Prepped to the Maximum, Ready for the Night’s Glamour
In the world of homebrewing, conical fermenters have become a popular choice for brewers seeking efficiency, control, and better quality beer. Ryan Oxton, a well-known figure in the homebrewing community, often recommends several key accessories to optimize the use of conical fermenters. Here are the top nine recommended conical fermenter accessories for optimal brewing:
- Ball Valve: A ball valve provides easy and precise draining of trub and yeast sediment from the bottom of the fermenter.
- Sampling Valve or Port: A sampling valve or port allows you to take samples during fermentation without contaminating the batch.
- Blow-off Tube or Airlock: A blow-off tube or airlock safely releases CO2 during fermentation while preventing contamination.
- Thermowell and Thermometer: A thermowell and thermometer are essential for accurate temperature monitoring inside the fermenter.
- Pressure Relief Valve or Spunding Valve: A pressure relief valve or spunding valve helps control fermentation pressure and can be used for natural carbonation.
- Racking Arm or Adjustable Outlet Valve: The racking arm is a favourite of Ryan's for a Conical setup. It helps draw beer without disturbing sediment.
- Cleaning and Sanitizing Kit: A cleaning and sanitizing kit, including brushes and nozzles made to fit the conical fermenter, ensures thorough cleaning.
- Heating or Cooling Jacket/Pads: Heating or cooling jacket/pads maintain precise fermentation temperature, a crucial factor in successful beer production.
- Lid with Gasket and Clamp: A lid with a gasket and clamp ensures a tight seal to avoid contamination during fermentation.
Moreover, the 2" TC QC is used to move from the wort chiller into the fermenter. The Glycol Chiller is utilized for cold crashing beer and stabilizing temperatures during Wisconsin's hot summers. The Carb Stone Bundle (with All-In-One PRV) is employed to maintain pressure in the fermenter and control oxygen levels during various stages of brewing.
Lastly, shorty leg extensions and the extended bracing shelf are added to give the fermenter both height and stability. The 2" sight glass is used in the Conical setup, and the Closed Pressure Transfer Kit is used in conjunction with the gas manifold bundle to minimize oxygen exposure in the finished beer during kegging.
If you're interested in learning more about any specific accessory, feel free to ask! The company, having launched its Conical fermenter line in 2017, has added new accessories to its line to further enhance the brewing experience for homebrewers.
In the realm of homebrewing, one might find that a lifestyle that integrates home-and-garden activities often embraces the use of technology, such as gadgets like a 2" TC QC or a Glycol Chiller, to enhance the brewing process. For instance, the 2" TC QC is used to move from the wort chiller into the fermenter, while the Glycol Chiller is employed for cold crashing beer during warmer seasons. Additionally, technology can extend to accessories like the Carb Stone Bundle (with All-In-One PRV), which helps maintain pressure and control oxygen levels during various stages of brewing.
