Why did VV/Brew Cube fermenters fall out of favor?

[BMBC]

I live in AZ. This time of year I have to use a chest freezer fermentation chamber. Using 6 gal carboys is an extremely inefficient use of space. I could double my capacity by using bigger fermenters, but unfortunately, they jump in size pretty quickly.

What I've found is that 13 gallon Vittles Vaults/Brew Cubes are 14x14x20. Two of them should fit perfectly in my 7 cu ft Danby thus allowing me ferment up to 20 gallons instead of just 10.

I found them using search, but people seem to have stopped talking about them around 2010 and every HBS that used to sell them no longer to. Are they bad or did better things just come along?

Note: I realize they'll be heavy when filled with 10 gal of wort so I may need to rig some sort of pulley system above my ferm chambers to get them in and out. This question is just about their viability as fermenters.

 

[nutty_gnome]

Some people are put off by the inaccessible hollow with-in the neck below the screw-top section of the gamma lid opening. People are concerned about thoroughly cleaning those areas. I agree that the weight is an issue, but not a deal breaker. They are slippery when wet. They also used to be much more expensive.

If you are looking for a 13 gallon container, search ebay for the pharmaceutval bottles. The lids are differnent on those and I think they look good for a plastic fermentor.

I have used the gamma lid adapter for a 5 gallon bucket and found that I could not reach certain places where the lid clamps onto the bucket. I now only use that bucket for sanitizer solution. Good luck in your search

 

[BMBC]

Some people are put off by the inaccessible hollow with-in the neck below the screw-top section of the gamma lid opening. People are concerned about thoroughly cleaning those areas. I agree that the weight is an issue, but not a deal breaker. They are slippery when wet. They also used to be much more expensive.

If you are looking for a 13 gallon container, search ebay for the pharmaceutval bottles. The lids are differnent on those and I think they look good for a plastic fermentor.

I have used the gamma lid adapter for a 5 gallon bucket and found that I could not reach certain places where the lid clamps onto the bucket. I now only use that bucket for sanitizer solution. Good luck in your search

Thanks NG. I'd love to use one of those, but unfortunately they are just a little too wide at 16" in diameter.

 

[Brewer_Ben]

I have been looking at Speidel fermentors since i want to start moving away from glass. i have heard good things, just need the Mrs to sign off..... :cross: