Can I use 5 gallon equip for a 1 gallon batch?

[lmacmil]

I've been drinking more wine than beer lately so I want to try a 1 gallon batch of beer instead of 5. Can I use my 5 gallon fermenting pail and carboy for a 1 gallon batch? Or will all that extra air volume screw things up? I'd prefer not to buy stuff for 1 gallon brewing in case this is a one-off. The value proposition really disappears in the 1 gallon batch size.

 

[porterpounder]

Not recommended as the excessive headspace can more easily oxide your wine. 1 gallon bottles are easy to come by. Grab some apple juice at the store or a gallon of cheap spring water and use that. Plastic or glass doesn't matter all that much as long as it's sanitary.

 

[Sadu]

I would not ferment a small batch in a big bucket due to oxidation risks, plus half the reason for doing small batches is less cleaning.

Good news is that you can ferment in everyday objects. Get yourself 2x cheap airlocks for $1 each and 2 large soda bottles, or whatever you need to hold the volume. I ferment in 3x half-gallon glass growlers then rack to 2x growlers for secondary (which results in minimal headspace). This setup is perfect.
Swamp cooler with aquarium heater works great for temp control, again not expensive and works for bigger batches too.

 

[GrogNerd]

local bakeries should have 2½-gallon buckets you could use for ferment vessels

good size for a 1-gallon batch

 

[dwhite60]

Buy the apple juice. Ferment the apple juice. Justifies the expense for the bottle.

All the Best,
D. White

 

[C-Rider]

All ;your equipment ok except your fermenter. Switch to 2 gallon brews and get buckets form HD. I've been using their 2 gallon buckets for years.

 

[lmacmil]

Thanks all. I've got a 2-gallon bucket in my shopping cart along with a 1 gallon extract kit.

 

[MagicMatt]

I disagree, I routinely use a 5 gallon carboy for 1-2 gallon batches. Headspace is not an issue with primary fermentation. I wouldn't use the 5 gallon carboy for secondary (that is when headspace matters since the beer is not off-gassing as much). But during primary, oxygen is your friend in the beginning (the yeast will eat it up) and then it will be replaced by CO2 so you'll be OK.

Never had a problem.

 

[dwhite60]

Lowe's Hardware sells 2 gallon food grade plastic buckets and lids.

All the Best,
D. White

 

[lmacmil]

Lowe's Hardware sells 2 gallon food grade plastic buckets and lids.

All the Best,
D. White

Thanks. I'm at Lowe's at least once a week!