31 replies to this topic

[matt6150]

Bringing this thread back alive. I originally had 2 425's and then got 2 525's for a total of 4 taps. They both pour just fine, great really, but I'm just not digging the 525's anymore. When I pour a pint off the 525's for the first time of the day I get a big burst of foam then will pour normal. But the 425's will not do that, they pour great every time. Anybody else notice anything like this? I'm seriously considering selling the 525's and getting 2 more 425's.

[Clintama]

Yeah Chad, 2 of my faucets are Ventmatic Ultraflo models and they came with something like an 11mm or 12mm spout which created a hollow pour occasionally. One of the local brewers here in Chicago (who happens to run a metal machine shop) produced some beautiful 8mm spouts that you could put in place of the larger ones and they produce a beautiful pour and no drip/dribble after the faucet has been closed. But the new Perlicks do not allow you to do this, which DID concern me originally. It appears that these Perlicks have maybe a 10mm opening and in the 8-10 days that I have been using these faucets, they seem fine with me. I wouldn't talk anyone out of these new Perlick faucets and it appears that the design (especially viewing it from the back) looks very slick. I think you guys will be happy with them. Cheers.

I have that same hollow pour problem with my Ventmatics. Usually I just turn it off/on and the problem is solved. Other than that, I love these faucets. Too bad you can't get them anymore.

[HVB]

I have that same hollow pour problem with my Ventmatics. Usually I just turn it off/on and the problem is solved. Other than that, I love these faucets. Too bad you can't get them anymore.

I just saw someplace selling both Perlick 425's and Ventanatic faucets this week. Now I need to go back and find where. I found 8mm spouts improved the pour on my 425's.

[Clintama]

I just saw someplace selling both Perlick 425's and Ventanatic faucets this week. Now I need to go back and find where. I found 8mm spouts improved the pour on my 425's.

I thought they were forced out of business because of a patent dispute.

[SchwanzBrewer]

The only problem I've had with perlick is that I have 2 faucets that won't fit on any shanks. The pattern is screwed up somehow with a burr or it's too tight. I have 4-5 other perls with no problems.

[Mya]

I thought they were forced out of business because of a patent dispute.

new old stock,likely

[Clintama]

new old stock,likely

Yup.

[HVB]

new old stock,likely

 

Maybe I am not sure.  It says they are back but I am not sure.  Price seems good though https://www.chicompa...roducts_id=3277

 

Some have had issues with Chi Company, I have ordered a couple of times a few years ago with no issues.

[Dale Hair]

Chi Co sent me some wrong parts a few years ago and never replied to my emails.

 

I thought Perlick owned the patent and put Ventmatic out of business.  Maybe the patent has expired, but it seems Ventmatic has a different technology now?

[Dale Hair]

Who will be the first to test drive one of these?

[Mindblock]

You guys obviously know a lot more about the "faucet wars" than I do.....are the Perlick 545 "flow control" faucets still available, or have they been discontinued? If they have been discontinued, WHY??

 

Sorry for the hijack, and THANKS!!!

[gnef]

Ventmatic invented the forward sealing faucet. There were some legal issues or money issues, then the patent was controlled by a third party (executorship?), licensed to perlick, who made the 425 design, then more legal problems, shirron made some ventmatics, I believe, legal problems, and now we have the perl. That is the best to my recollection. It really was a mess at the time, and there was a period where you could not buy any forward sealing faucets due to the legal problems, and when they came back, they were over $40 (maybe $45) a piece, and I needed three, so I paid a lot of money for those first ventmatics (I believe mine were made by shirron though).

 

I like the overall design of the flow control, but I would never buy one in chrome plated brass at this point, and from what I remember reading, perlick didn't think that there would be a large enough market that would be willing to pay the price for one in SS. If they eventually decide to do a run in SS, I might get one to see how well it works, depending on price. It looks like farmhouse brewing has the flow control faucets in stock, but you may want to contact them directly to be sure.

 

That is a good price on the ventmatics, and if I were in the market for more faucets, I would get those without any concerns. I would also get the 8mm spouts for them too though, like I did my other 3 ventmatics and 3 425ss faucets.