Bottle bombs

[Shawnstve]

Ok so some research has me a little freaked out. How likely are bottle bombs? I’ve got some cider (I know that’s more likely) and beer bottle conditioning. I waited 3 weeks on the beer and 2 weeks on the cider. I did the cider first and without a calculator, just guessed with the amount I put in. I know I put too much sugar in, and I burped them a few times, once they overflowed. For the beer I just bottled yesterday, but I used the calculator and even undershot it a bit. I’m using 16oz flip top bottles. They are high quality obviously able to hold the carbonation from those crazy ciders. But should I worry and burp the beers just to make sure? Not sure here... I don’t want to kill my kids with these bottle bombs. Haha

 

[Abhishek Dewan]

If you calculated the amount of priming sugar correctly, it should be no problem. Besides, you're using good heavy bottles. As a precaution, don't keep them in a hot place. You can think of containing them in a carton or something, if that will make you feel safe. You could use soda bottles in future, they're much safer bet.

 

[Shawnstve]

I’m not gonna use plastic. Just don’t wanna drink beer out of plastic. But glad it’s no problem if I calculate the sugar good.

 

[ncbrewer]

I had one bottle explode a few years ago - the rest were fine. I guess I missed something in the bottle when I washed it - or a gnat flew in before I capped it - or the bottle has a minor crack. Who knows. It wasn't a safety problem because I always keep the conditioning bottles in a cardboard case, and it stays in a tote bin until fully carb'd - and a towel over the case to contain anything that might come thru the case. I also check the gravity twice 2 - 3 days apart to be sure gravity is stable before bottling. When opening the first bottle of a batch, I cover with a towel and open away from me - and wear safety glasses. It sounds extreme, but it's worth it to me.

 

[danimal92sport]

Wow, that is extreme. Comparing your methods to mine, I’m at risk of ruining my hardwood floors and loosing an eye at some point!

 

[Hoppy2bmerry]

Wow, that is extreme. Comparing your methods to mine, I’m at risk of ruining my hardwood floors and loosing an eye at some point!

I use a cardboard case and I place it in a plastic bin with a latching cover. I know a guy that was delivering glass soda bottles and one blew at the wrong time. He lost his hand, this is no laughing matter. I’m glad you have discovered the priming sugar calculator, if you input the correct information and your fermentation is done, you do not need to undershoot the amount. Put your cider in a cold place and drink up. If you find one over carbed burp the others again.

 

[Teufelhunde]

All my beers spend two weeks in covered plastic tubs before drinking.....just in case.....

 

[Shawnstve]

I use a cardboard case and I place it in a plastic bin with a latching cover. I know a guy that was delivering glass soda bottles and one blew at the wrong time. He lost his hand, this is no laughing matter. I’m glad you have discovered the priming sugar calculator, if you input the correct information and your fermentation is done, you do not need to undershoot the amount. Put your cider in a cold place and drink up. If you find one over carbed burp the others again.

Every 3 days I’m burping the cider... lol! It doesn’t taste good yet so I’m not ready to drink them. Hopefully they calm down soon. I’m sick of burping them.