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Fermenters

Homebrewing Fermenters

Fermenters are an essential part of the homebrewing process. These containers are where the beer is stored during the initial fermentation period and the clarification period.

A primary fermenter is where the beer is stored during the initial vigorous fermentation process. This process is usually done in a fermenting pail or fermenting bucket , a fermenting carboy or conical fermenter. The primary fermenter is generally larger than the batch size to accomodate any foaming or expansion in volume.

A secondary fermenter is generally a jug or carboy where the beer stays as it clears and matures. The size of the secondary fermenter should be about the same size as the batch size to elliminate head space (air) which could oxidize the beer during storage.

Primary fermentation generally lasts for 3 to 5 days and the secondary fermentation (clarification) generally lasts about 5 to 7 days. A clarifier or fining agent for beer can be added during the secondary fermentation to speed up the clarification process.

A conical fermenter allows the brewer to do both a primary and a secondary fermentation in the same vessel, as a valve at the bottom of the conical allows the yeast to be drawn off the bottom, elliminating the need to transfer the beer to a secondary vessel.