First Time Brewer - Fermentation Vessel?

Im finally 'ready' to start homebrewing. I decided a while ago that I didn't really want to deal with bottling, so I built myself a kegerator. I have all of the corny kegs all set to go, I have large (7gal) pot ready, and finally the funds to start.

My question is what should I use for the primary fermentation? I currently have a tall slim 1/4 barrel in my possession. Should I use that? I read some threads about people using a sanke keg with just a plug and the 3-way once the 'valve' of the keg is removed. Or should I go out and buy a glass carboy.

Any thoughts/opinions are welcome! Thanks in advance.

 

I use a plastic bucket, some glass carboys, ...people use kegs, barrels, all kinds of stuff...juice containers...

 

How about a bucket? Six gallon ale pail works great, is easy to clean, and cheap. Or...you can even ferment in your corny kegs. Just remove the "in" post and attach a blow off tube. With this method, ferm caps are your friend.

 

90% use either a food grade plastic bucket or a glass or plastic carboy (plastic goes by 'better bottle')

Buckets usually 6-7 gallon capacity, with fitted lid. Lid may or may not have embedded o-ring, but a hole in the lid, with a grommet to fit an airlock, allowing gasses to escape (same on carboy method - although usually a stopper with a hole) Best source would be a local home brew supply store (LHBS).

initial ferments may be vigorous, you may want to rig a blow-off tube (sanitized, one end in lid, other in water/vodka/starsan)

Temperature control during fermentation is advisable as the thermal activity of yeast often surpasses the ambient temps by 6-10F. Try to keep your brew in the low end of the recommended temp for your chosen yeast, to allow for that temperature rise. A wally-world tub filled with water will help stabilize temps. Sit on heating pad if cool environment, add frozen water bottles if warm environment.

Control the temps, and leave it there for 3 weeks, then think about kegging.

Oh, and READ, READ - lots of good information here, and lots of individual methods.

Welcome to HBT!

 

I use carboys. Recently switched from glass to better bottles (plastic). I really like them so far, they are far easier to handle.

 

Thanks for the replys so far guys. Sounds like most people think it would be best to start with a bucket. Luckily there is a homebrew supply store only a mile down the road.

 

You did it the same way I did, sorta backed into it so you don't have to bottle! Nice work!

 

My very first brew has 3 more days (maybe a few more) before its ready to be bottled and carb'd for 2-3 weeks... I will get tired of bottling fast lol.

 

Swing in there and tell 'em "Large Marge" sent ya...

But seriously... walk into the LHBS and tell 'em what ya wanna do. They'll set ya up with your fermentation needs.

Gary