I was looking to get one of these, has anyone every use one or have any thought if I should get one? I have carboys now, I was just trying to simplify things.
No experience on.my oart, but this was posted before and I believe the more experienced brewers (compared to me) seemed to have lots of questions/ issues about potentially buying one. They are meant to be wall mounted, can be tough inside a ferm chamber/ chest freezer. Questions on quality of valve and ease of use/cleaning there. Floor stand is a big add on and again, it’s a tough item to handle with its odd shape, at least when full. Overall, it left me the impression of “you get what you pay for.” That’s the gist of what I got from previous thread, but maybe by now someone has tried one out and feels differently…
I have never read a positive review of one.
+1 Had a friend who purchased one. For the reasons stated, it’s the opposite of “simplifying”. Plastic buckets are “simple” and have work great for many long-time homebrewers. I assume your using glass carboys, which is what I use and I understand they can be a hassle. But, unless I win the lotto and can go stainless, I’d spend that money simplifying other parts of my brew day (quality ingredients, chillers, temp. controlled ferm. chambers etc.).
I had two when they were called “V-Vessel” fermenters… these newer versions, do seem somewhat different and perhaps better . … so I can’t say for certain how these versions perform. I will say the V-Vessel fermenters were the worst fermenters I ever owned. They were a total PITA. I went back to using bottling buckets as fermenters and would use bottling buckets forever before going back to those. I now use a mix of SS Brew Buckets and regular bottling buckets and am quite happy with both.
Like I said - I have not used this updated model being sold as “Fast Ferment” - but they look similar enough to give me pause.
I really like the Spiedel plastic fermentors. I also like to use buckets still. I don’t think for 5-10 gallon batches conical fermentors are really worth it.
I use plastic, too - 2 60Liter Speidels and Two 6.5 gallon Large opening Big Mouth Bubbler plastic fermenters and buckets galore. Glass is reserved for sours these days. I use chest freezers for fermentation and lagering, so fitting in there is the key
Thank for the help, I won’t be throwing my money down the drain on this.