3-Gallon Recipe in a 5-Gallon Pail?

Homebrew Talk - Beer, Wine, Mead, & Cider Brewing Discussion Forum

Help Support Homebrew Talk - Beer, Wine, Mead, & Cider Brewing Discussion Forum:

This site may earn a commission from merchant affiliate links, including eBay, Amazon, and others.

Dave77

Supporting Member
HBT Supporter
Joined
Mar 16, 2023
Messages
164
Reaction score
307
Location
Toronto, Canada
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!
 
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.
 
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.
 
Back
Top