I own a Blichmann and a Stout (7-gallon sizes) and have made many batches in both. I can't say one is better in performance or quality than the other, since both have their advantages. Obviously, Stout's prices are awesome compared to Blichmann's. Stout fermenters are a bit more difficult to transport to a temp-controlled cooler, though, because the cylindro-conical part is not attached to, but cradled in, a support frame with legs. This is unklike the one-piece Blichmann fermenters, where the legs are directly attached and so are the fold-out carrying handles. (However, these differences in design make the Stout fermenters easier to wash, IMO, since you don't have to contend with the legs.) Stout's 7-gallon fermenters also stand a bit taller than Blichmann's 7-gallon fermenters, if that is an issue for you (as in if you're fermenting in a modified chest freezer). Stout fermenters come standard with a thermometer, whereas I had to add one to my standard Blichmann. I love that Stout is growing into larger fermentation vessel sizes, unlike Blichmann, which seems stuck at not exceeding the 1 bbl size. Had good service support with both. Either way, get the tri-clamp fittings - which makes cleaning them a heckuva lot easier than threaded fittings. Bottom line is that it's a matter of personal preferences on the above differences; I don't think you'll go wrong either way.