By Caleb MorganUpdated November 2026
A 5 gallon conical fermenter is one of the most useful upgrades a homebrewer can make, because it lets you harvest yeast, drop trub and dry hops, and ferment cleanly in a vessel sized for a standard five-gallon batch. This guide compares five options across the criteria that matter most: volume fit for a five-gallon batch, build material, ease of cleaning, temperature control compatibility and how well each design suits a small or shared brewing space.
Our top picks at a glance
- 1
TOP CHOICEBest overallSpeidel Plastic Fermenter – 20L (5.3 gal)View on Amazon - 2
TOP CHOICEBest for pressure fermentationVEVOR Pressure Fermenter 15 PSI, 16 Gal/60L All-in-One Stainless SteelView on Amazon - 3
TOP CHOICEBest for small kitchensNorth Mountain Supply Square Compact Fermenter with 2-Piece Airlock – 25 LiterView on Amazon - 4
Best for stainless steel fans30 Liter 6 Gallon Conical Fermenter with Bottle Filler and Mash PaddleView on Amazon - 5
Best budget pickReusable 5 Gallon Glass Carboy for brewing and storageView on Amazon
Our Top Picks
| Product | Best for | Key feature |
|---|---|---|
| Speidel Plastic Fermenter – 20L (5.3 gal) | Overall value for five-gallon batches | Roughly 5.3 gallon capacity in a plastic body |
| VEVOR Pressure Fermenter 15 PSI, 16 Gal/60L | Pressure fermentation and yeast harvesting | 15 PSI rated stainless build with cooling tube |
| North Mountain Supply Square Compact Fermenter | Small kitchens and tight storage | Square footprint, about 6.5 gallon capacity |
| 30 Liter 6 Gallon Conical Fermenter with Bottle Filler | Stainless steel conical fans | 304 stainless body with bottle filler and mash paddle |
| Reusable 5 Gallon Glass Carboy | Budget fermentation and clear visibility | Glass body that fits a #7 stopper |
Speidel Plastic Fermenter – 20L (5.3 gal)
Speidel Plastic Fermenter – 20L (5.3 gal)
Best for: Overall value for five-gallon batches
This is a practical choice for brewers who want a straightforward vessel that handles a standard batch without much fuss. It suits homebrewers who ferment in ambient or lightly controlled temperatures and want an easy-to-handle fermenter.
Key specs
- Listed capacity: 20 liters (about 5.3 gallons)
- Plastic construction
Pros
- Capacity suits a standard five-gallon batch with headspace
- Lightweight and easy to move between stations
- Simple design with few parts to clean
Cons
- Plastic bodies can scratch over time, which makes sanitation harder to verify
- Not a true conical shape, so trub separation is limited compared with stainless designs
Bottom line: A good pick for brewers who want a sized-right, low-complexity fermenter and do not need advanced yeast management.
VEVOR Pressure Fermenter 15 PSI, 16 Gal/60L All-in-One Stainless Steel Conical Secondary Fermentation Bucket
VEVOR Pressure Fermenter 15 PSI, 16 Gal/60L All-in-One Stainless Steel Conical Secondary Fermentation Bucket, with Cooling Tube, Yeast Slurry Collection Bottle, for Wine, Beer Brewing Equipment
Best for: Pressure fermentation and yeast harvesting
This model is aimed at brewers who want pressure capability and a built-in cooling path. Its capacity is well above five gallons, so it fits brewers who plan to scale up or who want room for krausen and blow-off.
Key specs
- Listed pressure rating: 15 PSI
- Listed capacity: 16 gallons (60 liters)
- Includes a cooling tube and yeast slurry collection bottle
Pros
- Pressure rating supports closed, pressurized fermentation
- Integrated cooling tube helps with temperature management
- Yeast collection bottle supports reuse of slurry
Cons
- Oversized for a single five-gallon batch, which can waste space and cleaning time
- More fittings and parts than a simple bucket, so there is more to sanitize
Bottom line: Best for brewers who want pressure and yeast harvesting and are comfortable with a larger vessel.
North Mountain Supply Square Compact Fermenter with 2-Piece Airlock – 25 Liter
North Mountain Supply Square Compact Fermenter with 2-Piece Airlock – 25 Liter (Approximately 6.5 Gallons) – Designed to be Stored in Tight Spaces – Made in Italy!
Best for: Small kitchens and tight storage
The square footprint makes this a sensible option for apartments or home brewers who need to fit fermentation on a shelf or in a closet. It works well for brewers who value space efficiency over a conical bottom.
Key specs
- Listed capacity: 25 liters (approximately 6.5 gallons)
- Includes a two-piece airlock
- Square design for compact storage
Pros
- Square shape uses shelf and floor space efficiently
- Capacity leaves comfortable headspace for a five-gallon batch
- Airlock included, so it is ready to use
Cons
- Flat bottom does not collect trub the way a conical does
- Lid and airlock seal require careful cleaning and inspection
Bottom line: A strong fit for small spaces where storage footprint matters more than conical yeast harvesting.
30 Liter 6 Gallon Conical Fermenter with Bottle Filler and Mash Paddle, 304 Stainless Steel Fermentation Tank
30 Liter 6 Gallon Conical Fermenter with Bottle Filler and Mash Paddle, 304 Stainless Steel Fermentation Tank for Homebrew Carboy. Wine Beer Kombucha Wine Making; Home Brewing Equipment
Best for: Stainless steel conical fans
This option appeals to brewers who want a conical stainless body with added accessories for filling and mashing. It suits those who plan to use the fermenter for multiple styles and want durable, cleanable surfaces.
Key specs
- Listed capacity: 30 liters (about 6 gallons)
- 304 stainless steel construction
- Includes bottle filler and mash paddle
Pros
- Conical bottom helps separate trub and yeast
- 304 stainless resists corrosion and is easy to sanitize
- Bottle filler adds convenience at packaging time
Cons
- Heavier than plastic options, which makes lifting full batches harder
- Accessories add parts to clean and inspect
Bottom line: Good for brewers who want a conical stainless vessel and are willing to handle more weight for better sediment control.
Reusable 5 Gallon Glass Carboy for brewing and storage
Reusable 5 Gallon Glass Carboy for brewing and storage | Glass Carboy 5 Gallon opening fits a #7 stopper – sold separately Italian Carboy 5 Gallon | Clear Fermenter for Wine, Beer and Kombucha
Best for: Budget fermentation and clear visibility
Glass carboys have been a homebrew staple for decades. They suit brewers who want to watch fermentation and who are comfortable with a simple, non-conical vessel.
Key specs
- Listed capacity: 5 gallons
- Glass body, reusable
- Opening fits a #7 stopper, sold separately
Pros
- Clear glass lets you see activity and clarity
- Non-porous surface is easy to sanitize
- Simple, inexpensive route into five-gallon fermentation
Cons
- Fragile, and breakage can be dangerous
- Heavy when full, and no conical bottom for trub control
Bottom line: A solid budget choice for brewers who value visibility and simplicity over conical features.
Buying Guide
Capacity and fit for a five-gallon batch
A five-gallon batch needs headspace, typically several inches of space above the wort to handle krausen. Many brewers choose a fermenter rated closer to 6 or 7 gallons for this reason. Check listed capacity against your recipe size and your blow-off plans.
Good picks for this: North Mountain Supply Square Compact Fermenter, Speidel Plastic Fermenter – 20L (5.3 gal)
Conical shape and trub control
A conical bottom lets you drop trub and spent yeast through a valve, which can yield cleaner beer and easier yeast harvesting. Flat or round-bottom vessels do not offer this, so the shape changes what you can do after fermentation.
Good picks for this: 30 Liter 6 Gallon Conical Fermenter with Bottle Filler and Mash Paddle, VEVOR Pressure Fermenter 15 PSI
Material: stainless, plastic and glass
Stainless steel resists scratching and corrosion and is generally the easiest to keep sanitary over many batches. Plastic is lighter but scratches and can hold odors. Glass is non-porous and transparent but breakable. Choose based on how you handle and clean your equipment.
Good picks for this: 30 Liter 6 Gallon Conical Fermenter with Bottle Filler and Mash Paddle, Reusable 5 Gallon Glass Carboy
Pressure rating and closed fermentation
If you plan to ferment under pressure or use closed transfers, look for a documented pressure rating and verified seals. Never exceed the manufacturer’s listed PSI, and inspect gaskets and fittings before each use.
Good picks for this: VEVOR Pressure Fermenter 15 PSI
Footprint and storage space
Square or compact designs use shelf space more efficiently than round vessels. Measure your storage area, including the height needed for an airlock and the clearance to reach the valve.
Good picks for this: North Mountain Supply Square Compact Fermenter
Cleaning and durability
Smooth, seamless surfaces and fewer fittings make sanitation faster and more reliable. Check whether lids, gaskets and valves are removable for cleaning. Replace worn gaskets and scratched plastic on a regular schedule.
Good picks for this: 30 Liter 6 Gallon Conical Fermenter with Bottle Filler and Mash Paddle, Speidel Plastic Fermenter – 20L (5.3 gal)
Temperature control compatibility
Fermentation temperature strongly affects flavor. If you plan to use a fridge, freezer or glycol jacket, confirm the vessel fits your setup and that any cooling tube or jacket is compatible.
Good picks for this: VEVOR Pressure Fermenter 15 PSI, 30 Liter 6 Gallon Conical Fermenter with Bottle Filler and Mash Paddle
FAQ
Is a 5 gallon conical fermenter the right size for a five-gallon batch?
A five-gallon batch in a vessel labeled 5 gallons leaves almost no headspace, so many brewers prefer a fermenter rated 6 to 7 gallons. Smaller listed capacities may work for lower-gravity beers, but check your recipe volume and expected krausen.
Do I need a conical fermenter to make good beer?
No. Many brewers make excellent beer in buckets and carboys. A conical mainly helps with trub removal and yeast harvesting, which matter more as you brew more often or want to reuse yeast.
What is the difference between stainless and plastic fermenters?
Stainless steel is durable, resists scratching and is easy to sanitize. Plastic is lighter and less expensive to replace but can scratch and retain odors. Both can produce good beer when cleaned properly.
Can I pressure ferment in any fermenter?
No. Only use vessels with a documented pressure rating, and never exceed that rating. Confirm that lids, gaskets and fittings are rated too.
How do I clean a conical fermenter safely?
Rinse immediately after emptying, use an oxygen-based or no-rinse sanitizer as directed, and inspect gaskets and valves. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for any cleaning chemicals, and keep them away from food-contact surfaces after use.
Is a glass carboy safe to use?
Glass carboys work well but can break, causing injury and spills. Handle full carboys carefully, use a carrying handle or cage, and store them on stable surfaces away from foot traffic.
Conclusion
For most five-gallon brewers, the right 5 gallon conical fermenter depends on what you want to do with it. Choose the 30 Liter 6 Gallon Conical Fermenter if trub control and stainless durability matter most. Pick the VEVOR Pressure Fermenter if pressure fermentation and yeast harvesting are priorities. The North Mountain Supply Square Compact Fermenter suits tight spaces, while the Speidel Plastic Fermenter offers a simple overall choice. The Reusable 5 Gallon Glass Carboy is a practical budget route if you value visibility.
Sources
- Food contact materials and guidance on safe use of stainless steel and plastic food-contact equipment (fda.gov)
- Safety information on glass containers and handling precautions to reduce injury risk (cpsc.gov)
- Workplace guidance on safe lifting and handling of heavy containers (osha.gov)
Related reading
- SS BrewTech 7 Gallon Conical Fermenter: Setup, Brew Day Steps and Tips
- Is a Conical Fermenter 10 Gallon Worth It? Uses, Tips and Trade-Offs
- FastFerment Conical Fermenter 7.9 Gallon Review (2026)
- 6 Best Fastferment 14 Gallon Conical Fermenter Options for Homebrewers (2026)
About Caleb Morgan
Caleb Morgan is part of our editorial team and reviews and edits our home brewing guides, checking product details against manufacturer specifications and owner feedback.
