How To Choose A Tank For Cider & Wine Production

As the harvest season is approaching and our phone lines become ever busier with last minute requests for equipment, we take a look at the options available for fermentation vessels. Unless you’re a very small scale producer and use Intermediate Bulk Containers (IBCs), the chances are you have thought about your tanks and capacity in recent weeks. With a plethora of options available on the market, it is an often confusing market with different size, shapes and brands available. With the harvest season around the corner, let us guide you through some of the top options, which are available for purchase through Vitikit.

Types Of Tanks

Most modern tanks are constructed using stainless steel, this is because they are easy to maintain and can be used for fermenting and aging. Two main styles of tanks are available, these are fixed volume tanks and variable capacity tanks. Both types are available through Vitikit and can either be found in the stainless steel tanks for cider or the stainless steel tanks for wine sections of our website. We take a closer look at both variable tanks and fixed capacity tanks, below. 

Variable tanks

variable capacity tank

Variable tanks use a lid that can be set at any level and they are sealed with an inflatable inner tube stretched around the lid. The advantage with variable tanks is the flexibility they offer, as they can be filled to the exact level required whilst reducing oxygen contact. As a small producer, you will notice that the volumes produced each year vary and these tanks take this into account.

Fixed Capacity Tanks

3000L stainless steel tank

Fixed capacity tanks are so called as they do not use a variable lid and have a fixed geometry. The tank has to be completely filled or flushed out with inert gases to ensure no oxygen contact if fermenting but are also commonly used as storage tanks. Their main drawback is the need to fill the tanks or use an inert gas, but they do not require an inflatable inner tube that needs changing periodically.

Which Tanks Does Vitikit Supply?

Vitikit supplies wine and cider tanks from two suppliers, Algor and Jaklic Inox Oprema, who in our opinion offer the best quality tanks at affordable prices. We supply both variable and fixed capacity tanks as mentioned above with a variety of customisable fittings and extras depending on the needs of our customers. This includes:

  • Cooling jackets
  • Sample valves
  • Thermowells
  • Sight gauges
  • Manways

We can also offer customisable tanks and work closely with our suppliers to find a unique solution where it is desired.

Vitikit have worked with producers of all sizes and can supply tanks from 100L to 5000L and everything in between. We carry a variety of stock at all times. In addition, we have experts on hand to offer friendly sales advice to customers and who can advise on the size, specification and type of tank that is right for your business. If you wish to discuss your stainless steel tanks options with our friendly team, please don not hesitate to get in touch via a call, email or online contact form.

Written by Joe Hopwood, Vitikit