How to Use A Conical Fermenter

What Is a Conical Fermenter?

Ever heard a brewer talk about conical fermenters like they’re the holy grail of fermentation? That’s because, in many ways, they kind of are. A conical fermenter is a vessel used in the fermentation stage of beer brewing, shaped like—you guessed it—a cone at the bottom. This conical shape isn’t just for looks. It’s a genius design that allows yeast and sediment (called trub) to slide down and settle neatly at the bottom point. That makes separating the good stuff from the gunk way easier.

Most conical fermenters are made from stainless steel, though there are plastic ones too. The key feature is the cone, usually at a 60-degree angle, allowing for clean removal of sediment without disturbing the beer. Think of it like a natural gravity-powered filter. This design is what makes conical fermenters a favorite for both professional craft brewers and serious homebrewers.

Key Benefits of Using a Conical Fermenter

So why do brewers gush over conical fermenters like they’re the best invention since sliced bread? It’s all about efficiency, cleanliness, and quality. First off, that iconic conical shape helps you easily remove the trub and dead yeast without transferring your brew into a secondary fermenter. That means fewer chances of contamination, which can ruin your beer faster than you can say “diacetyl.”

Another major perk? You can harvest yeast for future batches. Yup, reusing your yeast isn’t just cost-effective—it also lets you maintain consistency in your brews. Plus, conical fermenters typically include a dump valve, so you can discard the sediment with minimal fuss. And here’s the kicker: many conical fermenters allow for pressurized fermentation and carbonation right in the same vessel. That’s a two-for-one deal your brewing setup will thank you for.

Cleanliness is another massive win here. Because everything settles to the bottom and can be dumped out, cleanup is a breeze. No more trying to scrape gunk out of a flat-bottomed bucket. The stainless steel models are especially sanitary and resistant to bacteria—critical when you’re dealing with something as finicky as fermentation.

How to Use a Conical Fermenter

Using a conical fermenter isn’t rocket science, but a little know-how goes a long way. First, make sure your fermenter is squeaky clean and sanitized. Contamination is the enemy of good beer. Fill it with your cooled wort and pitch your yeast as usual. Seal it up and attach an airlock or blow-off tube to manage gas escape during fermentation.

As fermentation kicks in, you’ll notice the sediment collecting in the cone. After the primary fermentation phase (usually a week or so), you can open the dump valve and discard the trub. If you’re doing a secondary fermentation, you don’t even need to move your beer to another vessel—just dump the junk and let it keep going.

If you’ve got a pressurizable model, you can also carbonate in the same fermenter. This can save time and reduce oxidation risk. Once you’re done fermenting and possibly carbonating, you can bottle or keg directly from the fermenter’s spigot. Easy peasy.

Choosing the Right Conical Fermenter for Your Brewing Setup

Best Conical Fermenters for Home Brewing

When it comes to home brewing, not everyone needs an industrial setup with all the bells and whistles. But trust me, having a conical fermenter in your arsenal can really elevate your brewing game. For beginners on a budget, the FermZilla All Rounder is a fantastic entry point. It’s affordable, lightweight, and supports pressurized fermentation, which is a huge win at this price point.

If you’re looking to step it up a notch, the SS Brewtech Chronical series offers the perfect balance of quality and price. These fermenters are built like tanks and offer CIP (Clean In Place) systems, sampling valves, and thermowells for precise temperature control. Want to go all-in? The Blichmann Fermenator is one of the best out there—beautifully engineered, easy to clean, and ideal for pressurized fermentation.

Got a small space? The FastFerment Conical is wall-mountable and compact, perfect for apartment brewers. Want something modifiable? The Spike CF series is like the LEGO of fermenters—tons of accessories and highly customizable.

FAQ

Know More Brewing equipment