Metal Buckets - Any Sources/Ideas?

[Bassman2003]

Hello,

I have been looking for a metal bucket or two. I have some normal 5 gallon buckets but when I put chiller runoff water I feel them getting soft from the temperature. Also, just got an Anvil Foundry and the mash basket does not fit in a normal 5 gallon bucket to let drain empty before removing the grain bag.

I tried one of the 8 gallon galvanized pails from Lowes and the thing did not hold water. So I am on the lookout for affordable 7-8 gallon buckets made of metal.

Any ideas would be appreciated!

 

[brewbama]

 

[MaxStout]

A local farm supply store might have something like that.

 

[Bassman2003]

Thanks. Will check out Uline. They are close by in Dallas. Min order of three though. Maybe I can buy just one or two if I go up there.

 

[mirthfuldragon]

Check the plastic stamp on your bucket. Some common buckets are not necessarily HDPE (#2). HDPE buckets are good past boiling (to 248° F repeatedly). Not all plastic buckets are HDPE though, so if you have a different kind, that could cause issues.

For larger buckets, I know BGS makes 7.8 gallon fermenting/bottling buckets that are 14" in diameter and HDPE #2, so that may be a solution as well.

 

[Spartan1979]

If there's a small paint manufacturer in your area they might be willing to sell you a couple metal buckets. EDIT - if you do this, ask for lined buckets. The unlined ones will rust.

 

[cfrazier77]

You could also look at dairy buckets, they are stainless, but can be pricy.

 

[Robert65]

Check the plastic stamp on your bucket. Some common buckets are not necessarily HDPE (#2). HDPE buckets are good past boiling (to 248° F repeatedly). Not all plastic buckets are HDPE though, so if you have a different kind, that could cause issues.

For larger buckets, I know BGS makes 7.8 gallon fermenting/bottling buckets that are 14" in diameter and HDPE #2, so that may be a solution as well.

^^^^This

 

[Bassman2003]

I did not check the buckets yet but they are getting pretty soft with PBW water and chiller runoff. I do not think they would hold up at 248F!