FermZilla Review: Is This the Conical Fermenter for You?

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FermZilla conical fermenter is the perfect fit for home brewers. It has all the advantages of a stainless steel fermenter but with a nicer price tag, making it one of the best conical fermenters on the market.

Want to know the best part?

With FermZilla, you can see the fermentation process live in action. 

Celebrated as the most cost-effective and innovative conical fermenter, FermZilla is an all-in-one solution. Apart from fermenting and carbonating, I could even dispense my freshly brewed beer directly from the fermenter. 

In this FermZilla review, let me show you why this conical fermenter is a favorite and the best fit for you. 

FermZilla Conical Fermenter Features

Large Opening

The large opening of the FermZilla is more than for design purposes. The 4.75” top port is an essential feature of the unit. It is made keeping in mind the cleaning process. 

The top port allows you to put your whole arm in the tank and scrub the fermenter walls with a soft sponge. This way I could reach all the inner surfaces and clean the container once the brewing process was complete. 

Plastic Construction

FermZilla conical fermenter has a plastic body but it serves well. The end product is well-built. It feels sturdy enough to handle the weight throughout the fermentation process. 

The clear plastic fermenter allows you to see the whole brewing process. I could also keep a note of the beer volume while transferring it to a keg. The clear plastic also makes it easier to clean the container thoroughly. 

Easy Transfers

With FermZilla conical fermenter, pressure or closed transfers are much easier. Due to the presence of the inbuilt gas and liquid ball lock posts, oxygen-free transfers were hassle-free. The structure of the fermenter and its components come together to limit oxygen exposure. 

Connecting my CO2 tank to the FermZilla helped. Once the gas was out of the keg, I attached a fully closed spunding valve. The gas escaped when I opened the valve slowly and the beer started flowing. 

Shape and Size of the Container

The shape and size of the container are not for merely aesthetic purposes. I understood their function while using the conical fermenter firsthand. The large size of the container will get you a little under 5-gallon in the keg. For your reference, this is the quantity of product in a 7.1-gallon version. 

The large container is effective in preventing the hop, protein, and yeast matter from slipping into the keg. The conical shape along with the floating dip tube is a powerful tool that helps to clarify the beer. 

Benefits of FermZilla Conical Fermenter

With an unbeatable price tag and loaded with features, the FermZilla conical fermenter has become the most sought-after fermenter by home brewers. There are two versions for you to select: 7.1-gallons and 13.2-gallons. You can easily upgrade or downgrade by replacing the plastic tank. Here are some pros and cons to evaluate while making your decision.

Pros

• Budget-friendly product with professional-grade features
• Easy assembling process following the provided instructions
• Large opening to pour things inside and to clean afterward
• Good quality plastic container and sturdy stainless steel frame 
• Clear plastic container allows you to see the brewing process as well as note the beer volume
• Limits oxygen exposure and easy transferring process
• Super performance in terms of pressure fermentation 
• Large 3″ butterfly dump valve prevents clogging 
• Easy and effective removal of oxygen from the head space 
• Total volume (2 variants): 7.1-gal / 13.2-gal
• Pressure rated to 2.4 Bar (34.8 psi)

Cons

• The absence of a dump valve in the yeast container can make the removal process messy 
• The whole set up is difficult to move once the process starts 
• You have to wait for the FermZilla to be empty to brew again

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best way to dry hop with a FermZilla?

It is similar to any other fermenter. Please note that the tank is not pressurized. Also, make sure the beer is not carbonated. 

Is it possible to bottle using FermZilla? 

Yes, of course. Remove the yeast and sediment from the FermZilla before storing. 

Does FermZilla have a heating source?

No, to control the temperature you’ll need a FermZilla insulated jacket, which you can get here.

Conclusion

If you are looking for a feature-rich budget-friendly fermented, you are on the right track. With all the advantages of a stainless steel fermenter, FermZilla conical fermenter shines out from the rest. Minimal investment for a quality product, FermZilla covers all.