Conical fermenter vs buckets: what are the benefits?

[Mrmegahurtz]

Looking at upgrading to some new equipment and I'm wondering what to purchase next.

Brewing 10g double batches and splitting them into two buckets for fermentation. I am finding that there can be huge differences between the two buckets... I.e taste alcohol content, clarity.

Wondering if a Conical fermentor will help me out?

[Jimmy]

Not sure why the 2 would vary so much, but I've been using a conical fermenter for a few years now...so some things to consider:

The biggest benefit I find with having the conical fermenter is ease of use. There's no lifting buckets around, no siphoning, having triclover connections is amazing (and more sanitary), taking samples is super easy, etc.

If I was someone who didn't already have a conical and was going to purchase one, I'd either get a BREWHA (that's what I currently use), or I'd buy a regular conical along with a hotrod heat stick from brewhardware. The BREWHA allows you to mash, boil, ferment all in one.

If you went the non-BREWHA route, you'd at least still be able to boil in the conical - sanitizing the conical while brewing, and eliminating an extra transfer.

[CorneliusAlphonse]

Oh man, heat stick + conical is a great idea

[Keith]

Oh man, heat stick + conical is a great idea

Just make sure the seals on your conical can handle the heat lol

[CorneliusAlphonse]

Oh man, heat stick + conical is a great idea

Just make sure the seals on your conical can handle the heat lol

yeah, i had the same thought. anyway, it's not something i could do for another year or two.

[sleepyjamie]

I have the SS brewtek Brew Bucket 7 gallon and I love it. It is very easy to clean, portable, you can take samples, and isn't overly expensive like the more fancy conicals.

[saosborne]

a split batch should be the same. different tastes means your picking up something from the bucket or pitching at a different rate. stainless steel theoretically imparts no flavor, different clarity and alcohol content seems strange. to me it sounds like a temp issue. do you ferment at different levels? ie. one closer to the floor? if you've got the $$$ go for the conical with temp control.

[Jimmy]

Oh man, heat stick + conical is a great idea

Just make sure the seals on your conical can handle the heat lol

If you're buying a concial, I suggest something with triclover and butterfly valves. The extra cost is definitely worth the convenience and peace of mind.

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[Mrmegahurtz]

Thank you everyone.

[Mrmegahurtz]

We are going to need a 14-17g fermentor. I have been looking on OBK and they are ranging 600-800? Are the Ss brewteck any good?

[Mrmegahurtz]

We are going to need a 14-17g fermentor. I have been looking on OBK and they are ranging 600-800? Are the Ss brewteck any good?

[LeafMan66_67]

I have the SS brewtek Brew Bucket 7 gallon and I love it. It is very easy to clean, portable, you can take samples, and isn't overly expensive like the more fancy conicals.

Have you had any issues with the 3/8" ball valve? Seems small ...

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[sleepyjamie]

I have the SS brewtek Brew Bucket 7 gallon and I love it. It is very easy to clean, portable, you can take samples, and isn't overly expensive like the more fancy conicals.

Have you had any issues with the 3/8" ball valve? Seems small ...

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Not yet, but I haven't done any big hopped beers in it. The yeast settles out nicely in the bottom of the bucket. I have mine hooked up to the STC-1000 with heat belts. Garage temp was 11C and belts kept the beer at 18.5C.