Letina vs Speidel tanks

[Shaun Pett]

Hey all,

So, starting up a small cidery here in Quebec and just about purchase equipment. We're considering a 1,100L Speidel flat bottom variable capacity tank. From what I've heard the quality is very good. I've worked with these size tanks before and know they're more work without having a racking valve. We'll put it on a pallet so it's mobile. 

My other option is buying a used Letina 1000L tank, conical bottom, racking valve, lid arm, and on wheels, like this. They seem in good shape, well maintained. 

 

The price difference when all is said and done (tank accessories, delivery) is negligible. I'm guessing the Speidel quality is better but the Letina offers more functionality. 

Just wondering what others' experiences are like with these tanks?

Cheers.

Shaun

Pomme Fauve

[Mark Watkins]

Interested in hearing some feedback here as well as we are in the same situation. Letina looks great with built in wheels, but i hear great feedback on Speidel.

Any one out there have experience with both?

[Wayne Bush]

I can't comment on Letina versus Speidel because I don't use either, although both have good reputations.  However, I would not want a cider fermentation tank without a conical bottom and a racking valve, although the racking valves on those Letina tanks in the picture seem rather high up from the bottom of the tank, no?   I bought 1500 litre tanks with lid arms to maximize use of headroom in my cidery but the tanks are not super easy to work with--I think a 1000 litre tank would be much easier to handle.  Everything in my cidery is on wheels--except my fermentation tanks.  When empty they are easy to move with or without wheels; when full I don't want to move them.  Good luck!  Wayne