't anything fruitful coming out of this. @CodeSection you are not going to be pleased until there is a notarized warranty on their site and thats fine. As for myself I will trust the company and products I have been using without issue for the past 6 years. I have zero reason to believe that Spike has some nefarious intentions and have seen no evidence to be concerned.

 

[jekeane]

Back to observations and best practices.

I put this together from some parts on amazon and it handled a 10oz dry hop well and has also worked with raspberries. There is a company out there that makes a version of this but they charge more than I was willing to pay to see if it worked. This cost about $44 where the brand name one is about $130 and looks like it has more wasted beer because of its size.

2x 1/2" MNPT to 1.5" triclamp fittings DERNORD Sanitary Male Threaded Pipe Fitting to TRI CLAMP (OD 50.5mm Ferrule) (Pipe Size: 1/2" NPT):Amazon:Home Improvement
The filter used is a 1/2" FNPT with a 50 micron screen made by Vacmotion. They just went out of stock on amazon but have them on their site.

If you swapped the fittings out they have the 3/4' FNPT version 3/4" Female NPT In-line Strainer with 50 mesh stainless steel screen:Amazon:Industrial & Scientific

 

[specialkayme]

Simply not true. No respectable attorney would piece meal this.....

Fine CS, lets go through this one by one then.

I'm glad the customer service manager responded but this issue is probably higher than his paygrade.

Complete speculation. You have no idea what that persons job, training, or instructions were. For all you know, he's the one in the middle of removing, editing, and replacing the warranty in question.

The answer given and your assumption about needing to get a lawyer to ratify a statement doesn't really make sense.

Flat out wrong.

If Spike is having a legal issue with their warranty (which I'm not conceding they are), they can't shut down the whole site while they figure it out. Nor can they stop selling. They would have no choice but to pull the warranty while their attorney's figure out what the replacement warranty would be. They also don't have the retainer to have an army of lawyers figure out all of their problems over a weekend. So, they would take the warranty down while they work on a new one. The lawyer would draft one that would work for their business, and their accepted level of risk tolerance in the industry. That involves several rounds of back and forth to understand the impacts on their market, their particular sub section of the market, and their projected customers. That doesn't happen overnight.

Nor does it really take that long...... I suspect they made the change months ago.

Some clients are easier to work with than others. Some clients are faster at making decisions. Some markets are easier to analyze.

I developed a warranty for my client, in this EXACT same situation. It took 8 months to resolve it. And that isn't my longest.

It can take that long. It can take much longer.

If an attorney was involved counseling them on their warranty, no respectable attorney would piece meal the issue by leaving the warranty on the Nano Systems and Spike Systems and eliminating other warranty language on other items while the company is "currently developing a more formal warranty policy".

Use your brain bro. Do you think their attorney has access to their website? Do you think Spike can afford to give their attorney access to their website so they can comb through it and pull all the warranty stuff down? Of course not!

If that's the issue thats going on, the attorney told them to pull the website information off their website. Not all clients listen to their attorney. Not all clients FULLY listen to their attorney. Or fully understand. And attorneys often aren't paid to "mop up" after their client. So if that's what happened, someone at spike most likely pulled the warranty but in good faith missed the Nano and Spike System information, but pulled everything else. Or a business decision was made that the Nano and Spike System warranty information presented a low level of risk to the company, so it will remain while the remainder is being rewritten.

There is literally zero information that you have available that anything is being "piece mealed" and instead you're jumping to conclusions on the basis that someone is somehow horrible at their job or otherwise deceiving you.

I suspect they are blindly going through a learning curve and I recommend they should contact an experienced attorney regarding warranty and contract language because their actions taken do not make any sense nor do they reconcile with the above response from the customer service manager.

How incredibly condescending to automatically assume that Spike is either "blindly going through a learning curve" or somehow doesn't have the wherewith-all to contact someone for help or assistance.

It is really not that complicated

There are people who have spent decades learning the nuances about this area of the law, and spent hundreds of thousands of dollars in education and continuing education credits, just to be able to possibly deal with this issue. Yes, I would say it's complicated.

It's not like they are recreating the wheel here...... If they don't want to spend money on an attorney, there are other companies in the industry that have warranties that they could read and adapt to their situation.

But they are creating the right wheel that fits for THEIR business and perceived risk level. You can't copy and paste that from someone else.

I wouldn't pull a wheel off an F150 and slap it on my Toyota Camry. You can't pull a warranty from somewhere else and think it fits you.

This is beyond the fact that literally everything you said is based on speculation and conjecture.

If you'd like to rebut, please take the time to go educate yourself on the issues. Go ahead. I'll wait until you get your JD and pass the bar exam (and I'll even waive the 10 years of practice AFTER the bar exam for you to actually know what you're talking about).

 

[CodeSection]

Fine CS, lets go through this one by one then.



Complete speculation. You have no idea what that persons job, training, or instructions were. For all you know, he's the one in the middle of removing, editing, and replacing the warranty in question.



Flat out wrong.

If Spike is having a legal issue with their warranty (which I'm not conceding they are), they can't shut down the whole site while they figure it out. Nor can they stop selling. They would have no choice but to pull the warranty while their attorney's figure out what the replacement warranty would be. They also don't have the retainer to have an army of lawyers figure out all of their problems over a weekend. So, they would take the warranty down while they work on a new one. The lawyer would draft one that would work for their business, and their accepted level of risk tolerance in the industry. That involves several rounds of back and forth to understand the impacts on their market, their particular sub section of the market, and their projected customers. That doesn't happen overnight.



Some clients are easier to work with than others. Some clients are faster at making decisions. Some markets are easier to analyze.

I developed a warranty for my client, in this EXACT same situation. It took 8 months to resolve it. And that isn't my longest.

It can take that long. It can take much longer.



Use your brain bro. Do you think their attorney has access to their website? Do you think Spike can afford to give their attorney access to their website so they can comb through it and pull all the warranty stuff down? Of course not!

If that's the issue thats going on, the attorney told them to pull the website information off their website. Not all clients listen to their attorney. Not all clients FULLY listen to their attorney. Or fully understand. And attorneys often aren't paid to "mop up" after their client. So if that's what happened, someone at spike most likely pulled the warranty but in good faith missed the Nano and Spike System information, but pulled everything else. Or a business decision was made that the Nano and Spike System warranty information presented a low level of risk to the company, so it will remain while the remainder is being rewritten.

There is literally zero information that you have available that anything is being "piece mealed" and instead you're jumping to conclusions on the basis that someone is somehow horrible at their job or otherwise deceiving you.



How incredibly condescending to automatically assume that Spike is either "blindly going through a learning curve" or somehow doesn't have the wherewith-all to contact someone for help or assistance.



There are people who have spent decades learning the nuances about this area of the law, and spent hundreds of thousands of dollars in education and continuing education credits, just to be able to possibly deal with this issue. Yes, I would say it's complicated.



But they are creating the right wheel that fits for THEIR business and perceived risk level. You can't copy and paste that from someone else.

I wouldn't pull a wheel off an F150 and slap it on my Toyota Camry. You can't pull a warranty from somewhere else and think it fits you.

This is beyond the fact that literally everything you said is based on speculation and conjecture.

If you'd like to rebut, please take the time to go educate yourself on the issues. Go ahead. I'll wait until you get your JD and pass the bar exam (and I'll even waive the 10 years of practice AFTER the bar exam for you to actually know what you're talking about).

You really have missed a couple of items before. Let me point out two more items that you may not have noticed. It seems ok for others to speculate, but here are a couple of items to support my position and comments. But hey, you can ignore these as well.

1. Spike Systems - Warranty, Created by: Jeff Torzala Modified on: Thu, 15 Mar, 2018 at 2:09 PM (That's over two years ago...)

​

The Spike System panel has a 1 year parts/90 days on parts and labor warranty. The pumps are warranted against defects for a period of 6 months from the date of purchase. Other than that there aren't many components that will wear out or break since everything is stainless. If you ever have an issue let us know and we always try to remedy best we can!

2. Nano Systems - Nano Warranty Created by: Ryan Oxton Modified on: Wed, 17 Jul, 2019 at 11:01 AM (That's roughly 10 months ago with the release of their Nano system)

​

STANDARD ONE YEAR MANUFACTURER WARRANTY:
Brewing System

Spike warrants this product to be free from defects in workmanship and materials, under normal use and conditions, for a period of one (1) year from the original purchase date. Spike agrees, at its discretion during the warranty period, to repair a defect in material or workmanship or to furnish a repaired or refurbished product of equal value in exchange without charge.

Electrical Panel

The electrical panel has a 1 year parts warranty. If a problem occurs please reach out to Spike’s tech support team. Spike and eBrewing (panel builder) will help diagnose your issue and send replacement parts as needed. The buyer will be responsible for any part installation. The standard maintenance procedures dictated by the user manual should be followed and documented to avoid issues and to prolong panel life.

WARRANTY LIMITATIONS

This warranty does not include:

· Any condition resulting from incorrect or inadequate maintenance or care

· Damage resulting from misuse, abuse, negligence or accidents

· Normal wear and tear

SPIKE GUARANTEE

If for any reason you have issues with your new Spike Nano please reach out to our customer support team HERE. We pride ourselves on having industry leading customer support and pledge to make sure our products perform for you each and every brew day.

3. So, you are saying the warranty language would be different on their kettles and fermenters? It seems the Nano warranty language is straight forward.

I'm using my brain bro, are you?

 

[specialkayme]

3. So, you are saying the warranty language would be different on their kettles and fermenters? It seems the Nano warranty language is straight forward.

It isn't a question of straight forward language. It's a question of presented risk and the company's willingness to accept that presented risk. Risk levels will change with different product lines, either due to the inherent risk with the underlying product or the potential risk within the target consumer.

I don't know why Spike kept the Nano language but removed the kettle and fermenter. As I indicated above, of which you're clearly choosing to ignore, it could have been inadvertent error. Or, it could have been calculated risk, in that the Nano line is marketed to a different level of consumer than their kettles and fermenters, namely a level of consumer that is less likely to abuse the product, take it outside of provided specs, or have unreasonable expectations of perceived quality. It also depends on what competitors are providing. It could be that the Nano line has a different level of competitors that provide different warranty lines, and to remain competitive they decided to keep the existing warranty in place, but overhaul their kettle and fermenter warranties. That all seems logical, but I have no idea what is actually at place. But the overall point is it is ANYTHING but a simple matter, and pointing to the Nano language on their website tells you nothing. Unless you want to try and treat it like tea leaves.

And yes, I am ignoring everything above that in your post, as its re-hasing the same junk without meaningfully contributing to the conversation (although I'm sure some on here would believe this isn't either).

I should probably stop. A mentor once warned me that a fool can't argue alone.

 

[TheMadKing]

You guys are arguing about nothing...

 

[Nate R]

Again....

Can't we all RDWHAHB.

 

[Nagorg]

So... I'm thinking about a CF5. I'm taking it that folks are generally happy with them?

 

[CodeSection]

It isn't a question of straight forward language. It's a question of presented risk and the company's willingness to accept that presented risk. Risk levels will change with different product lines, either due to the inherent risk with the underlying product or the potential risk within the target consumer.

I don't know why Spike kept the Nano language but removed the kettle and fermenter. As I indicated above, of which you're clearly choosing to ignore, it could have been inadvertent error. Or, it could have been calculated risk, in that the Nano line is marketed to a different level of consumer than their kettles and fermenters, namely a level of consumer that is less likely to abuse the product, take it outside of provided specs, or have unreasonable expectations of perceived quality. It also depends on what competitors are providing. It could be that the Nano line has a different level of competitors thatoprovide different warranty lines, and to remain competitive they decided to keep the existing warranty in place, but overhaul their kettle and fermenter warranties. That all seems logical, but I have no idea what is actually at place. But the overall point is it is ANYTHING but a simple matter, and pointing to the Nano language on their website tells you nothing. Unless you want to try and treat it like tea leaves.

And yes, I am ignoring everything above that in your post, as its re-hasing the same junk without meaningfully contributing to the conversation (although I'm sure some on here would believe this isn't either).

I should probably stop. A mentor once warned me that a fool can't argue alone.

Yes, you probably should stop as your speculations and assumptions are not supported by any facts and actually have been proven not to be true. There really is no need to hurl personal attacks, but hey, I understand people react differently when they are rattled or presented facts that dispute their theories.

 

[jekeane]

So... I'm thinking about a CF5. I'm taking it that folks are generally happy with them?

I have several spike tanks between home and work I love them.

My complaints about them are:
The lid seal can be a pain to seat occasionally
They don't come with the racking arm standard
The leg design on the CF10 is not conducive to wheels without a bottom bracing shelf. The bottom bracing shelves are extra and way overpriced in my opinion.

 

[Nate R]

I have several spike tanks between home and work I love them.

My complaints about them are:
The lid seal can be a pain to seat occasionally
They don't come with the racking arm standard
The leg design on the CF10 is not conducive to wheels without a bottom bracing shelf. The bottom bracing shelves are extra and way overpriced in my opinion.

Agree to all cons above.
Pros: you can choose just what you want. Aka- if you already have a ferm fridge or chamber, no need to get temp coils. Save $$$ vs. other options.

Also, 2" bottom dump is nice for big dry hops.

But... has anybody heard that the warranty is gone? What's up with that?

 

[CodeSection]

So... I'm thinking about a CF5. I'm taking it that folks are generally happy with them?

If you are considering buying a bracing shelf and plan on using the caster kit, be sure to buy the extended bracing shelf so as you have greater stability.

 

[Nagorg]

I use a ferm chamber and fill with a pump. My primary fermenter is a half barrel Chronical BME but I'm wanting a SS for smaller batches. (Recipe testing etc..)
So I dont plan on needing casters or moving the CF5 once filled. Is that bottom brace still needed?

I also need the thermowell because I use temp control (STC-100 build). It looks like that use to be standard but they've switched to a TC thermometer which is useless for me. I wish that was an option; its an add-on for me now.

What about the sight glass? Anyone using it and for what? I do have one for my half barrel Chroinical, I use it for controlled yeast dumping when combined with a large ball-valve I got from Brewers Hardware. My existing stuff is 1.5" TC but the CF5 uses 2" so I'll need to gear up for that. I cant imagine dumping from a 2" bottom port without some good control.

 

[eric19312]

I use a ferm chamber and fill with a pump. My primary fermenter is a half barrel Chronical BME but I'm wanting a SS for smaller batches. (Recipe testing etc..)
So I dont plan on needing casters or moving the CF5 once filled. Is that bottom brace still needed?

I also need the thermowell because I use temp control (STC-100 build). It looks like that use to be standard but they've switched to a TC thermometer which is useless for me. I wish that was an option; its an add-on for me now.

What about the sight glass? Anyone using it and for what? I do have one for my half barrel Chroinical, I use it for controlled yeast dumping when combined with a large ball-valve I got from Brewers Hardware. My existing stuff is 1.5" TC but the CF5 uses 2" so I'll need to gear up for that. I cant imagine dumping from a 2" bottom port without some good control.

I've found surprisingly good results dumping from the 2" port with a 2' section of 1/2" ID silicon hose. You pinch the hose for control while cracking open the valve. Even with 17-18 gallons in the tank under 15 PSI.

That change on the thermowell sounds like a real bonehead move. They need to add a thermowell to the TC-100 bundle or you can't install it as shown in the pictures.
...Our TC100 temp control system will manage both cooling and heating of your Spike Conical. The digital controller's temp probe will feed into the included thermowell on our CF Series Conical.

 

[jekeane]

@Nagorg If you are not moving it you dont need the bracing shelf.

The thermowell is an interesting move. The thermometer has to cost more and its useless if people are running glycol.

I wonder if you contacted them if they would swap it out. They sell that thermometer for $30 and the thermowell for $25. You can get a decent thermowell on prime for $15 if you had to.

 

[FswBG]

I use a ferm chamber and fill with a pump. My primary fermenter is a half barrel Chronical BME but I'm wanting a SS for smaller batches. (Recipe testing etc..)
So I dont plan on needing casters or moving the CF5 once filled. Is that bottom brace still needed?

I also need the thermowell because I use temp control (STC-100 build). It looks like that use to be standard but they've switched to a TC thermometer which is useless for me. I wish that was an option; its an add-on for me now.

What about the sight glass? Anyone using it and for what? I do have one for my half barrel Chroinical, I use it for controlled yeast dumping when combined with a large ball-valve I got from Brewers Hardware. My existing stuff is 1.5" TC but the CF5 uses 2" so I'll need to gear up for that. I cant imagine dumping from a 2" bottom port without some good control.

Hey I believe the thermometer unscrews from the thermowell. When I received mine it came together and I unscrewed and tossed into the corner since I use the TC package.

I have the 2" sight glass and use it only when harvesting yeast. Some like to use it all the time or for trub, it's versatile to fit most needs. I just wish there was a way to purge the O2 before opening up the bottom valve and letting a giant air bubble rip up through the conical.

 

[CodeSection]

If you are not moving it you dont need the bracing shelf.....

Correct.

 

[specialkayme]

I just wish there was a way to purge the O2 before opening up the bottom valve and letting a giant air bubble rip up through the conical.

https://www.norcalbrewingsolutions.com/store/Yeast-Brink-2-Inch-TC-2-Inch-Sight-Glass.html

 

[jekeane]

Correct. Duh.

I assume you got a notification I quoted you. That was an accident and I was replying to Nagorg. On a side note you have officially become the first person I have ignored on HBT. Congrats.

 

[CodeSection]

I assume you got a notification I quoted you. That was an accident and I was replying to Nagorg. On a side note you have officially become the first person I have ignored on HBT. Congrats.

Sure. Good bye

 

[FswBG]

https://www.norcalbrewingsolutions.com/store/Yeast-Brink-2-Inch-TC-2-Inch-Sight-Glass.html

Thanks, yeah the brink came out after I ordered spike's sight glass. Go figure...

 

[Nate R]

Hey I believe the thermometer unscrews from the thermowell. When I received mine it came together and I unscrewed and tossed into the corner since I use the TC package.

I have the 2" sight glass and use it only when harvesting yeast. Some like to use it all the time or for trub, it's versatile to fit most needs. I just wish there was a way to purge the O2 before opening up the bottom valve and letting a giant air bubble rip up through the conical.

Plus one to this... The thermowell is part of the cf5. You screw the thermometer into it. Or, you unscrew the thermometer and insert the temp probe.
Anybody wanna buy my thermometer? Lol. Still in box, never used!!
So- if indeed you do not need temp control, I think the cf5 is the cheapest option with all the features. I would say you do NOT need the legs. Also, you do not need a sight glass (plus the Amazon sells them 50% cheaper) BUT- do get the racking arm and the pressure package!!!

 

[specialkayme]

Thanks, yeah the brink came out after I ordered spike's sight glass. Go figure...

Aint that always the way

 

[TheMadKing]

Plus one to this... The thermowell is part of the cf5. You screw the thermometer into it. Or, you unscrew the thermometer and insert the temp probe.
Anybody wanna buy my thermometer? Lol. Still in box, never used!!
So- if indeed you do not need temp control, I think the cf5 is the cheapest option with all the features. I would say you do NOT need the legs. Also, you do not need a sight glass (plus the Amazon sells them 50% cheaper) BUT- do get the racking arm and the pressure package!!!

NOW somebody posts this - I literally JUST ordered a thermowell from Bobby because I didn't realize the thermometer unscrewed

 

[eric19312]

NOW somebody posts this - I literally JUST ordered a thermowell from Bobby because I didn't realize the thermometer unscrewed

I'd check with Spike on this. When I ordered it did come with the thermometer screwed into the thermowell but the current thermometer on the website looks different

https://spikebrewing.com/collections/tri-clamp-kettle-accessories/products/thermometer-tri-clamp

 

[eric19312]

Also I think this diagram has changed showing the new thermometer

https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0152/1071/files/Spike_Conical_Assembly_3.5.20.pdf?v=1583451798
https://www.highgravitybrew.com/store/pc/catalog/Spike-Conical-Assembly.pdf

edited to add
and the description has changed:
now: 1.5" TC dial thermometer
before: 1.5" Tri-Clover thermowell with 3" dial thermometer

 

[eric19312]

I just wish there was a way to purge the O2 before opening up the bottom valve and letting a giant air bubble rip up through the conical.

I'm not seeing this problem in my experience. You do need the tank to be under pressure when dumping else it has to replace the volume lost with air from somewhere, but if the headspace is pressurized it expands to make up for the lost volume.

 

[TheMadKing]

Also I think this diagram has changed showing the new thermometer

https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0152/1071/files/Spike_Conical_Assembly_3.5.20.pdf?v=1583451798
https://www.highgravitybrew.com/store/pc/catalog/Spike-Conical-Assembly.pdf

edited to add
and the description has changed:
now: 1.5" TC dial thermometer
before: 1.5" Tri-Clover thermowell with 3" dial thermometer

Thanks! I cancelled the thermowell from Bobby in exchange for a store credit, so when my CF5 is at home, I can check and see if I need it. If I do need it, I'll just order it with the 5 other fittings I'm sure I've forgotten. If I don't need it, I'll apply the credit to the next thing I order from Bobby (I'm always needing some odd doo-dad that only he carries)

 

[mongoose33]

So... I'm thinking about a CF5. I'm taking it that folks are generally happy with them?

I can't quite find the need for one (I have a CF10), but if I did, i'd buy one in a heartbeat.

I wish I had one so I could have two batches going at once. It would allow me to have two going at once. When i need two batches going I break out the old Bigmouth Bubbler and go old-school.

And yes, perhaps some stuff should come standard, and so on, but that's nitpicking IMO.

But in the meantime, I'll suffer along w/ the CF10. BTW, you can do 5-gallon batches in the CF10 just fine. I have been.

 

[jekeane]

I asked Spike of FB if they switched to a TC thermometer and they said that was a recent change and now the thermowell is included in the TC-100 package. They are checking to see if you can swap it out at purchase.

 

[TheMadKing]

I'm not seeing this problem in my experience. You do need the tank to be under pressure when dumping else it has to replace the volume lost with air from somewhere, but if the headspace is pressurized it expands to make up for the lost volume.

Can't you also just keep the sight glass installed above the valve so that it's full of beer from the start?

 

[TheMadKing]

I asked Spike of FB if they switched to a TC thermometer and they said that was a recent change and now the thermowell is included in the TC-100 package. They are checking to see if you can swap it out at purchase.

I just bought mine from a guy here on HBT, he bought it last august and it's never been used. So chances are, it has the thermowell design. I'm going to pick it up tomorrow so I'll find out then