I'm thinking of cobbling together a shelf that will let me store a couple in the small gap between my fridge and the wall.... (where my 7 gallon pail is too wide to fit)
My wally world does suck.
Hope it works out well for you. Keep us posted on the final product.
Ive found so much conflicting information on this subject that I will just have to wait and see...
To dispel all jealousy, I decided to let my $7 5G glass carboy nosedive into my concrete basement sink, resulting in a giant pile of very broken glass.
To dispel all jealousy, I decided to let my $7 5G glass carboy nosedive into my concrete basement sink, resulting in a giant pile of very broken glass.
Here is some info for you guy's. I work in the plastics industry and wanted to clear up some misconception about the recycle logo code. The number in the logo refers to the type of raw plastic used in manufacturing the container. It does not refer to the grade. Their is a world of difference between #2 and food grade #2. The number was intended to be used an indicator for how recyclable it was (1 being most recyclable, 6 being least). #1 (PET) is a good bet since PET is used mainly in food prep and the medical field and is commonly virgin (no contaminates). Better Bottles are #1. The ALE PALE is #2 Food grade. The #2 bucket from Walmart or HD may be #2, but never intended for food storage. This means the manufacturer can use filler (other plastic) to lower the cost to make the bucket, hence the low $ at the store.
Pretty much what this means is, if the seller is advertising the product as food grade, the risk of off flavor is minimal, and will have a smooth internal surface. Otherwise, buyer beware!
Ok, back to my patersbeir
Sorry to hear...but to instill a bit of your lost jealousy, I found a supply of 5gal glass carboys for $18.75 filled with drinking water for brewday! That's $11.75 for the water plus $7.00 for bottle deposit. They used to sell the empties for a $10 deposit, but caught on I guess and force us to buy them filled now.
My local bakery sells used frosting buckets with lids for $1. Food grade, air tight lids, and smooth as silk on the inside. I drilled a hole for airlock and it works great. Cheapest fermenter ever.
Yeah I can buy those carboys full for 14.75 but I don't see the need...
Are you serious?? I am in Zeeland today and tomorrow. I could definitely use a few extra $1 fermenters!!! Hell, I'd pay you to pick them up for me at that price. PM me. Let me know if you're interested.
Why don't you see the need? They are 3X that much at the LHBS
Oh I'm out now, but once a Marine always a Marine.... But I was stationed at Twentynine palms... The USS Nimitz... And of course... Paris Island...
I found a supply of 5gal glass carboys for $18.75 ....That's $11.75 for the water plus $7.00 for bottle deposit.
by the way, it fermented well, and with a taste test next to the apfelwein i fermented in my glass carboy, there was NO NOTICABLE DIFFERANCE... SO HA!!!! Cleaning was good with apfelwein due to having no krausen, I wouldnt use it for beer, just soak in oxyclean for a few hours whilst rotating, then sterilize w/ bleach.
has anyone else tried these? It sounds like the only real experience with it was ed wort who says his buddies brew had a bad taste. Makes me wonder if it was well cleaned, but that does not sound nice. Then there is Sampson420 who says it worked out just fine. So at this point it is 1 for 1.
well, ya i took reputation into account as well ... I am still curious if anyone else had tried it though.
If you haven't already, check out the first post in this thread: https://www.homebrewtalk.com/f39/vs-pro-con-analysis-109318/
It has some good info about using plastic water bottles. The basic rule of thumb is that #1 or #2 plastic is safe, anything else is not, with the possible exception of #7. Some people will tell you that a properly cleaned #7 container is fine, some will tell you it's dangerous. Personally, I won't use #7s for anything other than water, and even still I notice a distinct plastic-y taste in that water.
Also, with these particular containers you have to factor in color (are they clear or opaque?) and shape. Square containers tend to be harder to clean, and if they have an internal handle, they're harder still. If they're opaque, how will you be sure they are cleaned properly? Will you be able to fit a mirror and flashlight into the opening to inspect for yourself? Is that even worth the hassle when food grade buckets are available for about $10 (ale pails)?
If you want to experiment with it, then by all means go for it. It's your beer, after all. I would only ask that you let people know that it was fermented in #7 plastic (if your particular vessel is indeed #7) so they can make up their own minds about the possible health risks.
Sorry if that was a bit long-winded, but I hope it helped!
Lots of angles and difficult areas to clean.
I have perhaps the best find in homebrew fermenter history... but I am holding out on sharing it.
Ahh well... check this out: Inductor Cone Bottom Bulk Storage Tanks - US Plastic Corporation
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