Best Fermenter for Cider
Researched by Johnny Alto · Published July 20, 2026 · Updated September 7, 2026
Short answer: A plain food-grade fermenter is enough for most cider. The FastFerment Conical earns its extra space and setup only if you want a dump valve and easier sediment removal. Use the 3-gallon version for small test batches.
Top pickFastFerment Conical FermenterView offer →
FastFerment Conical Fermenter
A widely-recommended conical with a cider-friendly design. The cone ends in a screw-off collection ball, so what little sediment cider throws settles into the ball and you can dump it or rack clear cider without a siphon, and the food-grade body holds a full batch with headroom. Cidermakers like that it makes clearing and packaging tidy, even though cider does not demand a conical the way beer benefits from one.
View on Amazon Editorial illustration.Cider ferments cleaner than beer and drops less trub, so honestly you can ferment a good batch in a plain food-grade bucket or carboy. A conical only earns its keep if you want to dump the little sediment there is and rack clear cider without siphoning. If you want that convenience, here is the pick; if not, a simple fermenter is fine.
How do conical and simple cider fermenters compare?
| Pick | Product | Why it makes the list |
|---|---|---|
| Top pick | FastFerment Conical Fermenter | A widely-recommended conical with a cider-friendly design. |
| Small batch | FastFerment 3 Gallon Conical | The smaller version for test batches and single carboys of cider. Same trub-dumping design at a size that suits a gallon or two. |
| Simple | Speidel Plastic Fermenter (30L) | A sturdy food-grade fermenter cidermakers love for simplicity and easy cleaning. No cone, but for clean-fermenting cider a plain vessel is often all you need. |
What should you look for in a cider fermenter?
Choose capacity first and leave enough headroom for the start of fermentation. Then decide whether a conical bottom and dump valve are worth the added mounting, cleaning, and storage requirements for your process.
- Do you need a cone: cider drops little trub, so a plain bucket or carboy works fine.
- Dump valve, if you want it: a collection ball lets you rack clear without siphoning.
- Food-grade and sealed: a good lid and airlock for a clean ferment.
- Right size with headroom: leave room above the cider for a vigorous start.
How the fermenters compare on specs
| Spec | FastFerment 7.9 gal (pick) | FastFerment 3 gal | Speidel 30L |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 7.9 gal | 3 gal | 30 L (~7.9 gal) |
| Material | Food-grade plastic | Food-grade plastic | Food-grade plastic |
| Trub dump | Yes (collection ball) | Yes (collection ball) | No (flat bottom) |
| Mount | Wall bracket + stand | Wall bracket | Freestanding |
What are the best alternatives?
FastFerment 3 Gallon Conical
The smaller version for test batches and single carboys of cider. Same trub-dumping design at a size that suits a gallon or two.
View on AmazonSpeidel Plastic Fermenter (30L)
A sturdy food-grade fermenter cidermakers love for simplicity and easy cleaning. No cone, but for clean-fermenting cider a plain vessel is often all you need.
Bottom line: cider ferments fine in a simple vessel, but if you want tidy clearing a conical like the FastFerment is the pick; the 3 gallon suits small batches and the Speidel keeps it simple.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best fermenter for cider?
FastFerment Conical Fermenter. A widely-recommended conical with a cider-friendly design.
What should you look for in fermenter for cider?
Focus on do you need a cone, dump valve, if you want it, food-grade and sealed, and right size with headroom.
What is a good alternative to the FastFerment Conical Fermenter?
The FastFerment 3 Gallon Conical. The smaller version for test batches and single carboys of cider. Same trub-dumping design at a size that suits a gallon or two.
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This is a research-based buying guide, not a personal hands-on review. Product details, prices, and availability can change; confirm the current listing on Amazon. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.
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