3-Gallon Recipe in a 5-Gallon Pail?

[Dave77]

Ok, another newbie question (I've become obsessed with homebrewing after only one attempt!)

Is it okay to ferment a 3-gallon recipe in a 6.5-gallon pail? Is there too much air, or does it matter once fermentation has begun.

Thanks in advance!

 

[hotbeer]

Keep the lid closed and you shouldn't have an issue.

 

[RM-MN]

I do it regularly. One benefit is you never have to worry about the airlock clogging and blowing the lid off and spewing krausen on the walls and ceiling. Never need a blowoff either, lots of room for krausen.

The one time it would not be OK is if you are trying a variety of beer that is very sensitive to oxygen like a hazy NEIPA.

 

[bwible]

I brew my 3 gallon batches as collect 4 gallons, boil down to 3.5, 3.5 goes into the fermenter so that I actually get 3 gallons of finished beer after losses. Yes you can use a bucket. I do mine in a 5 gallon carboy and there’s plenty of room.