Recently added a bottle tree and a vinator to my bottling equipment. I have been using One Step previously and while using the new equipment wondered if One Step will get the job done when using a vinator.
I'm rationalizing that it will for these reasons. I started home brewing by following sanitizing directions that taught us to fill bottles 1/2 full with One Step solution, give them a vigorous shake, and allow them to sit for 10 minutes. Now with a vinator, the inside of the bottle only comes in contact with the sanitizing solution for about 10 seconds or however long you choose to pump the bottle on the vinator. Does the One Step have adequate contact time to do it's job?
I'm rationalizing yes because in the instructions that many of us followed when we first started, only the bottom half of the bottle was in actual contact with the solution while sitting there for the 10 minute soak. The bottle neck only had contact while filling, shaking, and emptying. That was far short of 10 minutes of contact time. If that old process worked, then a few squirts on the vinator should also do the trick.
All batches bottled since obtaining the vinator are conditioning now so I don't know if my line of thinking will get me in trouble or not. What are the thoughts of the borg?
One Step and a vinator
Moderators: BlackDuck, Beer-lord, LouieMacGoo, philm00x, gwcr
- RickBeer
- Brew Guru
- Posts: 3099
- Joined: Thu Aug 08, 2013 1:21 pm
- Location: Ann Arbor, Michigan (Go Blue!)
Re: One Step and a vinator
It's fine. The solution has to wet it, not soak it underwater, as you concluded.
I have over 9,000 posts on "another forum", which means absolutely nothing. Mr. Beer January 2014 Brewer of the Month with all the pomp and circumstance that comes with it...
Certificate in Brewing and Distillation Technology
Sites to find beer making supplies: Adventures in Homebrewing - Mr. Beer - MoreBeer
Certificate in Brewing and Distillation Technology
Sites to find beer making supplies: Adventures in Homebrewing - Mr. Beer - MoreBeer
My Beer - click to reveal
Re: One Step and a vinator
Rest assured, it's fine. Or at least, I've been doing it this way since the 2nd batch, and never had a problem. I only pump it maybe 3 times these days.
Re: One Step and a vinator
Yeah, 10 minutes is not the required contact time, it's actually closer to 30 seconds according to the manufacturers FAQ, although they suggest 60 seconds "to be sure". The 10 minutes is really just to make sure it's dissolved so the solution is fully loaded with oxygen.