stainless steel fermenter from a kettle

[BitterSweetBrews]

I have two stainless steel kettles that I use for mashing and boiling on my Electric Brewery. Has anybody ever taken one of these kettles and made it into a fermenter?

You could just drill a small hole in the lid for a grommet and airlock and another one on the side for a valve. They are relatively inexpensive compared to a conical. What do you think? I know it wouldn't necessarily be totally airtight but what fermenter is? They would clean up easier than plastic and last a lot longer.

 

[DarkNoonBrewer]

Yes, its been done. It works pretty well actually. Anvil has it figured out. Imagine a 20gal stainless fermentor that doubles as kettle? Works with several sizes.
http://www.anvilbrewing.com/product-p/anv-fiak-10.htm

 

[orionol73]

Check this out
http://www.anvilbrewing.com/product-p/anv-fiak-10.htm

 

[BitterSweetBrews]

I wonder if theIr gasket fits in a 15 gallon kettle. You can buy A 15 gallon kettle pretty reasonably on eBay for around $90, shipped. I do wonder if there's an issue with rivets as they say harboring bacteria.

 

[DarkNoonBrewer]

I wonder if theIr gasket fits in a 15 gallon kettle. You can buy A 15 gallon kettle pretty reasonably on eBay for around $90, shipped. I do wonder if there's an issue with rivets as they say harboring bacteria.

EXACTLY. That's why Anvil went with welded studs for the handles. That feature was shown at the NHC this year. The inside behind the handle is smoooooooooth.

 

[wilserbrewer]

I have been fermenting in my brew kettle for a few years with good results.

I just place the well fitting lid on the kettle and pitch the yeast. Before the kreusen falls I seal up the kettle with a sheet of plastic and a piece of string, and rack to a keg at day 10-12....

 

[wilserbrewer]

IMHO airlocks and gaskets are relevant and critical for secondary / aging, during active fermentation you just need a reasonably sealed vessel....works for me

 

[DarkNoonBrewer]

This a video on the Anvil "FIAK" https://youtu.be/XHPuldEvqlY