Cheapest small batch fermenter?

[Harry Cavill]

I'm looking to brew somewhere between 1 and 2.5 gallon batches. I see on ebay you can get new 2.5 gallon batch size primary fermentation suitable brew buckets (link below) for £9.99 each. And the alternative for secondary fermentation for 1 gallon batches are the glass demijohns.

But i'm wondering if anyone's got some clever advice about alternatives they've found that are cheaper than these? Perhaps some (safe) plastic containers from a hardware/home store or reusable food/beverage containers?

Appreciate any recommendations!

(https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/15-LITRE...828947&hash=item56b1a55308:g:pu8AAOSw8eFbMUC9)

 

[MyQul]

I bought 3 x 5L (1G) buckets from here. As you can see they do different sizes

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Plastic-...0L-25L-/381353422181?var=&hash=item58ca6f6d65

 

[Headlands]

Does "tamper evident lids" mean they snap if you take them off, so you only get one use out of them?

 

[MyQul]

Does "tamper evident lids" mean they snap if you take them off, so you only get one use out of them?

Possibly/probably but I dont use the lids really. I cover the bucket in cling film held on securely with an elastic band. Then just rest the lid on without 'snapping' it down

 

[MmmBeer]

I bought a 15 litre fermenter with grommet from my LHBS for £5 or £6. Might work out more expensive if you go down the mail order route.

 

[Mungri]

Does "tamper evident lids" mean they snap if you take them off, so you only get one use out of them?

You can still seal them after taking the plastic tab off. This is from the sellers description.
"Tamper evident lids - Lid pushes on to create a tamper proof seal. Tab must then be broken for the lid to be removed. Lid is still resealable after tamper evident tab removed."
It's probably one of them pull off tabs that gives you space to get your thumb in to remove the lid.

 

[geigercntr]

There's always the 5litre water bittles for less than a pound. Drill a hole in the lid for a grommet and airlock

 

[dleary]

There's always the 5litre water bittles for less than a pound. Drill a hole in the lid for a grommet and airlock

I use these as well for 1 gallon batches and work well, don’t even need to drill lid for airlock just loosen it so CO2 can escape

 

[Wynne]

For 5 or 6 litre batches, I use a 7 litre drinks dispenser from Wilko for £6. It is glass with a stainless steel lid and is fitted with a plastic tap. I drilled the lid to fit a grommet for a blow off tube. It works well.

 

[Harry Cavill]

Sorry I haven't replied in a while I caught some nasty bug. Some very useful replies here. Now I just need to get a load of grommets and airlocks and probably do some drilling.

For 5 or 6 litre batches, I use a 7 litre drinks dispenser from Wilko for £6. It is glass with a stainless steel lid and is fitted with a plastic tap. I drilled the lid to fit a grommet for a blow off tube. It works well.

I think i've found it! (https://www.wilko.com/en-uk/drinks-dispenser-clear-7l/p/0429986)

Wow that's a good find I think its a winner! Looks great too I think i'll go with it. Really worth knowing for small batch brewers.

------

I bought 3 x 5L (1G) buckets from here. As you can see they do different sizes

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Plastic-...0L-25L-/381353422181?var=&hash=item58ca6f6d65

Cheers for that link they look like the cheapest food safe buckets i've seen.

-----

I bought a 15 litre fermenter with grommet from my LHBS for £5 or £6. Might work out more expensive if you go down the mail order route.

Sorry i'm new here what does LHBS stand for that sounds very good value?

-----

There's always the 5litre water bittles for less than a pound. Drill a hole in the lid for a grommet and airlock

Yes the only thing is i've read that using certain types of wisely used water bottles can be unhealthy in the long run because the plastic is not supposed to be reused. I have however heard there are certain types that are okay but its recommended you check the plastic type with the symbol/number etc.

 

[MmmBeer]

Sorry i'm new here what does LHBS stand for that sounds very good value?

LHBS is local home brew shop. Someone should create a glossary for all the acronyms used on this site, to help people tell their PITA from their SWMBO.

 

[Wynne]

I’ve used 6 litre de-ionised water jerrycan-type containers - they do the job but are difficult to clean and retain hop aroma after use plus I much prefer to bottle using a tap and bottling stick than with a syphon. A Wilko drinks dispenser full of beer is quite heavy and slippery, being glass, and like a carboy needs careful handling. It gives a good view of the progress of fermentation which can be interesting/useful.

 

[Llamaman]

I’ve used Tesco Ashbeck 5L water bottles to do small batches.
Works OK, except;

1. Obviously no tap. So either bottling with a syphon or a bottling bucket.
2. They’re not rigid, so every time you move it you add a nice dash of whatever’s in your airlock (Starsan in my case) into your brew. Of course, you could remove the airlock before moving, but I’m an idiot and always forget.
3. A pain to clean, as you need a small hand to squeeze inside.
4. Transparent, so need covering.

If you use bottled water to brew (or buy to drink!) then I think these work well as you can just use them once or twice and then chuck. Otherwise, I’d just buy a cheap bucket - these are £10 or less, more rigid and can fit a tap. Young’s do 5, 10 and 15L buckets.