IMPORTANCE OF FERMENTER SELECTION
Conical fermenters vs unitanks is one of the most common debates in craft brewing when choosing the right fermentation system.
Selecting the proper fermentation vessel is crucial for any craft brewery. This equipment not only affects beer quality, but also dictates operational efficiency and production capability.
The primary debate among brewers centers around two types: conical fermenters and unitanks.
Each comes with unique benefits that can influence your brewery’s workflow, cost structure, and long-term business prospects.
UNDERSTANDING CONICAL FERMENTERS
DESIGN AND FUNCTION
Conical fermenters are easily identified by their cone-shaped bottom, which facilitates the collection and easy removal of sediment (trub and yeast) during fermentation.
Gravity naturally causes these materials to settle at the bottom, making it efficient for brewers to harvest yeast and separate clear beer.
CONICAL FERMENTER: KEY FEATURES
MODERN CONICAL FERMENTERS OFFER:
- Bottom dump valves for effective trub/yeast removal
- Sample ports for quality checks during fermentation
- Pressure relief valves and blow-off assemblies for safe operation and controlled atmospheric fermentation
- Optional thermowell ports for precise temperature monitoring
MATERIAL CHOICES
- Stainless Steel: Favored for its durability, ease of cleaning, and compatibility with advanced accessories, but comes with a higher upfront cost.
- Plastic: More affordable but less durable, with a higher risk of scratches and contamination. Less suitable for pressurized fermentation.
THE UNITANK ADVANTAGE
WHAT IS A UNITANK?
- A unitank is a pressure-rated conical fermenter designed to perform multiple brewing processes fermentation, conditioning, and carbonation in one vessel. While all unitanks are conical fermenters, not all conicals are pressure-rated unitanks.
PRESSURE CAPABILITIES
UNITANKS TYPICALLY HANDLE PRESSURES OF 15-30 PSI, ENABLING:
- Pressure fermentation: facilitating the creation of certain beer styles at higher temperatures and shorter timelines
- Natural carbonation: CO2 retention allows brewers to carbonate beer inside the same vessel
- Oxygen-free transfers: beer can be moved under pressure, minimizing contamination risk.
OPERATIONAL BENEFITS
These vessels streamline workflow by reducing transfers, which also minimizes labor and contamination risks.
Unitanks often serve as brewing, conditioning, carbonating, and sometimes even serving tanks, notably in brewpub environments.
While efficient, using a unitank for all steps can sometimes result in slightly less bright/clear beer than a traditional process using a dedicated Bright Beer Tank (BBT).
UPFRONT COSTS AND FLEXIBILITY
Unitanks cost significantly more due to their construction and included features, but save time and provide efficiency especially valuable in high-volume or space-constrained breweries.
HEAD-TO-HEAD: KEY COMPARISONS
| Feature | Conical Fermenters | Unitanks |
| Sediment Removal | Yes | Yes |
| Pressure Fermentation | Limited (Typically 1-5 PSI max rating) | Yes (15-30 PSI) |
| All-in-One Brewing | No | Yes |
| Carbonation | Separate vessel | In-vessel (pressurized) |
| Space Utilization | More vessels | Fewer vessels needed |
| Upfront Cost | Lower | Significantly higher |
| Cleaning Complexity | Manual disassembly/cleaning (CIP possible with accessories) | CIP systems possible |
| Best For |
Smaller/new breweries Traditional styles |
Growing, space-limited, or process-focused breweries |
MAINTENANCE AND CLEANING
CIP SYSTEMS
- Unitanks often feature automated Clean-in-Place systems, significantly reducing manual cleaning labor and ensuring consistent sanitation.
- Standard conical fermenters often require full disassembly and manual cleaning.
MAINTENANCE NEEDS
- Unitanks need scheduled checks, including glycol system maintenance and pressure system calibration.
- Conical fermenters require regular gasket and seal replacements but are generally simpler and less costly to maintain.
CONTAMINATION PREVENTION
- Unitanks offer better contamination protection due to their closed, pressurized systems which minimize oxygen and airborne contaminants.
- Conical fermenters require stricter manual sanitation and careful handling during transfers.
MAKING THE RIGHT CHOICE FOR YOUR BREWERY
SMALL BREWERIES (5–15 BBL/BATCH)
- Conicals work well if you have limited capital, inconsistent production, or focus on traditional ales.
- Unitanks are better if you can finance equipment, produce consistently in higher volumes, or operate in a space/reliability-sensitive setting.
MEDIUM/GROWING BREWERIES (15–50 BBL/BATCH)
- Unitanks typically provide the best return here, balancing efficiency and growth capability.
- A hybrid approach (unitanks for flagships, conicals for experimental brews) can combine flexibility and efficiency.
GROWTH PLANS
- Consider both current and future requirements; unitanks are a more scalable investment.
- If planning for future sale or expansion, unit tanks offer advantages in both operations and resale value.
COMMON MISTAKES TO AVOID
- Prioritising purchase price over total cost of ownership (including labour and utilities)
- Underestimating the spatial needs for cleaning and operation
- Oversizing equipment prematurely
- Neglecting the need for utility upgrades (electrical, water, drainage for advanced systems)
- Failing to ensure all components are accessible for proper sanitation
LATEST TRENDS
- Modular Upgrades: New models allow gradual addition of pressure, glycol, and automation features.
- Smart Technology: Advanced unitanks now feature sensors for real-time monitoring of temperature, pressure, and more.
- Sustainability: Demand for energy-efficient and heat-recovery systems continues to rise, benefiting both cost and the environment.
CONCLUSION
Your fermenter choice should be guided by current production objectives, budget, and long-term vision. Neither conical fermenters nor unitanks are universally superior; each is optimal for different brewing environments and business goals.
- Conical fermenters remain the practical and economical choice for small operations, traditional styles, and budget-focused brewers.
- Unitanks excel for breweries prioritising process scalability, labor savings, and modern beer styles that benefit from pressure fermentation and in-vessel carbonation.
For best results, ensure your investment aligns with brewery workflow, space, production goals, and projected growth. Consistency, quality, and equipment cleanliness are key to producing outstanding beer.
QUICK TAKEAWAYS
- Conical fermenters: Lower initial costs, easy to use, great for basics and flexibility.
- Unitanks: Higher upfront investment, high efficiency, space-saving, ideal for larger or growing breweries.
- Pressure fermentation, natural carbonation, and oxygen-free transfers are key unitank advantages.
- Maintenance, space, and cleaning requirements are pivotal; factor them into decisions.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ’S)
Can I upgrade a conical to a unitank later?
A: Generally, no, due to wall thickness and safety requirements. Choose modular models if you anticipate the need to upgrade.
Are unitanks worth the space savings?
A: Yes, in many cases, unitanks can cut equipment footprints by up to 40%.
Are plastic conicals suitable for commercial use?
A: Possible for small operations, but stainless steel is preferred by health inspectors and for long-term durability.
What’s the minimum volume for unitank ROI?
A: Around 15–20 barrels a week; below that, conicals typically offer better value.
Is cleaning easier with a unitank?
A: Yes, especially if CIP systems are installed, saving labor on regular maintenance.
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Author | Operations & Sourcing Lead
Luca is an operations and sourcing specialist with extensive experience in project management and industrial manufacturing. This blog serves as a technical resource for brewery owners, offering clear guidance on equipment design, quality control, and supplier evaluation. In parallel, Luca advises international buyers on sourcing and importing brewing equipment—helping them manage risk, avoid costly mistakes, and achieve consistent production quality.
