Just as Good as 3-Piece

Posted by El Kook on 19th Nov 2010

I have both double-bubbler and 3-piece airlocks. I have often heard or seen it stated that, "The double-bubbler is harder to fill," or, "The double is harder to use ," or, "... harder to clean."

While I do not believe that either airlock is superiour I do want to come to the defence of this oft-maligned champion of sanitary fermenting.

As far as filling is concerned, it really is no harder to pour liquid into one than into a 3-piece.

Hmmm ... harder to use? Um ... stick it in your stopper.

Cleanup is straightforward. Toss it into a bucket of PBW, B-Brite, or your cleaner of choice with all of your other little items for a soak and it cleans up just as well and easily as the 3-piece airlock. I will concede that you might have to shake it a bit to get the airlock full of cleaning solution.

As a benefit I have found that it seems to take longer to dry out during a vigorous fermentation than a 3-piece airlock. I have never actually measured, however.

There are fewer parts to get lost or broken (both of which I have done) than are associated with a 3-piece.

It really comes down to opinion, I suppose. I use both styles.