What is used for fermenting 10 gallon batches?

I'm in the process of upgrading my equipment to brew 10 gallon batches. Right now I use 6 gallon carboys for fermenting. What do you use for 10 gallon batches? Do you split it into 2 - 6 gallon fermenters?

I was eyeballing these a few days ago. Bucket, Fermenting (12 gallon) - no lid - Fermentation Trap

Split it, unless you're fortunate enough to have a larger conical fermenter. Some others have made fermenters out of both larger stainless steel vessels or plastic. Usually those are the ones going in the 20-50 gallon range though.

I you like glass go to a 15gal demijohn I have two and they work great I believe Midwest brewing has them on there website or ask your local HBS

Another good option if you can find them is to ferment in Sanke kegs, Brewers Hardware Sanke Keg Fermenter Kit with Thermowell or You can also stretch an orange carboy cap over the opening of the keg. I have been keeping my eyes open for some for my 10 gallon batches.

Chromados

Also, keep in mind how you are going to move it around.

I use a Super Simple 15G plastic Conical. Can have it set up for under $100.

I use to just split it and put it in two 6.5G carboys

I have split mine in the past, but just acquired a sanke keg that I'll be fermenting in from now on. Get to test it out next week.

If you are planning on putting more than 5 gallons somewhere for fermentation, I recommend having at the proper height to transfer to your kegs or bottling bucket without moving it full.
1. Its heavy
2. You don't want to stir up the dregs that have settled out.

sanke is what I use. Pull the spear and use a 10.5 drilled stopper with normal air lock. Plus you can no chill

Check your LHBS for something like this: http://www.usplastic.com/mobile/item.aspx?itemid=23849&catid=459
"Delex 15 Gallon Closed Top Container"

I picked one up from mine for $10, they use them for bulk malt extract and throw them out otherwise but it holds 15 gallons which is perfect for 10 gallon batches

worstbrewing said:

Check your LHBS for something like this: http://www.usplastic.com/mobile/item.aspx?itemid=23849&catid=459
"Delex 15 Gallon Closed Top Container"

I picked one up from mine for $10, they use them for bulk malt extract and throw them out otherwise but it holds 15 gallons which is perfect for 10 gallon batches

Click to expand...

Got mine free from LHBS. I buy a good bit there, and the owner told me just to ask when I want more. May get a few to experiment on: cut off top & try bucket lid, drill hole in base & add trub dump valve, insert funnel in base & caulk edges to funnel yeast for harvest, etc. One of my goals for this year

I'm unable to lift 10+ gallons of beer, so I ferment in two ale pails.

Thanks for the input everyone!

Sounds like there are many ways I can go. Now just need to figure out what is best for my situation.

Gravity sucks, man!

I use 2 6 gal better-bottles with fermcap.

Much easier to move around, and I can use different yeasts!

This is what I use. I have 2 -15 gal large plastic containers that I converted into large fermenters. I try not to go over 10 gal much due to their weight and size for mobility. They were $10 a piece and are food grade and were used by my LHBS for liquid extract delivery and storage. In the pic below there is a 5 gal and 6 gal carboy on either side. And don't ask how I got the spigot on there. It was interesting.

I use this: Austin Homebrew Supply

I still use 2x 6.5 gallon carboys. I enjoy splitting the fermentation with two different yeasts.

Vittle Vault
Amazon.com: Vittles Vault 50-Pound Stackable: Pet Supplies

I use the 50lb vittles vault linked above. Just drill a hole in the lid for an airlock and you're set. It's short enough to fit in my fermentation freezer without needing a collar.

jma99 said:

Gravity sucks, man!

I use 2 6 gal better-bottles with fermcap.

Much easier to move around, and I can use different yeasts!

Click to expand...

I agree with this or similar. I like to use 2 ale pales, and then I can pitch a different yeast in each one if I like, and really get two very different beers with just one brewing process.

For years I open fermented 11 gals in a sanke with the top cut off. It was also my HLT. I needed help moving it. Then I bought a 7.5 gal stainless conical. It makes life so much easier I switched to 5 gal batches. BUT now that my family has had my beer for Christmas I got a second stainless conical. The gift that keeps on giving. Back to 10 gallon batches. It takes the same amount of time to clean up after brewing 5 gallons as it does 11. My original one has a chcocolate stout in it right now. Brewing 10 gallons Fat Tire Clone on the first of the year.

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iaefebs said:

Vittle Vault
Amazon.com: Vittles Vault 50-Pound Stackable: Pet Supplies

Click to expand...

Nice and compact, plus cheap.

What a great idea.

Do you think a 13 gallon fermenter would do the trick for the 10 gallon batch?