As a homebrewer, I understand the importance of having the right equipment to ensure my brews turn out just the way I envision them. Among the many pieces of gear I’ve used, fermenters stand out as crucial for ensuring fermentation happens smoothly and without contamination. That’s why I was excited to try out the Spike Flex and Flex+ Fermenter. In this Spike Flex and Flex+ Fermenter product review, I’ll walk you through my experience using both models, highlighting their features, performance, and which one might be the best fit for your brewing needs.
What Sets Spike Flex and Flex+ Fermenters Apart?
Spike Brewing is known for its commitment to quality and innovation, and the Spike Flex and Flex+ Fermenters live up to that reputation. Both models are designed to make the fermentation process more efficient and user-friendly, offering a range of features that cater to both novice and experienced brewers alike. While both fermenters share some common features, such as durable stainless steel construction and a sleek, professional design, there are key differences between the two.
The Flex fermenter is a more basic option, perfect for brewers who want a straightforward fermentation vessel that delivers consistent results without any unnecessary complexity. On the other hand, the Flex+ Fermenter comes with additional features aimed at providing more control and flexibility, especially for those who brew larger batches or prefer a higher level of precision.
In this review, I’ll take a closer look at both models and share my experience brewing with them.
The Unboxing Experience
When I first received the Spike Flex and Flex+ Fermenters, I was immediately impressed by how securely everything was packaged. Both fermenters arrived in perfect condition, with each component carefully wrapped to prevent any damage during shipping. I couldn’t wait to take them out and get a feel for their build quality.
The first thing that stood out was the stainless steel construction. Both the Flex and Flex+ Fermenters have a polished, professional look that is as functional as it is attractive. They’re solid, durable, and easy to handle, thanks to their ergonomic handles. Even with the larger size of the Flex+ Fermenter, I found that both models were relatively easy to move around.
After unboxing, I quickly noticed the difference in features between the two models. While the Flex is simpler, the Flex+ has additional options like a built-in temperature control system and a more advanced blow-off valve. These features were a significant draw for me, but I was eager to see how they would perform in practice.
Setting Up the Fermenters
Setting up the Spike Flex and Flex+ Fermenters was a breeze. Both models come with clear instructions that guide you through the setup process. Whether you’re a beginner or someone who has brewed before, you’ll find that assembling the fermenter is quick and straightforward. It took me less than 15 minutes to get everything in place and ready for brewing.
The Flex fermenter is designed with simplicity in mind. It has a wide opening for easy filling and cleaning, a sturdy spigot for easy draining, and a blow-off valve to manage the release of excess pressure during fermentation. It’s the perfect vessel for a straightforward, no-fuss fermentation process.
The Flex+ Fermenter, while still easy to set up, has a few more features that require some additional attention. The built-in temperature control system and enhanced blow-off valve require a bit more attention to ensure they’re properly calibrated, but this extra effort is well worth it for those who want more control over the fermentation process.
Brewing with the Spike Flex Fermenter
When it came time to actually brew with the Spike Flex Fermenter, I was eager to see how it performed. I decided to start with a simple IPA, a brew I’ve made many times before. The Flex did not disappoint. The wide-mouth opening made it easy to add my ingredients, and the spigot made draining and transferring the wort into secondary fermentation just as simple. The blow-off valve worked perfectly to release excess CO2, ensuring I didn’t experience any overflow or unwanted pressure buildup.
I appreciated the ease of use that came with the Flex fermenter. For beginner brewers or those who prefer a more straightforward brewing process, this fermenter is an excellent option. The simplicity of the setup didn’t detract from the performance; it provided everything I needed to brew a successful batch of beer.
Brewing with the Spike Flex+ Fermenter
Next, I moved on to the Spike Flex+ Fermenter, which promised a bit more precision with its added features. I chose a batch of stout to test this fermenter, as the brewing process requires more attention to temperature control to avoid fermentation issues. I found that the temperature control system in the Flex+ was a game-changer. The system allowed me to maintain a consistent fermentation temperature throughout the entire process, which helped me get better flavor results and ensured a more stable fermentation environment.
The advanced blow-off valve in the Flex+ also performed exceptionally well. It managed excess pressure with ease, preventing any issues that might have occurred in a less efficient system. Additionally, the built-in graduated scale on the side of the fermenter made it easy to track the beer’s volume, which was especially helpful when I was preparing to move the beer into kegs for further processing.
Overall, the Flex+ Fermenter provided an upgraded experience, with features that added convenience and precision. If you’re someone who is serious about your brewing or you often brew larger batches, the Flex+ might be the better choice for you. However, for many homebrewers, the Flex fermenter offers all the essentials without the added complexity.
Cleaning and Maintenance
One of the things I appreciate most about both the Spike Flex and Flex+ Fermenters is how easy they are to clean. Cleaning brewing equipment can be a hassle, but both of these fermenters are made from high-quality stainless steel that resists staining and is easy to scrub down after each use.
The wide opening on both fermenters makes it simple to reach all the nooks and crannies during cleaning, and the spigots can be easily removed for thorough washing. The Flex+ Fermenter does require a bit more care when it comes to maintaining the temperature control system, but this is a small price to pay for the added benefits it provides.
Which Fermenter is Right for You?
Choosing between the Spike Flex and Flex+ Fermenter ultimately depends on your needs as a brewer. If you’re just getting started or looking for a no-frills fermenter that gets the job done, the Flex fermenter is an excellent choice. It’s easy to use, reliable, and doesn’t require a lot of extra effort.
On the other hand, if you’re looking for more control over your fermentation process and want additional features like temperature control, the Flex+ Fermenter is worth the investment. It’s ideal for more advanced brewers or anyone who brews larger batches and needs a higher level of precision.
Conclusion
In this Spike Flex and Flex+ Fermenter product review, I’ve shared my experience with both models, from unboxing to brewing and cleaning. Both fermenters performed exceptionally well, providing solid results and ease of use. The Flex is perfect for those looking for a straightforward fermenter, while the Flex+ is a great choice for those who want more control and additional features. No matter which model you choose, Spike Brewing has created a pair of fermenters that will make your brewing process smoother and more efficient.
