How long does a fermenter last?

[Old Gil]

I've been told to replace a fermenter every 2 to 3 years, I've had one of mine for almost 7. Haven't noticed any problems with it yet but i'm thinking it might be time to get a newbie. Whatta ya reckon peolpe Or will it last longer so long as i keep up my scupulous (this damn work computer has no spell check) cleaning

[James L]

If it aint broke dont fix it....

[gregb]

I think it is down to a level of personal comfort.

If it is visibly in good nick, and you're not getting infections then hold out for another 6 to 12 or so months and reassess.

Cheers,
Greg

[SpillsMostOfIt]

Imagine having to replace a stainless steel fermenter every couple of years...

No offence to your informant, but there is a level of common sense and personal instinct involved even in brewing.

It probably boils down to three things:

1. Does it leak?
2. Does it contain an infection I don't like the taste of and cannot get rid of?
3. Have I recently seen a new one I really really want?

[Old Gil]

Have you ever had an infection you DO like the taste of

My fermenter is plastic, if I had a stainless steel one i would be laughing, I wouldn't need to be so damn careful whilst scrubbing it out

[dags64]

I am still using a Brigalow plastic fermenter that I bought in 1993, had about a 5 year break but it is still going strong
is clean, no scratches and every beer that has come out of it has been good, probably do a dozen beers a year in that particular fermenter

[Old Gil]

Only a dozzen, I reckon I turn out about 30 batches @ least Just in that fermenter. And I have 2.
OK now am I an alcoholic, it's OK I can take it

[SpillsMostOfIt]

Have you ever had an infection you DO like the taste of

I had a batch once that tasted 'a bit off' which I put down to an infection. I made sure it didn't hang around for too long.

Pedantically, every time we heave yeast into a wort, we're infecting it...

[Old Gil]

That's blasphemy saying that yeast is an infection

[dags64]

Only a dozzen, I reckon I turn out about 30 batches @ least Just in that fermenter. And I have 2.
OK now am I an alcoholic, it's OK I can take it

I do have three fermenters though

[SpillsMostOfIt]

That's blasphemy saying that yeast is an infection

Ask your girlfriend about yeast infections. Failing that, a gyno...

[Kevnlis]

IMHO anything other than the specific strain of yeast I pitched is an infection...

I have five fermentors, have only ever thrown one out in 5 years...

[ryan]

That's blasphemy saying that yeast is an infection

Ask your girlfriend about yeast infections. Failing that, a gyno...

Hilarious.
But do we need it here?

[Old Gil]

Reminds me of a guy I knew is Sydney, He's missus had Thrush and he ended up with it in he's mouth how didn't he notice before he munched on the carpet

[gregb]

Let's focus on fermenters and how long they last.

Cheers,
Greg

[Paleman]

As long as you dont scrub them with abrasive cloths, use only soft cloths, they should last indefinately.

Every now and again i soak mine in an odourless bleach solution overnight, to make sure no bugs get hold, then rinse with boiling water three or four times.

Take the taps apart and wash, replace o rings in the lid and on taps...... ect ect

[Kevnlis]

I have never replaced any of the seals in any of my fermentors. I find if you soak them after every brew they last for... I am not sure how long because I have only been going for 5 years

[Paul]

Ive always wondered this as my fermenter smelt really plasticy when you put boiling water into it and would often smell like sanitiser. Getting the insides of the tap clean and the threads of it was a pain also.

So

I cut the top out of a 50L keg and put a glass lid on top and im using a stainless fermenter now, big enough for 2 batches at once. It doesnt have a smell about it at all.

I also likened it to when you go to a nightclub and you have to drink out of plastic cups. Its just not the same as drinking out of glass.

[lethaldog]

Thats true but in saying that i dont drink out of my fermenter

[Longwood-65]

All I can say is that if my Home brew efforts don't improve soon My Fermenter is not going to last very long