I have been brewing for 19 years. My 69th beer batch I put into this fermenter.
SIZE: perfect for 1-gallon kits or 1-1/4 gallon brews. When you want a smaller batch, this size is perfect. I am not a fan of experimenting with full 5-gallon batches. And, as ingredient and kit prices rise, a smaller batch is more affordable. Also, the opening in the top (Big mouth) is wonderful for cleaning! This is a lovely size!
GLASS: While I loved brewing in glass 5-gallon (or 6.5 gallon) carboys, they were so heavy and I worried I would drop them and have a BIG mess! I have since gone to plastic 5, 6.5, and 3 gallon carboys. They are better, but glass is a more natural material, gas impermeable, no possible weird chemicals, and just feels better!
SPIGOT: I LOVE siphon less fermenters. That is all I use now. While I do have some good siphons, the spigot is so much easier, and no worries! It has not leaked for me.
TOP SEAL: My first batch had a LITTLE gas going through the airlock on the 1st day, then pretty much stopped. This is how my fermenting pail acted when it had no seal. (When I replaced the seal on the pail - it worked fine.) So, it looks like this seal does not work. I would like to get a seal made of rubber, rather than polyethylene. Not sure if one is available. I like the screw-on lid, but the seal is bad.
I LOVE the size, the glass, and the spigot. I am NOT so pleased with the seal on top. But, overall, I would recommend it!