Using plastic buckets for fermentation

Discussion in 'Homebrewing' started by fritzfield, Jun 3, 2020.

Thread Status:
Not open for further replies.
  1. fritzfield

    fritzfield Crusader (419) Nov 7, 2008 New Hampshire

    I started brewing extract kits in 2017 using 6.5 gal plastic bucket as primary, then transferring to carboy after fermentation was finished - always using a hydrometer. Then 2 weeks in the 6.5 gallon carboy before bottling. Beer was OK but usually had oxidized flavors.

    In January 2019, I started brewing all grain and started using 6.5 gallon carboys for primary fermentation - usually 3 weeks in the primary carboy before bottling - again using hydrometer. Beer has been great.

    Because of the weight of the glass carboys and risk of breakage and injury, I went back to buckets with my last batch.This batch in the bucket 5 days now and the SG today is at 1.002 from OG 1.040 (Belle Saison yeast). I want to leave it in the bucket for another 2 weeks to finish like I used to do in the carboy.

    My question - is 3 weeks in the bucket OK ? I hope so because the bucket is really easy to carry as well as to clean.

    Thanks
     
    #1 fritzfield, Jun 3, 2020
    PapaGoose03 likes this.
  2. VikeMan

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

    It's okay. Plastic isn't ideal, because it is somewhat oxygen permeable, and plastic bucket lid seals often leak, but given a choice between racking to secondary (which can introduce lots of O2) or leaving in a bucket primary, I'd choose the latter.

    Do you have a Brew Hauler or similar device? I wouldn't use a glass carboy without one. With one, I never felt like I was ever in danger of injury, even if the carboy were to break (never did in my case). Treat them as if you expect them to break, and you'll be pretty danged safe. I still use glass once in a while, usually for fruit secondaries.

    For the ultimate O2 barrier, look into stainless steel conicals that can hold pressure.
     
    #2 VikeMan, Jun 3, 2020
    PapaGoose03 and thebriansmaude like this.
  3. Jasonja1474

    Jasonja1474 Savant (1,100) Oct 15, 2018 Tennessee
    Trader

    FWIW I use the Brewzilla. It holds all the pressure you want and you can remove the yeast and dry hop without introducing oxygen. Beer has gotten a lot better
     
    #3 Jasonja1474, Jun 3, 2020
    thebriansmaude likes this.
  4. thebriansmaude

    thebriansmaude Crusader (472) Dec 16, 2016 Canada (AB)
    Trader

    #4 thebriansmaude, Jun 3, 2020
    Elvis_on_Bass and PapaGoose03 like this.
  5. PapaGoose03

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

    Besides being aware of lid seal leaks from prying or bending or other abuse, be kind to your bucket when cleaning it. Don't use anything abrasive that can scratch the surface and your bucket can last a long time. Scratches can harbor tiny bugs.
     
    #5 PapaGoose03, Jun 3, 2020
    billandsuz and thebriansmaude like this.
  6. billandsuz

    billandsuz Pooh-Bah (2,097) Sep 1, 2004 New York
    Pooh-Bah

    Like everyone says, you can use plastic. White HDPE #2 is the plastic btw.
    It's not ideal for longer storage. Long storage is up to maybe 3 or 4 months.

    I want to add that glass is fantastic and you are lucky if you have not broken a glass carboy yet. Yet.

    A broken glass carboy is not pretty and could be quite dangerous. So use a bucket sling. And do not use the neck handle gizmo. Especially if the carboy is full. That is an invitation to the ER.

    Otherwise no problems. Remember homebrewers have been making great beer in plastic buskets for decades. It is perfectly acceptable if not the absolute best option.

    Cheers
     
    #6 billandsuz, Jun 3, 2020
    GormBrewhouse, JackHorzempa and PapaGoose03 like this.
  7. fritzfield

    fritzfield Crusader (419) Nov 7, 2008 New Hampshire

    I have the Brew Hauler (and an orange handle as well)... the buckle came loose one time during a lift/heave ho and I cracked a ceramic floor tile (got to learn how to replace a broken tile) but still buckets are buckets and a lot easier for me to manipulate. If no deleterious effects to my beer, then I'll continue with them. I'm so happy to hear positives about buckets!

    Thanks for the responses. I will work on my bucket processes for now as I improve my brewing technique
     
    #7 fritzfield, Jun 3, 2020
    JackHorzempa and PapaGoose03 like this.
Thread Status:
Not open for further replies.