SS Brewtech Brew Bucket Advantages?

[augiedoggy]

You shared what you've read, not what you've experienced first hand with the product. You keep saying we're ignoring valid points but you keep ignoring those of use that discount comments you've made. I've already said the conical section, for me, did very nicely collect and compact the yeast and trub into a smaller surface area than is the size of the bottom. It was significantly less surface area than I have with my Coopers fermenters and my wife even stuck her finger into the yeast and it was a few inches deep. But whatever, keep saying that the bottom isn't steep enough and keep making your argument that there's zero difference in surface area because you've read this somewhere. And keep using words like "shiny new toys", "shiny", "looks better", etc. You keep on doing it over and over again. If looks mattered that much I'd have switched to stainless earlier than 5 years time and all my kegerator faucets would be gold plated.

The funniest part of your posts is you keep taking about looks, shininess, and price but then recommend Chapmann stainless buckets even though they're still more than 5x the price of a plastic bucket. I for one am done with this back and forth.


Rev.

I Think your confusing me with someone else.. I only used the reference of "shiny" once and that was when referring to MY shiny toys and the fact that I like them as much as anyone. I thought we ALL agreed that cosmetic features can be as good as any as an advantage. You yourself included from some of your previous statements in anther thread.

Im not "recommending" the chapman stuff to anyone.. I shared what I read about them and how I see them so far..for someone looking for the benefits of stainless already mentioned I do see them as a better value than the brew bucket thus far and I'm sorry that somehow upsets you that I dont share your views (See whats happening here) I dont own one because honestly I havent decided yet if they are worth it to me.. I like the advantages of a conical fermenter with a functional dump valve and this was the reason I bought my conicals. I was considering the brew bucket and the chapman as well but honestly after reading this thread I think I'll just wait for the right time to buy a fully functional conical.

As far as the conical bottom... I made the comment before you stated your experience is different so now I am left with conflicting experiences from brew bucket owners... Honestly I never stated it was fact just that from what I read and understood of physics thus far it seemed like a legitimate complaint.. maybe different yeasts flocculate and drop out differently or the timing of it dropping out gradually vs quickly plays into why it happend for some and not others? You have used your bucket what Once? twice so far? you may find some beers will drop out in a neat little cone and others will leave a widely spread yeast cake covering the greater conical surface area? Is it even a noticeable disadvantage if it happens? Maybe not but it stands to reason that its also not a noticeable advantage when it drops into a neat cone then either right? Conicals are used in a professional brewery to provide an efficient way to guide the dead yeast to the dump valve from my understanding more than anything... not a factor here.. This is why I dont really see IT as an advantage over a chapman (or plastic pail for that matter).

Nothing wrong with agreeing to disagree here..

I am not the one arguing with you... at least I dont think I said anything you said was wrong, only that you were excluding other options like the pail with the valve... You asked for the example because you didnt believe it existed and when I shared it you seem to get more upset that it in fact does?
sound like you are the one at odds with your own reasoning?

 

[user 163849]

I use what Williams Brewing calls a Siphonless Fermentor. It is a simple plastic bucket with a spigot which is mounted higher than the spigot on their bottling bucket The lid seals well with the included silicone o-ring gasket. It has the typical bail handle that most all buckets have as well as the raised reinforcement rings around the top which can be utilized as handles when lifting the bucket higher. I clean this by filling with warm water and PBW and letting it soak for an hour or two, wipe it out with a paper towel while rinsing and done till sanitizing on brew day.

The fact that you can move the stainless steel brew bucket while full without worry causing a suction on the bubbler is a good one. With my set-up, I do not move the fermentor at all once it is in the fermentation chamber until it has been drained into the bottling bucket. I never even remove the lid until clean up time.

If the cone at the bottom is actually effective in making better beer I see that as the only real advantage to me, if I were to purchase one. Durability might be a factor for younger folks but my Siphonless Fermentor is over two years old and still in great condition. There are no burns, scratches, dents or dings and the lid seals just fine. At my age I could likely replace my plastic bucket every couple of years and still not spend as much as purchasing the Ss Brew Bucket.

Once I close the door on my fermentation chamber I very seldom open the door until time for the first hydrometer sample. I have a cctv camera inside the fridge aimed at the blow off tube/bubbler and the audio on this camera keeps me informed of the progress inside the chamber without disturbing anything. So appearance is not much of an issue there, it's behind a closed door.

I was initially attracted to the ss brew bucket but in my case it just would not be a worthwhile investment. Unless that cone shaped bottom actually carried my beer over the top. I would need more convincing.

 

[Rev2010]

I Think your confusing me with someone else.. I only used the reference of "shiny" once and that was when referring to MY shiny toys and the fact that I like them as much as anyone.

Sorry I misplaced your "go to" word. It's cosmetic(s). Here's are some of your quotes regarding stainless or fancy systems and referring to them being either for cosmetic reasons, shiny, blingy, or for bragging rights:

I think the point he was making is that its basically a stainless bucket without the drain and sampling valve benefits that all other conical fermenters have so the justification is harder to make being the main difference between it and a bucket is cosmetic

Looking at it objectively I only see longevity, handles and cosmetic advantages the more I learn about them

I keep hearing hat they are better and not because of cosmetic reasons but that seems to be the #1 reason people are eluding to without saying it..

If their really is a real tangible advantage im all ears and would like to hear it? I asked this before and the conversation just keeps getting sidtracked by the "oh shiny" mindset.

I know it defeats the purpose of buying the stainless for those that do it for cosmetic reasons

Just to be clear in case you were referencing my earlier comment. I didnt say that cosmetic reason preclude all others... Just that it does seem to for some people.

look how much people pay for a simple chinese kettle with the "Blichmann" name on it... does it do anything better? ... I cant think of a thing but bragging rights

a beverage cooler with a lid is no more ghetto than a stainless version .. they are just as practical just not as blingy... they both function just as well and are honestly just as easy to use. what exactly makes the cooler "garbage " to you? the cosmetics of it?

every time I ask for another reason this would be better in such an application people state its not about cosmetics but then cant give any real advantage other than the stainless doesnt absorb any odors

Expensive jackets and cooling coils systems are totally not needed unless you need the cosmetics for some reason.

And yeah, I've only kegged one beer so far from my Brew Bucket and have a Belgian Wit in there now, but the conical bottom did do what they advertised it to do. Nothing more, nothing less. Take that however you want. I'll of course report more in the future, but as of now it appears to be having that advantage.


Rev.

 

[augiedoggy]

Sorry I misplaced your "go to" word. It's cosmetic(s). Here's are some of your quotes regarding stainless or fancy systems and referring to them being either for cosmetic reasons, shiny, blingy, or for bragging rights:





















And yeah, I've only kegged one beer so far from my Brew Bucket and have a Belgian Wit in there now, but the conical bottom did do what they advertised it to do. Nothing more, nothing less. Take that however you want. I'll of course report more in the future, but as of now it appears to be having that advantage.


Rev.

Yeah those comments are from a lot of different threads... I do think that the cosmetic factor is one of the big ones for most buying these thats no secret.. But the fact is your trying to discredit everything Ive said based on this single fact...

How many brew bucket owners can honestly say the looks of the brew bucket didnt have any impact on their purchase decision...Im just being honest with myself. It had an effect on mine to buy conicals although not a big one at the time...Like others keep saying "I had the extra money" I have said over and over that its not an unimportant factor .. But it is unimportant in its function as a fermenter. still I agreed here in this thread it was an advantage and I'm not even arguing with you so what exactly is your point?

 

[Rev2010]

Yeah those comments are from a lot of different threads...

Yes, mostly Ss related product threads.

But the fact is your trying to discredit everything Ive said based on this single fact

I'm not trying to discredit everything you've said, not at all. My whole point in this thread, and you can re-read my comments again, is to say that money isn't a factor to some people so your constant argument of $200 isn't something that pertains to us all, that and no it's not all just for cosmetic reasons. Seems there are others that agree with me here.

How many brew bucket owners can honestly say the looks of the brew bucket didnt have any impact on their purchase decision...

I can. I can say that for my brewing I've always gone with function over form. This was the only item on the market that met the things I wanted to improve over my Coopers fermenters while still maintaining the features of my Coopers fermenters that I liked. If I wanted great looks I'd have gotten the Chronicals, or a weldless fittings conical likely from a different brand. However, for my setup they are too large and too tall and I don't care yet to harvest yeast for several reasons.


Rev.

 

[augiedoggy]

I'm not trying to discredit everything you've said, not at all. My whole point in this thread, and you can re-read my comments again, is to say that money isn't a factor to some people so your constant argument of $200 isn't something that pertains to us all, that and no it's not all just for cosmetic reasons. Seems there are others that agree with me here.





Rev.

Yes but the real point is what is the biggest factor that extra money gets you if its not the cosmetic factor here? What are the OTHER advantages if you ignore cost and cosmetics and are THEY worth the upgrade based on functionality.

BTW if you back and read all my earlier posts you will see I used to be even more biased against spending money for cosmetic reasons and over the years I have become a bit of a hypocrite in this regard by "upgrading" my brewing equipment and trying to justify things by exaggerating other advantages to the upgrades to myself... I am playing the devils advocate here I guess just because I see myself and others doing this so often and its one thing to do it to yourself but to persuade others based on reasons that may not pan out.... Especially if that $200 might mean a bit more to someone reading this and making the purchase only to feel misled later..

It really has nothing to do with the ss brewing company, I have dealt with them and they have been top notch IMHO.

 

[geoffey]

Has anyone brought up the advantage of using SS if you brew both clean beers and Brett beers of beers with other bugs?

Sure, lots of people keep separate fermenters. But one advantage of this product is that I could fill it with near boiling water and make sure I've killed off any Brett or bugs after doing a mixed fermentation and go straight into a clean fermentation.

Just like upgrading hoses to silicone: if I can boil them and re-use then I don't have to worry about keeping. Separate set of equipment for Brett ferments.

 

[wilserbrewer]

Has anyone brought up the advantage of using SS if you brew both clean beers and Brett beers of beers with other bugs?

Sure, lots of people keep separate fermenters. But one advantage of this product is that I could fill it with near boiling water and make sure I've killed off any Brett or bugs after doing a mixed fermentation and go straight into a clean fermentation.

.

I believe HDPE can handle high temps as well. While not often discussed, I think it would be possible to heat sanitize an HDPE bucket?

 

[Vesteroid]

When I was a young boy, I lived with my grandmother. She use to say "boy, you would argue with a post". I am pretty sure she was talking to Augie

 

[geoffey]

I believe HDPE can handle high temps as well. While not often discussed, I think it would be possible to heat sanitize an HDPE bucket?

Are the standard plastic buckets used for fermenting HDPE? I've always understood that these buckets are not meant for high heat.

 

[wilserbrewer]

I believe fermenter buckets are HDPE, I copied this from Wikipedia

"Properties

HDPE is known for its large strength-to-density ratio.[3] The density of HDPE can range from 0.93 to 0.97 g/cm3 or 970 kg/m3.[4] Although the density of HDPE is only marginally higher than that of low-density polyethylene, HDPE has little branching, giving it stronger intermolecular forces and tensile strength than LDPE. The difference in strength exceeds the difference in density, giving HDPE a higher specific strength.[5] It is also harder and more opaque and can withstand somewhat higher temperatures (120 °C/ 248 °F for short periods, 110 °C /230 °F continuously). High-density polyethylene, unlike polypropylene, cannot withstand normally required autoclaving conditions. "

Of course, SS is more heat resistant, and I'm not knocking the BB, just trying to be objective.

HDPE does soften at high temps, so carrying a bucket full of boiling water is probably a bad idea lol.

For the true sanitation Nazi, one could autoclave their SS Brew Bucket lol.

 

[pretzelb]

I use what Williams Brewing calls a Siphonless Fermentor.

I was initially attracted to the ss brew bucket but in my case it just would not be a worthwhile investment. Unless that cone shaped bottom actually carried my beer over the top. I would need more convincing.

That Williams Brewing fermentor looks like a great product. If I were starting out or had a friend who wanted to try brewing, I would recommend something like that.

IMHO the debate on the Ss Brew Bucket breaks down due to illogical debate habits I can only describe as moving the goal posts. The key to the Ss BB is to analyze the entire package. Instead we commonly see bits and pieces compared and analyzed to death. If you just compare one part at a time to various other products then it ends up looking like an inferior product but the fact is you are unfairly comparing it to several products at once to reach that "goal". A plastic bucket is "good enough", a true conical has more functions, a conical shaped bottom isn't really needed, a racking cane is "good enough", you don't need "great" customer service, superior stainless material isn't needed, and so on.

But looking at the entire package I think it is easy to see why others like the Ss BB. If you want stainless, want a built in spigot, need it to fit in fridge or freezer, and want to work with a well known company then this hits on all the marks.

I think it all starts with wanting to go stainless. If you don't want to go stainless, then plastic buckets like one from Williams are a great solution. I want to go stainless someday so I will probably go with the Ss BB in the future unless something with the same package comes around. If I didn't have the desire to go stainless I probably pick up something like that Williams bucket you use.

 

[pretzelb]

I'm not trying to discredit everything you've said, not at all. My whole point in this thread, and you can re-read my comments again, is to say that money isn't a factor to some people so your constant argument of $200 isn't something that pertains to us all, that and no it's not all just for cosmetic reasons. Seems there are others that agree with me here.

From what I've read all the happy Ss Brew Bucket owners will list at the end of a paragraph "... and I like they way they look". I have never seen someone list the cosmetic appeal as the primary or secondary or even tertiary reason why they went with the product. In fact, most list "the looks" as just a bonus benefit outside of any reasoning for making the purchase.

 

[augiedoggy]

When I was a young boy, I lived with my grandmother. She use to say "boy, you would argue with a post". I am pretty sure she was talking to Augie

And yet the reality was she was she was talking to you , It takes two.

 

[user 163849]

But looking at the entire package I think it is easy to see why others like the Ss BB. If you want stainless, want a built in spigot, need it to fit in fridge or freezer, and want to work with a well known company then this hits on all the marks.

I think it all starts with wanting to go stainless. If you don't want to go stainless, then plastic buckets like one from Williams are a great solution. I want to go stainless someday so I will probably go with the Ss BB in the future unless something with the same package comes around. If I didn't have the desire to go stainless I probably pick up something like that Williams bucket you use.

I grew up on a small East Texas dairy farm. Everything that touched the milk was very high quality stainless steel so I know the difference and I much prefer stainless steel over plastic. I would be willing to pay three times the price of plastic but that falls far short of what I would need to pay.It just does not fit in my limited budget as a retired old fart still paying off the assassins I hired to kill off my unwelcome cancer cells....

 

[brewbama]

I really enjoy my Ss Brew Bucket. I have Williams buckets to get me started, but like starter golf clubs - I moved on.

 

[Vesteroid]

From what I've read all the happy Ss Brew Bucket owners will list at the end of a paragraph "... and I like they way they look". I have never seen someone list the cosmetic appeal as the primary or secondary or even tertiary reason why they went with the product. In fact, most list "the looks" as just a bonus benefit outside of any reasoning for making the purchase.

Yes, looks on a car are not important 🃏

 

[user 163849]

I really enjoy my Ss Brew Bucket. I have Williams buckets to get me started, but like starter golf clubs - I moved on.

Okay, now we are getting somewhere, so, as someone who "graduated" from a completely functional plastic bucket to one made of stainless steel with essentially the same functionality, what are the advantages? As compared to the Williams Brewing Siphonless Fermentor (and others like it), not carboys etc.

What would I gain by "moving on" to a stainless steel bucket?

 

[brewbama]

Okay, now we are getting somewhere, so, as someone who "graduated" from a completely functional plastic bucket to one made of stainless steel with essentially the same functionality, what are the advantages? As compared to the Williams Brewing Siphonless Fermentor (and others like it), not carboys etc.

What would I gain by "moving on" to a stainless steel bucket?

I believe I can clean and sanitize it more thoroughly. The William's buckets served their purpose but I can see scratches now so I went with stainless

 

[Vandulus]

Now..... this I could have helped you with Those things are total crap. I had two V-Vessels years ago and they were a gigantic PITA in every conceivable way. Easily the worst brewing purchase I ever made - full out negative review from me on those

The points you mentioned are exactly why I ditched my FastFerment. It was a leaky SOB that made a mess any time I needed to change the bulb. Plus to their big point of yeast harvesting... I now make oversized starters and split some off to save for the next batch. Much easier than washing and the yeast is less stressed,

 

[pretzelb]

Okay, now we are getting somewhere, so, as someone who "graduated" from a completely functional plastic bucket to one made of stainless steel with essentially the same functionality, what are the advantages? As compared to the Williams Brewing Siphonless Fermentor (and others like it), not carboys etc.

What would I gain by "moving on" to a stainless steel bucket?

I have yet to pull the trigger but for me personally and from the stories I've read the key factors are material and format. The bucket "format" has the benefit of size, stack-able in some cases, and being easier to clean than a carboy "format". The material factor is how you feel about plastic vs stainless.

I did a few batches in a regular plastic brew bucket and everything turned out great but I wasn't happy with how clean I felt I could get the plastic. For example, I could still smell a stout in the bucket for a long time after a really good cleaning. Did it really matter? Probably not but I never had the same issue with the plastic in the Better Bottle carboy I used. But the plastic bucket made good beer, had great head space, and was super easy to move around and clean.

After brewing in the Better Bottle carboy "format" I have started to appreciate the "bucket" format for easy access cleaning. I'm not unhappy with the plastic used in the Better Bottle carboy, but I do not think I can get the same plastic in a regular bucket. I also like the idea of stainless for durability and weight so that is where I plan to go in the future.

If I were using a plastic bucket now I can only see upgrading to a stainless steel bucket if I had concerns with scratches or sanitary cleaning. If you are happy with the bucket "format" then I would think the primary motivation to upgrade would be if you were unhappy with the "material". If you like the format and the material I don't see much of a reason to switch/upgrade.

If I didn't want to go stainless with my next fermenter I'd go to a plastic bucket. As of right now I am going to go with the Ss Brew Bucket because it has the best combination of size, quality stainless, customer service, and the best racking/drainage system available.

 

[Vesteroid]

I thought I would add something I did to both my brew buckets. I added a weldless 12" thermowell from Brewers hardware to the middle of the lid. I like the placement as to me it makes it more sanitary as the thermowell gaskets never come in contact with the beer.

 

[Rev2010]

I thought I would add something I did to both my brew buckets. I added a weldless 12" thermowell from Brewers hardware to the middle of the lid. I like the placement as to me it makes it more sanitary as the thermowell gaskets never come in contact with the beer.

That is a great idea

Another advantage that didn't occur to me for any of my posting in this thread is vertical stack-ability. For my space that option comes in quite handy. Can plastic buckets be stacked? I'm guessing you can put one on top of two, but can they be stacked one-to-one on top of one another? I don't seem to think so


Rev.

 

[myerstyson]

I just pulled the trigger on one. Can't wait to get it and see how it compares.

 

[rivalry15]

You won't be disappointed. I got it with the temp control system and it all works great.

 

[Saboral]

I really like my brew bucket, but for the money I think I would go with a real conical for only a bit more. It does the same thing but yeast harvesting is somewhat difficult.

 

[Vandulus]

If you build your yeast via starters instead of harvesting, the BrewBucket is an excellent fermenter. Easy to use, clean and I love the fact you can stack them. I just got my second one a week ago and plan on brewing a double batch tomorrow.

The bottom valve on the higher end fermenters would be nice for draining trub, but not worth the extra dollars to me at this point.

 

[Onthebrew]

can i recativate this thread again? i am drawn to the SS brewbucket as it seems simpler than the chronicals and the fact you can stack may mean i can fit two into my tall brew fridge at a time.

how heavy is it full though? could it be carried up a flight of stairs for example. i currently have two plastic spiedel fermenters and they are heavy enough with 19 litres of wort.

what advantage will it offer over my spiedals? other than being stackable and shiny.

 

[Braufessor]

can i recativate this thread again? i am drawn to the SS brewbucket as it seems simpler than the chronicals and the fact you can stack may mean i can fit two into my tall brew fridge at a time.

how heavy is it full though? could it be carried up a flight of stairs for example. i currently have two plastic spiedel fermenters and they are heavy enough with 19 litres of wort.

what advantage will it offer over my spiedals? other than being stackable and shiny.

They are light - only a few pounds at most - so, they will weigh whatever your beer weighs basically. So - figure about 40-50lbs if you have 5-6 gallons in there. I carry mine up and down the steps all the time.

The advantage over a spiedel is that they are stainless, not plastic. The advantage of stainless is more than being "shiny." Other than that - there would be zero advantage for the most part. A spiedel is probably about (or among) the best plastic fermenters you could use - but, it is still plastic.

 

[Onthebrew]

thanks for the feedback- good to know they are light. and because they are stackable i reckon i could fit two into my tall brew fridge at a time. think i'll go for it!