Question Re New Coopers Kit

[Blazar]

Cheers mate, was starting think I hadn't stirred it properly!!

 

[bum]

1050 for a kit & kilo? You probably haven't. No big deal though, the yeasties will find it all.

Bear in mind that as the yeast flocs out you will get more sludge at the bottom of the fermenter, not less. Nothing to worry about.

 

[Blazar]

Yeah I thought 1050 seemed rather high. Oh well its my first so I've gotta screw something up haha.

 

[bum]

It's not really a huge issue, it only effects you alc calculations. Nothing to worry about really.

 

[Blazar]

Just over 24hrs and the SG has dropped to 1040. Another interesting point is the strip thermometer on the fermenter has stayed a constant 10 degrees, whereas my thermostat is set to 13 degrees!!

 

[wbosher]

Just over 24hrs and the SG has dropped to 1040. Another interesting point is the strip thermometer on the fermenter has stayed a constant 10 degrees, whereas my thermostat is set to 13 degrees!!

I've noticed it too. The stick on ones seem to be ok within a couple of degrees, which is fine by me.

I keep to around the middle of the temp range I'm after (or a little lower) and it should be good.

 

[Blitzer]

I've picked myself up one of the coopers DIY kits, I'm not brewing until this weekend but now I'm a bit worried about the fermenter after reading all this.

Everyone says to ditch it but I don't understand how one tub can be different from another it's just a plastic barrel, what makes the new coopers design so different & terrible?

 

[wbosher]

I've just done a brew with it and it works great. Just make sure you fill it up past the tap first (with water), to make sure it seals well before filling it with beer. :lol:

If you're doing the lager kit that came with it, you won't need to use the Krausen sleeve. You can if you want though, won't make any difference.

No airlock to worry/complain about either.

 

[MelbourneDave]

I've picked myself up one of the coopers DIY kits, I'm not brewing until this weekend but now I'm a bit worried about the fermenter after reading all this.

Everyone says to ditch it but I don't understand how one tub can be different from another it's just a plastic barrel, what makes the new coopers design so different & terrible?

Don't worry about it, the new coopers fermenters are good. I've never had a problem with it and I love that it's clear so you can see everything swirling round in the wort. Only thing to watch is only remove the tap when it's wet. I found that pulling it out or putting it in when it's dry causes it to drip. I've done about thirty brews on the new coopers design and had no problems. Taps are easy to clean as well, I've never had to replace the tap. I can always clean it properly. I think that alone slowly makes up for the price difference compared to a Bunnings job and when you add in the clear plastic, that puts coopers on top in my opinion.

 

[Blazar]

Just a friendly update: this first batch has been bottled for two weeks, I tried one at one week and it was sickly sweet to me, now after another week its well gassed and has dropped a lot of sweetness. Beautiful colour and surprisingly good head retention as well. Biggest lesson leatnf is PATIENCE!!