Choosing Fermentation Equipment
Whether you’re making small amounts of home ferments or large quantities of commercial cider, it’s important to have the right equipment. That means glass carboys, plastic jars and buckets, stone crocks, and stainless steel fermenters.
Ceramic fermentation crocks with water-filled gutters work well for larger batches. These crocks usually come with weights that fit perfectly inside.
Glass Carboys
Glass carboys are a great choice for fermentation equipment because they are easy to clean, don’t scratch easily and don’t hold an odor. They also last a long time and are durable.
Home brewers and wine makers can use glass carboys to ferment their beer, wine, or hard cider. They come in a variety of sizes, from 3 gallons to 6 gallons.
Unlike plastic carboys, glass carboys are impermeable to oxygen and will not change the flavor of your beer or wine. They also are very lightweight, making them easy to move around and dump trub/sediment from the bottom.
When used properly, these carboys can be a lifesaver for home brewers. They are airtight, do not hold an odor, and can be easily sanitized with soap and water.
In addition to being used as a primary fermenter, a glass carboy can also be used as a secondary fermenter for some styles of beer. This is a great option for new brewers because it allows them to see what the finished product looks like before they bottle or keg it.
One of the most common types of glass carboys is the 6.5 gallon size, which is ideal for both primary and secondary fermentations. These carboys are shipped double boxed with a 6.5 stopper, a carboy handle, and an E11 glass carboy cap.
These glass carboys are made in Italy and have a weight of about 19 pounds. They are shipped via Fedex Ground, which will be charged for shipping based on the delivery zip code.
Plastic Carboys
Plastic carboys are an excellent choice for fermenting equipment because they are lightweight, reusable and easy to clean. They are also shatter resistant and available in a variety of sizes. They are ideal for primary and secondary fermentation of beer and wine.
Unlike glass, PET (polyethylene terephthalate) is impermeable to oxygen, which improves the quality of your beer and wine. This makes them a better choice for long-term aging of sours and other aged beverages.
They are also safer than glass and can withstand pressure of 15 psi, making them more durable and less likely to break or collapse. They are also lighter than glass and easier to maneuver.
Another advantage of PET is the large neck and opening, which allows for better access to add dry hops or other secondary additions. This is especially helpful for brewing with oak chips or other additives that require an enlarged bung opening.
Many PET carboys also come with a solid bung that can be used for draining your carboy without risking a spill. Some even have a spigot that can be used for draining your carboy, allowing you to avoid a dangerous shower of glass when the carboy is drained.
PET carboys are a great choice for fermentation equipment and can make brewing more fun, efficient and enjoyable. They are also easy to clean and sanitize, so they are an excellent option for home brewers of all skill levels. They are also a great way to save money on your beer and wine making supplies! So get started brewing your own today! You won’t regret it! We have a huge selection of brewing supplies at The Cary Company!
Plastic Bucket Fermenters
Plastic bucket fermenters are generally lighter in weight than glass or stainless steel and can be a great option for home brewers looking to brew large batches. However, because plastic does not protect beer from oxygen, brewers must be careful fermentation equipment to purge their vessels using carbon dioxide to prevent oxidation and off-flavors.
While both glass and plastic are safe for brewing, many brewers prefer glass over plastic because it is less porous. In addition, glass is more durable and resistant to odors and bacteria.
Although plastic is lighter in weight and easier to move, it can be easily scratched which can harbor microbial activity. This can make it harder to clean and sanitize, making it important to take proper care of your equipment.
If you are just starting out with home brewing, the most affordable choice is a plastic fermenter. These buckets are easy to transport and can be used for dozens of batches.
These plastic fermenters come with a lid and airlock. They also feature a spigot for transferring your finished product to bottles or a keg.
These 7.9 gallon plastic buckets are made from polypropylene and are fermentation equipment ideal for all types of fermentations, especially beers with high krausen. They have a 3-piece airlock that allows the fermentation process to take place without allowing outside air in and a spigot that saves you time and eliminates the need for an auto-siphon. The spigot on this fermenter has been pre-drilled and threaded, so all you need to do is screw it in for an airtight seal.
Kegs
Kegs are a type of container that is used to hold fermented beer. They are typically made of stainless steel and come in various sizes.
They are a great alternative to purchasing cases of bottles or cans for your fermentation equipment. This is because kegs can be reused over and over again and don’t have to be wrapped in cardboard or metal, making them much more environmentally friendly.
A keg is also a great way to make extra beer for special events such as parties, club meetings or competitions. The process for kegging is similar to that of bottling and you can even siphon some of the beer from the keg directly into a carboy or another keg for secondary fermentation.
The first step is to sanitize the keg. This is done by removing the lid and filling it with a solution of water and sanitizer. Iodine-based sanitizers work well and are easy to use.
Once the keg is sanitized, it’s time to start filling the beer. This is easy and doesn’t require any special tools or equipment.
After the keg is filled, attach the gas and beverage quick disconnects to the keg. The gas quick disconnect should be attached to the “Gas In” post and the beverage quick disconnect to the “Out” post.
It’s best to do this at least a few days before you plan on transferring the beer into your fermentation equipment. This will allow the beer to have a chance to carbonate and reduce the risk of contamination from other beers.
After your beer has had a chance to carbonate, it’s time to dispense it. This can be done using either a party pump that uses air to force the beer out of the keg or by combining CO2 with nitrogen, a gas that is 80 times less soluble in water than CO2. Once your beer has been pumped out of the keg and you hear the hiss of carbon dioxide, it’s ready for use!
Stainless Steel Buckets
Stainless steel buckets are a great choice for fermentation equipment. They are easy to clean and last for years without breaking. They are also much less prone to contamination than plastic or glass.
304 stainless steel is the most common choice for fermenters because it is rust-resistant and durable. 316 stainless steel is more expensive, but it is stronger and resistant to concentrated water and solvents.
These fermentation vessels are a step up from the plastic or glass buckets you may be using and come with a conical bottom that helps yeast settle. This makes it easier to keep your beer clear by minimizing sediment in the final product.
Many of these fermenters also include a valve or spigot so you can easily transfer your beer from the fermenter to bottles or a keg. Some also include a temperature controller, which is a great feature for people who want to control their fermentation temperatures without using a separate chamber.
Aside from being more affordable, stainless steel buckets are also scratch-resistant, meaning you won’t have to worry about introducing bacteria into your beer through scratches. This is especially important in areas that have a lot of humidity or where a lot of chemicals are used.
Some stainless steel buckets even have etched graduations so you can accurately measure out ingredients or dosing. This is very useful for fermenting kombucha, wine, or even fruit juices. Some even include a handle so you can easily transport them around your brewery.
