What is a Stack Fermenter?

A stack fermenter is a type of vessel used for the fermentation of food and beverages, such as sauerkraut, kimchi, pickles, and even beer. There are different types of stack fermenters, but they all share the same basic principle: they allow the food or beverage to ferment in closed containers or chambers, stacked on top of each other. In this article, we will discuss how to use a stack fermenter and the advantages it brings.

Step-by-Step Guide to using a Stack Fermenter:

1. Clean and Sanitize the equipment
Before using the stack fermenter, the equipment must be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized in order to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria that could spoil the fermentation process. Make sure to use food-grade cleaning and sanitizing solutions (i.e. bleach or white vinegar) –follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer. Also, avoid using any kind of harsh soaps or detergents as they can leave a residue that will hinder the fermentation process.

2. Prepare the ingredients
Once you have your equipment well sanitized, the next step is to prepare the ingredients you wish to ferment. Depending on the type of food or beverage you’re fermenting, this can include vegetables, fruits, herbs, spices, brine, and yeast. Make sure to prepare the ingredients according to the recipe you’re following.

3. Load the fermenter
Once the ingredients are ready, place them in the stack fermenter in the order specified in your recipe. Most stack fermenters are modular, meaning they have individual chambers or containers that can be stacked on top of each other. Fill each container or chamber with the desired amount of ingredients, leaving some headspace (usually one to four inches) as the food or beverage will expand during the fermentation process.

4. Press or Weight the Ingredients
To ensure the food or beverage stays submerged in the brine, some stack fermenters come with a built-in weight or press. Others will require the use of a weight on top of the ingredients inside each container. The weight should be enough to submerge the ingredients but not too heavy to crush them.

5. Close the Fermenter
Once the ingredients are loaded and the weight is in place, close the lid of the fermenter. Some stack fermenter systems have a lockable lid that is sealed airtight. If your system doesn't have a lockable lid it is advisable to cover the fermenter with a piece of cloth or cheesecloth and secure it in place with a rubber band.

6. Burp the Fermenter
As the fermentation process progresses, gases will be released by the food or beverage. To avoid building excess pressure and the risk of burst, the fermenter has to be opened occasionally. Open the fermenter lid just enough to release the gases. You should hear a hiss as gases are escaping, which means the fermentation is active. If you notice that the gases are starting to build, burp the fermenter more regularly.

7. Monitor and Taste
During the fermentation process, it is essential to monitor the stack fermenter regularly. You can taste the food or beverage daily or every other day so that you can adjust the recipe or process. Most recipes will dictate how long it takes to ferment, but the timing may vary depending on the ingredients and conditions.

Advantages of using a Stack Fermenter:

1. Space-saving:
Stack fermenters take up less space than other types of fermentation equipment, such as crocks or barrels. This makes them ideal for people with limited space.

2. Modular Construction:
Stack fermenters are modular and can be added to as and when needed. This makes them scalable and adaptable to different spaces and volume requirements.

3. Ferment Multiple Batches:
Stack fermenters allow you to ferment multiple batches at once as each container is independent of the others. This is especially useful for people who make fermented foods to sell or those trying to maximize their production capabilities.

4. Easy to Use and Clean:
Stack fermenters are easy to use and clean thanks to their modular construction. Each container can be removed and washed individually, making it easy to clean and reuse all components.

5. Faster Fermentation
Compared to other fermentation methods, stack fermenters provide faster and more efficient fermentation in a shorter amount of time.

Conclusion:
Using a stack fermenter to ferment your food and beverages has many advantages. It is a great way to make fermented foods and drinks quickly and efficiently, especially for those with limited space. With proper cleaning, careful loading, and monitoring, the stack fermenter can provide a consistent and reliable fermentation process. These systems are also modular, allowing you to increase their capacity easily as your fermented food and drink production grows.