Bucket FV With Tap Or Without ?

[Greg2013]

Last year while i was away i gave  my only Fv with a tap to a neighbour because i wasn't using it and figured at the time i would not need it again. I do remember the tap gave some slight leaking issues but only when i used it to ferment in when stuck for an Fv.I also remember at the time thinking pity the tap doesn't fit my bottle wand wouldn't that be handy.

Given that is it worth getting the tap option on something like the link below or will it end up being a pita ? Bear in mind this bucket would also be used to ferment in on occasion.Also has anybody an idea what ID tubing fits on these bottling taps to run a tube into a keg ? TIA.



http://www.thehomebrewcompany.ie/33-litre-fermentation-vessel-graduated-p-1986.html

[nigel_c]

I always try to avoid fermenters with taps as I see it as one more place bugs can hide.

[Greg2013]

I always try to avoid fermenters with taps as I see it as one more place bugs can hide.

Yep i did think of that too,i suppose if i got one with the tap and just kept it for bottling only maybe that would be safe ?

[nigel_c]

I have one for bottling only. Since I keg all by beers it has now become my storage for all my bits and pieces bucket.

[Pheeel]

I always try to avoid fermenters with taps as I see it as one more place bugs can hide.

This!!

[oblivious]

Avoid

[Greg2013]

Ok ty guys plain bucket and new auto syphon it is then,cheers.

[darren996]

A tap is handy for taking samples. You can also bottle straight from the fv if using carb drops or not batch priming.  If your cleaning and sanitising routine is sound then you don't have to worry about infections.

I put an ss brew tech tap in my fv,   it has a rotating racking arm like on the chronical,  it's very handy and easy to clean.

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[HomeBrewWest]

Curious about this one. Taps allow gravity readings without opening lid, also facilitate single fermenter solutions (double up as bottling bucket plus fermenter).

We've done dozens of brews like this, and sold thousands of them to both beer and wine makers. We've yet to experience or even hear of an infection caused by a tap.

I'd have thought that an auto syphon was as risky as a tap . . . there a lot more bits in a syphon so its just as hard to sanitize, and I invariably wind up leaving it leaning on other kitchen surfaces.

Does anyone have any first hand experience of a problem with either? I've used both extensively without problems.

[johnrm]

I found that some 'liquid' accumulated in the tap swivel. Paranoia had me bursting the taps to sanitize.
I've use syphons now.

[molc]

Just switched over to having a tap with the recent SS fermenter group buy. It's bloody handy when it comes to bottling and there's no "gurgling" that you sometimes get with a siphon. Also, you can leave the bottling line just sitting in starsan when not in use, so it's incredibly clean.

Only issue is I'm taking more sneaky samples

[BrewDorg]

Taps are fine so long as you keep them clean. I only remove mine for cleaning every 2-3 brews and I'm yet to pick up an infection. They're too handy not to have in my opinion.

The stainless fermenters that the lads just bought in the group buy have taps on them. So evidently it isn't an issue to a large number of people around here, myself included. Get a tap

[Greg2013]

The main problem with taps is two fold,first you cant clean them unless the fv is empty(well doh), secondly to clean them properly you have to remove them and strip them down if possible.This leads to wear and tear and leaks. Bear in mind this is plastic taps on plastic buckets and you have the flex issue also.

The SS fvs are an entirely different scenario,thats a SS ball valve on a SS fv so you dont have the same issues. I have one on the way but i need new bucket fvs also so i was just looking for opinions which seem to be split 50/50.