Rating of the best water seals for fermentation for 2022

In the old days, moonshine was brewed using a 3-liter container with a medical glove and a heating radiator. Modern technology offers more efficient ways to brew this drink.

It should be borne in mind that although modern technology offers better efficiency, the user will also need technical savvy or a willingness to scrupulously study the details of devices. A medical glove will no longer be required to make alcohol, a water seal is required for modernized equipment. An inexperienced user is advised to study in detail the specifics of hydraulic seals and the variety of instances of these devices in order to choose the most suitable one for a particular device.

Principle of operation

This device is also called a water castle; there are models on sale that are presented under the above name. The essence of this device is the separation of carbon dioxide from mash. For example, when making cider, you need to get a starter, and then expel vodka or wine. To obtain the starter, fruit is squeezed (in non-summer seasons, sugar mass is mixed) and further heated. The resulting mixture is supplemented with yeast, after which it is sent to the tank compartment. After increasing the mixture in size, it is necessary to seal the container to prevent oxygen from entering. If oxygen enters, the prepared mass will turn sour and vinegar will turn out. Otherwise (if you allow excessive sealing), there is a risk of an explosion inside the container due to the slow growth of the yeast.

The water seal looks like a transparent container with water, equipped with 2 tubes. The main tube is placed on the lid of the container with the starter; carbon dioxide exits through the auxiliary tube. With this device, the cook solves 2 important tasks at once. Firstly, the timely removal of carbon dioxide without contact with air masses prevents undesirable consequences. Secondly, the shutter will serve as an indicator (bubble activity) for a prompt transition to the next cooking stage.

Shutter types

2 categories of these devices are available for sale:

1. Instances with one camera. These are the most affordable models, they consist of 2 compartments located opposite each other. This type is common among cooks due to its reasonable cost, availability for sale, and trouble-free operation.
2. Instances with 2 cameras.Also, this category is called collapsible. Suitable for users who use such devices regularly. The device of these devices allows cleaning and repairing individual elements, which prolongs the service life by an order of magnitude. The disadvantages include higher prices for such products and the need for regular replenishment of the allotted compartment with water.

Also, there is a category of closures that look like a cover with an additional device. This cover has a compartment for water and a tube for the removal of carbon dioxide. There are units with a container in the form of a cylinder and a hose. Similar products are made with an eye to the price segment. Budget options are traditionally made of plastic, more expensive glass materials.

Shutter selection

It is worth choosing such devices with an eye on the type of sourdough. Depending on the complexity of the composition, the device should also be selected. For example, if the brewer is going to prepare beer drinks, it is necessary to take into account the properties of the corresponding starter (increased foam formation) and select a unit with expanded pipes and a 2-chamber unit, with the possibility of cleaning individual elements. The increased release of foam will necessarily affect the frequency of pipe blockages, therefore, structures that do not provide the possibility of cleaning run the risk of failing after the very first cooking sessions.

Also, the “advancement” of the user’s main equipment will also play a significant role in the choice. If the buyer has advanced technology for making drinks, you should not pick up a cheap water lock for it. In addition, semi-professional equipment is not always compatible with water seals.Such designs are arranged without the possibility of integration into the system of third-party devices. These structures have their own crane, which prevents the shutter from being placed.

The location of the system also affects the choice. If the unit is located in a remote room or room (for example, in the kitchen) that has acceptable temperature conditions, choosing a lock is not difficult. If the user is deprived of the opportunity to place the system remotely, they will have to look for a model that does not create excessive noise that interferes with everyday life.

Choosing by material, the user is offered plastic or glass. The latter has a more significant price tag, but the service life is an order of magnitude superior to plastic models. The plastic category, in addition to an attractive price, has a number of undesirable side effects. These models are fragile, there is the possibility of cracking, splinters due to improper operation. At some sites, the buyer is offered to purchase home-made or uncertified devices. Manufacturers of such units often copy the models of popular manufacturers, repeating the design features of a particular instance. There are quite effective homemade products, but it should be borne in mind that by purchasing such a device, the user is deprived of the guarantee, and you should not count on the quality factor of the product.

Complicated versions include a cover for the 2nd compartment and additional pipes for odor removal. The advantages of such systems are simple development and availability for sale.

It is allowed to place such a shutter both on cans and on bottles. The main drawback is the overall bulkiness.Also, it is necessary to ensure sufficient tightness in the opening between the needle and the cover. You should not buy sealants in a hardware store for this, these products will betray a specific smell to the leaven. Old-school cooks suggest using bread or dough for these purposes. Of course, such material does not serve for a long time, so the seal must be replaced regularly.

Also, let's say the classic method with a glove, the main thing is to ensure a tight connection of the rubber with the neck and make a technological hole for gas removal. The glove will inflate, and the mass will release a sufficient amount of carbon dioxide. An inflated glove is an indicator of intensity. At high intensity, the gas is gradually released through the process hole. When the glove deflates, this is the signal to move on to distillation. The disadvantage of this method is the insufficient indication of processes. With the help of a glove, it is difficult to accurately assess the intensity of fermentation, so a beginner risks missing important deadlines. Also, it should be borne in mind that if the proportion of the composition is violated, excessive gas release is possible. This will break the glove and the inexperienced user will lose the indication. The glove is not suitable for bottles, only compatible with cans. This method is recommended to be used with a cotton ball to remove gases.

The easiest way to purchase a water seal is by placing an order on the appropriate Internet site. It is important to take into account that sets of locks are often sold as an assembly, it can be problematic to purchase individual elements. Users note that the acquisition of such a design should not be made on general purpose sites. Preference should be given to specialized portals.These portals often have detailed instructions and recommendations for the operation of specific models, there are reviews of cooks about individual instances. Also, on such resources there is an opportunity to get advice and advice on specific situations.

Economy segment

In this segment, single-chamber models are presented. These specimens are suitable for the preparation of simple compositions that do not require regular cleanings. Also, such devices are suitable for beginners or as auxiliary ones. The category is easy to use and affordable, but you should not count on the professional use of these models.

Shutter from Sko

It looks like a polyethylene lid with a cylinder-shaped glass in the middle. In the glass there is a department for the removal of gas, which can be closed with a lid for convenience. It is important to take into account that the specificity of polyethylene will not allow you to carefully monitor the processes inside the system due to low transparency.

• Affordable price;
• Miniature sizes;
• Compatible with many types of cans.

• Not the longest service life;
• Opaque body.

Review:

“It is important to consider that after several brews, the valve loses a significant part of its tightness. In addition, it is impossible to observe the fermentation due to the opacity of the lid. Would recommend to beginners looking for an affordable water castle!”

S-shaped lock

This model, although it belongs to the budget, allows you to cook even difficult recipes. Arranged in the shape of the letter S, has 2 compartments facing each other and 2 tubes for inlet and outlet. The outlet pipe has a silicone plug, which is included in the package, is compatible with both bottles and cans.Although the case is made of plastic, there is the possibility of cleaning, which extends the service life by an order of magnitude.

• Affordable cost;
• Device functionality;
• Easy to use.

• Not found.

Review:

“Great device for a reasonable price, versatile and functional. The ability to clean makes this model reusable, a great option for a beginner who cooks on a regular basis. Would recommend to anyone looking for an affordable shutter for regular use!”

Shutter of 3 sections

Dismantling is allowed, the shape is in the form of a cylinder, wide functionality. The main advantage of this model is reduced noise, so the system with this shutter will not create discomfort in everyday life. A collapsible device helps to combine this model with a variety of starter cultures, and, if necessary, to wash. The disadvantage is a design feature that is not compatible with the optional odor hose.

• Acceptable price;
• Wide functionality;
• Reduced noise.

• Not compatible with odor hose.

Review:

“Excellent silent model, can be placed in the hall or bedroom. The only negative is that the smell cannot be removed. I recommend it to anyone who is looking for a functional water seal for adequate money!”

Lid closure

This model is compatible with standard size cans. There is a gas outlet function, compatible with an additional odor outlet hose. Use of an auxiliary container to remove noise and odor is allowed, this method does not require a sealant.

• Acceptable cost;
• Ease of use;
• Case quality.

• Increased noise.

Review:

“This shutter is best used in conjunction with an auxiliary section to remove odor and noise. I recommend it to anyone who is looking for an affordable water seal without wide functionality!”

Medium and premium segment

Products from this segment are suitable for semi-professional use and regular brewing. The robust housing of these models guarantees a long service life, as well as the ability to clean equipment after complex formulations and replace certain components. This segment is worth paying attention to brewers who are interested in regular preparations of impressive quantities of drinks.

Pr-G2Su

This set offers the customer 3 identical S-shaped closures. High-quality materials guarantee long-term use, and the presence of a seal makes it easy to use. Increased tightness protects the starter from contact with oxygen.

• Rich equipment;
• Quality materials;
• Strong build.

• Not found.

Review:

“Good set, suitable for regular brews. Strong tightness prevents the penetration of oxygen and spoilage of the sourdough. Would recommend to anyone looking for a quality water seal kit!”

Speidel

This model offers a reduced noise level, is completed with a branded stopper. The manufacturer promises the best effect when used with branded packaging. The instance is also compatible with conventional containers, but for this you will have to use auxiliary tools based on your own ingenuity.

• Strong build;
• Reduced noise;
• Cleaning is allowed.

• Needs to be modified to be compatible with conventional packaging.

Review:

“A good shutter if you use it in conjunction with branded packaging. There were no problems in operation, it is cleaned without difficulty. I recommend it to anyone who is looking for a quality lock of the middle segment!”

Plastic tank and water seal

This option offers a branded capacity that will save a number of worries for a novice cook. The capacity from the manufacturer offers 30 liters, this volume is enough to process an impressive amount of sourdough. By purchasing this product, the buyer can immediately start cooking.

• Impressive volume;
• Rich equipment;
• Easy to use.

• Users complain about not the strongest handles.

Review:

“Versatile model with an impressive tank. With a similar volume, the handles should have been made stronger. Would recommend to anyone who is looking for tank and bolt in the same body!”

Sealed tank and thermometer

This position differs from the previous one by the presence of a thermometer for convenient temperature monitoring. Thanks to the thermometer, it is more convenient to monitor the fermentation processes, this will allow you to quickly move on to the next stage of cooking. This design allows you to easily prepare drinks with a complex composition.

• The quality of materials;
• Strong build;
• The presence of a thermometer.

• Expensive.

Review:

“The model for complex recipes, allows you to comfortably control the fermentation processes thanks to the integrated thermometer. I recommend it to anyone who is looking for a design for drinks with a complex recipe!“

Outcome

There are 2 types of closures available to the buyer. The first type (single-chamber) is suitable for beginners who are not going to deal with complex compositions.This type does not provide for cleaning and replacing certain elements; if a blockage occurs, the lock fails. Use this category for regular brews will not work. Operation as an auxiliary deadbolt on additional equipment is possible.

The second type (2-chamber) provides the possibility of cleaning and replacing certain components. These specimens are allowed to be used for semi-professional purposes for regular brews. The most expensive models offer a glass case of increased strength, which guarantees an impressive service life with proper operation. Suitable for experienced cooks who are willing to pay an impressive sum for a water seal.

Also, there are homemade options. When buying such a product, the cook acts at his own peril and risk, because there is no guarantee of correct gas removal and structural integrity after prolonged operation. In addition, such products cannot be replaced, as they do not have the appropriate warranty cards.

When purchasing such a product, it is necessary to take into account the composition of the drinks being prepared and the desired amount of them. With complex compositions and increased quantities, it is necessary to choose from the middle and premium segment. For irregular brewing of simple drinks, budget items are also suitable.