What is the Difference in Airlocks?
In the photo, you’ll see two types of airlocks: the Twin Bubble and the 3-Piece.
While they may look different, both serve the same purpose—to keep oxygen out of your wine, mead, or cider. However, they’re best suited for different stages of fermentation. Let’s break it down:
3-Piece Airlock
The 3-Piece airlock shines during primary fermentation. Here’s why:
- Ease of Cleaning: If liquid gets into the airlock, the 3-Piece is much easier to clean. You can take it apart and use a brush or paper towel to clean out any residue.
- Versatility: If you need a blow-off tube for fermentation, the 3-Piece is perfect. Simply remove the center piece, attach ½" ID tubing to the stem, and place the other end of the tube in a pail of sanitizer to maintain an oxygen-free environment.
- Evaporation Consideration: Due to its larger opening, liquid in the 3-Piece can evaporate faster—sometimes in as little as two weeks. If you’re using it for aging, check it regularly to ensure the liquid hasn’t dried up. Otherwise, you risk introducing oxygen, which could ruin your wine or beer.
.
Twin Bubble Airlock
The Twin Bubble airlock is ideal for secondary fermentation and bulk aging. Here’s why:
- During Primary Fermentation: The vigorous activity can cause liquid to push up through the stopper and into the airlock. While this won’t harm your wine, the liquid can get trapped inside, making the Twin Bubble hard to clean. If wine residue isn’t rinsed out thoroughly, it can lead to mold, which often means the airlock needs replacing.
- During Secondary Fermentation or Aging: Activity is much calmer, so wine is unlikely to enter the airlock. The Twin Bubble’s narrow neck also slows down evaporation of the liquid inside (sanitizer or vodka), meaning you’ll only need to top it off about once every 45 days.
.
In Summary
- Use a 3-Piece airlock for primary fermentation—it’s easy to clean and versatile.
- Use a Twin Bubble airlock for secondary fermentation and aging—it requires less maintenance and slows evaporation.
