FermZilla All-Rounder Review (2025): The Key to Better Homebrew?

What is the FermZilla All-Rounder?

At its core, the FermZilla is a fermenter made from clear Polyethylene terephthalate (PET), the same material used for soda bottles. What sets it apart is its ability to hold pressure (up to 2.4 bar / 35 psi). This simple fact unlocks a host of advanced fermentation techniques that were once the domain of professional brewers or those with expensive stainless steel gear. It's not just a plastic carboy; it's a versatile, all-in-one vessel for fermenting, carbonating, and even serving your beer.

Key Feature Deep Dive

1. Pressure Fermentation: Science-Backed Flavor Control

This is the star feature. Fermenting under pressure suppresses ester production from yeast. As documented by brewing scientists and demonstrated in countless exBEERiments by communities like Brülosophy, this allows you to ferment ales at warmer temperatures without the associated "off-flavors." For me in my Erie garage, this means I can produce clean, lager-like beers in the summer without needing a perfectly chilled fermentation chamber.

“I fermented a Kveik-based pseudo-lager at 75°F under 15 psi of pressure. The result was a shockingly clean, crisp beer that would have been an estery mess in a standard bucket. The FermZilla made that possible.” - John Carrera

2. Oxygen-Free Transfers: The Enemy of Hoppy Beers

Oxygen is the mortal enemy of hop flavor and aroma, particularly in modern IPAs. The FermZilla allows for a completely closed-system transfer. By using a spunding valve during fermentation to build up a small amount of pressure, you can then use that CO2 to push the finished beer directly into a purged keg. No air ever touches your beer. This has had a more significant impact on the shelf stability and vibrant character of my IPAs than any other single process change.

3. Clear PET Construction: A Window into Your Brew

There’s a reason we love glass carboys: you can see what's happening. The FermZilla's crystal-clear PET offers that same visibility. You can monitor the krausen, watch yeast flocculate, and check for any issues without opening the lid. Unlike glass, it’s lightweight and shatterproof, removing the very real safety hazard of dropping a full 5-gallon glass carboy.

Final Verdict: Should You Buy It?

If you are a homebrewer looking to make a significant, noticeable improvement in the quality and consistency of your beer, my answer is an unequivocal yes. The ability to perform pressurized fermentations and oxygen-free transfers is transformative, particularly for hazy IPAs, crisp lagers, and any beer you want to keep fresh for longer.

While the PET material requires careful handling and the initial investment can grow with accessories, the FermZilla All-Rounder provides more value per dollar than any other piece of fermentation equipment I've purchased. It bridges the gap between basic buckets and expensive pro-level gear, and has earned a permanent place in my brewery.