Fermzilla Final Review 27L
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- Опубликовано: 7 сен 2024
- It is time for my final review of the Fermzilla after much testing.
I have tested it in every way that it can be used and I feel that I have found its pros and cons during this time.
This video is set out to explain all of this in balance so that people can take a fully informed look and add this into their own consideration.
I hope this video gives you all the information you are looking for when combined with all the information contained in my previous preview video.
If, after watching both of these videos you have any questions then do let me know.
Feedback is always appreciated.
Link to instructions:-www.kegland.co...
Channel links:-
groups/Brewbeer
www.teespring....
Introduction music:- Drink Beer (Till The Day That I Die) by Dazie Mae
Thank you David for this excellent video.
I can’t get over how much work you put into your videos to help us home-brewers, most of mine are just off the cuff.
I keep saying it but you have taught me so much and I greatly appreciate it👍👍👍
Many thanks, much appreciated. I try my very best :)
Great review David! I made the mistake of testing and cleaning my unit at my wort was chilling, which lead to a very stressful 30 minutes, as I found a small leak. As you did, I would advise everyone to clean and test prior to using. It will also give you a better feel for how the vessel works. I'm only a few batches in and love the Fermzilla. My pressure kit just arrived, and I can't wait to try a pressurized fermentation for a lager. I look forward to your future videos and reviews. Cheers!
Thank you Matthew :) Yes, some prior planning and testing really cuts down the stress factor with this and much in brewing in general I feel. Hope you enjoy the pressure fermentation results :)
Thanks a lot for yet another honest review of a much needed product. I really appreciate all the effort that goes into your videos.
Much appreciated Janus. I am very glad that you clearly saw the honest balance of the review.
I am using this unit constantly to make pressure fermented lager in 12-14 days, once the first was done and the cleaning and other nuances are learned i find it quick and hassle free to produce 25l of lager every 2 weeks (you could turn the fermenter around in 8 days to start another if req) with amazing results. I use a 1 litre plastic bottle with a carbonation cap to do a gelatin solution transfer directly into the fermenter whilst cold crashing and this gives me better clarity in the keg. Great informative vids,keep them coming. PS I don't mind your delivery...:)
Many thanks Phil, much appreciated :) Yes these work well :)
Thanks again for a review of brewing equipment, it is always nice to have a relabel information when one is going to the local brewing shops for spending hard earned money. 👍
Many thanks Allan. Yes, I agree!
I always enjoy your reviews and what you say about this product is pretty much spot on if you follow the instructions.
I've been using my 27l fermzilla for 2 years now. I've not had any major issues but as I rarely use the dump valve I think it's something I could do without.
I'm in the UK and after 2 years I decided to look for a replacement 27 l tank. There seems very little stock of spare parts in the UK.
I did think about getting an all rounder tank but kegland say it wouldn't be a very good fit on the stand that I got with my fermzilla.
Also I do prefer the conical shape, it's a shame kegland don't do the 27 l tank without the hole in the bottom for the dump valve. Something like their competitors snub nose fermenter! 🍻
Many thanks Dave. The all rounder is a great way to go if you do not use the bottom dump. There is also the tri clamp version of the Fermzilla conical coming soon too.
Another great and honest job! I have been brewing for years and still picked up interesting items from your posts.
Many thanks Jon, always great to hear :)
Once again a very honest and very good review.
Keep them coming David, you have taught me so much..thank you.👍👍
Great to hear Jeffrey., thank you. More coming soon :)
Nice review. I have purchased this unit (it finally is on the last leg of it's journey to me, after COVID logistics related delays), but having been brewing for some 30 years now in a variety of circumstances, I'm pretty comfortable with the concepts this unit is built around and am looking forward to it.
And, I do, in fact, live in the middle of a desert (Arizona). 😋
Thank you. Sounds like you will need a good cooling solution :)
Firstly love the video, well done. I'm new to brewing, only done one brew to date, but watching your content has really raised my knowledge. I purchased a FermZilla and using the FermZilla Jacket & brew belt, just about held a temp of 20c in a very cold garage. I did not notice any side effects on the plastic, though maybe long term use might be something to consider. Just thought i'd share. Looking forward to next video.
Thank you Neil, great to hear :) As Kegland tell it as long as you have no direct heat then all should be fine. I've used mine a lot and all is still looking good.
@@DavidHeathHomebrew I have been using mine under pressure with a heat belt and it has been fine in a garage @9DegC. The instructions say don't use cleaning with over 50 DegC so I took that as the limit. If the heat belt was in the wort region I would have thought it was ok. They usually tell you not to use heat because if not; some people will go and stick a burner under it!...Have had some issues with tiny pressure leaks that take 10 hours to loose pressure so usually too hard to find but otherwise love this thing. I too love to see the wort fermenting.
@@philcross6037 Interesting stuff Phil. Thank you.
@@DavidHeathHomebrew i have had a small air leak but is only when i take the unit apart. i find that when its been fermenting for a while it seems to stop. I think its where the bottom funnel meets the main plastic as trub seems to get into the interface and seal it up. when i clean the unit I can see trapped trub and take it apart to clean it and then it leaks air again!
Thnx a lot for another informative vid. Next time I’ll try to use the pressure kit and go for fast ferm!
Thank you Mats. Yes, it is a great way to go for sure :)
Thanks for another in-depth and informative review. I ordered the 55l model last night. I've been leery about using plastic ever since I upgraded from buckets to glass and stainless, but having a dump-valved unitank at this price point is just too good to pass up. I suppose with a gas post in the bottom container I could hook up a stone and make oxygenating wort and carbonating a little easier to boot. I might even give pressurized fermentation a try. Good times. Cheers!
Glad you found it useful thank you. I have not tried the 55L version but suspect it is similar in operation. Yes the price is very good for sure and as long as you are careful to follow the instructions then all should be just fine :)
Very informative and balanced review. Really love how you explain everything.
Great to hear, thank you :)
Absolutely nailed it. It’s mostly exactly what I was thinking. Super cool video, thank you. Ive seen probably two dozen of your videos, I think we have very similar opinions in beer and such, we would have a good couple pints..... but I digress. Cheers from Buffalo, NY in the US.
Great to hear, thank you :) Let me know if your are ever in Oslo :)
I have the Grainfather fermenters & Glycol chiller but wanted to try pressure fermenting & for the price though why not. Thanks again for the great Videos, I have learnt from & continue learning watching them I do however shudder to think how much I have spent after watching them LOL but I have some great kit & its a great hobby. Many Thanks
Many thanks Stephen. Much appreciated.
As usual, another great video. I am impressed by the amount of Pros of this unit, however I cannot get over the fact that it is plastic, and therefore liable to issues further down the line. I will try pressure fermentation in a keg before deciding if this is something I want to go forward with, but then I still might go with a SS vessel or just dedicate a keg to this task.
Thank you. Yes, plastic is still plastic and something that must be considered along with the price.
@@DavidHeathHomebrew This thing is very sturdy when pressurized but don't be too rough with it when not, saying that its not too flimsy, just keep sharps and rough handling away at bay.
@@philcross6037 Yes, exactly.
Thanks for the review David. Looks like a good product.
Thanks Jennifer, yes I think so but clearly with some pros and cons to consider.
Thx David - very good review!
Many thanks Ken, much appreciated :)
You are a brilliant reviewer. Thanks for making these videos!
Cheers Lewis, great to hear 🍻🍻🍻
Another great video - thanks David!
Many thanks Henry, great :)
Thanks for another great Review!
Many thanks Ferry, much appreciated :)
Mine didn't come with any instructions. I made some minor mistakes, corrected with the help of RUclips. I don't find it easy to keep gas-tight and dismantling it on your own is a nightmare if there is any water or lube on the surface. A good tip from a RUclipsr is to put some split tube on the rods that support the vessel in the stand. I also put some on the stand handles as they cut into your hands if you move the assembly when the vessel is full.
You can get the instructions from thr Kegland website in PDF form :) Well worth a read, lots of great info.
Thanks David for the video. Lots of GREAT information. I was looking at the 55Litre conical. I usually make cider in 20 lite kegs and cool it in a deep freezer for forced carbonation. How would you suggest to cool the 55litre as I am sure it is too heavy to lift into a freezer? I can't seem to find anything online. Thanks Gord
Cheers Gord, you can use Keglands temp twister product. There is a new upgrade for Fermzilla now, be sure to get this model, its a nice improvement:- ruclips.net/video/mQWzm0-n0Wo/видео.html
Thank you for a good review as always. How do you aerate the wort, do you use the Grainfather paddle inside the fermzilla?
Hi Henrik. I've got back to wort splashing. Works just fine :)
ı keep use my old school bin ; great video
Haha thanks 🍻😜
Great review David!
Thank you Jan, much appreciated :)
Thanks for a nice and well balanced review David. I'm just wondering if this can be used for 25 l when not adding pressure too? Or is a reduction of the batch recommended?
Hi Eirik, thank you and yes no problem there in general. More explosive yeast may demand a blow off rather than an airlock though.
Hi David, like you, I am very excited about the new Fermzilla 27litre - I have just bought one. I wondered about your experience of using it for dry hopping. Unscrewing the bottom pot with all that wort spilling out...mess everywhere?! Is there a better way? And does the purging really work? Does the oxygen actually get pushed out? How much CO2 do you need to use? And what about the hops? The usual advice is to weigh them down to keep them on the bottom of the fermenter - does that still apply or just let them float free...Perhaps, I should simply bag them as before, with marble, fill bottom pot to brim with water and re-attach? Keen to hear your thoughts and many thanks once more for your videos.
🍻🍻🍻
Again a great video, thanks David.
Point 11 of the FZ instructions states that the butterfly valve must always be open during fermentation but does not explain the reason. In addition, the bottom jar I think I read that it has trouble maintaining pressure.
Curiously, the FZ manual dated 1/20/2018 downloaded from the Kegland website some time ago does not mention this point but in the last update they have corrected it.
What is your opinion and experience on this?
Have you used the open butterfly valve in your testing? Or does this aspect really not matter?
I have tried FZ recently only in 2 pressure fermentation and in my opinion it is a very good product and I am frankly happy with the product.
TY in advance
Thank you Fernando, much appreciated. Yes, you really need to follow all the instructions of use with this product. This is the key here for sure. Very easy stuff really once you have it right and practised a little.
If you close the valve while it is still fermenting, the pressure will build in the collection jar and either pop a cap off or blow the whole container
Evan Kuhn ok but I still don’t understand why not ferment simply with valve closed from the beginning and use the empty jar for hop additions I.e.
@@TFS6750 You can still add the hops in later with the valve open, you just close - remove the jar and clean, purge the air, then put the hops in and open the valve again.
Got my new larger o-ring today so I'll try one last time to get mine to hold pressure. If not, straight to the trash.
Ok. I am still using the old one without issue but I think there is some variations here. Fingers crossed you have success with the new one.
@pezz6570 I ended up being one of the victims of the faulty first orings. for some all the lube in the world wouldn't help but I got the new o-ring and now it's ok
I just bought and used the rapt heat belt with my fermzilla last week and was under the impression from everything I read online that that heat belt from kegland was safe to use with the fermzilla.
This video was created yesrs before the Rapt heat belt 🍻😎
@@DavidHeathHomebrew Thanks
🍻🍻🍻
Hello Mr Heath,
I would like to start by saying that as a beginner home brewer your channel as been a huge help in getting a good start in brewing. So thank you! I would have a question regarding the fermzilla that I just ordered. How could I draw a sample for gravity reading if no pressure is applied yet, like in the beginning of fermentation? Knowing there are no sample port. Once under pressure I realise that a simple picnic tap should do the job. Thanks in advance. Charlie
Great to hear! Personally I use floating hydrometers, I have a comparison guide coming soon. Other than that you need pressure first :)
Thank you David for your answer. It is true a floating hydrometer is definitely a great help. I think it might be my next investment. Thank you for taking the time. Take care and of course looking forward to your future videos
I find their use invaluable personally though they are not without restriction. I detail this is my comparison guide that compares the top three. Should be out in 2 weeks :)
Another great video David. Do you have any knowledge or experience of how pressure fermentation affects the performance of floating digital hydrometers like the the iSpindel?
Thanks Richard. If you use normally accepted pressure levels in the region of 10-15 PSI then you will have no issues. You will need to go quite a way past this to change this, which is going to risk your yeast anyway.
Good review as always, looks a really nice piece of kit but do you think it would be worth fermenting Cider under pressure ?.
Many thanks Paul. Yes, I know people have found this works well.
Cheers David.
:)
Great video. Thanks for putting the time and effort into good content. Would be interested to know your thoughts in a review of the keg king snubnose gen 3 if you ever get one and decide to do a review 👍
Thanks Nigel. I did actually have one, as seen in this video:- ruclips.net/video/CQvalGj3vlA/видео.html
I only feature reviews on products that stand out rather than reviewing everything. I really prefer to cover educational content.
@@DavidHeathHomebrew ah ok. Great stuff 👍 my real concern with the snubnose is doing small batches (under 15 litres) as tests for recipes. Surely thats alot of headspace in 35 litre fermenter???? And releasing pressure through prv to dry hop and then not using loads of gas to get it back up to pressure
Does that make sense? To me connecting it to co2 cylinder and putting gas in will take alot to get back to say 10 psi????
I would really not recommend any vessel that will have that much headspace if you intend to use pressure. The results will not be as clean.
Hi David. Would it be possible to do a fruit beer with this using just one vessel and no racking onto secondary?
Sure, I would dump the trub first then add the fruit. Just to be on the safe side.
@@DavidHeathHomebrew Thanks. The question then is how do you add the fruit? Would you ferment a fruit beer under pressure?
Ps. Thank you so much for your channel. I'm sorry I haven't discovered it sooner. It has really made my day off sick at home much more enjoyable. But now I want to buy lots more equipment. 😂
I think the best thing is to watch this video:- ruclips.net/video/orKkr9JYD9Y/видео.html
It shows the whole process behind adding fruit during its content which is step by step.
Sure you can ferment fruit under pressure. No problem there :)
Thank you for the insight, gave me some food for thought. Would you know where to find it in Europe by chance?
Hi Tachi, It depends where you are in Europe. Best thing really is to google Fermzilla 27L and you will get local results.
I'm interested to know if this would be a good vessel for fermenting mead, I don't believe you will need the amount of headspace that you require for brewing beer, but I'm sure adjustments to the recipe could be made to fill the vessel further if need be and/or the prospect of pressurised fermentation of mead is an interesting one. Really liked the video, have subscribed!
Thanks Matt. I know a number of people that use these for mead with good results. There are also mead makers using Kveik yeast for much faster fermentations and conditioning times too.
@@DavidHeathHomebrew Thanks for the tip, I'm eager for learning anything I can about mead, particularly in the UK!
Cheers Matt 🍺🍺🍺
Hi David,
A little late to the party here, but in your experience does the butterfly valve assembly require disassemble for cleaning? If so, I feel the all rounder may be a better choice for my needs/ partial laziness.
Cheers, Morgan.
Hi :) No, simply soak cleaning is enough.
Right on, thanks mate!!
Cheers James
Great video as always. I've just started my brewing journey using the pinter 2... which I now know is a type of uni tank. Are uni tanks quite common in the market place? I can only find a couple of the market and they seem to be a simple way to get started... I'd be interested in your thoughts on the pinter 2... but I guess you'll probably find it hard to do a review... as I don't think they ship to Norway. Thanks again, great video
Hi Frank, glad you enjoyed. Yes Unitanks are very popular, especially Fermzilla.
I did manage to import the first Pinter and have used it a few times. The Pinter 2 ive not tried. I am really more into all grain brewing personally.
Another informative video! Thank you! I did a bit of research and I wonder if one can bottle directly from the fermzilla without a sophisticated beer gun? How does the carbonation changes after bottling?
Thanks Max. Ive seen people use adapted picnic taps with hosing that reaches the bottom of the bottle. There is no way to CO2 purge though.
Thank you for your answer :) Do you know how to adjust the level of carbonation in the beer when using the CO2 produced from by fermentation?
It is really best to discount that level if carbonation. The temperature you ferment at is pretty high and as much as it does have some effect, it is not that much in reality.
Thanks David a good review. What is the reason for the relevancy of the headspace(8% and 5%) during fermenting under pressure?
Thank you. It's all about heath and taste.
I mean what is the physics behid it? If the headspace have the same pressure what difference the % of the volume makes of health and taste?
Sorry but I cannot fully explain the physics behind it personally.
Seems a lot of people have leakage problems with these, and I think it's unreasonable to lament this as user error since kegland has acknowledged this and started shipping new units with thicker o-rings. I myself will wait to procure a fermzilla until all units have thicker o-rings. Appreciate your reviews on these though. I ordered a fermzilla all rounder to begin with. Hopefully that won't leak haha.
Those that have issues tend to come forward and shout the loudest. I think it is fair to say that the majority are not having issues. There is a new o ring released now that has become standard.
I have the anvil 6.5 foundry that makes 2.5 to 3 gal batches. Would this fermzilla be to big to use??? Thx
This is good for 5 to 14.5 gallon batches.
What would you recommend to heat the fermzilla with? I have the insulation jacket but read you shouldn't put a heat belt directly on the fermenter.
I use the official jacket with a heatbelt on top. Works well.
@@DavidHeathHomebrew so the heatbelt is on top of the jacket?
Well that was extremely detailed ! Very Very nice video, I love mine. I'm thinking I'm going to have to get the bigger one as well. What about that cooling coil ?
Thank you. I've done some basic testing with the Temp Twister. Seems good. Awaiting something to control temperature both ways with it :)
@@DavidHeathHomebrew haha now I am as well ... Thanks a lot 🤪
Thanks for the information 👍🏻😊 One question? How can it be that headspace above 8% gives off flavors, when the fermzilla is filled with CO2 ?
Thank you Dorthe. It is not off flavours as such, it is simply about optimal volume levels for the best flavour results. I have completed much testing on this myself with other home equipment and the Fermzilla and the difference in results have been very noticeable. Try it and I am sure that you will see what I mean :)
Great question. I usually brew 12l batches and was about to buy a Fermzilla then re- watched this video; I am glad I did. Based on your experience David would 12l batch sizes (my standard brew length) fermented under pressure in the Fermzilla still be drinkable and palatable to the average homebrewer like myself? I appreciate that is a tricky question. I could accept SOME trade-off in terms of flavour for the convenience of pressure transfer, ability to avoid oxidation, ferment faster, ferment at higher temps. and produce lagers etc. but certainly not if you would end up with totally rubbish beer. Are there any sources of basic technical information about optimal headspace under pressure fermentation as a reasonably deep Google search did not provide any useful results? Many thanks for the great vid.
Thanks Tim. There are a great deal of variables here but the results that I have had with smaller batches under pressure have not been as pleasing as larger batches of the same beer.
Is there a heating kit out yet? One that can be used without the insulated cover...I want to still watch the ferment.
No but all you will need is something protective between the heat belt and fermzilla. So that can be a strip of material that can handle the heat.
I like the insulated cover and it keeps the light away from the fermenting beer. just lift it up now and again to look.
Yes, works well:)
so i want to make sure i understand something about this product. if you ferment in this it will ferment at the pressure that you would be drinking it right? sounds completely awesome if you dont need to force carb it.
This is unlikely but you will have a headstart.
@@DavidHeathHomebrew how can it be unlikely if you put the valve in that releases at 2.4 bar?
Because at this amount of pressure your yeast will die :) You will need to use pressures under 1 bar. 0.82 bar is common or maybe a little higher.
You should watch this video for full info:- ruclips.net/video/W7WSFn6bNoA/видео.html
@@DavidHeathHomebrew now im real confused because the yeast builds up enough pressure in the bottle to explode it right?
Thanks for the video, David. To what ongoing developments are you referring to when you say it might not be the right time to invest in alternative more expensive solutions right now?
🍻🍻😎
have you tried the all rounder fermzilla yet? Have just tried it and am not as convinced as some others about the use of it. would be interested in your experience if you have.
Hi Phil, I have used it 3 times so far. I have not any issues with it but made a round up video covering the wide range of these vessels instead of releasing lots of similar product videos on the channel. Personally, when it comes to pressure fermentation I mostly use the stainless steel Kegmenter. It is pretty much in some ways a SS version of the all rounder. Simple to use and effective.
@@DavidHeathHomebrew I like the simplicity and the cleaning but the tube for pressure transfer in the bottom hangs below the float and reaches the trub with 3l of good beer above it. I used a high floculation yeast so could tilt the unit whilst transferring without the sediment moving but otherwise I would be left with a lot of good beer in the bottom. Am I missing something?
You are talking about the all rounder and not the normal Fermzilla aren't you?
@@philcross6037 When it comes to the floating dip tube I would suggest cutting the line down to limit how far it can go. This also stops it for resting on the side and becoming an issue. All of the tubing is the same size and it suits various sizes.
@@philcross6037 Sorry, I just noticed a typo in my comment. I was talking about the "Kegmenter". I have made a change in the previous text now.
What's the total height including the pressure kit?
Hi, Just over 12lbs.
@@DavidHeathHomebrew 720mm bare with no trap but bank on 850mm if using pressure as the caps and the Spunding valve add more height. say 800mm with bubbler.
How did you find dry hopping from the bottom jar? How much does the fermenting under pressure effect taking gravity readings?
Yes, nice and easy. Great that you can keep things oxygen free. I did that they rise to the top fast. Giving the fermenter a gentle shake allows them to drop again, as will a cold crash. I've been using a tilt hydrometer personally. Seems unaffected by pressure, just the usual things. I need to try the Plaato also.
@@DavidHeathHomebrew What benefits are there to the beer fermenting under pressure besides being able to keep it oxygen free.
mine exploded while filtering yesterday
That would suggest that the PRV failed. Did krausen reach it? You need to be careful in this regard with pressure vessels.
Such a lame review.
Ahhh there he is again our Liftime Hater....
Please Crawl back under the stone you came from!
Was it? The vast majority seem to not think so. Ahh hold on, you dont like it because you do not sell it in your homebrew store in Germany.I guess AB InBev stores do not get accounts with all suppliers.
Daniel Laizure, What was lame about it without details how do you expect David Heath to make changes to improve the content? I thought it was a good review myself.
@@itterman Thanks Bruce. I guess you may remember this guy from various GF groups before he got banned from them. There is something not quite right sadly.
Douche bag
Thanks for another great review!
Thank you, much appreciated:)