From Fermenter King to Fermzilla: My Homebrewing Upgrade Journey
From the Fermenter King Gen 3 to the Fermzilla 27L Gen 3.2 Tri-conical
Homebrewing is a passion of mine, and like any hobby, having the right equipment makes all the difference. I started out with the Fermenter King Gen 3, which served me well—but not without its frustrations. The waste yeast collector often felt too small, unscrewing it was messy, the lid was hard to remove after fermentation, and cleaning through the small top opening was a pain.
So when I came across the Fermzilla 27L Gen 3.2 Tri-Conical, I knew it was time for an upgrade—and I couldn't be happier with the switch.
Fermenter King Gen 3: A Solid Start with Some Shortcomings
Pros:
✅ Pressure fermentation capability – Let me ferment under pressure, which helped reduce ester production and sped up carbonation.
✅ PET plastic construction – Lightweight and far less fragile than glass.
✅ Budget-friendly – An affordable entry point into pressure fermentation.
Cons:
❌ Stubborn lid – Removing it post-fermentation required a lot of effort (and sometimes tools).
❌ Tough to clean – The narrow opening and awkward design made sanitation difficult.
❌ Trub access issues – Collecting or removing yeast/trub wasn’t as convenient as I’d hoped.
After a few batches, I realized I needed something more user-friendly.
Why I Switched to the Fermzilla 27L Gen 3.2 Tri-conical
After plenty of research, I landed on the Fermzilla 27L Gen 3.2 Tri-Conical. Here's what won me over:
✅ Effortless lid removal – The tri-clamp system is a game-changer; no more wrestling with the lid.
✅ Easier cleaning – The wide top opening and conical shape simplify cleanup and reduce sediment issues.
✅ Trub dump valve – Trub and yeast can be dumped cleanly without disturbing the beer.
✅ Higher pressure rating – Perfect for pressure fermentation and closed transfers.
The Fermzilla 27L Gen 3.2 Tri-conical like the Fermenter King Gen 3 both came with a stand and accessories but I got a few more accessories with the Fermzilla.
It came with a starter kit and the ultimate pressure Kit with Stainless Steel fittings and a stainless steel float and dip tube and filter.
And a BlowTie Spunding Valve Kit V2,
The Gen3 FermZilla Tri-Conical with a 3 Inch Tri-Clover ferrule moulded into the tank and a redesigned tri-clover dump valve, no more complicated dump valve designs here, just simplicity. Brew with confidence it says.
A Revolution in Homebrewing
The Fermzilla Tri-Conical offers pro-level control on a homebrewer’s budget. With the added benefit of transparency, you can literally watch your fermentation unfold—while fermenting at pressures up to 2.4 bar.
It can be set up in several configurations:
- Basic Gravity Fermenter (KL25898) – Ideal for new brewers
- Pressure Brewing Kit (KB07201) – The most popular option
- Hop Bong Pressure Kit (KB07249) – Great for intermediate brewers
- Glycol Twister Kit (KB07297) – For temperature control fanatics
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Fermenter King Gen 3 | Fermzilla 27L Gen 3.2 Tri-conical |
|---|---|---|
| Lid Removal | Hard to unscrew, can get stuck | Quick and easy tri-clamp system |
| Cleaning | Difficult due to design | Wide opening, easy to clean |
| Trub Management | Limited access, can be messy | Dedicated dump valve for easy removal |
| Pressure Rating | Suitable for pressure fermentation | Handles higher pressures, better for closed transfers |
Final Thoughts: Is the Fermzilla Worth It?
Absolutely. While the Fermenter King Gen 3 is a solid entry-level fermenter, the Fermzilla 27L Gen 3.2 Tri-Conical elevates every part of the brewing process. It's easier to use, simpler to clean, and makes trub management a breeze.
If you're serious about brewing and want a more enjoyable, streamlined experience, this upgrade is well worth it.
Cheers to better brews! 🍻