Review on FastFerment Conical Fermenter - 7.9 Gallon HomeBrew Kit for Beer, Wine, and Cider Fermentation - BPA Free Food Grade Carboy - Wall Mount Included by Jerrica Colbert

Call it 4.5 stars rounded up to five. It's a darn good idea for an inexpensive conical fermentor with a worthy innovation (collecting ball) added to the mix. Assembly is easy, but take your time. Take your time and do it right, and especially secure those threads! Teflon tape is included so you have no excuses. Above all, don't overtighten. It's tempting to tighten those connections and stuff as tight as you can, but if you do you'll almost certainly mess up the plastic threads. Finger tightening and maybe a little more - that's really all you need. Be especially careful NOT to over-tighten the bottom fastener (the part that connects the drip pan to the main fermentor). It's VERY easy to pull accidentally. If you do, you'll have a heck of a lot of time to get the collectible orb out of the full fermenter. There is an o-ring on the underside of the valve, so again - just lightly tighten it with your fingers and you'll be fine. It also helps break threads in before use, so screw in and out a few times before using this thing. Silicone grease or something similar would be a good idea. It's not just about wine and roses - for example, the top screw cap is too big to comfortably unscrew with one hand. A handle on the lid or something similar would make life easier here. I'm experimenting with using industrial grade epoxy and a plastic handle to do just that. Before the first use, attention should be paid to the threads on the main body of the fermenter. It is recommended that you sand lightly to remove any traces of the casting before beginning assembly. And a wire frame stand is of limited use - for example, to hold the fermenter while you fill it from the fermenter. Otherwise the stand is too low. A wall mount or homemade stand that protrudes higher is ideal (I bet you could build one out of 2x4 and plywood fairly easily). While I don't consider it 100% ready to use, I personally don't mind. After all, homebrewing should be about finding innovative special solutions. So buy this with the understanding that you want to love it a little before using it and your investment will be rewarded. All in all I have to say it's awesome. The materials are of high quality and will last a long time with proper care.