CF10 Spike Conical Unitank Fermenter: A Hands-On Review

[@rideuphill]

Larry - I think Charlie Papazian would be envious of you, since he uses glass... Actually proud of you and how you inspire us all home-brewerzies

[@fredfable5655]

What a BEATIFUL BEER REACTOR!!! My congratulations to Spike Brewing, this is a masterpiece!!! And my congrats to you for this review. Absolutely well earned LIKE!! fred.

[@ryandunlap6893]

A tip when you’re doing drops of yeast, hops, trub: keep at least 1-2 pounds of head pressure and attach a small house so you can control the drop a bit more.

[@CShivery]

Put reducers on your bottom dump down to a barb fitting and a hose. When you're done clearing the tub, remove everything downstream of the butterfly valve and clean/sanitize.

[@winnguyen443]

Excellent video Larry . I’ve always wondered what those fermenters were like. You covered everything I could think of. Thanks again Larry!

[@garydahmer5088]

Beer making evaluation. It starts with a plastic bucket and ends with a stainless conical fermente. Next a micro brewery. Bigger and grander. Awesome 👌 ss half barrel 17 gallon . It happened to me !! brew on my fellow breweers . May the brew be with you .

[@WHB2021]

Great vid Larry, i still love my fermentasaurus!! Well both of them!!

[@philg2415]

I liked this video and review. It sure looks good Coor's would be proud of it.

[@blucollarbrewing3294]

great video please do a review on the SS brewtech Conical next and give us your opinion on both.

[@rabbitspliff]

Keep in mind the equivalent of these new SB conicals, is the Ss Brewtech _Brewmaster Edition_ Chronicals, for a like-for-like comparison. Ss Brewtech's standard Chronicals are cheaper, and you have to choose either/or between temperature control and pressure transfer. Temp control on the standard Chronicals requires replacing the pressure rated lid with one that isn't, that has mounting for the immersion coil for cooling. Honestly, the SB conicals seem to have an edge over the Ss Brewtech ones. In my opinion.

[@canelohillshomebrewery4328]

Look at my video on how I deal with the warm temps in AZ with the Spike CF10 and a chiller.. works perfectly keeping temps at exactly where you want them (Canelo Hills Brewery)

[@canelohillshomebrewery4328]

Mine is in the garage also we have had temps as low as 15 degrees this winter So I set up a heater in my cooling reservoir. I can now keep temps right where I need them. I really like your videos!!

[@krisiglehart3061]

Larry, can you do a video on pasivating stainless vessels?

[@BEERNBBQBYLARRY]

I suppose. Isn't much to it though. Most stainless is already passivated by the manufacturer which simply means cleaned from embedded surface contaminants like iron from machining tools to allow the metal to form a good oxide layer. Any rust spots that appear can simply be cleaned off well and allowed to air dry (thus allowing the metal to self passivate).

[@krisiglehart3061]

Was just asking, because a freind didn't passivate, and now he has a black ring that can't be removed from his kettels.

[@BEERNBBQBYLARRY]

A scrub pad and bar keepers friend should help.

[@CircleBrewery]

That’s massive wow

[@ronnywilliams6971]

Sis your hot water tank in your garage? You could hook a hose to it and have hot water for cleaning

[@scottnorton8265]

I know I don't know what I'm talking about here but I'm surprised the fermenter didn't have an airlock.

[@BEERNBBQBYLARRY]

All you need is a #7 drilled stopper and airlock, but the real advantage of these systems is pressure fermenting.

[@scottnorton8265]

@@BEERNBBQBYLARRY please ( I'm not trying to sound like an ass) enlighten me. What are the benefits when the transfer to the next stage is pressurized and messy? Carbonate at the end right? What are you gaining? Thanks 👍 for reaching out 😊!

[@BEERNBBQBYLARRY]

I was just demoing the functionality of this device for those that want to see it in action. IMO and experience, there is no need for it be messy at all. There's no real need to purge trub from a fermenter before kegging, and racking to a keg can be done easily via a closed transfer method. As far as advantages of pressure fermentation, I've done other videos on that topic, but in summary, it allows faster fermentations at warmer temperatures which is especially useful for lagers that can be done in days instead of months, gives a head start on carbonation, and ensures the headspace is cleared of air.

[@scottnorton8265]

@@BEERNBBQBYLARRY 👍

[@OriginalPoopMaster5000]

I'm good with the Brewzilla / Fermzilla combo for a while. This is a sweet fermenter if you get the setup right (pumps, filtered water, closed transfer). Its like upgrading a computer, once you upgrade one part all the others fail to perform until they're ALL upgraded. Anyways, Thanks for the video, Cheers!

[@Brebifier]

Did you leave the pressure release valve open when you opened the dump valve?

[@firealarmtechnician944]

Hey Larry, I have a question. Have you ever added bitter orange peel or coriander to a Hefeweizen ?

[@firealarmtechnician944]

My grain bill is 60% wheat malt and 40% Pilsen. Also have Hallertau hops and white labs Hefeweizen yeast

[@loslunasfarms]

You cant add it or you will be in defiance of the German purity law!

[@davefaulkner6302]

Only three legs -- that's so unstable and easy to tip over. I wouldn't buy this fermenter for that reason alone. Others with similar price/features have four legs which is much more stable, especially when wheeling it around.

[@IIIDaemon]

..these conicals from Nozzle-Spike Brewing are Very Poorly Designed, the only real advantage or feature this product has over the others in the same price range are the 100% TC Penetrations vs Bulkhead Type fittings.. but when you weigh this feature against the ridiculously Weak design (and poor quality) you're much better off spending more and going with SS Brew-Tech.. that is if you've got to have this sort of Toy as another has already commented.. I have the CF15 and still use 20gal barrels 8:1 (barrels:conical) batches.. and the temp is much more stable in the barrel vs the conical simply due to the stainless steel and its thickness.. the vendor, Nozzle-Spike Brewing, touts the thickness as 20% greater than its competitors, which is meaningless, again due to its poor design.. absolutely no reinforcement where the legs attach to the vessel, very weak, in fact so weak its an obvious fatigue point.. and the welds (legs to vessel).. not 360°, ..the 1.5'' sample port is at the same 60° angle as is the conical.. trapping any and all sediment clogging the sample valve.. without leg extensions you can't use a yeast trap (unless you fashion something yourself).. the band type clamp for the lid is a personal preference thing.. I like them over the multiple snap-type clamps some other vendors use.. the problem with this is, mine was a giant multi sided razor blade.. any sheet metal product, that hasn't been de-burred and has razor sharp edges shows a fundamental, basic lack of quality (and no, i didn't cut myself).. don't let the polished stainless blind you.. I honestly wish i had spent several hundred more on the SS UniTank product.. the lack of structural integrity of this unit surprised me.. the 5gal & 10gal units are the same design as the 15gal, so the weaknesses may not be as evident.. but there are certainly there..

[@IIIDaemon]

..and I forgot to mention, the logo.. its an Acid-Etched deal.. mine was smeared.. haha.. smeared, their company logo, smeared across the front of their product.. real show of pride and quality in their product.. when I brought these issues up with them.. they offered me a gift-card..

[@IIIDaemon]

Agreed, I commented on your video simply because you reviewed the product and people watch your video's.. not as a dig at you.. but to get the word out..

[@Youngsta0]

I don't have an issue with my CF15. Works great. My sample port hasn't clogged up at all either.

[@robertbeaulieu8721]

Troubleshooting your pressure leek is a breeze no pun intended. Get a bottle of gas fitter test soap, spray it on all the joints and within seconds it will foam up with bubblers not labour intensive at all friend. ..cheers

[@Binford2500]

Yup. To add to that, the only connections you need to check are those above the level of the liquid. If it’s leaking from below the liquid level, you’ll have liquid leaking. That would eliminate several potential spots right away.

[@fivefingerfullprice3403]

@@Binford2500 Great tips

[@BVaughanfulk]

Could it be, after a week of pressure, the brew absorbed some of the CO2? And as for the dumping, the manufacturer says to connect a hose to control said spray...

[@stanleygrover1685]

14 gallon SS is what I make Mead in with a constant pump stir, with blow off tube.!! thanks for showing all the ports and Co2 pressure port. Good feed back.

[@canelohillshomebrewery4328]

Larry another great video! Thanks!! I have the leg extensions on my CF-10 and an additional 90-degree elbow attached to the 2" blow off. This allows me to place a 5 gal bucket under the blow off.Im able to catch anything without making a mess... you can also use the bucket with a pump to recirculate (PBW or Starsan) and use the CIP ball. this makes clean up a much easier process..

[@roberthilliard4328]

Your comment of 14 leak points is not factual unless you have wort going on the ground. The gas leak would be above the liquid line.

[@darkknightx11]

Great video, Larry! I wanted one of these pretty bad as I love their kettles, but after some sobering thoughts about the sheer size and weight.... Let's just say I'm glad I watched this.

[@Stillpoint23]

Great review. Loved the honest opinion that really relates to the situation many of might be in when it comes to cleaning. I want to step it up at some point, and i learned a ton from this review! Thanks man :)

[@garydahmer5088]

Ps he needs a tube and site glass adapter.. the marketing people should should include all these gadgets with these fermenters . With these fermenters . It would be more attractive

[@daletherail]

Hi Larry. Thanks for this highly detailed video. I want to share an update on the CF10 leaking. I just purchased a CF10 and the new All-In-One PRV. The lid gasket leaked so bad I could only get the pressure up to about 10 PSI with a small air compressor. The pressure bled off completely in about an hour. I contacted Spike. Customer service reported that they manufactured a new lid gasket that is rounded on both sides. They quickly shipped a new gasket and clamp which fixed the issue. I noted that the new clamp was shorter than the original one. I found another leak on the PRV gas post. The plunger was not seating, so I replaced it with a plunger from an old gas post in my parts bin. Now, the CF10 holds over 15 PSI with no leaks and no pressure drop over an entire weekend. So, you might want to contact Spike about the lid gasket and clamp. Hope this helps, Dale

[@BEERNBBQBYLARRY]

Interesting that they have a new lid gasket. I returned that CF10 but now have their Flex+ that has the same style lid. Haven’t had an issue with the Flex, so I might already have that new style gasket. I’ll have to go check that later. Thanks

[@Pactolus240]

I use a CF-5 gallon Spike conical. Pressure leaks: in my experience the lid attachment should come with use directions. A navy buddy told me to use a rubber mallot on the clamp as it’s being tightened. Just a tap seats the lid clamp. Leaks solved. Pressure Transfer: I accomplish this using a serving fitting on silicon tubing with a 1.5 inch tri- clamp on the other end. Before transfer I load the destination keg with CO2, and attach the lid. My main issue is sanitizing the silicon tubing after use. Brewday cleanup has me circulating PBW in 150 degree water - Kettle to pump, through plate chiller to kettle. Keg day has me doing pressure transfer at 5 to 10 psi to keg. Manual scrub fermenter. Remove all fittings and put them in Star San. Reassemble fermenter and load with 5 gallons of Star San for next brewday.

[@BEERNBBQBYLARRY]

I also use a mallet with V-clamps. It does help.

[@ctcollinthib]

Good God, Larry. Pumps, Pico, fancy conicals. If you continue down this path, you'll be brewing on the Space Station in no time!

[@jessemcmahon4928]

why not use a ball lock quick connect on the other end of the hose to transfer with no oxygen?

[@theghostofsw6276]

Yeah....the temperature control thing is a BIG turnoff. For a fraction of the cost you could simply build an insulated fermentation cabinet to either heat, or chill as many carboys as you want.

[@BEERNBBQBYLARRY]

Yep. Nowadays, I use pressure fermentation instead of refrigeration and would consider using kviek yeast if not using pressure if ambient temperature is too high.

[@MetalHeadBrewer]

Larry what you used is the gas manifold. That piece is used for pressure transfers. Spike has a prv and that is whats used for fermenting under pressure and for use with the carb stone and pressure transfers.

[@BEERNBBQBYLARRY]

I used the gas manifold with my own spunding valve for a long while without any issue. Now, I have their new PRV. It’s nice, but not required. My old method works just fine.

[@chrismcgraw7669]

Larry, definitely recommend this floor sealer: www.rustoleum.ca/product-catalog/consumer-brands/epoxyshield/garage-concrete-floor-coatings/garage-floor-coating Super easy to apply, works amazing!

[@darrenmckinty760]

Great video. Thanks again Larry for your honest feedback. We discussed previously that I’m new to Home brewing and am in the equipment acquisition stage. I have been considering all different conicals. But after talking to you and some research (including your videos), I think, for me, simple is better when it comes to fermenters.

[@futureddshanley]

You sold me on this! You always do great videos!

[@beargreasebrigade]

hey Larry after about 3-4 videos I'm now a steady fan - thanks for explaining things in a simple yet very informative schematic - awesome work and videos!

[@garydahmer5088]

Bureau is never always bottle carbonate The tails lol

[@jacobsecret1425]

Great video Larry! I really do understand what you were getting at about all the parts needed for this fermenter and the fact of keeping track of them/all the cleaning might be a downside to some brewers. Thanks

[@unsaltedlife5998]

Larry what are your thoughts about electric brewing, I have seen a few setups they look cool but not sure if the upfront cost is worth it. I have a 1200 square foot building on my property that I want to turn into a brew house and bar, more or less the dog house in case the wife threw me out. But it’s under construction now and wiring it up for this could save me some time later. Any thoughts would be appreciated. Thanks again for all you do for us home brewing people.

[@unsaltedlife5998]

BEER-N-BBQ by Larry the PID Controller part is the most important part of it, you can build one yourself and run three things one at a time. And the temperature control seems amazing. I’m with you on this I will be wiring up for 220 too. Could you do a video on how you are going to approach this change and the equipment you’re going with. Thanks

[@dcuccia]

Awesome. Would also love to know your thoughts about the SS BrewBucket

[@supyrow]

Thanks for this, great review! my guess is, its probably already in its box ready to be shipped back. good advise! cool product!

[@supyrow]

hey thats a great photo op for sure! looking forward to that footage! very cool :)

[@masonwheeler8515]

Another great video Larry! This one hit home for me as I have been thinking about upgrading to a a SS conical from either SS Brewtech or Spike Brewing. My fears in making the transition were revealed in your review video. Too many connections, cleanup, portability, etc. My glass carboys are boring and old fashioned, but I think you've convinced me to hold off for now on any upgrades until my brew area can better accommodate. Thanks Larry!

[@brianlabahn3753]

I've been thinking about 2 SS brew buckets but $400 for the 2 is to much right now.

[@masonwheeler8515]

Since I purchased the Mark II Keg/Carboy Washer, life with cleaning the carboys and the kegs got a lot easier.

[@chavoac9713]

I'm in the same boat. Larry, thank you, your review is so far the most honest I've seen. Been drooling over a conical fermenter for a long time, finally took the plunge with a spike system. Thanks again.

[@Peteypotamus]

Thanks Larry for the review of this super cool vessel. Wouldn't you think that after four days of activity the ferm would cool a bit and the CO2 would go into solution, thereby lowering the pressure of the tank? You clearly know how to assemble the clamps correctly since none of the liquid level connections were leaking.

[@MikeP350]

This thing looks freaking sweet, but expensive, hard to clean and sanitize, and way too large for my fermentation chamber lol. Did you end up paying for it or sending it back?

[@paulfennell01]

Fantastic vide Lar... Only observation is that 3/4 gallon could have been popped into bottles - I always keep a few flip tops sanitized and some carbonation drops on the ready during.keg day!

[@tedoneill3309]

Great review, shows what may be pluses and minuses, so since I do have a utility sink (plus I for the smaller one) I know I should clean in the tub. The trub dump with the spraying, a friend has the same size here and even with gravity while dumping soapy water it shot out about 4 feet. But his basement has a easy to clean coating and a french drain, so not really a problem for him. I am at least aware and can prepare for those surprises easily. Also some good advice in the comments on dealing with potential leaks with all the possible points for that.

[@holdthemayo13]

What size rubber stopper? or would you just recommend a blow off tube the entire time? I don't have an issue with any blow off.

[@jefflangley6205]

Larry - Enjoyed your video. I too recently added a conical fermenter. I chose the SSBrewtech 7gal. Chronically BME. Some of the issues you mention are the same. On the cleaning end, I use Keg & Carboy tablets. After dumping the beer, I simply rinse the unit, fill it with hot water and drop in a few cleaning tablets. Seal it up and leave it overnight. The next day I drain and rinse. I do give it a light scrub with a brush. On your point about needing a floor drain and moppable floor, my Brew Haus is a carpeted bedroom, so it can be done, you just have to slow down and be careful. I also built a recirculating chiller so temps aren’t a problem. Any case, love to see your work!

[@ShortCircuitedBrewers]

I don't know Larry.. Your getting a little fancy on us now.. Tri-clamps, dump valves, tigers, and bears.. Oh my!! Lol One thing the dump valve really needed was another 90 elbow so it could be pointed at the floor. I can imagine how heavy that thing is full! I have a couple of 60L Speidel fermenters.. They are HEAVY when full. So is it a keep? At the beginning you seem like you might like to have one but then at the end you didn't seem like you were to sold with your current set up.. Cheers! 🍻

[@ShortCircuitedBrewers]

BEER-N-BBQ by Larry yeah the older I get the heavier the 60L speidels get!! I just put my first batch of beer in the fermentasaurus the other day and I'm really digging those things!! Cheers!

[@BigDawgTheGreat]

Seems like the trub dump would be better / more controllable if you put on a TC to barbed fitting so you can maybe put a hose on. Another good video. I think having owned the Catalyst fermentor... I am finding myself using standard buckets instead of the "conical". I read on brulosophy that side by side beer clarity was better with high trub levels... negating the need for trub dumps. My next fementor will be a SSBrewtech brew bucket. Fits in ferm chamber but still has FTSS option too. You should do a review on that.

[@hunterrigsby3793]

Couldn't you have attached the fermenter out to the liquid out of the keg via a QD and thus created a closed system? You'd just need to hold the pressure relief valve on the corny lid open so that the CO2 could escape as the beer filled the keg.

[@MarkWoodChannel]

You just made me love my 60 liter Speidel fermenters even more....So. Many. Parts. No. Thanks.

[@عبدهالحرازي-و8س]

Who match is it plaese.

[@johndoe1981a]

Great video Larry! It brought up some things that I hadn't considered about conicals. One tip I've found for extra beer is to keep a few 2L bottles and carbonator caps. That way you aren't wasting good beer, even if it's only 6%! Thanks for all of the hard work you do to give us videos.

[@natester1064]

Good job Larry.

[@joeldingler]

Just a curious question, could you use the spike fermentor as a keg.

[@lastfanstanding999]

couldn't you bottle the extra brew ? do you have any beer bottling videos Larry ? i like your ice chest brewing system, the one with your homemade chilling coil using ice cubes, that's one with your brother helping,

[@lastfanstanding999]

thank you for so much information Larry, ive watched a few more of your videos and learning allot from them, your video quality stands out from the rest and i'd like to stay with just one teacher to keep things simple for me, im ready to start purchasing some equipment, if and when i start brewing i'll definitely let you know how things turn out, i thought id start with bottled beer first is why i asked, thank again for your time Larry,

[@thunderbird3694]

Really appreciate your honest reviews!

[@JohnDoe-fp1tv]

A gas leak? Doesn't sound too good for these being a unitank and being able to carbonate the beer in them if they are going to leak.

[@jorgeplazola1997]

Too much, too soon. Perfect real life experience video. Those are all the problem most of us would have with a beast like that. Would love to have one but wouldn’t be able to use it to it’s full advantage.

[@carloso7562]

Can I use tap water to wash the fermentasarious? Will it affect the taste of the brew? Should I use sanitizer?

[@StMyles]

Thanks!

[@unsaltedlife5998]

Looks pretty professional.

[@lf2334]

Would it be a bad idea to put 5 gallon batches in this? Is that too much extra head room? I'm only doing 5 gallon batches currently, but I wanted to get this model in case I decided to go up in batch size.

[@lf2334]

@@BEERNBBQBYLARRY Thanks for the response, Larry. Just to clarify, you're saying that it would be fine so long as I don't want to dry hop, or add anything else? Unfortunately, there will be lots of dry hopping happening.

[@daddynutz024]

Greta video. That's a nice fermenter. for the sealing problem I seen other videos that use a food grade sealant on the connections.

[@jaymiller3756]

No racking arm? Maybe Spike sells an accessory racking arm?

[@Toekneepowers]

A big glass jar works great when dumping trub and it gives you a view of the beer when it starts to flow.

[@codygarner7337]

We take it you're not a fan of CIP, multiple parts, messy floors, and lots of cleaning.. lol, don't start a commercial brewery!

[@codygarner7337]

@@BEERNBBQBYLARRY Hahaha, true true sir, fair enough! Cheers, looking forward to more vids!

[@inforthewin]

Thank you for the review. Your experience will help me in the choices I make in the selection of my home brewing system. Cheers!

[@clarkkentco]

Great honest video! It was greatly appreciated. I'm kicking around trying the cf5.

[@liberomagic5128]

what the benefit of ferment under pressure , please?

[@shadowrayz]

Very honest review. Liked it, Larry! Cheers! \m/

[@FilipeGrillo]

Hey Larry, can you do a review of the Blichmann Cornical?

[@gib859]

What a pain in the arse. BrewBucket for the win!

[@robmetzger9955]

Great info! Way too high maintenance for me! I would like to see a review on the Grainfather Conical with Glycol Chilling Station. I hear the temperature controller could handle up to 4 fermentors at one time.

[@robmetzger9955]

BEER-N-BBQ by Larry sweet! That would be awesome!

[@jspear2755]

Did you end up buying this or did you return it?

[@fredmarzillier750]

When you force carbonate while fermenting, what happens to the carbonation after you bottle? Or can you only keg and you continue to carbonate?

[@fredmarzillier750]

@@BEERNBBQBYLARRY Oh! Great! I get it, Thank you!

[@fredmarzillier750]

@@BEERNBBQBYLARRY Oh, quick question, I assume pressure fermenting cuts down the time to carbonating in a bottle but is there a way to know how long or when it's ready after you pressure ferment then bottle it? Or you just gotta test it?

[@carloso7562]

Can’t stop cracking up!! Fermentasarious

[@barrymusgrove9900]

The dump a large plastic bag

[@iamfs1971]

Your intro made me LOL. "Yup-yup, I did, yup-yup!"

[@martystamplecoskie4804]

good video

[@JumboRelic]

That intro.... lmaooooo.

[@davez31turbo]

looks like it needs a pipe extension off the valve to avoid the spray. maybe something Spike can think about.

[@ShortCircuitedBrewers]

David Pescatello all that's needed is a 90 degree elbow so you can point it at the floor. (after the butterfly valve)

[@davez31turbo]

Short Circuited Brewers yup, that’s exactly what I was thinking. Also I really enjoy your channel. Keep up the good work.

[@ShortCircuitedBrewers]

Thanks Dave!! Cheers! 🍻

[@LJ-rz4zg]

That's lovely mate..

[@travnat1]

Spray bottle of soapy water to leak check the fittings?

[@CrazyGuyBlahBlah]

no soap. spray bottle of diluted star san

[@carloso7562]

How do you dry hop with the CF10?

[@carloso7562]

BEER-N-BBQ by Larry thank you! I’m getting this equipment!

[@carloso7562]

Do you transfer the brew from your pot to fermenter?

[@xFaithkeeperx]

BEER-N-BBQ by Larry can't you get bacteria when you do it through the cap because you are letting open air in? Or is it only safe to do so in a certain time?

[@xFaithkeeperx]

BEER-N-BBQ by Larry oh okay, I just want to know before buying it.

[@ssherman]

Great info on this conical...im looking to upgrade soon myself and this will def help me decide which way to go. Thx again!

[@beargreasebrigade]

great review and nice video, viewers: it takes about 2 minutes to get to the gist - subscribed!

[@johnupyours5172]

Great intro!

[@timwilson3435]

Larry I've watched many of your videos and I appreciate your thorough descriptions and the style of your videos. However I'm always disappointed by the audio quality. Please get a better mic so I can fully enjoy your videos!

[@timwilson3435]

The main issue I have with the sound is the clicking/popping noise that happens when you say louder syllables. From researching a little it looks like these are called plosives and the irritating sound they create can be mitigated with simple techniques that have to do with mic placement and recording settings or something like that. I really don't know much about sound recording so I'm sure you know more than me and you could fix the issue. Here is an article I found about it: theproaudiofiles.com/plosives/

[@3rwparks3]

Taking into consideration all the fermenters you have had on your show, I like this one the best.. A lot of parts but a lot of convenience too.

[@CShivery]

I have mine in my kitchen. It's a beautiful work of art that I've had for a week. I just transferred my wort into it for the first time.

[@redballs]

10:47 I recommended an elbow pipe if it can accommodate one.