This is well made and very helpful for those of us considering a Spike conical. One point of disagreement. A three leg platform is far more stable than four. Consider photographers placing cameras that cost many thousands on tripods. The instability comes from the height relative to the diameter and the bulk of the weight being in the upper half of the object. Casters is not a good idea and they should even offer them as an option. The tank should only be moved when empty. Pumps and hoses are the way to go when full. Four legs with the same dimensions and you'd really have instability. Happy brewing!
@coldfusion162 жыл бұрын
Thanks for the feedback!
@adryvg1472 жыл бұрын
Can this machine be used for wine ?
@coldfusion162 жыл бұрын
Yes, you can definitely ferment wine in it.
@jonmccombs17113 жыл бұрын
Great job!
@homebrewingtips60293 жыл бұрын
This is a very good review. As an owner of a Spike CF10 (with pretty much all of the accessories), I find your comments right on the mark. Nice job.
@joseantoniotrejoramirez55243 жыл бұрын
Hi What dimensions is the fermentor box and what weight is it?
@knuckle474 жыл бұрын
Loved this report you did. Great point on the coil tubes not turning horizontally. Was thinking Brewtech Unitank but you said you’d used both. Favorites on either one ?
@coldfusion164 жыл бұрын
Thanks! I actually haven't used the Brewtech Uni but I am currently using the Spike Uni and it's hands down the better option. I have not used the Pro version of this fermenter either.
@rafer20024 жыл бұрын
That sure is nice and shiny. Got a 20 to 25 gallon one. Send it to me. I'll show you how to use it.
@anglercc5 жыл бұрын
Dude please blink. You’re freaking me out
@africantwin1735 жыл бұрын
Make a vid on cleaning after fermentation. It looks to me a lot of work, and not easy to do if u dont have lots of space.
@coldfusion165 жыл бұрын
I have been making a lot more 5 gallon batches recently. Once I use this fermenter again I will make sure and post a video. It is very easy to clean but you are right, you need quite a bit of space. I usually roll it outside and clean it using a garden hose or power washer.
@luhnschonefeld69435 жыл бұрын
Will it be able to handle the strike water temperature?
@coldfusion165 жыл бұрын
Yes, I made sure it was rated for over 170F.
@redballs5 жыл бұрын
Sorry if this comes off too personal (I understand if you don't respond) but what do you do for a living to afford all this equipment? I can only afford to dream of your set up. I'm busting my ass in school so I can have this stuff one day. Cheers
@coldfusion165 жыл бұрын
No problem at all. I don't mind sharing. I've slowly acquired the stuff over a three year period. I'm in IT, specifically Networking. I believe that as time passes more manufacturers will introduce better products and create more competition which will drive prices down for us. It's definitely an exciting time for homebrewers!
@redballs5 жыл бұрын
@@coldfusion16 Thank you for the response. Yes, it is! I enjoy your videos. I can't wait for the next brew day vid.
@tsquine872 жыл бұрын
@@coldfusion16 Thank you for the reviews of the SS and Spike products. I've been trying to decide between these two and have been very happy with my 7gal SS Brew Bucket w/ FTSS. Seems like the Spike CF is a better choice at a slight premium. I'm in IT as well, working as a network engineer so I thought I would comment on how our profession drives us to drink 🤣
@dejjag5 жыл бұрын
Very nice video man! and love your setup.
@coldfusion165 жыл бұрын
Thanks, it's ever-evolving :)
@dejjag5 жыл бұрын
Been watching your other videos and I can't say I'm not a bit jealous of your system hehe. But keep up the videos as I really enjoyed watching them :)
@futboljefe16 жыл бұрын
Great review and thanks for sharing. I can see what you mean by the sampling port. It is barbed to add a hose, but, that means one more item to clean each time you sample.
@eaj6926 жыл бұрын
+Birreria Lúpulo so if I am looking at getting my first 1/2 barrel fermenter, spikes in your opinion is a better bang for your buck than ss
@coldfusion166 жыл бұрын
Yes that is my opinion. Not to take anything away from SS Brewtech. SS has great quality and their customer service is top notch. The SS unitank is a more complete package but is about 200 more than a similar spike setup.
@eaj6926 жыл бұрын
So why sell it? Is the spikes that much better to justify upgrading from this one?
@coldfusion166 жыл бұрын
eaj692 - Honestly it's not a good comparison, because this is only a fermenter and the Spike is a unitank. SS brewtech sells a unitank, but it's more expensive than the Spike. So I think Spike is an upgrade from this one. I personally think the upgrade is worth it, but your mileage may vary.
@sebastianarroyo93156 жыл бұрын
hello , what do you tink is the smallest bach a can secondary ferment on this CF15 Unitank? great video by the way
@coldfusion166 жыл бұрын
Thanks! I believe the smallest batch size is 10 gallons to allow the temperature coil and temperature probe to sit under the beer. There will also be some loss because the racking cane doesn't reach all the way down to the bottom of the cone.
@sebastianarroyo93156 жыл бұрын
thanks for replying. I was thinking of using it for the grainfather brewing system . but it can only produce a Max of 23 liter or 6 gallons . I guess I will have to go for the CF5 model
@CrazyAp36 жыл бұрын
The Cf15 can actually do a 5 gallon batch! Huge plus.
@mikegoyer44796 жыл бұрын
I have the CF5 and just purchased the Carbstone ... Have beer fermenting now and was wondering could bottle right out of it after Carbing in it ? Or still have to transfer to Keg ?
@coldfusion166 жыл бұрын
Mike Goyer I've done it two ways. Ive carbed with a carb stone over a 24 hr period then went straight to bottles. Normally I carb then go to keg until the beer clarifies, then to bottles. I guess it all depends on how clear you like your beer. You can also let it sit in the fermenter under pressure until it clears up.
@mikegoyer44796 жыл бұрын
Fernando Partida Thanks ...Going To Cold crash down to about 36* for 24 and Carb using Carb Stone .... Really just want Bottles to share so maybe not gonna get a keg .. Did you filter from Conical to bottle ? With being carbed didn’t know how that would work ?
@blacklabelcorals93325 жыл бұрын
Birreria Lúpulo even though you mentioned it has bigger bubbles, does the carb stone still get the job done?
@2TEN906 жыл бұрын
Love your setup and nice brew day vids! Cheers!
@2TEN906 жыл бұрын
Just found your page off a comment on one of Short Circuit Brewer vids and subbed! Awesome video on this impressive fermenter! Looking forward to watching more of your vids. We also produce home brewing and beer review vids. We try to keep it fun and would love to know what you think. Cheers!
@coldfusion166 жыл бұрын
2TEN90 Brewing I will definitely check your videos out. Thanks for the subscribe!
@2TEN906 жыл бұрын
Fernando Partida appreciate that! Great channel/vids you have. Cheers!
@RealMrMark6 жыл бұрын
Way to be that guy with the vertical video 🤣 jk man, thanks for sharing your process and progress
@RealMrMark6 жыл бұрын
Hey man, Thanks for this video, you definitely helped me out. I'd seen another where the reviewers complained about the lid gasket not fitting/staying on, and how their unit couldn't keep more than 10psi. Sounds like they didn't realize the gasket went on a specific way for fitting properly. How's your experience been with the 2in dump valve? We don't have a floor drain or similar, and having a crazy mess come out of there has been my only other small worry. I was thinking maybe some PVC tubing to a bucket and light co2 pressure might allow me to clean the unit more easily. Any thoughts?
@coldfusion166 жыл бұрын
Hey Mark, Thanks for commenting. Yeah the lid gasket was initially a problem for me too, but I had the orientation wrong. So far the gasket stays in place and the lid holds pressure until the relief valve goes off. I think the 2 inch valve may be a double-edged sword. During fermentation I've had the trub/wort come flying out in a stream instead of slowly like my ss brewtech 1.5 inch valve while dumping. I'm not sure if it's the increased surface area that allows some of the wort to tunnel through the trub cake or around it and come shooting out. I tried something recently that may help. I purchased a tri clamp to mason jar adapter and attached that along with another butterfly valve to the dump valve. So it would look something like Mason Jar > Adapter > Butterfly Valve > Dump Valve. Once attached, both valves can be opened and the mason jar fills up. Once full, the valves can be closed and separated without much mess. This also works well to harvest yeast. Regarding cleaning, I think the best idea would be to get the leg extensions. This way you can redirect the flow downwards into a bucket using a tri clamp 90 degree elbow tube. I've read on pro brewery forums that PBW (alkaline) cleaners and Co2 may create hard deposits over time on the inside of your stainless tanks.
@RealMrMark6 жыл бұрын
Fernando Partida ah, wow, yeah - great ideas! I think I'll be ordering this week, so this gives me a couple of things I can pick up to be prepared. Appreciate all the feedback!
@coldfusion166 жыл бұрын
Happy to help another brewer out!
@reckless67gmail5 жыл бұрын
Birreria, thanks for your review much appreciated. I am trying to put the lid on with the gasket correctly oriented (flat side up into lid), but every time I try and flip the lid the gasket falls out? This seems like a terrible design flaw. How do you get the gasket to stay in the lid groove and flip it to install the lid? Thanks Steve
Пікірлер
This is well made and very helpful for those of us considering a Spike conical. One point of disagreement. A three leg platform is far more stable than four. Consider photographers placing cameras that cost many thousands on tripods. The instability comes from the height relative to the diameter and the bulk of the weight being in the upper half of the object. Casters is not a good idea and they should even offer them as an option. The tank should only be moved when empty. Pumps and hoses are the way to go when full. Four legs with the same dimensions and you'd really have instability. Happy brewing!
Thanks for the feedback!
Can this machine be used for wine ?
Yes, you can definitely ferment wine in it.
Great job!
This is a very good review. As an owner of a Spike CF10 (with pretty much all of the accessories), I find your comments right on the mark. Nice job.
Hi What dimensions is the fermentor box and what weight is it?
Loved this report you did. Great point on the coil tubes not turning horizontally. Was thinking Brewtech Unitank but you said you’d used both. Favorites on either one ?
Thanks! I actually haven't used the Brewtech Uni but I am currently using the Spike Uni and it's hands down the better option. I have not used the Pro version of this fermenter either.
That sure is nice and shiny. Got a 20 to 25 gallon one. Send it to me. I'll show you how to use it.
Dude please blink. You’re freaking me out
Make a vid on cleaning after fermentation. It looks to me a lot of work, and not easy to do if u dont have lots of space.
I have been making a lot more 5 gallon batches recently. Once I use this fermenter again I will make sure and post a video. It is very easy to clean but you are right, you need quite a bit of space. I usually roll it outside and clean it using a garden hose or power washer.
Will it be able to handle the strike water temperature?
Yes, I made sure it was rated for over 170F.
Sorry if this comes off too personal (I understand if you don't respond) but what do you do for a living to afford all this equipment? I can only afford to dream of your set up. I'm busting my ass in school so I can have this stuff one day. Cheers
No problem at all. I don't mind sharing. I've slowly acquired the stuff over a three year period. I'm in IT, specifically Networking. I believe that as time passes more manufacturers will introduce better products and create more competition which will drive prices down for us. It's definitely an exciting time for homebrewers!
@@coldfusion16 Thank you for the response. Yes, it is! I enjoy your videos. I can't wait for the next brew day vid.
@@coldfusion16 Thank you for the reviews of the SS and Spike products. I've been trying to decide between these two and have been very happy with my 7gal SS Brew Bucket w/ FTSS. Seems like the Spike CF is a better choice at a slight premium. I'm in IT as well, working as a network engineer so I thought I would comment on how our profession drives us to drink 🤣
Very nice video man! and love your setup.
Thanks, it's ever-evolving :)
Been watching your other videos and I can't say I'm not a bit jealous of your system hehe. But keep up the videos as I really enjoyed watching them :)
Great review and thanks for sharing. I can see what you mean by the sampling port. It is barbed to add a hose, but, that means one more item to clean each time you sample.
+Birreria Lúpulo so if I am looking at getting my first 1/2 barrel fermenter, spikes in your opinion is a better bang for your buck than ss
Yes that is my opinion. Not to take anything away from SS Brewtech. SS has great quality and their customer service is top notch. The SS unitank is a more complete package but is about 200 more than a similar spike setup.
So why sell it? Is the spikes that much better to justify upgrading from this one?
eaj692 - Honestly it's not a good comparison, because this is only a fermenter and the Spike is a unitank. SS brewtech sells a unitank, but it's more expensive than the Spike. So I think Spike is an upgrade from this one. I personally think the upgrade is worth it, but your mileage may vary.
hello , what do you tink is the smallest bach a can secondary ferment on this CF15 Unitank? great video by the way
Thanks! I believe the smallest batch size is 10 gallons to allow the temperature coil and temperature probe to sit under the beer. There will also be some loss because the racking cane doesn't reach all the way down to the bottom of the cone.
thanks for replying. I was thinking of using it for the grainfather brewing system . but it can only produce a Max of 23 liter or 6 gallons . I guess I will have to go for the CF5 model
The Cf15 can actually do a 5 gallon batch! Huge plus.
I have the CF5 and just purchased the Carbstone ... Have beer fermenting now and was wondering could bottle right out of it after Carbing in it ? Or still have to transfer to Keg ?
Mike Goyer I've done it two ways. Ive carbed with a carb stone over a 24 hr period then went straight to bottles. Normally I carb then go to keg until the beer clarifies, then to bottles. I guess it all depends on how clear you like your beer. You can also let it sit in the fermenter under pressure until it clears up.
Fernando Partida Thanks ...Going To Cold crash down to about 36* for 24 and Carb using Carb Stone .... Really just want Bottles to share so maybe not gonna get a keg .. Did you filter from Conical to bottle ? With being carbed didn’t know how that would work ?
Birreria Lúpulo even though you mentioned it has bigger bubbles, does the carb stone still get the job done?
Love your setup and nice brew day vids! Cheers!
Just found your page off a comment on one of Short Circuit Brewer vids and subbed! Awesome video on this impressive fermenter! Looking forward to watching more of your vids. We also produce home brewing and beer review vids. We try to keep it fun and would love to know what you think. Cheers!
2TEN90 Brewing I will definitely check your videos out. Thanks for the subscribe!
Fernando Partida appreciate that! Great channel/vids you have. Cheers!
Way to be that guy with the vertical video 🤣 jk man, thanks for sharing your process and progress
Hey man, Thanks for this video, you definitely helped me out. I'd seen another where the reviewers complained about the lid gasket not fitting/staying on, and how their unit couldn't keep more than 10psi. Sounds like they didn't realize the gasket went on a specific way for fitting properly. How's your experience been with the 2in dump valve? We don't have a floor drain or similar, and having a crazy mess come out of there has been my only other small worry. I was thinking maybe some PVC tubing to a bucket and light co2 pressure might allow me to clean the unit more easily. Any thoughts?
Hey Mark, Thanks for commenting. Yeah the lid gasket was initially a problem for me too, but I had the orientation wrong. So far the gasket stays in place and the lid holds pressure until the relief valve goes off. I think the 2 inch valve may be a double-edged sword. During fermentation I've had the trub/wort come flying out in a stream instead of slowly like my ss brewtech 1.5 inch valve while dumping. I'm not sure if it's the increased surface area that allows some of the wort to tunnel through the trub cake or around it and come shooting out. I tried something recently that may help. I purchased a tri clamp to mason jar adapter and attached that along with another butterfly valve to the dump valve. So it would look something like Mason Jar > Adapter > Butterfly Valve > Dump Valve. Once attached, both valves can be opened and the mason jar fills up. Once full, the valves can be closed and separated without much mess. This also works well to harvest yeast. Regarding cleaning, I think the best idea would be to get the leg extensions. This way you can redirect the flow downwards into a bucket using a tri clamp 90 degree elbow tube. I've read on pro brewery forums that PBW (alkaline) cleaners and Co2 may create hard deposits over time on the inside of your stainless tanks.
Fernando Partida ah, wow, yeah - great ideas! I think I'll be ordering this week, so this gives me a couple of things I can pick up to be prepared. Appreciate all the feedback!
Happy to help another brewer out!
Birreria, thanks for your review much appreciated. I am trying to put the lid on with the gasket correctly oriented (flat side up into lid), but every time I try and flip the lid the gasket falls out? This seems like a terrible design flaw. How do you get the gasket to stay in the lid groove and flip it to install the lid? Thanks Steve
KZreadr! That shirt tho!