Although I have no experience with the Klarstein as I have a Ss Brew Bucket and glass carboys, it looks very similar to the one by Anvil, and the Anvil is cheaper. Anvil is the bargain brand for Blichmann (I think) :I have found a website KLARSTIEN that are selling cheapish ss fermenters I was wondering if anyone has any experience of this brand, any help gratefully received.
Losing a batch to an infected bucket is a bummer. It's hard to know that they're bad until they've ruined a beer. If you're doing small batches and can run a few brews through the $4 buckets from Walmart and then toss them, it's not too bad, but the 7.5 gallon Ale-Pail buckets get a little costly.You can buy ten or so plastic buckets for the same price and repurpose them once you scratch them.
I left one in the trunk on a summer day. The result looked like a transporter accident on the original Star Trek. I have some vintage PET carboys as well, simple precautions like not using a metal spoon and rinsing a lot more than washing and they last a long time.In the shop, we started using these, for our small batches and our Kit wine making.
http://www.thebrewmentor.com/product-p/5138.htm
We got away from white, food grade plastic when the PET plastic came with a wide mouth for ease of cleaning.
We currently have other PET carboys that have been in production for ~6 years and are still in great shape. YMMV
The only problem we have had with them is the melting point is 160° , so setting them next to a burner is a bad idea! I send you pics if you want to see! Haha.
You could also use an 8 gallon SS pot and create a seal for the lid.
Good Luck,
Brian