Conical fermenters can help you achieve the quality you need for home brewing. With a conical fermenter, handling residue and yeast is no longer a hassle. The cleaning and sanitizing process is smooth and easy, allowing you to spend less time cleaning and more time brewing.
What is a conical fermenter?
Fermentation is an important part of home brewing. That’s why beer is brewed. Fermentation is the process by which beer develops carbonation and alcohol content. This all happens inside the beer fermentation tank.
A conical fermenter is a conical fermentation vessel with a valve at the bottom of the cone. When yeast and other solids come out of suspension during fermentation, they settle at the bottom of the cone. This residue can then be removed from the beer, bringing the risk of infection or oxidation. If you are a serious brewer and want a professional piece of home beer brewing equipment, there is nothing more professional than a conical fermenter.
Types of beer fermentation tanks
Conical fermentation tank
Conical fermenters are the most popular choice among home brewers and professional brewers alike. They have a tapered bottom that allows yeast and sediment to settle and collect at the bottom, making it easier to separate the beer from the lees (sediment) after fermentation. This design also makes it easier to harvest yeast for reuse in future batches.
Flat bottom fermentation tank
Flat-bottomed fermenters have a flat bottom and are usually made of plastic or glass. They are cheaper than conical fermenters but must more steps to separate the beer from the sediment, such as transferring the beer to a secondary fermenter or using a siphon to remove the beer from the barrel.
Combined tank fermentation tank
The Unitank fermenter combines the functions of a fermenter and a conditioning tank in one container. This design simplifies the brewing process and reduces the need to transfer beer between tanks. Unitanks are made of stainless steel and feature pressure and temperature control systems, making them suitable for a variety of beer styles, including lagers and ales.
Plastic fermentation tank
Plastic fermenters are made from food-grade polyethylene and are a cost-effective option for home breweries and small craft breweries. They are lightweight, easy to clean, and available in a variety of sizes. But, they are not as durable as stainless steel and may need to be replaced more .
Open fermentation tank
Open fermentation vessels are a more traditional fermentation method that expose the fermenter to the air, allowing for natural air exchange. This method is used with certain types of beer, such as Belgian lambics or some British ales.
Horizontal beer can
Horizontal beer tanks are large cylindrical tanks designed for beer, which requires a longer fermentation and maturation period at lower temperatures. Their horizontal orientation allows for better temperature control and easier yeast removal.
Barrel fermentation tank
Barrel fermenters are a favorite among craft brewers who want to infuse the unique flavors from the barrels into their beer. Oak barrels are particularly suitable for aging beer, imparting subtle woody and vanilla notes. The micro-oxidation that occurs in the barrel can add complexity to the beer, but requires careful monitoring and patience.
Advantages of conical fermentation tanks
Conical fermenters offer several advantages over large bottle and barrel fermenters.
No need for secondary transfer
There is no need to transfer to a secondary fermenter when using a conical fermenter. You open the bottom valve to remove the sediment that falls out of the suspension during primary fermentation. You don’t need to risk oxidizing your beer by transferring it to a second fermenter. This also improves the clarity of the beer and prevents sediment from getting into the keg or bottle.
Easy access to yeast
The conical fermenter’s bottom valve allows you to harvest live yeast during fermentation for reuse in future batches. Harvesting yeast from large bottles is very difficult, and harvesting from barrels can cause infection problems. Upgrading to a conical fermenter makes yeast harvesting much easier.
Easy to clean
Conical fermenters are easier to clean. Most conical fermenters are made of stainless steel or high-quality plastic. This makes them easier to clean than the soft plastic used in brewing kegs. The conical fermenter has a large opening at the top and a valve at the bottom for easy cleaning.
Conical fermentation tank material
Fermentation tanks are made of a variety of materials:
Stainless steel fermentation tank
Stainless steel is the material of choice for many commercial breweries and professional home breweries due to its durability, resistance to scratches and stains, and excellent temperature control. But, stainless steel fermenters tend to be more expensive than other options.
Glass fermentation tank
Glass fermentation tanks provide a clear view of the fermentation process and are scratch and stain resistant. Yet, they are more fragile than other materials and can break if not handled with care.
Plastic fermentation tank
Plastic fermenters are lightweight, affordable, and easy to clean. But, they are more susceptible to scratches, which can harbor bacteria and lead to contamination. Additionally, some plastic fermenters may not be as airtight as other options, making them less suitable for long-term storage or aging.
Ceramic products
Ceramic fermenters offer excellent insulation and temperature control, making them ideal for fermenting beer and other cold-fermented beers. But, they are heavy and more difficult to clean than other materials.
Wood
Wooden fermenters (such as oak barrels) are used for certain types of beer, such as barrel-aged stouts or sour beers. Wood gives beer its unique flavor and character, but requires more care and maintenance to prevent contamination.
Fermenters have different functions that optimize the brewing process to produce high-quality beer. None of the above fermenters is a bad choice, and deciding which one is best for you depends on technology and approach.
How much does a conical fermenter cost?
Factors affecting the cost of fermentation tanks:
- Size and Capacity: Larger tanks generally cost more due to the increased amount of materials and construction work.
- Materials Used: Stainless steel water tanks are known for their durability and resistance to contamination and are generally more expensive than plastic or glass water tanks.
- More features: Tanks equipped with advanced features such as temperature control, cooling systems or special agitators will have a higher price.
- Brands and manufacturers: Well-known brands known for high-quality products may have more expensive options than lesser-known manufacturers.
Price Range Table
| SIZE/CAPACITY | MATERIAL | AVERAGE PRICE (USD) |
| 5 Gallons | Glass | $50 – $100 |
| 5 Gallons | Stainless Steel | $150 – $300 |
| 50 Gallons | Plastic | $300 – $500 |
| 50 Gallons | Stainless Steel | $1,000 – $2,500 |
| 500 Gallons | Stainless Steel | $5,000 – $10,000 |
Benefits of using conical fermenters
The fermentation tank changes the fermentation environment. Whether a commercial brewer, winemaker, or hobbyist trying to ferment at home, these tanks offer many advantages.
- Improving product consistency: Fermentation tanks ensure that each batch of products remains uniform in taste, aroma and appearance.
- Enhance sanitary conditions: Closed fermentation tanks can prevent contaminants from entering. This prevents wild yeast and undesirable microorganisms from entering the beer, ensuring the final product remains pure and uncontaminated.
- Efficient Space Use: In contrast to traditional fermentation methods where many vessels or vessels may be used, modern fermenters are designed to optimize space.
- Scalability: Fermenters come in a variety of sizes, from small homemade fermenters to large industrial-scale fermenters.
- Energy and cost efficiency: The integrated temperature control system in the fermentor helps maintain the required fermentation temperature without the need for external cooling or heating devices.
- Versatility of application: Versatility ensures they can be customized to specific fermentation needs.
- Save time: The fermentation tank has functions such as stirring and sediment separation, which can speed up the fermentation process and shorten the beer making cycle.
Choose your favorite stainless steel conical fermentation tank
Although a conical fermenter may be more expensive than a standard barrel or carboy, it has many advantages that can help you take your home brewing to a whole new level. There are many options. Consider your space, budget and desired features. Micet recommends fermenters that are well constructed, versatile and affordable. Improve and enhance your brewing experience for higher quality craft brews.