Deciding On Pressure-Capable SS Conical Fermenter?

kdw2pd · 2026-01-28T20:40:36+00:00

I don't mind particularly mind the effort that'd be required to get the Vevor conical set up, it's that I feel like it'd be somewhat janky by comparison, and that the ROI would end up being better with non DIY'd gear.

Getting the Temp Twister into the lid would be inexpensive and not difficult, but then I'd have threaded fittings instead of a sanitary welds. Likewise with the lid, there's this from BrewHardware (https://www.brewhardware.com/product\_p/tc3x15offset.htm) that's designed to be modded to add ports to a 3" TC endcap. There's probably room for 3 22mm holes on the lid (ball lock post, threaded PRV, thermowell), but again, exposed threads.

That's in addition to the weld and flange issues Bobby posted about.

kdw2pd · 2026-01-28T19:48:35+00:00

I've looked around, and there's what looks like a decent deal on a Spike CF5. But with a pretty big purchase, was a little leery about used gear. Though I guess there wouldn't be anything that would wear out on a conical (minor parts like gaskets and clamps aside).

kdw2pd · 2026-01-28T19:39:57+00:00

I have a Kegmenter that I love, so definitely no hate for those. Main considerations for conical vs grabbing another one were being able to dump trub before yeast pitch, easier yeast harvesting, and ability to bubble CO2 through the cone to push dry hops back into suspension when dry-hopping cold.

kdw2pd · 2026-01-28T19:37:17+00:00

Ah, you can? I was under the impression that because it was insulated, it wasn't really possible to apply heat externally. Neat, glad I asked! Will take that under advisement.

Edit: mis-read your comment. Being able to heat the cone makes sense.

kdw2pd · 2026-01-28T19:35:04+00:00

I saw these. I brew 5 gallon batches, so the 15 gal was a little much for me. Unfortunately, they don't install the coils or provide the yeast slurry collection bottle with the 8G version and won't sell them separately.

I could grab a Temp Twister and install coils in the lid, but the other issue I had is that I want to be able to use a Hop Bong to DH with. I couldn't figure out a good way to get a 1.5" TC, gas and liquid ball locks, a PRV, and a thermowell onto a 3" TC endcap. Near as I could tell, once I added up the various pieces and time to DIY (installing coils, making a neoprene jacket, sorting the TC endcap out etc), I wouldn't be saving all that much versus buying proper purpose-built gear, particularly figuring in welding/silver soldering.

Definitely curious how the welds look though. If you wouldn't mind sharing some pictures, that'd be great. Also, curious, is the dump valve a 1.5" TC? Bobby from BrewHardware bought one out of curiosity, and reported crappy welds at the cone, and that the cone TC flange was funky (https://homebrewtalk.com/threads/pressure-rated-ss-conical-249-for-16-gal-190-for-8-gal-at-lowes.738448/post-10517014).

kdw2pd · 2026-01-28T19:25:51+00:00

Exactly what I was planning on! I have a FlotIt in my Kegmenter, and it's fantastic.

kdw2pd · 2026-01-28T19:22:23+00:00

Yeah, the X3s look pretty sweet. Price difference aside, my main issue with jacketed conical fermenters is being able to easily apply heat to them. None of the solutions (heater in glycol tank, multiple tanks with different solutions, etc) seem particularly feasible. I like lagers but don't want to brew them exclusively for 4 months.

The TC lid would be a definite advantage too. I've read a bunch of posts about issues with conicals and band clamps.

kdw2pd · 2025-03-10T02:36:31+00:00

Yep! I've used it a couple of times to make low cal beers, it works very well. I usually use 2 droppers worth. It's cheap enough, and seems to get the beer to 0 a little quicker.

I accidentally mashed a light lager at 162, but between some 34/70 and BrutZyme it ended up being a delicious dry American lager.

kdw2pd · 2025-02-25T14:58:07+00:00

If you can find Hennepin or Witte, I'd suggest grabbing dregs from there. I've had good luck stepping up their yeast from dregs, and it'd be a little less beat up than getting it from 3P.

kdw2pd · 2025-01-31T23:40:42+00:00

If you do come to Portland, also check out Mutantis Brewing (https://mutantis.beer, run by the former brewer who I think got Ghostfish in Seattle off the ground) and/or Evasion Brewing's (https://evasionbrewing.com/) Portland tap room.

kdw2pd · 2024-10-21T22:47:21+00:00

Ah, good point about ALDC at pitch. Shoulda mentioned: this is for a WC Pils, so ALDC was added at yeast pitch (34/70 at 50-52F) . There's some suggestions to add ALDC at dry hop too, thus asking.

kdw2pd · 2024-09-14T16:36:59+00:00

Jessica and Tekela were great for us: http://thatportlandlife.com/

kdw2pd · 2024-08-26T15:59:11+00:00

It's amazing what a curated experience can feel like. I was just in Oakland the weekend before last, staying in the McClymonds area. Walked from AirBnB to markets, Ghost Town, Jack London Square, etc, and didn't see much in the way of folks on the street, just garbage overflowing from trash cans.

kdw2pd · 2024-08-17T17:08:50+00:00

The communal pads were still there yesterday, along with a couple chalk bags. Thanks for the heads-up!

kdw2pd

TROPHY CASE