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A Conical Fermenter is a great tool to have in your brewing arsenal. If you are reading this Best Conical Fermenters Guide, I am guessing you are tired of having to manually and meticulously siphon all the by-products from your brew.
Not only does a Conical Fermenter make the brewing process less complicated and more professional, but it also allows you to separate the trub and collect the yeast for future brews.
Conical Fermenters have numerous advantages over bucket-style and flat-bottomed fermenters, which most beginner and novice brewers have become accustomed to, unfortunately.
The key to the success of this design is the simple yet ingenious shape.
With the addition of some modern technology and innovation, the result is an incredible brewing tool that is quite simple to operate.
A quality Conical Fermenter does not come cheap, but the first sip of your upgraded brew will make it all worthwhile.
This guide will help you find The Best Conical Fermenter available to brewers, including who makes them, how they work, why you need one, and how to clean and maintain your Conical Fermenter.
Bottom Line Up Front
Conical Fermenters are becoming more accessible and affordable, allowing brewers to take their brewing to a professional level.
My Top Pick for Best Conical Fermenter goes to the outstanding SS Brewtech Chronical 2.0 Conical Fermenter.
The construction is robust, intimidating, and made from premium 304 Stainless Steel.
The new design is based on the iconic SS Brewtech Chronical 1st Edition but offers innovation, new technology, and significantly upgraded premium components.
The SS Brewtech Chronical 2.0 is the ultimate Conical Fermenter and is perfect for all levels of brewers.
Top Picks At A Glance
Below is a quick overview of the 5 Best Conical Fermenters available to enthusiastic brewers:
GrainFather GF30 Conical Fermenter
- Capacity: 7 Gallons
- Material: 304 Stainless Steel
- Price: $695.00
SS Brewtech 2.0 Chronical Fermenter
- Capacity: 7.17 Gallons
- Material: 304 Stainless Steel
- Price: $799.00
The FermTank
- Capacity: 8 Gallons
- Material: 304 Stainless Steel
- Price: $225.00
CFS Spike Conical Unitank
- Capacity: 7 Gallons
- Material: 304 Stainless Steel
- Price: $600.00
Anvil Crucible
- Capacity: 7 Gallons
- Material: 304 Stainless Steel
- Price: $309.00
Selection Criteria
To feature in this guide, each Conical Filter had to pass a Selection Criteria:
Shape
A Conical Fermenter must possess the upside down cone-shape from where it gets its name. The key to the success of the design is its upside-down cone shape. Flat bottom buckets and carboys will not feature in this guide.
Materials
All Conical fermenters featured in the guide must feature a premium stainless steel construction. Stainless steel is robust, scratch and dent resistant, easy to sanitize, and reduces the chance of bacterial contamination.
Quality
Only the highest quality Conical Fermenters made by reputable home brewing manufacturers feature in this guide. The construction, hardware, and components must be of the highest quality with expert craftsmanship and execution.
After Sales Service
All Fermenters featured in this guide must be backed up by quality after-sales service. Reliable after sales service is crucial, especially when parting with large amounts of hard-earned cash.
After Sales Service should include general customer support, but more importantly, ensure that spare parts and technical information are always available to customers.
Conical Fermenter Explained
First and foremost, a Conical Fermenter is a fermentation tank that allows brewers to hygienically and conveniently ferment their brew.
Fermentation is a crucial part of the brewing process, and there must be no contamination.
The key to the success of this design is the simple yet effective upside-down cone shape, hence the name Conical.
The cone shape allows the yeast and trub to collect at the bottom of the vessel, effectively separating them from the liquid above.
Conical Fermenters have two taps connected to the cone, one on the bottom and one on the top.
The tap on the bottom is known as a dump valve and allows the brewer to remove the yeast and trub quickly and easily.
The tap on the top is known as a liquid release valve and allows the brewer to remove sediment-free beer for tasting or inspection.
A Conical Fermenter also allows the primary fermentation and aging process to occur in the same container, reducing any chance of bacterial contamination.
Why You Need One
You need a Conical Fermenter because fermentation is a crucial part of the brewing process, and a Conical Fermenter is one the best ways to do it.
Fermentation is a crucial and magical part of the process when the yeast does its work and converts the sugars to heat, carbon dioxide, and alcohol.
A Conical Fermenter will make the fermentation process easier for you, eliminating any chance of contamination and allowing you to capture yeast for future brews.
Conical Fermenters are easy to clean and sterilize.
Regular cleaning and maintenance will ensure it ferments quality beer for decades.
Cleaning and Maintaining Your Conical Fermenter
Cleaning
A Conical Fermenter can be a substantial financial investment, so it is a good idea to clean regularly.
Regular cleaning and sanitizing are essential when brewing beer, and performing regularly, will not take up too much of your time.
- Open the lid, valves, and screws and rinse with clean water. Once you have removed the excess liquid and sediment, give the tank another rinse with clean water.
- Remove the hardware, including tri-clamps, dump valve, and racking arm. Allow these components to soak in a recommended cleaning solution for 20 minutes. One should never use dish soap to clean your tank or hardware, as it leaves a microscopic residue that can damage your brew.
- Remove the lid gasket, and clean the lid of the fermenter thoroughly with a soft sponge and cleaning solution. Avoid scratching the inside of the fermenter lid and tank, as this can create a breeding ground for bacteria. Rinse the fermenter lid thoroughly with clean water and set it aside to dry naturally.
- Clean the inside of the chamber with a soft sponge and cleaning solution, ensuring you do not scratch the stainless steel surface. Clean the hardware (including lid gasket) that has been soaking for 20 minutes using a soft sponge and soft-bristled bottle brush.
- Lastly, rinse the tank and components thoroughly and dry off with a clean cloth or towel. When completed, your tank should look good as new.
Maintenance
Regular maintenance checks will ensure top-quality beer and take little time to accomplish.
- Check the integrity of the lid gasket. The lid gasket is a rubber sealing O ring that seals the lid when closed. This inspection is possibly the most vital maintenance check practiced while cleaning the fermenter. Visually check that the gasket is not broken or cracked.
- Visually inspect all seals and rubber grommets for signs of perishing. Rubber seals and rubber grommets are typically the first components to fail and can usually replace with ease.
Accessibility
Thankfully, Conical Fermenters are more affordable and accessible than ever.
Numerous organizations are currently producing exceptional home brewing products, but sub-standard products are also available online.
Always purchase home brewing equipment from a reputable company, and where possible, support your local home brew store.
In most cases, Conical Fermenters can be sourced directly from the manufacturer.
If this is not the case, try home brewing specialists such as cedarstoneindustry.com, Northernbrewer.com, and midwestsupplies.com.
Best Conical Fermenters
Below is a list of the 5 Best Conical Fermenters available to home brewers:
GrainFather GF30 Conical Fermenter
GrainFather Brewing is an authentic brewing company and is well-known for producing exceptional beers like Barrel-Aged Imperial Stout and Cold IPAs. Grainfather Brewing is also hell-bent on assisting brewers with the tools to make quality beer at home.
They achieve this by creating quality and user-friendly home brewing systems with all the necessary accessories.
The GF30 Conical Fermenter itself is of a simple old-school design, simple yet robust and durable.
Made from 304 Stainless Steel, the sleek design features a 60-degree conical angle to ensure all trub and yeast slide effortlessly into the capture area.
The dual-valve allows you to remove and capture yeast while disposing of the unwanted by-products.
The components are high quality and designed to make the fermentation process as easy as possible.
This fermenter includes the GrainFather App, which allows the brewer to connect a device to a wireless controller and remotely manage the entire fermentation process.
I think that this fermenter is remarkable and a close second to the SS BrewTech Chronical 2.0
It features all the bells and whistles you can imagine, with an attractive classic and old-school design.
The Grainfather is ideal for experienced brewers who know their way around the brewery.
Pros
- World-Class Conical Fermenter by Grainfather Brewing
- Slim 304 Stainless Steel Construction
- Seven Gallon Capacity
- 60 Degree Conical Angle Reduces Friction Allows Yeast and Trub to Slide Effortlessly to the Bottom of the Vessel
- Double-Wall Glycol Jacket
- Integrated 30W Heating Element
- Cooling Sleeve
- Dual-Valve Taps
- Grainfather App Allows Brewers to Manage their Fermentation Remotely Via Mobile Device
- Seven Gallon Capacity
- Cooling Pump Kit Sold Separately
- Easy to Clean and Sanitize
- Accessible
- Three Year Warranty
Cons
- Outstanding Conical Fermenter, but at $695.00, it is Expensive
SS Brewtech 2.0 Chronical Fermenter
SS Brewtech has been producing world-class home brewing equipment since 2013.
The mission is to invent and produce high-quality home brewing equipment, and the company is responsible for numerous home brewing inventions.
These innovative inventions include an integrated Automatic Temperature Control System, a Weldless Kettle Trub Dam, and a Conical-Shaped Stainless Steel Bucket.
The 2.0 Chronical Fermenter is a gorgeous piece of brewing equipment, and having one of these in your brew cave will make you the envy of many.
The design is superb and displays incredible attention to detail.
The Chronical Fermenter 2.0 features the same original design as the iconic 1st Edition, loaded with new-age technology.
Every working component of the Chronical 1st Edition Conical Fermenter has been upgraded, ensuring the ultimate home brewing system.
The SS Brewtech is an incredible piece of home brewing equipment, and using one will result in exceptional homemade beer.
At $799.00, it is a sizable investment but worth every penny.
I confidently recommend this Conical Fermenter to all experienced home brewers wanting to produce high-quality beer.
Pros
- Professional Conical Fermenter by SS Brewtech
- Gorgeous 304 Stainless Steel Design
- Neoprene Jacket Included
- LCD Thermometer
- Lid-Mounted Cooling Coil System
- Upgraded Pure Flow Sampling Valve
- Slim Butterfly Valves
- Premium Sanitary Components and Gaskets
- 7.17 Gallon Capacity
- Easy to Clean and Sanitize
- Accessible
- One Year Warranty
Cons
- Expensive at $799.00
- No Wireless Control Option to Manage Fermentation Remotely
The FermTank
Made by Delta Brewing Systems in Chicago, The FermTank Conical Fermenter is expertly crafted and well-put together.
Delta Brewing Systems has only been operating since 2019, and the FermTank is their first home brewing Conical Fermenter.
The Delta Brewing Company has expertise in supplying industrial equipment to nano and microbreweries. This expertise spawned the birth of the FermTank Conical Fermenter.
The FermTank offers an old-school design with a sleek 304 Stainless Steel body.
It looks hardcore and is versatile, easy to clean, and sanitary.
The FermTank features a welded drain valve located at the bottom of the tank, which is easy to clean after dumping unwanted yeast and trub.
It features a blow-off hose barb and domed lid to allow for the transfer of high pressure.
Considering that this is the company’s first home brewing fermenter, I am genuinely impressed with the end product and feel the engineers have executed it perfectly.
FermTank is by no means the most sophisticated Conical Fermenter available, but it is fantastic value for money and ideal for novice and experienced brewers.
Pros
- Excellent Conical fermenter from Delta Brewing Systems
- Sleek 304 Stainless Steel Design
- Gasketed Lid with Premium Locking Clamps
- Domed Lid with Blow-Off Hose barb
- Thermowall and Removable Thermometer
- Racking Port Featuring a Rotating Racking Arm
- Eight Gallon Capacity
- Legs are Height-Adjustable
- FermTank Chilling Kit Available Separately
- Easy to Clean and Sanitize
- Accessible
- Well-Priced
Cons
- No Wireless Control Option to Manage Fermentation Remotely
CFS Spike Conical Unitank
The CFS Spike Conical Fermenter is a professional fermenter made by Spike Brewing in Milwaukee, United States.
Founded in 2011, Spike Brewing is well-respected within the industry for producing premium stainless steel homebrewing equipment.
The institution constantly encourages home brewers to succeed in creating products to make this possible.
Innovation, passion, and high-quality materials are the order of the day, coupled with expert custom manufacturing results in world-class brewing products.
The CFS Spike Conical Fermenter is the real deal and looks sublime.
The innovative and modern 304 stainless steel design will make a great addition to any brew cave.
The large two-inch dump valve eliminates yeast and trub getting stuck and is easy to clean and sanitize.
The Spike Conical fermenter features a 1.5-inch TC Dial Thermometer, 1.5-inch TC Sample Valve, and 1.5-inch TC Racking Port.
I love this Conical Fermenter. It is fully equipped to ferment high-quality beer and looks the part.
This design features loads of innovations and integrity with everything you need to produce world-class beer.
The CFS Spike Unitank is ideal for intermediate and experienced brewers.
Pros
- Professional Conical Fermenter by Spike Brewing
- Robust 304 Stainless Steel Construction
- Easy to Install Lid
- Three Port Lid (Hops, Blow-Off, and Pressure Release)
- Two Inch Dump Port with Butterfly Valves
- All Sanitary Welded Ports
- Seven Gallon Capacity
- Numerous Accessories Available
- Easy to Clean and Sanitize
- Accessible
- One Year Warranty
Cons
- At $600.00, it is Expensive
- No Wireless Control Option to Manage Fermentation Remotely
Anvil Crucible
The Anvil Crucible is an excellent Conical Fermenter, proudly produced by the Anvil Brewing Company in Mpumalanga, South Africa.
Founded by Theo De Beer in 2010, the company produces an array of homebrewing equipment. Exhausting substantial efforts in educating and allowing home brewers to brew beer like professionals.
The Crucible is a no-fuss Conical Fermenter made from premium stainless steel.
The tank design is simple, but the craftsmanship is remarkable, displaying excellent attention to detail.
It features sturdy handles and protective caps on the legs to protect your floor.
The hardware and components are of the highest quality ensuring many years of stress-free homebrewing.
The Anvil Crucible Conical Fermenter is a great fermenting vessel and is perfect for beginner, novice, and intermediate brewers.
It is the cheapest fermenter in this guide and the perfect tool to take inexperienced and unconfident brewers to the next level.
I like the simple design, complimented by premium hardware, components, and accessories.
Great value for money.
Pros
- Excellent Conical Fermenter by the Anvil Brewing Company
- Durable Stainless Steel Construction
- Seven Gallon Capacity
- Rotating Racking Arm
- Airlock, Stopper, and Liquid Crystal Thermometer
- 1.5 Inch Tri-Clamp Bottom Dump
- Optional Yeast Harvesting Kit Available and Sold Separately
- Optional Cooling Systems Available and Sold Separately
- Adjustable Leg Extensions
- Easy to Clean and Sanitize
- Accessible
- Well-Priced and Great Value for Money
- One Year Warranty
Cons
- No Wireless Controller Option to Manage Fermentation Remotely
Frequently Asked Questions
Question: What is a Conical Fermenter?
Answer: A Conical Fermenter is a cone-shaped fermenting tank (uni-tank), similar to fermenting tanks in large brewers, just on a smaller scale.
The upside-down cone shape allows the brewer to separate liquid from solids and easily remove and capture trub and yeast.
Question: What are the Advantages of Conical Fermenters?
Answer: Conical Fermenters allow you to remove the trub and yeast from the beer without risk of contamination, enabling you to capture and store yeast for future brews.
Additionally, you can easily remove clean beer samples for tasting or inspection.
Another significant advantage is that the uni-tank design allows for the primary fermentation and aging to occur in the same vessel, significantly reducing any chance of contamination.
Question: Can You Lager Beer in a Conical Fermenter?
Answer: Lager lovers can rejoice because it is possible to lager beer in a Conical Fermenter in your home.
The Grainfather Conical Fermenter allows you to lager your beer by connecting the Glycol Chiller.
This combination will allow you to lager at temperatures of 43°F (6°C) for clean, crisp, and dry Lager-style beer.
Question: Can You Ferment in an Aluminum Container?
Answer: The Best Conical Fermenters on the market feature stainless steel construction, and I would not recommend fermenting in anything else.
Soft metals such as aluminum can scratch and dent easily.
Miniscule scratches and dents are the perfect breeding ground for unwanted bacteria.
Stainless Steel is strong, durable, and easy to keep clean.
Additionally, soft metals such as aluminum, copper, brass, tin, and cast-iron can negatively react with acids produced in the fermentation process.
This reaction can result in color change, unwanted tastes, and health implications.
Final Thoughts: Best Conical Fermenters
Homebrewing equipment has come a long way in a relatively short time, with homebrewers now able to access professional brewing tools to create exceptional beer.
The Conical Fermenter is one such tool, with impressive examples available.
My Top Pick for Best Conical Fermenter goes to the outstanding SS Brewtech Chronical 2.0 Conical Fermenter.
The construction is robust and made from premium 304 Stainless Steel.
The new design is based on the iconic SS Brewtech Chronical 1st Edition but offers innovation and technology.
Every component has improved and been upgraded, ensuring the SS BrewTech Chronical 2.0 is the ultimate Conical Fermenter for all types of homebrewers.