Plastic conical from Fastrack

[mumblecrunch]

FastRack FastFermenter

(Note that this isn't FastRack's design; it appears they've decided to become North American manufacturers/marketers/distributors for this "improved" version of the European V-Vessel Fermenter. But since I didn't seen any reference to that product here on the Brewnosers when I searched I figured this was fair game.)

A colleague at work sent me this asking my opinion; he's planning to get into brewing and where he's got no existing investment in gear is wondering whether this might be a place to start. He likes the wall mount and the lack of racking (although I'll be making sure he knows that racking is considered by many to be unnecessary these days).

My initial reaction was that it doesn't have many of the features that I've seen in SS conicals, with multiple ports being top of the list. But if I think about it, it does have the basic advantages of a conical: a reasonably airtight system, easy cleaning (compared to a carboy) and the ability to dump yeast. The camlock on the bottom, the thermowell and the wall mount are nice touches. My first thought was that you'd have trouble doing a cold ferment in there, but if the stand they're planning to offer is reasonable it should fit in a fermentation chamber.

The price is attractive at CDN$120 for the initial orders (looks like it'll be a little over $200 after that). You're not getting it until August though.

I'm intrigued by the idea, but I generally prefer stainless steel or glass to plastic. The SS Brewtech BrewBucket would have to be seen as a logical competitor to this.

What do folks think? Is trying to get into a conical at all in this price range a guaranteed lose? Or does this have enough compelling features, at least for someone starting out, to make it a strong consideration over buckets and carboys?

[mr x]

Interesting. I'm sure it would suit some people well.

Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk

[jtmwhyte]

I might grab one of these and test it out.

[ottiscan]

I like that the attachments are all fitted and quick connected on the fast track.

I've been using a plastic conical for a year or so. If you can grab one for $120 (shipping in) it's not a bad price.

If the price increase to $200 you might want to consider other options. The conical I have is 15 gal and cost $200 (shipping in).

I had to buy a valve and fittings, but it easily does 13 gallon batches, and fits conveniently in a fridge for ferment temp control.

It would be an added bonus if they get the 6" inch top installed, to allow access for cleaning.

Lew

[adams81]

But if I think about it, it does have the basic advantages of a conical: a reasonably airtight system, easy cleaning (compared to a carboy) and the ability to dump yeast.

I can't see that many advantages over a pail for the amount of money invested. No you can't dump yeast, but you can rack off of it into a keg for conditioning. Carboys are the devil.

[elreplica]

I bought one. Call me a pig...preferably Guinea as any other that shows up will surely piss off my significant other lol!
UPDATE: I now have two...a hoarding Guinea pig - one for ale, one for lager
Or should I say, I have ordered two...