Conical Vs. Cylindrical Fermenters: A Complete Comparison for Craft Brewing

Selecting the right fermenter is one of the most important decisions for any brewery. Fermentation vessels directly influence yeast performance, beer quality, sanitation control, and long-term production efficiency. Among the most common designs, conical fermenters and cylindrical (flat-bottom) fermenters each offer unique advantages. In this article, DE GONG provides a clear comparison to help brewers choose the best solution for their brewing goals.

1.What Is a Conical Fermenter?

A conical fermenter features a cylindrical upper body and a cone-shaped bottom, typically with a 60–70° angle that allows solids—yeast, hop residues, and trub—to naturally settle at the cone point. This design enables brewers to remove sediment, harvest clean yeast, and conduct multiple brewing steps inside one vessel.

DEGONG stainless-steel conical fermenters are equipped with cooling jackets, CIP spray balls, sampling valves, pressure-rated manways, and optional carbonation stones, providing full control throughout fermentation and conditioning.

2.What Is a Cylindrical (Flat-Bottom) Fermenter?

A cylindrical fermenter has a simple straight-wall design with a flat or slightly curved bottom. Without a cone, solids spread across the bottom surface instead of concentrating at one point. These vessels are typically used for traditional or small-batch brewing where simplicity and low cost are priorities.

3.Key Differences

(1)Yeast & Sediment Management

Conical fermenters naturally separate solids from finished beer, enabling clean yeast harvesting and easy removal of trub through the bottom outlet.

Cylindrical fermenters cannot centralize sediment, resulting in more manual handling and limited yeast reuse.

(2)Brewing Flexibility

Conical tanks support primary fermentation, conditioning, dry hopping, cold crashing, and even carbonation in the same vessel—reducing transfers and contamination risk.

Cylindrical tanks are more limited and often require additional vessels for secondary processes.

(3)Sanitation & Cleaning

DEGONG conical fermenters include polished stainless-steel interiors, CIP systems, and hygienic fittings that ensure fast, reliable sanitation.

Flat-bottom tanks may develop dead corners where residue collects, increasing cleaning time and contamination risk.

(4)Pressure Capability

Most professional conical fermenters are pressure-rated, enabling closed-loop fermentation, spunding, natural carbonation, and oxygen-free transfers.

Cylindrical fermenters are generally non-pressurized and suited for simpler, traditional methods.

(5)Cost & Application

Conical tanks cost more but offer higher efficiency, consistency, and long-term value—ideal for commercial craft breweries.

Cylindrical tanks remain a budget-friendly solution for small experimental batches or traditional open-style fermentations.

4.Which One Should You Choose?

For breweries seeking efficiency, product consistency, clean yeast management, and professional-grade sanitation, a DEGONG conical fermenter is the superior choice and is widely considered the industry standard.

Cylindrical fermenters still serve a purpose—especially for brewers with limited budgets or those producing specific traditional styles—but they offer fewer advantages as production scales.