Wow. I am glad I made this post!
I really should have included these details too:
• FWIW, I BIAB.
• 5 gallon batches. I
truly do not want to do bigger batches. It's hard enough to move the kettle around with a 5 gallon batch (it moves 4 times on every brew day [I've been down this road already - not looking for ideas to prevent moving the kettle, thank you though!]) Thus, I wouldn't need to ferment more than a 5 gallon batch at a time.
•
space is limited in my home. In a perfect world, I could get a vessel that will fit in my current FC, a mini fridge. It is my second converted mini fridge. My keezer is
packed, I would not be able to fit a fermenter in there. Plus, I like to ferment with warmth (high 60's[F]). In an imperfect world, I would need to purchase the necessary accessories to TC right in / on the vessel I purchase.
I just took some rough internal measurements in the FC. 29” high, 17” wide, 10” deep from opening to compressor hump.
•
Budget is a concern. I guess we should start there. $200 - 300 would be OK. $400 is pushing it. $500+ is too much. Clearly, could get a Spiedel with that. But if SS is in the affordable range... and
if there are
truly notable benefits to that versus plastic... There's a good chance I'd pull trigger.
• I don't have time to brew much so, one batch ferments at a time.
recently started doing “closed” transfers in the anvils.
I put a barbed co2 line in the top as I’m tferring to a keg. It’s at about 2psi so it really is just filling the top w gas instead of o2.
Love this idea. 1) The price is damn right but 2) it won't fit in my FC with the compressor hump. However 3) they offer a cooling system! that requires a cooler with ice too??
This seemed like a great solution but space concerns (the cooler) and the possibility that I
can't ferment warm are the issue.
Before I move on,
@AzOr , do you put that gas line into the lid where the airlock would normally go? I can't find a photo of what the lid looks like. I have a 3 piece airlock - I am able to get a gas line attached over the airlock stem. Thus, lid could, theoretically, remain closed and CO2 streamed in during transfer. I think that would work in this unit too?
I went from plastic to the SS Brew Bucket BM edition and am glad I did. It's very easy to clean. The drain valve and thermowell only take a minute to remove and clean. As for temp control, I use a chest freezer same as when I used plastic. No need for the heating/cooling unit that is sold for these units. There are some mini fridge that these fit into for temp control too.
I'd hate to do it but I guess I should concern getting a small / cube-type freezer. Deep, no compressor hump. Could replace the mini fridge FC with that. This would eliminate the need for proprietary cooling / heating devices... hmmmm...
Maybe something like this?
https://www.hotsaleitem.com/product...kcI4wrbpVGPkGcxmaMWh-ykGNEaVEolBoC4G8QAvD_BwE
The photos don't show inside so if there's a compressor hump, bets might be off.
unless I'm planning to harvest yeast, I seem to gravitate to using my Speidel fermenters instead. You really can't go wrong with a Speidel.
I usually overbuild my starters for the sake of harvesting. I've harvested from true / yeast cake to good results except... one strain that went weird from that lineage. Paranoia set in and I'm committed to harvesting from generation 0 yeast starters. For now, anyway. I really should stay on-topic...
Can't go wrong with a Spiedel eh? Excuse me for busting balls, is SS inherently better, by default?
Negative is the rough edge on the inside under the lid from a mold parting line. Also they are huge so a chamber is an issue which was my ultimate reason for selling them.
I hate how long my cleaning jobs take. I hate the physical effort. It is my own fault for not building the multi-purpose washer I've been meaning to build. That being said
, a bucket is a friendly vessel in the cleaning realm. Reach down to the bottom easily. No ceilings or tight crevices. I mean, maybe under the outside rim that the lid snaps into... So,
@matt_m , is there a way to clean that part of the Spiedel with confidence?
As for size, yeah, it would barely fit into my current FC.
It's really the damn compressor hump that interferes with everything. Allows for only 10" or 11" from hump to door.
SS Buckets - Comparable to the upgraded Spiedels functionally but the footprint allowed putting them in a fridge for a chamber and being stainless no concerns about cleaning.
Again, I'd probably not be able to fit it in my FC.
If I had to do it again I'd seriously look at the Spike Flex+ if I was looking to go with bucket-style fermenters
Looks sexy. Price is up there but still in range. Again, the footprint.
Starting to look like I need to change my FC, at a minimum.
once I jumped to 10 gallon I either had to fill glass carboys outside and carry them to my basement or carry 12-13 gallons of wort downstairs. Both options didn't sit right in my head for safety reasons.
Again to my point about even moving 5 gallons around. Well, actually, moving the kettle with ~ 7 gallons.
That's a pain that requires a second adult. I
can do it,
have done it... not smart. Moving 13 gallons of wort downstairs... NOPE.
Comparing a stainless fermenter to buckets is like comparing kegging to bottling. There is an upfront cost, but the convenience is worth it.
Amen.
Have a lot to consider here. Thanks for the help, everyone; I welcome all insight!
