National Homebrew Club Ireland

Brewing Discussions => All Grain Brewing => Topic started by: delzep on May 26, 2013, 07:23:00 PM

Title: Which fermenter should I get?
Post by: delzep on May 26, 2013, 07:23:00 PM
Want to make a boiler from a plastic bucket but not sure which one to get. I'll be putting in an order with HBC soon so I'm gonna get it from there. Which one would be best from these - http://www.thehomebrewcompany.ie/beer-wine-equipment-fermenters-c-2_26.html

Ta
Title: Re: Which fermenter should I get?
Post by: Metattron on May 26, 2013, 07:49:41 PM
I have one of the Young's ones for my HLT, 33L I think.  Works fine for that.
Title: Re: Which fermenter should I get?
Post by: delzep on May 26, 2013, 09:06:22 PM
Just drill/cut 3 holes in it (2 for elements and one for a tap)?
Title: Re: Which fermenter should I get?
Post by: Metattron on May 26, 2013, 09:12:13 PM
That should do it. Remember to measure twice, cut once!
Title: Re: Which fermenter should I get?
Post by: delzep on May 26, 2013, 09:19:22 PM
Cheers. All grain here I come  8)
Title: Re: Which fermenter should I get?
Post by: Metattron on May 26, 2013, 09:21:58 PM
You might check with THC before you buy, they might cut the holes for you.  I may be imagining it but I seem to remember that mentioned before.
Title: Re: Which fermenter should I get?
Post by: delzep on May 26, 2013, 09:34:19 PM
Really?

33l one is out of stock at the mo though  >:(
Title: Re: Which fermenter should I get?
Post by: Ciderhead on May 26, 2013, 09:52:27 PM
Bigger the better, they only drill them for their plastic taps which are not suitable for boilers
Title: Re: Which fermenter should I get?
Post by: delzep on May 26, 2013, 10:03:24 PM
any recommendations for a suitable tap?
Title: Re: Which fermenter should I get?
Post by: Ciderhead on May 26, 2013, 10:13:33 PM
Cara posted some last week which are fine or go mad and buy the stainless ones.
Dempsey correct me if I am wrong here, the kettle size hole is 32mm and the tap is 22?
Title: Re: Which fermenter should I get?
Post by: Ciderhead on May 26, 2013, 10:16:02 PM
Quote from: delzep on May 26, 2013, 07:23:00 PM
Want to make a boiler from a plastic bucket but not sure which one to get. I'll be putting in an order with HBC soon so I'm gonna get it from there. Which one would be best from these - http://www.thehomebrewcompany.ie/beer-wine-equipment-fermenters-c-2_26.html

Ta

The translucent ones are PP the White ones are HDPE, the PP has higher heat resistance and thats the one I used to use before I went to kegs.
Title: Re: Which fermenter should I get?
Post by: delzep on May 26, 2013, 10:19:54 PM
So this one is better? http://www.thehomebrewcompany.ie/hb-33lt-fermenter-with-scale-lid-and-grommit-p-903.html

I read that the kettle holes are 38mm diameter, but sure I can measure them when I buy them
Title: Re: Which fermenter should I get?
Post by: Ciderhead on May 26, 2013, 11:30:29 PM
You'd think I'd know as I have 2 purpose diameter bits in the shed for them, I got my fat ass off the couch and you are correct they are 22 and 38mm.
On opposite sides of you boiler or 10 to 2 and not too close to the floor of the bucket  so that you can get a toothbrush under to clean after every boil, hole for your tap is obviously close to the floor.
Title: Re: Which fermenter should I get?
Post by: delzep on May 27, 2013, 10:46:58 AM
Nice one lads. Have a voucher for hbc so gonna get it there. Would the one in the last link I posted be better than the youngs one?
Title: Re: Which fermenter should I get?
Post by: fizzypish on May 27, 2013, 11:11:32 AM
I got 2 argos kettles. 2 brews down and not a problem yet. I drilled the holes in the bucket with a hole saw and like the lads said, drill it right first time and the rubber seal that comes in the kettle will fit. I didn't add anything except the assembly that came with the kettle and it doesn't leak. Keep the leads straight. Helps prevent them heating if your using standard leads. HB 33lt Fermenter with scale, lid and grommit is the bucket I used too. O and get some form of an extraction fan, as you might imagine an hour boilingh liquid makes alot of steam and it'll destroy the kitchen. Have you made your mash tun?
Title: Re: Which fermenter should I get?
Post by: Ciderhead on May 27, 2013, 11:53:31 AM
+1 with 15 brews through those buckets and same elements although I used a silicone baking tray washer to make sure and the argos kettle elements are better boilers that the Haden type :o