Kegmenter Review Multipurpose Keg System

[@willschmit436]

Hello David, I think you missed a very important point (at least for guys that brew as I do). I use the PubJug, which is a vertical version of the same concept. I replace the tri-clover cover with a 4-inch cap and silicone gasket and use it as an Aussie no-chill cooling can. I have held finished (unfermented) wort for a month. I routinely brew on Saturday morning, cool overnight, while I build up the starter with the REAL wort. Sunday afternoon, I switch caps, oxygenate, drop in the tilt, pitch the yeast, and set the spunding valve. I pressure transfer the following Friday afternoon and am ready for Saturday brewing...

[@DavidHeathHomebrew]

Sounds like a good idea! Not something I think of in Norway :)

[@Dogsdoodas]

I've had a kegmenter for quite a while and I think David covered most points very well. However, here's a few more. 1. I think if you want a uni-tank to be simple then, with just a bunch of industry standard 4' seals and you are good for the next 20 years. Simply put in a very complex homebrew world its strength is there nothing to go wrong.. 2. The Best bit, ease of cleaning 4" opening makes it a breeze, every part can be accessed by hand. You will never have to worry about scratching. Acid etched stainless steel, a proved design and drain holes help with that hose down. Its conical wide opening makes draining dry easy. In a damp garage this is so handy. 3. It has a dimple in the base making it easy to get that last drop of beer out. 4. I can ferment Ale warm with the fermentation steel cap. When I have all those nice esters, in goes the dry hops on goes the pressure cap we are now pressure fermenting. 5. The kegmenter is easy to move with the handles. A wide base so you will never kick the kegmenter over...more important than you think. THE MAIN CON It's hard to get a tilt signal through the steel I place mybrewbot on the lid to over come this or a phone on the lid. The best fix is buy a tilt repeater to improve the signal this not uncommon in steel uni-tanks. Regards M Conclusion Would I buy another, hell yes..

Hi, how much wort can you ferment in 58l / 29l kegmenter? I would probably transfer to corny when fermentation is done. Thanks.

[@DavidHeathHomebrew]

If you are going under pressure then you will want to minimise headspace. So, not so far off the capacity.

​@@DavidHeathHomebrew Found answer in previous kegmenter video 25l/50l. As I upgrade to a bit bigger kettle I could easily use both kegmenter sizes for parti gyle brewing.

[@Wuloozzs]

Just fermented my second batch with Kegmenter. I bottle all my beers and I just love that I can carbonate beer and bottle with Beergun straight from it without exposing beer to oxygen at any point. First batch was dry hopped pilsner and realized that you really shouldn't use loose pellets . Not being able to use loose pellets is biggest minus in my opinion :( Second batch was belgian golden strong and whole process was probably smoothest I have had in my 3 year brewing history. Very nice product!

[@DavidHeathHomebrew]

Great to hear that you are enjoying it, ive been using it a lot personally and its simple yet very effective.

[@chrislincoln-jones6153]

Thanks David. The two videos are very helpful. I wouldn't be without your advice here and on the Facebook group.

[@DavidHeathHomebrew]

Great to hear Chris :)

[@lottje]

I have been using mine for about 2 years now and it works great every time. The 4in opening is very helpful vs a 2in on a standard sanky. For what it is, you can't find a cheaper new unitank solution. Only issue I can see being is finding a replacement lid. I will likely need my local welder to custom make a new one from a 4in blank off.

[@DavidHeathHomebrew]

Great. You can buy replacement lids direct from Kegland.

[@leonlvvik1651]

This product certainly peaked my interest during your presentation at Ålgård. Thank you for this review that has elaborated further. I would use this as a keg only, as 19 and 20 litre corny kegs seem impractical since they do not have space for a full batch. Preparing the bottling gear for 4-6 bottles seems like a hassle, and I do not throw beer! That is why this product appeals to me, as I am contemplating moving over from bottling to kegging. I am tired of cleaning bottles...

[@DavidHeathHomebrew]

Great to hear Leon. Yes, Ive been using it a lot myself. Very practical :)

[@tube4waldek]

“Full batch”? You design your batch volume to your needs.

[@leonlvvik1651]

@@tube4waldek I am using brew kits until I have space for a grain mill and storage of ingredients. The kits are usually for 25 litres.

[@Kahuna76]

@@leonlvvik1651 If a keg with a smaller foot print would suit your fridge/keggerator then look up the chinese kegs (kina fat) There is a review from oltid on the tube. They are 24,5 liters and would fit your batch.

[@tonytribisonna9886]

There’s more pro’s than cons about these kegmenter’s I love using my 29 litre stainless steel best fermenter for money like you said she is nothing sexy to look at like some of these other fermenters. There’s a saying ugly Betty sure knows how to make a nice brew! I liked this review very good well presented.

[@DavidHeathHomebrew]

Thanks Tony. Yes not the most sexy fermenters but I have 2 myself and they get a lot of use and get the job done very well and they will very likely outlive me! 🍻🍻

[@ShortCircuitedBrewers]

Looks like a viable contender for fermenter, uni tank and keg! Price is appropriate as well thanks for sharing your thoughts! 👍🍻

[@DavidHeathHomebrew]

Many thanks Brian :)

[@kevinhollingsworthcomedy3183]

I have the 7.6 and 13.2 gallon versions and love them! I use a Tilt hydrometer as well so no need for thermowell.

[@DavidHeathHomebrew]

Great to hear Kevin :)

[@thaifoodtakeaway]

Thank you David, another great review! I've always been put off by the fermzilla because of the plastic body, and too many parts that leak, if not tightened correctly. The other SS fermenters on the market are way out of my price range, but the Kegmenter is a product that I might actually consider, but for now I get perfectly delicious beer with my cheap plastic fermenters, so I do not see any rush to move on.

[@DavidHeathHomebrew]

Glad you found it useful. This would offer more functionality compared to regular fermentation vessels.

[@henry1237]

I have also been looking forward to this - thanks David! Your videos are helping to keep us all sane over here! Looks like I’ll have to pick one of these up once the lockdown lifts. Look after yourself, thanks for the excellent videos as always.

[@DavidHeathHomebrew]

Many thanks Henry :) Sorry for the late reply, YT has some errors with message reporting recently so I only just got to see this!

[@alanman5328]

I have been waiting for this one! Many thanks for all you do, this looks very interesting and your honesty really shines.

[@DavidHeathHomebrew]

My pleasure! :)

[@kenfowler1980]

Thx David, nice review! One use I could think of is a big hot cube! I do that with a smaller SS keg and it works fine. I use both KL & KK 20 litre kegs that you can ferment in and I always transfer to another keg because of the trub issue. It’s a nice bit of gear but I don’t think I will be rushing out to buy one!

[@DavidHeathHomebrew]

Thanks Ken. Yes, I did not consider that one, good idea :)

[@timredd]

Great idea for anyone considering closed fermentation, but as a unitank I would be concerned about the non ability to dump the trub. So a closed transfer to a second keg would be required in my case, as I don't consume my beers within four weeks. In fact some beers I keep for six months or more. It's a step in the right direction though over plastic fermentation vessels as stainless is more durable and should last a lifetime with due care.

[@DavidHeathHomebrew]

Thanks Tim. Yes, it is time limited for most peoples taste as a unitank.

[@5hawn739]

I have one and I like it and will probably but several more. The only con for me is the short length of the dip tubes. I had the floating dip tube silicone tubing slip off somehow during fermentation once. I'll start clamping it down from now on.

[@DavidHeathHomebrew]

Great to hear Shawn. I suggest you heat the silicone up in a cup of boiled water and using gloves and pliers push the piece in fully. Should be fine for life after that :)

[@boojea10981]

I love my kegmenters! They just work well and are a great value.

[@DavidHeathHomebrew]

Great to hear James, I agree. Many thanks :)

[@chrisgriffiths7212]

Really like the look of this product. I have one or two questions.. Do you think if you had a standard corny keg dip tube outlet an another out port with a float you could remove yeast slurry via the corny style dip tube an harvest yeast for future, but also then serve from the float which would then mean your beer would keep for longer Instead of 2/4 weeks ? Hope this makes sense..

[@DavidHeathHomebrew]

Thanks Chris. Hmm interesting thoughts. I think it might be worth trying, though I am unsure if it would work fully. I think what would be easier is to filter the beer before it hits the Kegmenter using something like a bouncher inline filter. This will minimise trub. Having said this Ive come across many thank believe this to be a non issue. You wont know until you try though of course.

[@cheshirehomebrew]

Hi David, you said you can use a heat belt directly stainless fermenter and I'm with you but saw a comment on another video is that it would need to be earthed for safety. Electrics aren't really my thing but I'd value your opinion if that would be possible. Keep up the fantastic work btw.👍🍺

[@DavidHeathHomebrew]

Ive been using heat belts coupled to the temp controllers for decades without issue. I am also involved in the homebrew business and this is not advice I have heard before. Why would this be needed?

[@cheshirehomebrew]

@@DavidHeathHomebrew Me too, without issues but someone mentioned with stainless steel you need to earth it. I've been using it now for a week without any issues so perhaps some are being over cautious. Many thanks for the reply 👍🍺

[@DavidHeathHomebrew]

I think we can rule this out.

[@deegeu]

I've got two of these and I've never been able to get these to seal. Both keg lips seem uneven. I got it to kinda work using a ton of keg lube, but it seems like it needs a much thicker gasket to work effectively.

[@DavidHeathHomebrew]

Ive got two and both seal great. I would talk with where you bought them, perhaps they can fix the problem. Maybe you need new seals?

[@deegeu]

@@DavidHeathHomebrew Looking at some reviews on places that sell the kegs, it looks like a common problem that is solved by getting new gaskets and tri clamps. Unfortunately I bought the kegs right before covid hit (so no big parties), and didn't learn of the problem until long after the purchase (long after warranty). I did just get the new gaskets in yesterday, and the kegs did seal with the new gaskets. Hopefully that helps someone else.

[@DavidHeathHomebrew]

Ok. At least you got it solved. I would replace on o rings on used kegs.

[@deegeu]

@@DavidHeathHomebrew Yes, unfortunately these were brand new kegs.

[@DavidHeathHomebrew]

Blimey, that is unusual

[@josemadrid17]

Hi David, Kegmenters are great stuff. The only thing i really miss on them is that there is no sampling valve. It is a little tedious to connect the whole pressure system just to sample your beer for a quick check up.

[@DavidHeathHomebrew]

I never do that :) I just use a floating hydrometer :)

[@fachu2]

@@DavidHeathHomebrew Hi David, I use the Brewbrain float and was concerned that the SS may cause it not to be bale to connect to my WiFI but based on your comment it would appear that my not be an issue.

[@DavidHeathHomebrew]

It depends on the power of your WIFI. Personally I use this to be sure of a good signal when using with Kegmenter:- kzbin.info/www/bejne/jn7OmIiun96ZnM0

[@fachu2]

@@DavidHeathHomebrew Thanks David. I have a mesh system including my garage where my fermenters live. Will try with out but great plan b. Cheers!

[@DavidHeathHomebrew]

Cheers Jason

[@chrisphilpot2324]

Hi David, love the videos, please keep them coming. Out of interest, how do you go about taking hydrometer readings during the ferment?

[@aidanryan7010]

Connect a picnic tap or beer gun to the liquid post.

[@DavidHeathHomebrew]

You can leave a hydrometer in the fermentation vessel. Very Handy if you have a see through fermentation vessel. I use Digital hydrometers like the Tilt, Plaato and Brewbrain float personally.

[@beeroquoisnation]

After primary just add gyle, or my favorite a vigorous Krausen for carbing up. The keg is the cat's meow.

[@DavidHeathHomebrew]

Great, thank you :)

[@craiggambetta694]

Hi David, thanks for the video. How do you rate the ease of cleaning, can you get your arm in the opening for the potential to scrub the inside if need be?

[@DavidHeathHomebrew]

Thanks Craig. Its very easy to clean. I showed my hairy arm in it within the first video. I can reach the whole of the inside.

[@foleyu2]

Nice review and product. I've been uming and ahhing for months on this, due to the fact there is no thermowell

[@DavidHeathHomebrew]

Thank you. I find the underside of the keg is ideal for connecting a temp probe using plumbers putty. Very accurate temp measurement.

[@foleyu2]

@@DavidHeathHomebrew You might have pushed me over the edge to buy one....thanks. What are you thoughts on safety re: removing the clamp & pressure. Similar to a corny in terms of habitually releasing the pressure?

[@DavidHeathHomebrew]

Hey Eamoon, Just like any keg remove all pressure via the PRV to safely remove the lid. :)

[@rpguitar]

It's a cool purpose-built device. But I don't see much difference between it and a standard Cornelius keg equipped with a floating dip tube and a spunding valve. And cornies come in several smaller sizes.

[@DavidHeathHomebrew]

The main difference compared to corny kegs is size. These are larger :)

[@geoffreyquaile4383]

How easy are these to clean. The hole looks pretty smaill. Can you get inside with brush for cleaning?

[@DavidHeathHomebrew]

Yes, its large enough to get your hand and arm in. So very easy. 🍻🍻🍻

[@melkyriakou1555]

Hi David, thankyou for all the great content. Do you think that maybe the 58L version of Kegland's kegmenter could work with the Grainfather GCA? Was thinking maybe using this with a Kegland temp twister and maybe drill in a thermowall for the Grainfather GCA temperature probe. Reason is that I have a Grainfather G40 and Grainfather GF30 with the Grainfather glycol chiller, and I am looking for cost effective fermenter for the larger batches that is compatible with the Grainfather GCA.

[@DavidHeathHomebrew]

Hi Mel, I believe that it will, though this is not something I have tested. In terms of the temp probe you could install a thermowell but I find that poking the probe through a bottom hole in the base of a kegmenter works and you can then add the temp probe to the middle flat section below with plumbers putty securing it for an accurate temp reading. This works great on my small Kegmenters.

[@michaelhallengreenlarsen4481]

I have some problems to concect with my Rapt Hydrometer through the stainless stel walls, even though my wifi signal is ok. Have you any similar problems like that?

[@DavidHeathHomebrew]

Yes. The Kegmenters are very thick. A repeater on the lid will cure it.

[@obsess2222]

I love my kegmenter I’m planning on getting a second!

[@DavidHeathHomebrew]

Me also!

[@TedeTVs]

The bees knees Heath! Thanks a bunch. Stay safe. Skål 🍺

[@DavidHeathHomebrew]

Thank you :) You also...isolate ...brew...repeat :)

[@sebastienlord3710]

Hi David, New owner here, quick question! What’s the best way to transfer to another keg and get less foaming as possible? Thank you!!

[@DavidHeathHomebrew]

Hi, I would suggest doing an enclosed transfer by pressure. This method is outlined in this article under “pressure transfers”:- byo.com/article/transferring-beer-techniques/

[@richard_lindsay]

Hi David, I just wanted to confirm that there would be no way to add a blow off tube to the gas post and have another Kegmenter stacked on top without adding a spacer? Would you be able to let me know by how much a disconnect protrudes above the rim of the Kegmenter? Thanks

[@DavidHeathHomebrew]

Hi Richard, You will need spacers. I know that some use wooden blocks for this. I just measured this up with a Blowtie 2 spunding valve that is set on a standard ball lock and it adds 10cm. This could be reduced if you use a ball lock that points to the side rather than a diagonal. Hope this helps :)

[@richard_lindsay]

That’s great, thank you

[@joaopaulolourencoamaral3992]

Hi David, Hi floks, I was wondering if anybody tried to force-carbonate the beer in the kegmenter at 58L full load with something like a QuickCarb (external loop) : does the floating dip tube system impact the carbonation efficiency since the beer flow input and output will occure very close at the top of the kegmenter ?

[@DavidHeathHomebrew]

I have not tried this personally.

[@kingzor100]

with no acces to a frige for coldcrashing non transparent is fine for me it means i can cold crash and filter chill haze at least 7 months of the year outside

[@DavidHeathHomebrew]

As long as it's cold the whole time.

[@dustinkerr2938]

One question for David. Can you get the grainfather aeration paddle through the hole in the top? If not how do you aerate your wort?

[@danielopelt1556]

The hole on the top is 100mm wide. Im pretty sure you can fit that wand

[@DavidHeathHomebrew]

Sorry for the late reply, YT has some errors with message reporting recently so I only just got to see this! Thanks to Daniel for answering :)

[@martinjolly]

Thank you for doing this, ive just ordered one from sweden, cant find them in uk for love nor money lol

[@DavidHeathHomebrew]

They certainly are popular and stock can be hard to find in recent times.

[@loki8883]

Where to buy this when you live in Europe? (France)

[@DavidHeathHomebrew]

I have no knowledge of the market in France. I am based in Scandinavia. I know this is easy to obtain in both Norway and Sweden.

[@bobrobinson4252]

What is the dip tube float.. where do you get them and how do they work

[@DavidHeathHomebrew]

I showed it on screen during that section. I am not sure where you are located so here is the product in the US:- www.morebeer.com/products/floating-dip-tube.html

[@StoneyardVineyards]

Prost great info

[@DavidHeathHomebrew]

Thank you :)

[@andrewchapman261]

Has anyone done a no chill brew with a kegmenter?

[@DavidHeathHomebrew]

I have. Works just fine.

[@andrewchapman261]

@@DavidHeathHomebrew so just boiling wort into the kegmenter and pitch yeast later?

[@DavidHeathHomebrew]

Exactly :) I left it outside overnight and pitched yeast the next day.

[@muzguz7276]

Your first con is actually a Pro.

[@DavidHeathHomebrew]

Could you elaborate further?

[@muzguz7276]

@@DavidHeathHomebrew no exposure to light.

[@DavidHeathHomebrew]

Oh that it is not see through like a Fermzilla. Sure. Not that light is an issue, just direct sunlight in fact.

[@obsess2222]

I love my kegmenter I’m planning on getting a second!

[@DavidHeathHomebrew]

Great, yes very useful stuff :)