By Caleb MorganUpdated November 2026
Looking for a conical fermenter for wine? Most home winemakers reach for a conical because it lets them pull sediment, lees and spent yeast from the bottom of the vessel without disturbing the wine above. That matters more for wine than for beer, since wine often sits on lees for months and any trub or dead yeast left behind can add off-flavors or encourage spoilage. The picks below were chosen on specifications, brand reputation and the patterns owners tend to describe in their feedback, with attention to batch size, cleanability, pressure and temperature options, and how the vessel handles a long secondary or aging stage.
Our top picks at a glance
- 1
TOP CHOICEBest overallVEVOR Pressure Fermenter 15 PSI, 8 Gal/30L All-in-One Stainless SteelView on Amazon - 2
TOP CHOICEBest for pressure workConical Fermenter for Homebrew/Wine/Brewing, Pro Grade Stainless Steel – 8 GallonView on Amazon - 3
TOP CHOICEBest for small kitchens30 Liter 6 Gallon Conical Fermenter with Bottle Filler and Mash PaddleView on Amazon - 4
Best for temperature control12L/20L/35L/60L Lncluding Temperature Patch, Silicone Plug, One-way VaView on Amazon - 5
Best for larger batchesFermentation tank with chiller for home brewing Stainless steel conicaView on Amazon - 6
Best budget pickFermZilla Tri-Conical Easy-Grip Pressure Fermenter Starter Kit – 27LView on Amazon
Our Top Picks
| Product | Best for | Key feature |
|---|---|---|
| VEVOR Pressure Fermenter 15 PSI, 8 Gal/30L | Best overall | Pressure rating listed at 15 PSI |
| Conical Fermenter for Homebrew/Wine/Brewing, 8 Gallon | Best for pressure work | Pro-grade stainless steel build |
| 30 Liter 6 Gallon Conical Fermenter with Bottle Filler | Best for small kitchens | Bottle filler and mash paddle included |
| 20L Stainless Steel Conical Fermentation Tank | Best for temperature control | Temperature patch and silicone sealing parts |
| 17 Gallon Conical Fermenter with Chiller | Best for larger batches | Built-in cooling system |
| FermZilla Tri-Conical Pressure Fermenter Starter Kit | Best budget pick | Tri-conical design with easy-grip lid |
VEVOR Pressure Fermenter 15 PSI, 8 Gal/30L All-in-One Stainless Steel Conical Secondary Fermentation Bucket
VEVOR Pressure Fermenter 15 PSI, 8 Gal/30L All-in-One Stainless Steel Conical Secondary Fermentation Bucket, for Wine, Beer Brewing Equipment
Best for: Best overall
This is a good fit for winemakers who want a single vessel that handles primary, secondary and light pressurized work, and who have room for an 8-gallon footprint. It suits people who plan to bottle or carbonate a sparkling wine later.
Key specs
- Listed capacity: 8 gallons / 30 liters
- Listed pressure rating: 15 PSI
- Stainless steel conical body
- Sold as an all-in-one kit for wine and beer
Pros
- Pressure rating gives room for sparkling or carbonated wines
- Conical bottom makes sediment removal straightforward
- Single vessel covers several stages of the process
Cons
- Pressure work requires attention to gaskets and relief valve checks
- Eight gallons is larger than many home setups need for a small wine batch
Bottom line: The best choice for winemakers who want one stainless vessel that can go from fermentation through pressurized storage.
Conical Fermenter for Homebrew/Wine/Brewing, Pro Grade Stainless Steel – 8 Gallon
Conical Fermenter for Homebrew/Wine/Brewing, Pro Grade Stainless Steel – 8 Gallon
Best for: Best for pressure work
This suits home winemakers who are comfortable with a sturdier, pro-style build and want a conical they can keep in service for many years. It is a natural match for someone who already has a stainless workflow.
Key specs
- Listed capacity: 8 gallons
- Stainless steel construction
- Designed for homebrew, wine and brewing use
Pros
- Stainless build is generally easy to sanitize
- Suitable for both wine and beer workflows
- Durable finish that owners tend to describe as long-lasting
Cons
- Heavier than plastic options, which makes moving a full batch harder
- Accessories such as lids and valves may need separate sourcing
Bottom line: A solid pick for a winemaker who wants a durable, pro-style conical for regular batches.
30 Liter 6 Gallon Conical Fermenter with Bottle Filler and Mash Paddle, 304 Stainless Steel
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: Best for small kitchens
This works well for winemakers with limited floor and counter space who still want a conical bottom. Its six-gallon capacity suits typical home wine batches, and the bottle filler helps with transfer.
Key specs
- Listed capacity: 6 gallons / 30 liters
- 304 stainless steel body
- Includes bottle filler and mash paddle
Pros
- Compact footprint for the volume
- 304 stainless is a common, food-safe grade
- Bottle filler simplifies racking into bottles
Cons
- Six gallons limits batch size for larger wine projects
- Included accessories are geared toward multiple uses, so some parts may go unused for wine
Bottom line: The right choice for a home winemaker with a small setup who wants a conical sized for standard batches.
12L/20L/35L/60L Stainless Steel Fermenter Conical Home Brewing Fermentation Tank (316, 20L)
12L/20L/35L/60L Lncluding Temperature Patch, Silicone Plug, One-way Valve, Silicone Ring Stainless Steel Fermenter Conical Home Brewing Fermentation Tank (316, 20L)
Best for: Best for temperature control
This suits winemakers who want to monitor fermentation temperature closely, since wine is sensitive to heat during primary fermentation. It also suits anyone who plans to add a cooling jacket or a temperature-controlled setup later.
Key specs
- Listed capacity: 20 liters (20L version)
- 316 stainless steel, as named in the listing
- Includes temperature patch, silicone plug, one-way valve and silicone ring
Pros
- Temperature patch helps track fermentation heat
- 316 stainless offers better corrosion resistance than 304 in many settings
- Includes practical sealing and venting parts
Cons
- Listing covers several sizes, so confirm you are buying the 20L version
- Without a cooling setup, temperature control still depends on your room or a fermentation chamber
Bottom line: A good match for winemakers who care most about temperature monitoring and corrosion-resistant steel.
Fermentation Tank with Chiller for Home Brewing, Stainless Steel Conical Fermenter 17 Gallon
Fermentation tank with chiller for home brewing Stainless steel conical fermenter with cooling system Craft beer Brewery 17 gallon
Best for: Best for larger batches
This is aimed at winemakers who make big batches or who want an integrated chiller so they do not need a separate glycol or ice-bath setup. It fits a dedicated space in a garage or cellar.
Key specs
- Listed capacity: 17 gallons
- Stainless steel conical fermenter
- Built-in cooling system per listing
Pros
- Large capacity suits bulk wine or multi-carboy batches
- Integrated chiller reduces the need for extra cooling gear
- Conical design simplifies sediment removal at volume
Cons
- Large and heavy when full, so plan for a stable stand and help moving it
- Chiller adds plumbing and power requirements to plan around
Bottom line: The best pick for a winemaker with the space and infrastructure to run a large, chilled conical.
FermZilla Tri-Conical Easy-Grip Pressure Fermenter Starter Kit – 27L
FermZilla Tri-Conical Easy-Grip Pressure Fermenter Starter Kit – 27L
Best for: Best budget pick
This suits winemakers who want a tri-conical design with an easy-grip lid and a starter kit to get going without buying every accessory separately. It is a practical entry point for a first conical.
Key specs
- Listed capacity: 27 liters
- Tri-conical design
- Sold as a starter kit with pressure-fermenter features
Pros
- Tri-conical shape helps yeast and sediment collect at the bottom
- Starter kit reduces the number of separate purchases
- Easy-grip lid is generally easier to handle than a plain bucket lid
Cons
- Plastic construction is less durable than stainless over many years
- Pressure use requires checking the seal and lid regularly
Bottom line: A sensible starting point for a first conical wine fermenter, especially for a home winemaker on a tighter setup.
Buying Guide
Batch Size and Vessel Capacity
Choose a vessel with headspace. Wine ferments actively and foams, so fill a conical no more than about 75 to 80 percent of its listed volume. A five-gallon wine batch usually calls for a vessel of at least six to eight gallons. Going much larger than you need makes the batch harder to manage and can slow temperature response.
Good picks for this: 30 Liter 6 Gallon Conical Fermenter; VEVOR Pressure Fermenter 15 PSI
Material: Stainless Steel vs. Plastic
Stainless steel is easier to sanitize thoroughly, holds up to repeated use and resists scratching better than most plastics. Plastic conicals are lighter and usually less expensive to buy, but they can scratch over time, and scratches can harbor bacteria. Check whether the listing names the stainless grade; 304 and 316 are the grades most often cited for brewing equipment.
Good picks for this: Conical Fermenter for Homebrew/Wine/Brewing, Pro Grade Stainless Steel; 20L Stainless Steel Conical Fermentation Tank
Pressure Rating and Sealing
If you plan to carbonate a sparkling wine or hold wine under light pressure, confirm the stated pressure rating and inspect gaskets and lids before each use. Pressure-rated vessels should have a working relief valve. Never exceed the rated pressure, and treat any pressure vessel with respect.
Good picks for this: VEVOR Pressure Fermenter 15 PSI; FermZilla Tri-Conical Easy-Grip Pressure Fermenter Starter Kit
Temperature Control
Wine fermentation is usually best kept in a steady range, often in the mid-60s Fahrenheit for many red and white styles, though recipes vary. Look for a built-in temperature patch, a cooling jacket or a chiller if you live in a warm space. A vessel that tracks temperature makes it easier to spot a fermentation running hot.
Good picks for this: 20L Stainless Steel Conical Fermentation Tank; Fermentation Tank with Chiller 17 Gallon
Cleaning and Sanitation
Look for smooth welds, few crevices and a wide opening. Conicals with a clean, fully accessible interior are easier to sanitize between batches. Plan on running sanitizer through the valve and fittings as well as the body, since those are common places for residue to hide.
Good picks for this: 30 Liter 6 Gallon Conical Fermenter with Bottle Filler; Conical Fermenter for Homebrew/Wine/Brewing, Pro Grade Stainless Steel
Footprint and Storage Space
A full conical can weigh more than 50 pounds, and a tall vessel needs clearance above it for the lid and valves. Measure the space you have, including the height needed to drain sediment from the bottom valve into a bottle or carboy. Stable, level flooring matters more than most buyers expect.
Good picks for this: 30 Liter 6 Gallon Conical Fermenter; FermZilla Tri-Conical Easy-Grip Pressure Fermenter Starter Kit
Accessories and Included Parts
Check whether the kit includes a lid with an airlock port, a valve for racking, a sealing ring and a temperature gauge. Missing parts add cost and delay a brew day. Included extras such as a mash paddle or bottle filler are useful only if you will actually use them for wine.
Good picks for this: 20L Stainless Steel Conical Fermentation Tank; FermZilla Tri-Conical Easy-Grip Pressure Fermenter Starter Kit
FAQ
What size conical fermenter do I need for a 5-gallon batch of wine?
A vessel of about six to eight gallons is a common choice for five gallons of wine, since it leaves room for foaming and headspace. Fill it to no more than about 75 to 80 percent of its listed capacity.
Is stainless steel better than plastic for a conical fermenter?
Stainless steel is generally easier to sanitize, more durable and less prone to scratching. Plastic is lighter and often more affordable, but it needs more careful handling. Both can work well when kept clean.
Can I use a conical fermenter for both wine and beer?
Yes, many conicals are sold for both. Wine and beer have different fermentation profiles, so you may want to manage temperature and timing differently for each. Clean and sanitize the vessel thoroughly between uses.
Do I need a pressure-rated conical?
Only if you plan to carbonate or hold wine under pressure. For still wine, a non-pressure conical is usually enough. If you do use pressure, check the rating, gaskets and relief valve before every use.
How do I remove sediment from a conical fermenter?
Let the wine settle, then open the bottom valve slowly and drain the trub and lees into a container. Stop when the wine clears at the valve. Racking off the lees before aging helps reduce off-flavors.
How often should I clean a conical fermenter?
Clean and sanitize it after every batch, and inspect the valve, gasket and seals each time. Pay close attention to the bottom valve and fittings, since residue collects there.
Conclusion
For most home winemakers, the VEVOR Pressure Fermenter is a strong all-round choice, especially if you may want pressurized work later. The Pro Grade 8-gallon stainless conical suits anyone who values durability, while the 30-liter model with a bottle filler fits a small kitchen. If temperature control is your priority, the 20-liter stainless tank with a temperature patch is the most targeted option. Larger batches point toward the 17-gallon chilled conical, and the FermZilla starter kit is a practical first step on a tighter budget. Match the vessel to your batch size, space and sanitation habits, and the choice becomes much clearer.
Sources
- Food safety guidance on sanitation and food-contact materials, including stainless steel grades (fda.gov)
- Information on fermentation and food safety practices (usda.gov)
- University-backed guidance on home fermentation and sanitation (extension.org)
Related reading
- Using a Conical Fermenter: A Step-by-Step Guide for Homebrewers
- Used Conical Fermenter for Sale: 5 Best Options Compared (2026)
- Top 7 Primary Fermenters for Wine Options Compared for Home Winemakers
- Temperature Controlled Conical Fermenter: A Step-by-Step Setup Guide
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.
