Page 1 of 5

Spike CF5 conical fermenter

Posted: Tue Jan 11, 2022 4:26 pm
by Kealia
I decided to treat myself and buy a shiny new toy. Do I think this is going to make my beer better? No. Will it simplify a few things for me and make me happy? Yes, and that was reason enough to do it.



With this, I'll go back to easily harvesting yeast (which seems to be a pain in the ass to pick up lately due to strains being out of stock when I need/want them), pulling samples will be MUCH easier, pressure transfers will be a breeze, and I can carbonate in this if I want to pre-transfer as it's rated for 15psi. I might just let my family know about some of the accessories like the carb stone which they say will allow for carbing in about 24 hours.

I have a few extra parts coming in including the clear 4" lid that will replace the solid piece on top so I can go back to days of old pervin' on fermentation :jumpy:

I love my SS BrewBucket (shown next to it for size comparison), but there's no doubt about the quality of this piece when you see and feel it. I'm awaiting the extra parts still (separate shipment), and I'm tied up this weekend, but I hope to put the first batch in it the weekend of 1/22.

I'll post my thoughts here as I start to use this in the coming weeks. For now, I'm content to just stare at it.
ImageImage

Re: Spike CF5 conical fermenter

Posted: Tue Jan 11, 2022 6:22 pm
by berryman
Very nice,,,,, :clink:

Re: Spike CF5 conical fermenter

Posted: Tue Jan 11, 2022 8:39 pm
by Beer-lord
I'll print this out and keep it under my pillow. :)

Re: Spike CF5 conical fermenter

Posted: Tue Jan 11, 2022 10:03 pm
by bpgreen
Nice!

Re: Spike CF5 conical fermenter

Posted: Wed Jan 12, 2022 1:46 am
by mashani
That's some nice kit.

Re: Spike CF5 conical fermenter

Posted: Wed Jan 12, 2022 8:36 am
by Beer-lord
mashani wrote:That's some nice kit.
Yes, many people have recently stated that Ron received a nice package.

Re: Spike CF5 conical fermenter

Posted: Wed Jan 12, 2022 2:21 pm
by Kealia
When the additional pieces arrive (like the manifold kit), I'll be able to take a final height measurement. I need to build a collar for my chest freezer, like people do to convert them into keezers, to allow for the taller unit. Right now, it's in the FedEx universe.....somewhere...

Re: Spike CF5 conical fermenter

Posted: Wed Jan 12, 2022 3:15 pm
by berryman
Kealia wrote: I need to build a collar for my chest freezer, like people do to convert them into keezers, to allow for the taller unit.
I wondered about that seeing the chest freezer in the pic. It sure does make the brew bucket look small and simple..

Re: Spike CF5 conical fermenter

Posted: Wed Jan 12, 2022 5:58 pm
by Kealia
Yes, it does. It almost makes it look cheap - which we both know it isn't. I love my BrewBucket, but wanted a treat. And this will make a few processes easier/more enjoyable for me.

Re: Spike CF5 conical fermenter

Posted: Tue Jan 18, 2022 3:21 pm
by Kealia
No update yet as I just received the extra parts I ordered (Thermowell, racking arm, etc.).

I'm hoping to brew this weekend, but I won't have EVERYTHING I want for this until mid-Feb as I'm giving the accessory purchases to family members to buy for my birthday since I generally tell them I don't want/need anything.


At that point, I'll also have a carb stone, sight glass (for easy yeast collection) and the gas manifold for pressure transfers. But not having those won't stop me from using this as-is.

Re: Spike CF5 conical fermenter

Posted: Tue Jan 18, 2022 7:06 pm
by Beer-lord
Enough excuses, get ye to brewing! :rofl:

Re: Spike CF5 conical fermenter

Posted: Wed Jan 19, 2022 2:22 am
by mashani
Beer-lord wrote:Enough excuses, get ye to brewing! :rofl:
Yeah that thing is too bling to just sit around!

Re: Spike CF5 conical fermenter

Posted: Wed Jan 19, 2022 12:42 pm
by Kealia
I know, I know....but it IS pretty to look at :laugh

Re: Spike CF5 conical fermenter

Posted: Wed Jan 19, 2022 3:07 pm
by berryman
I think I would have a hard time figuring out how to use it :)

Re: Spike CF5 conical fermenter

Posted: Wed Jan 19, 2022 5:14 pm
by Kealia
That's not untrue! Lots of parts to deal with, but it will be worth it.