SS Brew tech or Spikes?

[H0PSFAIRY]

Looking to purchase a 2nd fermenter..... I just can't decide between the A second ss Brew tech BME I already own one) or possibly getting a Spikes Conical Fermenter. They seem really similar. Thoughts? Suggestion? We have a cooling system in place.

 

[philly224]

A more fair comparison is probably to the ss unitank. Some good info in this thread!

https://www.homebrewtalk.com/forum/...een-spike-cf10-and-ssbrewtech-unitank.637394/

 

[rikz]

I don't think you can go wrong with either. I have three Ss fermenters so I may be a bit biased but comparing overall quality (I have a spike kettle) I like the construction of the Ss better.

 

[augiedoggy]

I don't think you can go wrong with either. I have three Ss fermenters so I may be a bit biased but comparing overall quality (I have a spike kettle) I like the construction of the Ss better.

this is the opposite of what Ive been reading from other people who have both types of fermenters... do you have a spike unitank or fermenter or are you going by the construction and build quality of the kettle vs the ss fermenters?

 

[rikz]

I only have the 20gal kettle. It's a couple years old so they may have upgraded their construction. It just doesn't feel as sturdy as the Ss insulated mash tun and fermenters that I have. Again, just my opinion.

this is the opposite of what Ive been reading from other people who have both types of fermenters... do you have a spike unitank or fermenter or are you going by the construction and build quality of the kettle vs the ss fermenters?

 

[augiedoggy]

I think the older spike stuff is from a different manufacturer than the newer stuff and I also believe the kettles are made by a different company than the fermenters.. not sure about SS but the same might be true. you really have to compare the two actual products to get a fair assessment not just brand names.

the older spike conicals for example from say 4 years ago, were made in the states by toledo metal spinning... new ones are made in china and have the finish work done inhouse by spike as well as different components like the lids and clasps made by different suppliers if im not mistaken.

I have an ss brewmaster conical myself and I actually feel its one of the cheapest conicals out of my four with the best being my stout 12.5g the thickness of the stainless on my SS conical is MUCH thinner than even my genric no name chinese conicals. build quality is good as far as workmanship and fit and finish but the non sanitary weldless port and threaded ports on the valves is a step backwards compared to my others which cost less. the brushed surface of the SS is also a bit harder to clean than the polished surface of 2 of my others including the stout which practically wipes clean with a sponge.
just my 2 cents from my experience based on what I have.

 

[mongoose33]

I have the Spike 10CF, and it's great. But if I were looking to add a second one, I'd be tempted to keep to the same brand so the learning curve was minimal. Unless you're looking more for a unitank than a fermenter....

 

[mmeadows24]

I think the older spike stuff is from a different manufacturer than the newer stuff and I also believe the kettles are made by a different company than the fermenters.. not sure about SS but the same might be true. you really have to compare the two actual products to get a fair assessment not just brand names.

the older spike conicals for example from say 4 years ago, were made in the states by toledo metal spinning... new ones are made in china and have the finish work done inhouse by spike as well as different components like the lids and clasps made by different suppliers if im not mistaken.

I have an ss brewmaster conical myself and I actually feel its one of the cheapest conicals out of my four with the best being my stout 12.5g the thickness of the stainless on my SS conical is MUCH thinner than even my genric no name chinese conicals. build quality is good as far as workmanship and fit and finish but the non sanitary weldless port and threaded ports on the valves is a step backwards compared to my others which cost less. the brushed surface of the SS is also a bit harder to clean than the polished surface of 2 of my others including the stout which practically wipes clean with a sponge.
just my 2 cents from my experience based on what I have.

Augie what glycol system you running on your conicals? I have a brand new a/c unit but not feeling the whole DIY for the glycol system. Thoughts and experiences/

 

[augiedoggy]

Augie what glycol system you running on your conicals? I have a brand new a/c unit but not feeling the whole DIY for the glycol system. Thoughts and experiences/

Im actually using a chiller that was being tossed at work. We use repurposed beverage line chillers for plate processors and when something miner goes wrong with them we are supposed to replace them rather than troubleshoot them.

Anyway there are pics of my setup towards the middle of my build thread. Im using the chillers pump with cpvc pipe manifold and 4 $3 solenoid valves which turn the main pump on when any of them are opened via brucontrol now but I used stc1000 units before.

 

[Crasher06]

Is all of the peripheral equipment you may have cross-compatible? If not, and you're happy with what you have, why not just get a second?