KegLand 32L Stainless Steel Conical Fermenter

Introduction

The KegLand 32L Stainless Steel Conical Fermenter is a high-quality vessel designed for home brewing. Constructed from durable 304-grade stainless steel, it features smooth welding and a passivated matte finish, similar to KegLand's 19L stainless steel kegs. This fermenter is engineered for ease of use and cleaning, making it an excellent choice for fermenting beer and other beverages.

Safety Information

Important Safety Warning: This unit cannot be used under pressure. Using the fermenter under pressure will void the warranty and may pose a safety risk.

Included Components

• 32L 304 Grade Stainless Steel Fermenter Body
• Lid with clamps and carry handles
• 1" Angled Dump Valve
• Rotating Racking Arm
• Thermowell
• Digital Thermometer (batteries not included)
• Sanitary Airlock Bung

Setup Instructions

Follow these steps for initial setup and cleaning before your first use:

1. Assemble Components: Attach the digital thermometer and rotating racking arm to the body of the fermenter.
2. Initial Cleaning (StellarClean): Fill the fermenter with approximately 5 to 10 liters of hot to warm water. Add a scoop of StellarClean (not included) and mix thoroughly, ensuring the solution reaches all internal surfaces. Open the rotating racking arm to clean it as well. This step helps remove any machining oils.
3. Rinse: Tip out the StellarClean solution. Refill the fermenter with the same amount of water at the same temperature and wash out any remaining StellarClean.
4. Dry and Store: Thoroughly dry the fermenter and store it in a clean, dry place until ready for use.
5. Sanitization (StellarSan - Before First Batch): Immediately before your first batch, use 1 to 2 liters of water with 1.5mL to 3.0mL of StellarSan (not included). Swish the solution around to create foam, ensuring it touches all internal surfaces, the rotating racking arm, the top bung, and the airlock. The fermenter is now ready for use.
6. Airlock Sanitization: It is recommended to use a small amount of sanitiser or ethyl kill sanitiser in your airlock to prevent contamination if the water becomes stagnant and is sucked back into the fermenter.

Operation

Once your fermenter is assembled and sanitized, you can begin the fermentation process:

• Transfer Wort/Must: Carefully transfer your cooled wort or must into the sanitized fermenter.
• Seal and Airlock: Secure the lid with the clamps and insert the sanitary airlock bung and airlock. Ensure a tight seal to prevent oxygen ingress.
• Monitor Temperature: Use the integrated thermowell and digital thermometer to monitor the fermentation temperature. The thermowell is compatible with various probes, including those from MKII temp controllers or RAPT WiFi integrated controllers for remote monitoring.

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• Racking: The rotating racking arm allows for easy draining of clear liquid while leaving sediment behind. Rotate the arm to the desired position to draw off your fermented beverage.
• Dump Valve: The 1" angled dump valve at the bottom of the conical fermenter allows for easy removal of yeast and trub without disturbing the fermenting liquid.

Maintenance and Cleaning

Proper cleaning and sanitization are crucial for successful brewing and the longevity of your fermenter:

• After Each Use: Immediately after emptying the fermenter, rinse it thoroughly with warm water to remove any large debris.
• Deep Cleaning: Use a brewing-specific cleaner like StellarClean with warm water. The domed/cone shape of the base makes it particularly easy to clean. Ensure all parts, including the dump valve and racking arm, are cleaned.
• Sanitization: Always sanitize the fermenter with a no-rinse sanitizer like StellarSan immediately before each use to prevent contamination.
• Gasket Care: The fermenter features an easy-fit gasket designed for no leakage. Inspect the gasket regularly for wear and tear and ensure it is clean and properly seated for a tight seal.

Troubleshooting

• Minor Scratches: Some minor manufacturing scratches may be present on the fermenter. These are cosmetic and will not affect the performance or integrity of the unit.
• Leakage: If you experience any leakage, first check that the lid is properly clamped and the easy-fit gasket is correctly seated and free from debris or damage.
• Temperature Reading Issues: Ensure the digital thermometer has working batteries and is correctly inserted into the thermowell. If using an external probe, verify its connection.
• Slow or No Fermentation: This is typically not related to the fermenter itself but rather to yeast health, temperature, or wort composition. Ensure proper yeast pitching rates and maintain optimal fermentation temperatures.

Specifications

User Tips

• Sanitize Just Before Use: Always sanitize your fermenter immediately before transferring your wort or must. Sanitizing and then storing the vessel does not guarantee it remains sanitized.
• Airlock Hygiene: To prevent potential infection, consider adding a small amount of sanitiser or ethyl kill sanitiser to your airlock instead of just water. This acts as a safeguard if the liquid in the airlock is accidentally sucked back into the fermenter.
• Temperature Control: While the included digital thermometer provides a reading, consider integrating a more advanced temperature controller with the thermowell for precise fermentation temperature management, especially for sensitive yeast strains.

Warranty and Support

This product comes with a manufacturer's warranty. Please refer to the original purchase documentation or contact your retailer for specific warranty terms and conditions. For technical support or inquiries, please reach out to the KegLand customer service or your authorized dealer.

Note: Using the unit under pressure will void the warranty.