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Big10Seaner · 05-20-2009, 08:50 PM

I've just started doing ten gallon batches and would really like to use one container instead of 2 separate buckets or carboys. What would everyone recommend for this? I'm looking for something somewhat cheap that would work as I'm brewing 4 separate 10 gallon batches for a party and don't have 8 freed up fermenters right now. What about something like this?

Vittles Vault® Containers - US Plastic Corporation

Budzu · 05-20-2009, 08:59 PM

The vaults have been recommended on this forum quite a bit. I haven't used them myself, but I did just pick up a 10 gallon bucket from NorthernBrewer.com. I will be trying it out very soon.
The lid on this bucket does not totally seal.. which I do not see as a problem, and will eliminate the need for an airlock. I'll probably drape plastic over it due to paranoia, but it looks like a decent fermenter, and was pretty cheap. I plan to only actively ferment in this bucket, and transfer to 2 kegs for conditioning.
You might also look for glass demijohns, which to my understanding cannot fit more than 10 gallons unfortunately.

**ShortSnoutBrewing** · 05-20-2009, 09:01 PM

Those would work, but there are cheaper options out there. I've got what essential breaks down to a 12gallon trash can that I use when I do 10gallon batches. Very similar to this:

Big10Seaner · 05-20-2009, 09:06 PM

That's exactly what I'm looking for kilted, where did you pick it up and is it the #1 plastic?

**ShortSnoutBrewing** · 05-20-2009, 09:11 PM

I actually picked it up at my LHBS. I wouldn't be surprised if you could find something similar at a Lowes/HD/Ace type place. It is food grade. My only beef with it is it's pretty thin plastic and flexes when you move it full of wort. There are ways around that of course, but thought I'd mention it. No need for an airlock either as the lid is not air tight.

This is the company that makes them: http://www.thunderbirdplastics.com/pages/multiusepailsus.htm

**Picobrew** · 05-20-2009, 09:13 PM

Hey Kilted, I have seen those at Steinbart. You just roll with the "semi-open" fermentation? Pretty cool. Do you secondary/condition in something else with an airlock? In my setup, I would probably just leave it in that pail for 2 weeks and then keg it w/ no airlock.

McKBrew · 05-20-2009, 09:17 PM

After reading the write-up in BYO, I bought one of those food grade rubbermaid brute trash cans (which I haven't brewed in yet) at Home Depot for about $20. Granted it's a 20 gallon trash can, but I don't have to worry about blow-off.

**ShortSnoutBrewing** · 05-20-2009, 09:19 PM

I guess you could consider it "semi open" There is still a lid covering, and when you're off gassing nothing is going to make all the twist and turns it would require to get in there. I've only done two batches with it to date. One I transferred to two carboy's to age after two weeks, the second I transferred to the barrel (see signature Old Bruin).

**Yambor44** · 05-20-2009, 09:25 PM

I would think if you are making 10 gallon batches you would need at least a 12 gallon container once it stats fermenting.

Also, for those using the larger options, how do you move it around and transfer the wort to bottle/keg after fermentation? 83 pounds is pretty heavy, no?

c.n.budz · 05-20-2009, 09:27 PM

I have one of those vittles vaults for dog food, never even thought that I could use one for fermenting. Definitely cheaper than the plastic conicals I've been contemplating