Whether you just want to experiment with homebrews or want to save a lot of money by making your own beer, you need the right equipment. Things like brewing and transfer pumps are essential, as well as appropriate containers. However, brewers hardware wouldn’t be complete without appropriate camlocks or couplings. Most people prefer to use stainless steel fittings because they won’t rust and work perfectly for homebrew operations. Learning about the various options can help you decide what is best for your needs.
Quick Disconnect
All couplings aren’t quick-disconnect, so it makes sense that you familiarize yourself with them first. The beauty of the quick-disconnect feature is that you don’t need any tools to put the camlock on or remove it. It’s one of the most popular options and makes it more convenient to connect or disconnect your brew hardware.
You can find a variety of styles and types, but you are likely to need two pieces, the male and female connectors. Accessories can include dust caps and hose shanks, as well.
Threaded Fittings
While many people don’t want to use threaded camlocks, sometimes they do work better depending on your setup. If you prefer them, it’s best to consider those manufactured with SS304. You can find a variety of options, such as couplings, hose barbs, steel nipples, and tees, all in the ½” range.
Tri-Clamp Fittings
If you want to set up and take down the equipment quickly, tri-clamp or tri-clover fittings are essential. You can clean them directly where they sit and reduce cross-contamination, as well. While traditionally used in commercial breweries, they’re becoming popular for home brewers, as well.
Stainless Steel Ball Valves
For your setup, you’re likely to require ball valves that shut off the flow quickly and effortlessly. You can find a variety of ½” options, such as three-way, three-piece, and two-piece versions. You can also connect with them on Facebook.
