What's a good FV to use

[yrhendystu]

I like low tech and there can't be much simpler than a plastic bucket. Started during the first lockdown and done a load of kits. I've got a nice stockpile so can take my time and they turn out great. The more practice you have the easier you'll find it to be consistent.

 

[CD]

When my Dad first started brewing beer at home in 1952 (illegally!), it was emphasised that the ONLY thing it was safe to ferment in was a glazed earthenware bread crock. That was because there were no plastic or stainless steel suitable containers made then. Aren’t we spoilt for choice nowadays.

 

[Cwrw666]

Can't beat a plastic fermenting bin. I've got 2. One is about 10 years old. The other round about 15.

 

[gavp1979]

I have only ever used a cheap plastic fv. I am currently waiting for bits so that I can try a fermentation in a corny keg but this is more down to wanting to have a go at oxygen free pressure transfer into another keg than anything being wrong with the plastic bucket

 

[BrewMeHappy]

Plastic for me too. One of mine is from my original Coopers starter kit from around 15 years ago.

 

[DocAnna]

I've a plethora of plastic FVs in various shapes and sizes. While stainless steel is shiny, desirable and tactile, it is a bit hard to see the merit in it at the homebrew scale. One of the considerations is portability, and that a full SS brew bucket will weigh considerable more than a plastic one, which you may want to take account of if you move your fermenter for siphoning or temperature control.

Anna

 

[Chippy_Tea]

Can't beat a plastic fermenting bin. I've got 2. One is about 10 years old. The other round about 15.

Mine is relatively new at 7 years old, it wont be retiring anytime soon

 

[micklupulo]

I have two plastic FVs about 6 years old one with a tap I fitted to make bottling easier and for AG a 36 year old Electrim bin on which I have just managed to replace a leaky tap with a new one from Peco services in Cumbria who gave an excellent service.

 

[Mayor of Simpleton]

I have a stainless steel SS Brewtech Brew Bucket and it works great for my brew process. I switched from plastic about 4 years ago now. I didn't buy it in the belief that it would make me a better brewer; but its incorporation has improved my process and therefore improved my beer.

 

[Bill_g]

If you are brewing on a budget then plastic is the obvious choice, but it's certainly not the ideal material for a FV. SS is far easier to clean reliably and has a very long lifetime. I got shot of my plastic FV after a couple of duff brews & found that the inside was badly scratched, probably as it was packed with stuff in the original kit. I still use plastic for water & during final bottling of excess after I've filled a Corny keg, but I wouldn't go back to a plastic FV by choice.

 

[HSD]

These look “new”, could be good for smaller batches

https://brew2bottle.co.uk/products/muntons-11-25l-wine-fermenter-airlock-strainer

 

[Fruitloopy]

Thanks everyone. It seems plastic buckets are the way forward unless I want to splash the cash on SS. For now I'll stick with the original plastic bucket I got with my kit but I've also bought this FV so I can adapt a bung to insert my thermometer into

 

[micklupulo]

These look “new”, could be good for smaller batches

https://brew2bottle.co.uk/products/muntons-11-25l-wine-fermenter-airlock-strainer

They do look interesting but the nozzle on the tap is perhaps too wide for a bottling wand adaptor and depending on exactly how big the aperture on the top is the nooks and crannies at the bottom might be difficult to clean. Would like to hear of anyone's experience though.

 

[LeeH]

Fermzila, by a country mile.

 

[gavp1979]

Fermzila, by a country mile.

Which one? I have been looking at the all-rounder because at a squeeze it might fight in my brew fridge but it is going to be tight. Hoping to try in a corny keg first to have a go at pressure fermentation/transfer and then maybe order a ln all-rounder and just hope it fits

 

[LeeH]

Which one? I have been looking at the all-rounder because at a squeeze it might fight in my brew fridge but it is going to be tight. Hoping to try in a corny keg first to have a go at pressure fermentation/transfer and then maybe order a ln all-rounder and just hope it fits

The all rounder is a great choice if that’s all you can fit in. I would definitely choose that over a stainless bucket.

 

[lukey_brews]

+1 for simple plastic FV! I have an inkbird also, fitted to a brewbelt and small fridge. Temperature control is a more important way to invest than the vessel itself...Happy brewing!

 

[Cestrian]

I have a stainless steel SS Brewtech Brew Bucket and it works great for my brew process. I switched from plastic about 4 years ago now. I didn't buy it in the belief that it would make me a better brewer; but its incorporation has improved my process and therefore improved my beer.

How much do the SS Brewtech fermentors weigh empty? I've just tweaked my back yesterday getting plastic FVs in and out of the brewfridge. I'm tempted to go SS but the extra weight has to be a consideration.

 

[moto748]

Surely 20 litres (say) of wort is going to weigh about 20 kg. Then the difference between a plastic and S/S container is unlikely to more than a 1 kg, say, is it, at the most?

 

[Cestrian]

Surely 20 litres (say) of wort is going to weigh about 20 kg. Then the difference between a plastic and S/S container is unlikely to more than a 1 kg, say, is it, at the most?

I just checked on malt miller 8Kg on a 7 gallon brew bucket. I usually brew 23-25L batches. So that's up to 33Kg lifting up and down to work top height. That could finish me off I think!!