Category Archives: Fermentation

TILT Wrench and Bottle Opener – $8 + TILT Hands on Review

Standard Wrench + Bottle Opener

Standard Wrench + Bottle Opener

More Info
Highlighted Features
  • Tilt wrench is a tool for removing the cap of your Tilt hydrometer.
  • The rubber over-mold keeps the plastic cap intact and free from any scratches or dents.
  • The handle gives you leverage to remove the hard to turn caps.
  • As a bonus the product doubles as a bottle cap remover.

 

3/26 1 PM Central: This is selling for $8. Shipping is also free to many US addresses. Prices, promotions and availability can change quickly.  Check product page for current info – More About Prices

Tilt Standard Wrench + Bottle Opener – affiliate link, note that multiple variations of this product may be available, as such a different version may appear at this link

Also: Tilt Wireless Hydrometer and Thermometer – affiliate link, note that multiple variations of this product may be available, as such a different version may appear at this link

tilt review

TILT Works with Brewfather App!  Sign up for a free trial! – check out our Hands on Review

This post contains affiliate links. We may make a commission when you use our Amazon links. This will never cost you extra. Thank you for supporting Homebrew Finds!

Hands on Review: FermZilla Tri-Clamp Conical + Limited time Deal

fermzilla conical fermenter review

Thank you to HBF Contributor Aaron Nord for this hands on review!  Aaron is an advanced award winning brewer, a long time reader and a serial tipster!

FermZilla Tri-Clamp Conical

There have been some exciting new offerings over the last five years or so in the homebrewing fermenter market. With loads of offerings from companies like Spike, Ss Brewtech, Blichmann Engineering, Kegland, as well as from a product line called BrewBuilt developed by MoreBeer, a home brewer has a lot to choose from when considering upgrading or replacing an existing fermenter. One of the features that is becoming more common on new fermenter offerings is the ability hold pressure, either to enable pressure transfers or to allow fermenting under pressure – both of which enable low-oxygen brewing along with other advantages. If a brewer wanted to upgrade to a pressure fermenter there are a range of prices and options to consider. For those who want to try pressure fermentation before investing many hundreds or even thousands of dollars, thankfully there are some excellent newer plastic options that perform the job admirably.


Related: Fermenting Under Pressure


Kegland is a noticeable leader in the pressurized fermenters market. With their line of FermZilla fermenters, a brewer can experiment with pressure fermentation without investing a ton of money to see if this method fits into their brewing operations. I have been a satisfied user of the FermZilla All Rounder fermenter for nearly three years now. Before that I was using a Chronical from Ss Brewtech. While both have their advantages, forced to choose between the two I would choose the All Rounder for its flexibility, cost, and higher pressure rating (the Chronical only held a few psi to allow for transfers). One thing that the Chronical has that the All Rounder is missing is the ability to dump trub and collect yeast. Thankfully there is another option from Kegland that combines the flexibility of the All Rounder with the trub and yeast management of a conical fermenter.\


Limited Time Deal:

MoreBeer has two different combo packs that include the FermZilla conical on sale as of this update.

Check each product page for price and availability.

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Last Call… STACKING Backdoor Deals on TILT Bluetooth Hydrometer!

tilt deal

TILT Bluetooth Hydrometer via Adventures in Homebrewing

More Info

From the product description, check product page for current description, price and availability:

Designed specifically for homebrewers, the Tilt Hydrometer & Thermometer monitors both the specific gravity and temperature of your batch while its fermenting without having to open your fermenter and waste your beer for test samples, allowing you to brew more consistent batches of beer and makes each batch much easier to track. Using the Tilt App (Available Here!) you can instantly check on your batches readings using an Apple iPhone/iPad or Android smartphone/tablet. Designed with a high precision temperature sensor and accelerometer, the Tilt monitors your batch with a fine degree of control. The specific gravity is accurate +/- 0.002 within the Tilt’s 0.990 to 1.120 range. The included thermometer is accurate +/- 1 degree F. The increased transmission power of the Tilt gives it better reception and range, allowing it to send data through large, thick-walled fermenters and it will work with most Bluetooth 4.0+ devices. The Tilt was also built with efficiency in mind. The reduced power consumption allows to to use you Tilt batch after batch with the same battery. Each Tilt comes calibrated and ready to use with an included battery. Battery life is 12-24 months depending on usage. Easy to use, the Tilt makes a great addition to any brewhouse. Simply download the app, sanitize your Tilt, drop it into your fermenter, and start taking readings!

The Tilt Hydrometers comes in a rainbow of colors to brighten up your brew supplies, but these colors are not just cosmetic. Use a different color Tilt to monitor multiple batches of beer at the same time. The Tilt App will not read multiple hydrometers of the same color.


 

Why the TILT is Awesome: Hands on Review: Tilt Bluetooth Fermentation Hydrometer!

Tilt Hydrometers at Adventures in Homebrewing

Deals on TILT are Rare, Why?

TILT is a MAP item. MAP = Minimum Advertised Price.  It’s an agreement between sellers and manufacturer’s not to sell an item below a certain price.  This gear generally sells for about the same price no matter where you purchase it from and is rarely discounted.

Backdoor Deal on TILT! (two stacking deals!)

Free Oberon Kit (this deal is ending soon)

Celebrate Oberon Day

+ 5% Back

  • Adventures in Homebrewing’s Rewards program typically offers about 5% back. Each qualifying item earns 1 point per dollar. 200 points gets you a $10 discount code.
  • My contact at AIH says this works on EVERYTHING excluding gift cards.
  • Note: In order to earn rewards points, you must log in to your AIH account.
  • See: Rewards Program Complete Details

This is a loophole or sorts that gets you a rare, de facto discount on TILT

Tilt Hydrometers at Adventures in Homebrewing

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One of our Top Amazon Finds of 2023!… THREE x Safale US-05 Yeast – $10.49, $3.50 each + free prime ship

Fermentis SafAle US-05 Beer/Ale Yeast - Pack of 3 - With North Mountain Supply Freshness Guarantee

As of this posting, these are selling for $10.49. Shipping is also free to many US addresses with Prime Membership [Try Prime for Free] or a qualifying orderPrices and availability can change quickly.  Check product page for current info – More About Prices

North Mountain Supply – FT-05-3 Fermentis SafAle US-05 Beer/Ale Yeast – Pack of 3 – Fresh Yeast – affiliate link, note that multiple variations of this product may be available, as such a different version may appear at this link

More Safale US-05 Offerings…

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Hands On Review: Mark’s Keg and Carboy Washer

mark ii keg and carboy washer review

Hands on Review Mark’s Keg & Carboy Washer

The Mark II Keg and Carboy Washer is designed to help you easily clean and sanitize kegs, carboys and more.


Compare Prices and Check Availability, Review Continues Below:

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Announcing: Kegland Saber Refractometer – TRIPLE Scale + LED Lighting

KegLand Saber Refractometer | Auto Temperature Compensation | LED Light Sample Illumination | Triple Scale | SG Sugar, Brix, SG Wort | Magnetic Rechargeable Battery | Water Resistant | Carrying Case

Kegland Saber TRIPLE Scale Refractometer with LED Illumination

More Info

From the product description, check product page for current description, price and availability:

  • Track your mash tun run off during sparging, pre-boil gravity, post-boil gravity, and starting gravity before fermentation
  • Readings are almost instantaneous, requires only a few drops, and there’s no need to cool your sample thanks to ATC
  • Triple scaled for use in brewing, winemaking, and distilling
  • LED illumination makes it easy to see your readings even in low light environments like your garage or basement
  • Water resistant enclosure—dip the refractometer into your wort without risk of damaging the LED light
  • Includes case, pipette, and USB magnetic charging cable

If you want a quick and easy way to take gravity readings during the brewing process, then a refractometer is the tool for the job. Taking hydrometer readings during the brew tends to be a time-consuming process, and by the time you get a reading it may be too late to react. This is because you need to take a large sample and cool it to get an accurate reading. A refractometer allows you take instant gravity readings, with just one drop, at any point during the boil, or even during the run off of the sparge during an all-grain brew. These ‘during the process’ readings allow you to add more water or boil longer so you can attain exactly the gravity you desire.

Traditional refractometers without ATC are calibrated to work at 68°F. The ATC function allows you to use the refractometer in an ambient temperature range of 50-86°F (10-30°C). Since your sample is just one drop, and will quickly adjust to the temperature of the refractometer, the temperature of the sample is irrelevant. This unit also comes with a manual calibration knob that is secured with a lock nut. To calibrate place one drop of distilled water on the testing platform and adjust to zero if necessary. The LED light is a handy feature that helps illuminate the sample and make the scale easier to read.

Features:

Triple Scaled
0-32 Brix
0-1.130 Specific Gravity for Wort
0-1.130 Specific Gravity for Sugar
Water resistant enclosure
Adjustable focus eyepiece with rubber grip
Automatic Temperature Compensation
LED illumination function
Rechargeable battery
Please Note: The Sabre Refractometer is used to measure unfermented wort. Once alcohol is present, the use of a correction table is advised.

KegLand Part Number: KL25072


 

KegLand Saber Refractometer | Auto Temperature Compensation | LED Light Sample Illumination | Triple Scale | SG Sugar, Brix, SG Wort | Magnetic Rechargeable Battery | Water Resistant | Carrying Case MT711

For me, getting a refractometer was one of those upgrades that made a lot of difference.  With a refractometer you need a sample size of two drops.  I figured that this would pay for itself in beer savings alone.  I also had just broken my hydrometer and came to the realization that hydrometers are made of breakable glass that can break! 🙂

With the aid of calculators – get a Free Non-Expiring Brewfather Trial Account –  Refractometers can be used to measure gravity throughout the brewing process.

MORE MoreBeer Deals!…This post contains affiliate links. We may make a commission when you use our links. This will never cost you extra. Thank you for supporting Homebrew Finds!

Price, promotions and availability can change quickly. Check the product page for current price, description and availability. tag:b3peroff

Hands on Review: Tilt Bluetooth Fermentation Hydrometer – Rare STACKING Deals on TILT

tilt review

This review is by Homebrew Finds Contributor Brad Probert.  Brad is an engineer, expert homebrewer and experienced reviewer.  Grab a link to Brad’s website at the end of this review.

Tilt Bluetooth Fermentation Hydrometer

I get pretty excited about most homebrew gear. As an engineer, I love trying to find new tools that let me brew more consistently, or give me control over processes that previously were just a spectator sport. The Tilt Bluetooth hydrometer is one of those devices that pulls back the curtain a bit on a part of the brew process that’s a bit more mysterious. It lets you see what’s going on within your fermenting beer in a way that makes you wonder how you managed without it before.


Deals on TILT are Rare, Why?

TILT is a MAP item. MAP = Minimum Advertised Price.  It’s an agreement between sellers and manufacturer’s not to sell an item below a certain price.  This gear generally sells for about the same price no matter where you purchase it from and is rarely discounted.


Limited Time Deal! STACKING Backdoor Deals on TILT Bluetooth Hydrometer!

Free Oberon Kit!

Celebrate Oberon Day

+ 5% Back

  • Adventures in Homebrewing’s Rewards program typically offers about 5% back. Each qualifying item earns 1 point per dollar. 200 points gets you a $10 discount code.
  • My contact at AIH says this works on EVERYTHING excluding gift cards.
  • Note: In order to earn rewards points, you must log in to your AIH account.
  • See: Rewards Program Complete Details

This is a loophole or sorts that gets you a rare, de facto discount on TILT

Tilt Hydrometers at Adventures in Homebrewing


Check Current Prices & Availability

Check product pages and searches for current availability, description and pricing

A note about colors: The function of all models is the same. If you want multiple TILTs you should choose different colors because your app can monitor only one of each color

TILT Wrench

TILT Range Extender


This article contains affiliate links. We may make a small percentage if you use our links to make a purchase. You won’t pay more and you’ll be supporting Homebrew Finds and more content like this. Thank you for your support!


Related


The device comes in a compact clear polycarbonate tube, sealed on each end to keep the battery and fancy circuitry dry as it floats along in your fermentor. It’s completely no-strings-attached, and you just drop it in your fermentor and the Bluetooth chip on board broadcasts to your smartphone or tablet to report Standard Gravity and temperature. It makes use of a novel concept to track your gravity. It has a digital inclinometer on board, which measures how much it’s “tilt”-ed . The weight of the device makes it want to sink in your beer, and buoyancy of the cylinder counteracts it. The thicker your wort is, the Tilt doesn’t sink as much and as a result has a greater tilt. As your fermentation progresses and the gravity drops, the buoyancy decreases and Tilt sinks lower and becomes more vertical. The circuitry measuring the angle does some calculations and outputs the angle as a gravity measurement.

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Mark II Keg and Carboy Washer – $79.99 w/Coupon! + In Depth Review

mark ii mark's keg and carboy washer

Mark’s Keg and Carboy Washer via Adventures in Homebrewing

More Info

From the product description, check product page for current description, price and availability:

Make Better Beer!

Hand crafting beer is a fun and rewarding hobby. The first rule of making better beer is to keep everything that touches the beer clean and sanitized. The Mark II Keg Washer helps to accomplish this task in an easy, efficient, and effective manner.

Save Time, Labor, Space and have fun!

The most labor-intensive and time-consuming task in brewing is cleanup. The Mark II Keg Washer allows you have all your containers and hoses clean by the time your brewing task is done.

Many home brewers set aside containers ?to be cleaned later.? This discourages getting started on the next batch.

The Mark II Keg Washer should be the first piece of equipment you set up and the last thing you put away on brew day or when you transfer your beer from one container to then next.

When transferring beer from one container to the next, we first use the Mark II Keg Washer to sanitize the container that the beer will be transferred to. Then we clean the container that the beer was transferred from.

 

This is awesome!  I have this and like it very much.  It’s one of my favorite pieces of brewing gear.  It’s saved me a lot of time and hassle.  Check out my Hands on Review – beyond the in depth review that includes some mods and hacks.

Save 20%…

20% Off at Adventures in Homebrewing! – use coupon code FRESH20

Mark’s Keg and Carboy Washer – remember promo code FRESH20

homebrewing.org sale

This post contains affiliate links. We may make a commission when you use our links. This will never cost you extra. Thank you for supporting Homebrew Finds!

More: Recent AIH Finds

Price, promotions and availability can change quickly. Check the product page for current price, description and availability. prod:aihmkcw tag:itsapageaih tag:aihperoff

Chefast Triple Scale Hydrometer, Sample Jar, Cleaning Brush AND More – $9.99, Best Price

Chefast Hydrometer and Test Jar for Wine, Beer, Mead and Kombucha - Combo Kit of Triple-Scale Hydrometer, 250ml Plastic Cylinder, Cleaning Brush, Cloth and Storage Bag

Chefast Hydrometer and Test Jar for Wine, Beer, Mead and Kombucha – Combo Kit of Triple-Scale Hydrometer, 250ml Plastic Cylinder, Cleaning Brush, Cloth and Storage Bag

More Info

 

3/24 6 PM Central: 1/20 7 PM Central: This combo is selling for just $9.99. That’s the best historical third party Amazon price I found, notwithstanding Lightning Deals or coupons. Shipping is also free to many US addresses with Prime Membership [Try Prime for Free] or a qualifying order. Prices and availability can change quickly Check product page for current info – More About Prices

Chefast Triple-Scale Hydrometer Kit with Plastic Test Jar for Wine, Beer, Mead and Kombucha – Alcohol Tester, Hydrometer Alcohol, ABV, Brix and Gravity Tester – Home Brewing Supplies, 0-200 Proof – affiliate link, note that multiple variations of this product may be available, as such a different version may appear at this link

More Fermentation Related!

This post contains affiliate links. We may make a commission when you use our Amazon links. This will never cost you extra. Thank you for supporting Homebrew Finds!

Inkbird ITC-308 WiFi Digital Dual Stage Temp Controller

ITC-308 Dual Stage, Pre-Wired Digital Temperature Controller with WI-FI by Inkbird

ITC-308 Dual Stage, Pre-Wired Digital Temperature Controller with WI-FI by Inkbird

More Info
Highlighted Features
  • 👍👍【Android & IOS WIFI App】WIFI APP - WIFI smart controller supports both IOS & Android. WIFI connection supports 2.4GHz Wi-Fi band with free “INKBIRD” APP to control the temperature remotely.
  • 👍👍【Dual Relay Output】Dual relay - able to power refrigeration and heating equipment as conditions change.
  • 👍👍【High/Low Temperature Alarm】 Set High/Low temperature alarm when the temperature is over or under preset temperature or the sensor experiences a malfunction.
  • 👍👍【Convenient Design】Plug-n-play, easy to use. Supports ℃/℉reading and Temperature calibration.
  • 👍👍【1100W Max Output】Maximum output load: 1100W(110V).【Safety】Maximum output load: 1100W(110V). Customize temperature and compressor delay, protecting your refrigeration/heating equipment.

 

This controller can control both a heating and cooling device.  Alternatively, it can control a heating or a cooling device.

In my opinion the original ITC-308 was and is a game changer as far as homebrew temp controllers.  In comparison to available controllers available at the time the ITC-308 was released, it offered loads more features, including dual stage control, for a fraction of the price.  Game changer!  The addition of Wi-Fi control and monitoring to this great controller has made a great temp controller even better.  Check out our Hands on Review of the ITC-308.  That includes a section on the WiFi version

Inkbird WiFi ITC-308 Digital Temperature Controller Thermostat Remote Monitoring Controlling Home Brewing Fermentation Breeding Incubation Greenhouse – affiliate link, note that multiple variations of this product may be available, as such a different version may appear at this link

Also: Yeast Starters & Fermentation | Kegerator Tips & Gear | Inkbird ITC308 Review

This post contains affiliate links. We may make a commission when you use our Amazon links. This will never cost you extra. Thank you for supporting Homebrew Finds!

Price, promotions and availability can change quickly. Check the product page for current price, description and availability. ssprod:B07PVBG8K1:ptr

Flash Sale, Today Only: ThermoWorks Fridge & Freezer Thermometer (Monitor Kegerator & Fermentation) – Save 40%!

thermoworks rt8100

The RT8100 Fridge/Freezer Thermometer from ThermoWorks makers of the nearly universally lauded Thermapen.  This thermometer displays two temperatures via and LED display.  It has programmable out-of-limits alarms and a magnetic back.  Also has the ability to show min and max temps.

You could use this to monitor your kegerator, fermentation chamber or If your fermentation chamber and kegerator are close, you could monitor both with this unit.  The min/max function is handy for getting a general idea of how well your kegerator or fermentation chamber is performing.

This is marked down a whopping 40% as part of a short flash sale, available today 3/22 only.

Min/Max Recording Thermometer w/ Alarms RT8100

This post may contain affiliate links. We may make a commission when you use our links. This will never cost you extra. Thank you for supporting Homebrew Finds!

Price, promotions and availability can change quickly. Check the product page for current price, description and availability prod:twrt8100

Inkbird ITC-308 Digital Dual Stage Temp Controller [Kegerator or Fermentation]

ITC-308 Dual Stage, Pre-Wired Digital Temperature Controller by Inkbird

ITC-308 Dual Stage, Pre-Wired Digital Temperature Controller by Inkbird

More Info
Highlighted Features
  • 🥇🥇【Convenient Design】 Plug and play, easy to use. Support °C/°F display.
  • 🥇🥇【Dual Relay Output】 Be able to connect with refrigeration and heating equipment at the same time.
  • 🥇🥇【Dual Display Window】 Be able to display measured temperature and set temperature at the same time.
  • 🥇🥇【Buzzer Alarm】 High and low temperature alarms are available when the temperature is over or the sensor is with issue.
  • 🥇🥇【Safety】Maximum output load: 1100W(110V). It comes with temperature calibration and compressor delay which can protect your refrigeration.

 

This controller can control both a heating and cooling device.  Alternatively, it can control a heating or a cooling device.

Use to control fermentation or kegerator temperatures. This is a great controller. Check out my Hands on Review

Inkbird ITC-308 Digital Temperature Controller 2-Stage Outlet Thermostat Heating and Cooling Mode Carboy Homebrew Fermenter Greenhouse Terrarium 110V 10A 1100W – affiliate link, note that multiple variations of this product may be available, as such a different version may appear at this link

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Hands On Review: Mark’s Keg and Carboy Washer

mark ii keg and carboy washer review

Hands on Review Mark’s Keg & Carboy Washer

The Mark II Keg and Carboy Washer is designed to help you easily clean and sanitize kegs, carboys and more.


Compare Prices and Check Availability, Review Continues Below:

Continue reading

TWO x Waterproof Heat Mats [Fermentation Temps]

HYDGOOHO Seedling Heat Mat, 10"x 20.75" Plant Heating Pad for Home Gardening Seed Starting, MET Certified Waterproof Durable Germination Station Heat Mat

2 x Waterproof Heat Mats

More Info
Highlighted Features
  • 【MET STANDARD&WATERPROOF MATERIAL】: Made of heavy duty PVC material that is durable and tear resistant.The heating pad is rated to IP67 waterproof against splashes, showers and sprays and also easy to clean by rinsing and wiping
  • 【WIDE APPLICATION】: Works perfectly for spring plant starts,in the cold environment or any time your plants need a heat boost;Great for brewing kombucha,wine or other DIY fermentation projects;Heat the pet terrariums for your reptile pets;Ideal for most conditions indoors or outdoors
  • 【UNIFORM& SUITABLE TEMPERATURE】: The seed starter provides consistent uniform heating at the right temperature around 20-30℃(68℉-86℉) which is ideal for seed starting and cutting propagation
  • 【ENERGY EFFICIENT DESIGN AND STORAGE】: The heater runs at only 18 Watts to help you save on electricity.When not in use,you just need to half fold up the heating mat in a storage box,very convenient to store
  • 【MULTI-LAYER STRUCTURE】: The strong heating wire and upgraded thicker multi-layer structure offers more uniform heating and durability.The even heating distribution heating can avoid overheat or scorch the delicate roots

From HBF: Make sure the components you use are compatible and rated for your intended application.  Contact manufacturer with questions about suitability or a specific application.  Always read and follow manufacturer directions.

 

You could use this in conjunction with a compatible temp controller to dial in fermentation temps.

HYDGOOHO 2 Pack Durable Waterproof Seedling Heat Mat Warm Hydroponic Heating Pad 10″ x 20.75″ for Indoor Home Gardening Plant Germination MET Standard – affiliate link, note that multiple variations of this product may be available, as such a different version may appear at this link

More Fermentation Related!

This post contains affiliate links. We may make a commission when you use our Amazon links. This will never cost you extra. Thank you for supporting Homebrew Finds!

Inkbird ITC-308 Digital Temperature Controller| Review

Sean Terrill’s Refractometer Calculator!

 

img_refract

In days of yore, refractometers were considered a pre-fermentation only tool.  That’s because the alcohol present after fermentation begins throws off refractometer readings.  That was until people starting figuring out that it was possible to reasonably estimate specific gravity after fermentation has begun.  The first such calculations that I became aware of were from MoreBeer.  Check the documents tab on this product page to see their spreadsheet.

Since that time, additional work has been done to refine these calculations.  One such body of work belongs to Sean Terrill.  Sean is a smart guy.  Like nuclear engineer kind of smart.  Sean did a good bit of work on the subject and came up with an even more accurate formula for estimating specific gravity after fermentation is begun.

Articles Continues Below…

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MoreBeer Deal of the Day: ITC-308 Digital Dual Stage Temperature Controller – $32.99 + free ship eligible, limited availability

Inkbird digital dual stage temp controller via MoreBeer.  Dual stage means that the Itc-308 can control both a heating and cooling device.  Alternatively, it can control a heating or a cooling device.  This controller displays in Fahrenheit and Centigrade.  Dual Display shows both measured and set temperature.

Use to control fermentation or kegerator temperatures. This is a great controller.  Check out my Hands on Review

Limited Availability Deal of the Day: As of this posting, this is marked down to $32.99 as a MoreBeer Deal of the DayShipping is also free to addresses in the contiguous US with most $59 Orders. Availability: This is available today only, while supplies last. Quantities are limited. Check the MoreBeer’s Deal of the Day to check today’s offering.

Product Description – Here – Use coupon code BEERDEAL to get this discount.

Inkbird Dual Stage Digital Temperature Controller FE640

Deal of the day is valid 3/22/24 only while supplies last

Inkbird ITC-308 Digital Dual Stage Temp Controller [Kegerator or Fermentation] – $28 w/20% Off Coupon

Also:

MORE MoreBeer Deals!…This post contains affiliate links. We may make a commission when you use our links. This will never cost you extra. Thank you for supporting Homebrew Finds!

Price, promotions and availability can change quickly. Check the product page for current price, description and availability.

Stir Starter Magnetic Yeast Starter Plate … $29.99! + hands on review

Stir Starter- Magnetic Yeast Starter Plate

Stir Starter- Magnetic Yeast Starter Plate

More Info

 

Use this in combination with an Erlenmeyer Flask to make a yeast starter.  A stir plate… keeps yeast in constant contact with nutrients, encourages CO2 to off gas and continuously incorporates oxygen all of that means higher cell counts.

Note from HBF: Beaker is not included

3/21 7 PM Central: This is on sale for just $29.99. That’s the best historical third party Amazon price I found, notwithstanding Lightning Deals or coupons. Shipping is also free to many US addresses. Prices and availability can change quickly.  Check product page for current info – More About Prices

I can pretty much guarantee this is a closeout deal because StirStarter has ceased production.

Stir Starter- Magnetic Yeast Starter Plate – affiliate link, note that multiple variations of this product may be available, as such a different version may appear at this link

More Fermentation Related!

This post contains affiliate links. We may make a commission when you use our Amazon links. This will never cost you extra. Thank you for supporting Homebrew Finds!

Five Benefits of Using Corny Kegs As Fermenters

The containers we call Ball Lock and Pin Lock Kegs come from the soda industry.  Also called Cornelius Kegs, Corny Kegs and Corney Kegs, they were originally intended to store and distribute soda pre-mix.  The big soda companies decided on different style containers for their pre-mix.  Pepsi landed on the Ball Lock style while Coke uses the Pin Lock style.

Homebrewers have since re-purposed these as homebrew beer kegs. It makes sense. These high quality stainless steel beverages that are meant for years of commercial food use. They’re also tough, can be had for cheap and are easy to move around.

What if someone said there was a pressure capable, heavy duty stainless steel fermenter that could be had for 50 bucks or so?

Great news…. kegs make great fermenters! Same high quality, stainless steel construction, toughness and easy portability, but this time used for fermentation.


Lots More About Kegs


But First, How Do you Convert a Keg to a Fermenter?

One issue needs to be addressed to convert kegs into fermenters… handling CO2 produced by fermentation. Kegs are generally designed to be airtight. Fermentation requires that we allow excess CO2 to escape.  I can think of three options…

  1. A blow-off tube. Remove the gas post or gas post poppet and get use tight fitting tubing to route CO2 to a container of sanitizer.
  2. Use a converted lid to add a stopper and airlock See: Cornelius Keg Fermenter Lid via Adventures in Homebrewing
  3. Use a Spunding Valvesome of the technique and tricks mentioned in this post rely on a Spunding Valve

Keg Fermenter Sizing

A five gallon keg isn’t really suitable for a primary fermenter for a 5 gallon batch.  You could use it as a secondary for a full 5 gallon batch, as a primary fermenter for smaller batches (maybe 3 to 4 gallons max) or you could split 5 gallon batches between two kegs.

There is a 6 gallon keg available that should allow you to ferment a 5 gallon batch.

10 and 15 gallon size ball locks have become readily available at relatively reasonable prices. A 10 gallon keg could easily accommodate a full 5 gallon batch (up to 7 or 8 gallons) while a 15 gallon keg should be able to easily handle a 10 gallon batch (up to 12 or 13 gallons).

Five Unique Benefits to Using Converted Keg Fermenter!

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Ends Today: ThermoWorks NODE Wi-Fi Temperature Monitor – Perfect for Kegerator & Fermentation Chamber… Save 20%

thermoworks node

ThermoWorks NODE is a magnetic WiFi enabled temperature monitor that can monitor ambient temps and work with up to two probes. The compatible app (screenshot below) lets you monitor from anywhere. This is perfect for both monitoring your kegerator and fermentation chamber. If the two are close enough, one unit can keep an eye on both.

For a limited time ThermoWorks is offering 20% off. No coupon code required, check product page to see if you can get in on this deal.

NODE™ Wi-Fi Temperature Monitor

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Just Need Some Yeast? Great Prices + Free Shipping, No Minimum – US-05, S-04 and More

hoembrew yeast deal

  • FREE Shipping, No Minimum: As of this posting label Peelers is shipping most varieties of dry yeast for free with no minimum.
  • Applies to addresses in the contiguous US.  This is a great deal!  Check Label Peelers for current availability and pricing.

Fermentis Yeast – Lallemand YeastSearch “Dry Yeast”

This post may contain affiliate links. We may make a commission when you use our links. This will never cost you extra. Thank you for supporting Homebrew Finds!

Price, promotions and availability can change quickly. Check the product page for current price, description and availability. rpu:lbyst