Airlock S-Bubble type

I have always liked these better than 3-part airlocks, as you can see the sometimes-subtle fermenting action a bit better...as the bubble of CO2 moves across the bottom of the "s"...

I find this much easier to use than the 3 piece. Simply push through the carboy bung, put the bung into the carboy then fill to "max level" line and cap. The 3 piece is more to keep up with and more to clean.

I like the classic look of this airlock but the quality left me wanting a bit. I'm a big guy and I was afraid of crushing this in my hand. And, snapping it to pieces when stuffing it into the grommet on my fermenting bucket. It just feels very light weight and not very sturdy to me. Plus, there was a lot of flash (molding residue) running down the insertion tube. I had to clean that off and smooth down the sides before I could get a good airtight seal in the grommet. For my money, I'll stick with the 3-piece airlocks.

I like these a little better than the three-piece. If you use a bucket and put pressure on the lid when sealed, when you let up, the three-piece airlock will suck some of that liquid in. With the S-lock, there is enough space inside that you do not have that problem. I use vodka in my airlocks and have not had an overflow, so cleaning has not been an issue. The S-lock does feel a little fragile, but it is plastic and it is dirt cheap. Just do not be forceful too much and do not squeeze and you should not have a problem.

work well, and is east to clean

I broke mine already after two uses trying to pull it out of the stopper. I should have taken the advice from Jonathan's review and been more careful. So that was my own fault. I have had my three piece for seven years and never had a problem, but for a buck I'll order a couple more of the S-Bubble types to have around. They are cheap and they look cool.

Purchased these 2 years ago and really liked them. I just purchased 2 more and feel like I've been had!!! The first one twisted into uselessness when I tried to remove the cap. I was more careful with the second, but am afraid I ruin it when ever I touch it. I'd hate to have to go to a three piece but these are CHEAP!!!

I recently ordered a half dozen or so of these and have gotten EXACTLY what the picture shows in the past, but my most recent order was subed with these hard plastic versions with a much smaller airway than the "Made in Italy" style shown in the picture. The knockoffs have a really hard time handling any trub that just might make its way up into the airlock thus making it more difficult to clean. But the worst part is, they are made of an acrylic type clear plastic which is VERY EASY TO BREAK !!! So take it from me, INSIST ON THE ITALIAN MADE UNIT. They are absolutely great and work everytime...even when you get a little blowoff from a hefe or huge cap chunks from a wine. If you do get the bad acrylic units, call and insist they be replaced with the ones in the photo (they come with a RED CAP), you'll thank me later. Cheers!

I have three of these and one three piece. The S type keep the liquid longer you do not have to watch them as closely as the the three piece airlocks. I had a three piece go dry and let air in did not like that and I use vodka in my airlocks. I am a big man also and have had no problem putting in or removing the S type they are strong enough for me.

5 batches went just fine with the 3 piece, but when I bought a second carboy I thought I would try one of these. Broke after I finished my very first batch with this style. I know that the seal between the plastic and the rubber stopper was dry but didn't think this would happen.