What's the point of a racking cane when...

[snevey]

What's the point of a racking cane when...I use my auto-siphon for everything? I'm new to brewing in 5 gal quantities. I have been brewing in my Mr. Beer kit for the past year and decided it was time to start brewing like a man, not a 12 year old. And doing 2 gal batches was for the birds. You couldn't really share your Mr. Beer with friends/family or take hydrometer readings, because by the time you did, you wouldn't have any beer left for yourself! A Mr. Beer kit only does about 20 beer!

But seriously, I have yet to use the racking cane that came with my kit. I used the auto-siphon to go from brew kettle to primary, from primary to secondary, and from secondary to bottling bucket. Just looking for what I might be missing for my pointless (at the moment) piece of hardware...

Steve

 

[Jmeisse]

An auto-siphon is just a better racking cane. I don't see a reason to use a normal racking cane if you have an auto-siphon, maybe give it to a friend who's interested in home brewing.

 

[PT Ray]

Think you said it all. Can't think of any reason to use a cane over an auto siphon.

 

[user 29674]

As a backup for if you break your autosiphon, or you can use them to make other things like the BMBF:
https://www.homebrewtalk.com/f35/we-no-need-no-stinking-beer-gun-24678/

 

[klyph]

Using a racking cane with a cap like this:

Is much easier than using my autosiphon. And I'm able to more precisely leave the trub behind.

 

[rico567]

I use the Fermtech autosiphon, and wouldn't trade.

 

[jezter6]

When you start kegging, you'll use your racking cane as a BMBF. Keep it for that occasion.

 

[jwwdvm]

Using a racking cane with a cap like this...

How are you using the cap and cane? Are you tipping the fermenter and pouring with hose between the cap and cane?

 

[GilaMinumBeer]

How are you using the cap and cane? Are you tipping the fermenter and pouring with hose between the cap and cane?

Cane goes through one hole in cap and you blow into the other. The pressure differential starts the siphon.

 

[TipsyDragon]

well first i would like to pat you on the back for using an auto siphon instead of the racking cane. i think the cane is just to annoy new brewers and be a pain in the ass. i remember trying to get a siphon going with one and just ended up getting so frustrated i ended up sucking on the end of the rubber tubing to get the siphon going.

 

[klyph]

well first i would like to pat you on the back for using an auto siphon instead of the racking cane. i think the cane is just to annoy new brewers and be a pain in the ass. i remember trying to get a siphon going with one and just ended up getting so frustrated i ended up sucking on the end of the rubber tubing to get the siphon going.

I use my 10 lb bottle of CO2 on the part where you blow into. Starts the siphon like a mofo.