Blichmann Conicals

[Derekt2]

I just brought a 14 gal. one in for a customer. Since this is the first time I have had the chance to actually look at one up close myself, I must say that I am impressed. And since I used to use unitanks that held 1200+ gallons when my job was brewing, I'd say I'm pretty jaded. But this unit is sweet. Solid, heavy duty construction. Seamless welds, quality components. Blichmann has clearly earned his reputation. Now the only trick will be to not order one for myself -- I need one like a hole in the head but I sure as hell would like one!

[chazwicke]

How much do they cost?

[dparsons]

You only live once.

I'm considering one and the value exchange is in terms of my time, convenience, lack of hefting 6.5 gallon, full, glass carboys, and such.

[dparsons]

They are a bit over $500 on the internet. Add shipping to that.

[HogieWan]

My plastic conical was less than $300. There may be some cons to plastic, but I like being able to see the slurry in the bottom of the cone so I know how much to dump.

[Derekt2]

I used to sell the plastic conicals and they worked fine. My only complaints were: 1) if you cross-threaded the valves you were screwed due to the relatively soft plastic, 2) I was never so sold on the 2-piece system (base + fermentor).

Hogie, not knocking your system, we sold enough to know that people liked them but Blichmann does have some solid tweaks like the folding handles and stuff. The most important thing is to have fun!

- D

[HogieWan]

I actually like the 2-piece aspect because the base can catch the drips from the valves or the excess sani that I spray all over the place trying to get it in the valve before opening it.

[Derekt2]

Originally posted by HogieWan
I actually like the 2-piece aspect because the base can catch the drips from the valves or the excess sani that I spray all over the place trying to get it in the valve before opening it.

Yeah, that's a good point too.

[Fly Creek]

I have an older 12-gallon Blichmann and love it. Since I bought mine, the manufacturer made a few design changes that look pretty good. At the time, I waffled as to whether I should get a plastic or stainless model. In the end I chose the stainless just because I thought it looked cooler. I doubt that my brewing results would be any different had I bought a plastic model.

Either way - stainless or plastic - brewing with a conical eliminates racking to a secondary which is really nice (if you only brew one batch at a time).

[MichaelM]

yea but you cant peek in on the little yeasties doing all the fun work. Conicals rule really but I sure love looking into the carboys when I check on it and seeing all there is to see lol

edit: If we could just get them to make a glass conical :)