Amazon link
In case the link doesn't work, the best fermenter available for use with top cropping yeast is (in this man's humble opinion) the vittles vault part number 4330, described as "gamma seal" with a volumetric capacity of 30 liters.
That's mine inside my fermentation fridge. I've used this to ferment about a dozen batches of beer since returning to the hobby. I've used a fermzilla all-rounder extensively as well. I find that the fermzilla is the medicine when I want to serve from the fermenter (not re-pitching the yeast), or when using a yeast that is not a top-cropper--in that case I transfer the beer off using Co2 and save the yeast until brew day, then scoop out 3/4 and run the wort right on top of the remaining. I do not know how many times this can be repeated, but it sure works well for 3 or 4 consecutive brews.
But the vittles vault:
Remove the "gamma seal" female threaded lid adapter and throw it away. It is not gas-tight and is full of nooks for bugs to live in. Note that the vessel is not square, but octagonal: drill a hole for a plastic faucet in the corner as near the bottom as possible. Cover the top opening tightly with plastic wrap after filling. Replace after harvesting yeast. CO2 will find a way out, and there is no need to sanitize. Oxygen will enter as well, but if you are using top fermenting yeast and knocking the beer into a keg as soon as possible anyway, it will be so little that it won't matter. At all. But remember that this is essentially open fermentation. The American homebrew mantra of "more time in primary" will not apply well here at all. Think about the English method of racking to a cask and priming as soon as final gravity is reached. The time in cask (2-3 weeks in a corny for us) will take care of the remaining green flavors and produce a clear and carbonated beer.
Taking a gravity sample is dead easy. Washing and sanitizing is dead easy. The advertised dimensions are 14in x 14in x 13in high. This thing fits in most large mini fridges without a collar or any modification. It will ferment 7 gallons. It costs $36 as of tonight. It's my favorite piece of homebrew gear of all time.
In case the link doesn't work, the best fermenter available for use with top cropping yeast is (in this man's humble opinion) the vittles vault part number 4330, described as "gamma seal" with a volumetric capacity of 30 liters.
That's mine inside my fermentation fridge. I've used this to ferment about a dozen batches of beer since returning to the hobby. I've used a fermzilla all-rounder extensively as well. I find that the fermzilla is the medicine when I want to serve from the fermenter (not re-pitching the yeast), or when using a yeast that is not a top-cropper--in that case I transfer the beer off using Co2 and save the yeast until brew day, then scoop out 3/4 and run the wort right on top of the remaining. I do not know how many times this can be repeated, but it sure works well for 3 or 4 consecutive brews.
But the vittles vault:
Remove the "gamma seal" female threaded lid adapter and throw it away. It is not gas-tight and is full of nooks for bugs to live in. Note that the vessel is not square, but octagonal: drill a hole for a plastic faucet in the corner as near the bottom as possible. Cover the top opening tightly with plastic wrap after filling. Replace after harvesting yeast. CO2 will find a way out, and there is no need to sanitize. Oxygen will enter as well, but if you are using top fermenting yeast and knocking the beer into a keg as soon as possible anyway, it will be so little that it won't matter. At all. But remember that this is essentially open fermentation. The American homebrew mantra of "more time in primary" will not apply well here at all. Think about the English method of racking to a cask and priming as soon as final gravity is reached. The time in cask (2-3 weeks in a corny for us) will take care of the remaining green flavors and produce a clear and carbonated beer.
Taking a gravity sample is dead easy. Washing and sanitizing is dead easy. The advertised dimensions are 14in x 14in x 13in high. This thing fits in most large mini fridges without a collar or any modification. It will ferment 7 gallons. It costs $36 as of tonight. It's my favorite piece of homebrew gear of all time.
