Part 2 of the Catalyst Review pitting it against the FastFerment Conical System. Here we start off by starting fermentation to dry hopping with both fermenters.
Nice vid; I've been fermenting on the FF for the past 2 years or so, and no problem whatsoever regarding either dripping or sealing. I came to understand that you really can tighten everything up, even more than you would on any other regular plastic thread. Those threads are tough to break.
It was interesting to see that we had similar experiences in reviewing the Catalyst. The silicone lid seal comes off easily when not desired but is not so easy to reattach. I used a funnel in the top hole to add my yeast instead of removing the lid. I also had to switch from an airlock to a blow off hose. Another problem I had was transporting it down a flight of stairs without the carrying handle cover accessory.
BEER-N-BBQ by Larry the unit is heavy, but so is any fermenter with 5+ gallons. We can only imagine carrying it up and down stairs though. As a guy who deadlifts and does other back and leg exercises, lifting the catalyst onto a table wasnt too much of an issue for Graham. While the unit is sturdy on the ground, it is something different when transporting it full.
My impression is that it's a really good thing to be able to see through the fermenter when removing the gunk. With the Fast Ferment you need to guess how many times you need to change the ball, with the Catalyst you can clearly see how much is in there so you won't be changing it unnecessarily.
Great video! I have the Fast Fermenter. The collection ball threads broke. I also cannot get the top sealed well unless I use teflon tape/keg lube. Lastly, my gasket also once ended up in m'beer. I prefer the ol' fashioned bucket.
Carter Felder So it appears we are not the only ones having issues with the gasket. it appears they have new lids for the fastferment. They are available for replacement Purchases; however, we do not know if they are included in newer models of fasterment products. Guess we will have to wait and see.
I have 2 FF's and can agree on almost all those negative points. Their customer service is alright though. I had numerous issues with the first one, so they sent a second body. Someday I'll upgrade to a large stainless conical fermenter.
On the FF, why are you removing and replacing the collection ball at the connection below the huge ring made for removing and replacing the collection ball easily?
I'm not understanding why either. Unscrewing the dedicated collection ball union valve fitting from the conical will save the threads on the collection ball itself allowing you to not continuously tape the threads/leak test it. This will also limit the mess and give you something to hold onto when you take it off. You don't need to clean the collection ball threads after each batch, just keep it screwed into the union valve fitting and you're good to go for many batches!
I've lost my o-ring that goes in between those pieces. I've replaced that whole ball valve assembly with a simple one that does not have a 'quick' disconnect as I haven't found anywhere that sells just the O-ring. I have to unthread that ball every time.
Couldn't you pitch the yeast by simply putting it in the sanitized jar then put it on the valve and open it? This would eliminate having to remove the lid or use a funnel or any of that stuff. You are going to put the jar on anyway, might as well kill two birds with one stone.
We weren't directly monitoring the Catalyst's temperature. I basically went off the temp reading of the FF which was right next to the Catalyst for each step with the exception of the cold crash. In the future I will just apply a stick on thermometer to the Catalyst to monitor the temp. Thanks for the question, Silviu!
Nice vid; I've been fermenting on the FF for the past 2 years or so, and no problem whatsoever regarding either dripping or sealing. I came to understand that you really can tighten everything up, even more than you would on any other regular plastic thread. Those threads are tough to break.
It was interesting to see that we had similar experiences in reviewing the Catalyst. The silicone lid seal comes off easily when not desired but is not so easy to reattach. I used a funnel in the top hole to add my yeast instead of removing the lid. I also had to switch from an airlock to a blow off hose. Another problem I had was transporting it down a flight of stairs without the carrying handle cover accessory.
BEER-N-BBQ by Larry the unit is heavy, but so is any fermenter with 5+ gallons. We can only imagine carrying it up and down stairs though. As a guy who deadlifts and does other back and leg exercises, lifting the catalyst onto a table wasnt too much of an issue for Graham. While the unit is sturdy on the ground, it is something different when transporting it full.
Wow! quite the through review, love this video. cheers!
My impression is that it's a really good thing to be able to see through the fermenter when removing the gunk. With the Fast Ferment you need to guess how many times you need to change the ball, with the Catalyst you can clearly see how much is in there so you won't be changing it unnecessarily.
Great video! I have the Fast Fermenter. The collection ball threads broke. I also cannot get the top sealed well unless I use teflon tape/keg lube. Lastly, my gasket also once ended up in m'beer. I prefer the ol' fashioned bucket.
Carter Felder So it appears we are not the only ones having issues with the gasket. it appears they have new lids for the fastferment. They are available for replacement Purchases; however, we do not know if they are included in newer models of fasterment products. Guess we will have to wait and see.
I have 2 FF's and can agree on almost all those negative points. Their customer service is alright though. I had numerous issues with the first one, so they sent a second body. Someday I'll upgrade to a large stainless conical fermenter.
Great review! Now I understand why my FastFermenter showed no airlock activity, but dropped in gravity. Threads man...threads....
Do you have a video on harvesting yeast, and maybe long term storage or dehydrating?
Cool video thanks! But how to do the dry hopping in the fastfermenter?
On the FF, why are you removing and replacing the collection ball at the connection below the huge ring made for removing and replacing the collection ball easily?
I find it easier to clean that way. Less threads get re-exposed. Thanks for the question!
I'm not understanding why either. Unscrewing the dedicated collection ball union valve fitting from the conical will save the threads on the collection ball itself allowing you to not continuously tape the threads/leak test it. This will also limit the mess and give you something to hold onto when you take it off. You don't need to clean the collection ball threads after each batch, just keep it screwed into the union valve fitting and you're good to go for many batches!
Good points! Thanks to both you & Clay for pointing that out.
I've lost my o-ring that goes in between those pieces. I've replaced that whole ball valve assembly with a simple one that does not have a 'quick' disconnect as I haven't found anywhere that sells just the O-ring. I have to unthread that ball every time.
www.homebrewing.org/O-Ring-4-pack-for-FastFerment-_p_5883.html
Couldn't you pitch the yeast by simply putting it in the sanitized jar then put it on the valve and open it? This would eliminate having to remove the lid or use a funnel or any of that stuff. You are going to put the jar on anyway, might as well kill two birds with one stone.
Great point! I may just do it that way next time.
how we're you monitoring the temperature on the catalyst?
We weren't directly monitoring the Catalyst's temperature. I basically went off the temp reading of the FF which was right next to the Catalyst for each step with the exception of the cold crash. In the future I will just apply a stick on thermometer to the Catalyst to monitor the temp. Thanks for the question, Silviu!
I like big hops
So both overly priced and both suck lol