[foxburggolf]

An opportunity to get a used 14 gal Blickman conical stainless steel fermenter at a good price has come up.  However, I don't want to brew 10 gallon batches.  Has anyone brewed 5 gallon batches in a 14 gal fermenter and did it have any affect on the beer.  It seems to me that the additional head space might be a problem.  I'd appreciate any input you may have before I commit to buying this; even though the price is good, it still costs a few bucks.

[a10t2]

The only real problem would be if it has a racking port or arm that's designed to leave behind a fixed portion of the 10 gal batch. Proportionately, you'd be doubling the losses for a 5 gal batch. It would also be a waste of CO2, if you're planning on carbonating in the conical.

[dcbc]

I recall reading on Blichmann's website that you can.  As for carbonating, they are not designed to hold pressure apart from the 2--5 psi for transfers. 

[BrewArk]

I skipped getting the larger fermenter because I can fit the 7 gallon fermenter in the beer fridge.  Do you have a place for good temperature control on that big a vessel?

[blatz]

I skipped getting the larger fermenter because I can fit the 7 gallon fermenter in the beer fridge.  Do you have a place for good temperature control on that big a vessel?

yes, you can get one of these:



I've never put a 5gal batch in either of mine, but I wouldn't hesitate to.  The loss below the racking arm is not that bad, and heck, you could just brew a 6gal batch to suit it if so.

[foxburggolf]

Thanks for the input.  The conical I saw advertised was gone very quickly, so I didn't get it.  I appreciate your input.  I'll keep looking.

[a10t2]

Dang, Paul! That's a nicer setup than some breweries I've worked in!

[blatz]

Dang, Paul! That's a nicer setup than some breweries I've worked in!

LOL - thanks - the full pictorial is over on the "Pimp My System" category if you're interested.

[mmitchem]

And can I say how extremely jealous I am of those who decided to go with stand up fridges right off the bat??? I bought chest freezers back when I was strictly using carboys. Now i want to go for a conical because of the many awesome niceties they offer (stainless body, yeast collecting, etc.). I am in a pickle. Ugh, if I would have only seen the evolution...

[blatz]

And can I say how extremely jealous I am of those who decided to go with stand up fridges right off the bat??? I bought chest freezers back when I was strictly using carboys. Now i want to go for a conical because of the many awesome niceties they offer (stainless body, yeast collecting, etc.). I am in a pickle. Ugh, if I would have only seen the evolution...

yeah - on my first one, I built a shelf and was able to keep 4 carboys or buckets in the fridge at one time - a bit easier lifting them onto shelves rather than up over and down.  are you a member of a homebrew club - maybe someone would want your chest freezer so you can get a new one?  Or just use the chest freezer as a lagering/on deck fridge and get an upright for fermenting

[mmitchem]

I am a member of a homebrew club, and I am moving in a couple of weeks. Seems like now would be the time to make it happen. Gotta get moving...