Small Batch Brewing Recommendations

Discussion in 'Homebrewing' started by DaveOrlowski, Oct 31, 2016.

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  1. DaveOrlowski

    DaveOrlowski Zealot (560) Mar 11, 2014 Wisconsin
    Trader

    Recently switched over to small batch brewing and have found that every 2 gallon bucket with lid I use leaks horribly. Does anyone have recommendations of a great 2 gallon air tight fermenter? I would prefer it to have a wide mouth so its easy to fruit, dry hop, and clean. Thanks in advance for the help!!
     
  2. Lukass

    Lukass Pooh-Bah (2,891) Dec 16, 2012 Ohio
    Pooh-Bah

    This one is $40, but apparently doesn't come with a hole for the bung fitting... you'd have to drill it yourself.

    Have you tried keg lube around the rim of the lid at all? does the lid snap down, and/or is there a rubber seal around it?
     
  3. DaveOrlowski

    DaveOrlowski Zealot (560) Mar 11, 2014 Wisconsin
    Trader

    got mine at northern brewer, the lid comes with a rubber seal, but the lid design is horrible. the only way to get a decent seal is to stack heavy books on top of the lid. I have a 5 gallon bucket from them and the lid snaps on super tight, not sure why this lid is designed different.

    What fermenter are you referencing for $40?
     
  4. VikeMan

    VikeMan Grand Pooh-Bah (3,067) Jul 12, 2009 Pennsylvania
    Pooh-Bah

    He's referring to the one in his hyperlink. Click on the words "This one" in his post.
     
  5. dmtaylor

    dmtaylor Savant (1,149) Dec 30, 2003 Wisconsin

    I use 3-gallon fermenters for my 1.7 to 2.1 gallon batches. As long as you don't play with racking too often and keep the airlock filled, oxygen won't get in there and shouldn't hurt anything.
     
  6. NeroFiddled

    NeroFiddled Grand High Pooh-Bah (7,276) Jul 8, 2002 Pennsylvania
    Pooh-Bah Trader

    Is space an option? Because if you can fit 5 gallon buckets in your fermentation areas they're easy to come by at bakeries and other businesses for free, often with a pour spout that you can stick your bung and airlock into.
     
  7. DaveOrlowski

    DaveOrlowski Zealot (560) Mar 11, 2014 Wisconsin
    Trader

    I am mostly doing 1 gallon batches of mead, so unfortunately 5 gallon buckets are a no go. Need something that will hold 1 gallon of mead with anywhere from 4-6 lbs of fruit. I think I may just end up buying 2 gallon mason jars off amazon and drilling a hole for the airlock... just wish there was a reliable source for good sealing 2 gallon buckets.
     
  8. PapaGoose03

    PapaGoose03 Grand High Pooh-Bah (6,057) May 30, 2005 Michigan
    BA4LYFE Society Pooh-Bah

    Have you checked out the Big Mouth Bubblers? I looked at them recently and I think they offered 3-, 4- and 5-gallon options. It seems like you can get them in plastic or glass.
     
  9. DaveOrlowski

    DaveOrlowski Zealot (560) Mar 11, 2014 Wisconsin
    Trader

    yeah I was really hoping they would have a 2 gallon option, it seemed like only 1.5 gallon was the closest one they made..
     
  10. PapaGoose03

    PapaGoose03 Grand High Pooh-Bah (6,057) May 30, 2005 Michigan
    BA4LYFE Society Pooh-Bah

    When you said "small batch" in your original post you must mean 1-gallon batches? If so, I'd go with the 3-gallon Big Mouth Bubbler because that's not too much extra head space.
     
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  11. donspublic

    donspublic Grand Pooh-Bah (3,552) Aug 4, 2014 Texas
    BA4LYFE Society Pooh-Bah Trader

    check out craigslist for used Mr Beer kits. I bought a large piece of gasket material and cut it to fit around the opening to make it airtight and then drilled out the top for the airlock and bought some grommets to seal around it.
     
  12. fuzzbalz

    fuzzbalz Pundit (953) Apr 13, 2002 Georgia

    I found some free 3gal buckets at my local Publix bakery, they were filled with icing. The lids don't have holes so you'll have to drill a hole, but they have rubber o-rings for the lids so they seal great. I used them for 4 -5 years before getting a Speidel fermenter.
     
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