Cheap or Alternative Ferment Buckets?

[smyrnaquince]

I think I've read that part of the "food grade" designation is related to the release chemicals used in the mold. If so, then the plastic designation could be the same even if one bucket were food grade and one were not.

 

[TheMan]

These last two posts are contradictory to what I've found. The label of #2 means it's HDPE but not necessarily food grade. When you say "used them with no problems" that doesn't make sense to me as the problems wouldn't be something so readily apparent? The acidity and alcohol would leach stuff into what you drink . . and you wouldn't know what effects that would have for who knows when.

I'm not trying start arguments or be a PITA, just saying it's not consistent with what I've seen. Here's a good one:

http://www.virtualweberbullet.com/plastics.html

From that site it states this:
"There is a common misconception that all containers made of white plastic or HDPE plastic bearing the symbol are food grade containers. This is not true. If you are considering the purchase of a container from some place other than a kitchen or restaurant supply store, and the container is not clearly labeled as "food safe" or being made of food grade plastic, then you should assume that it is not food grade and you should not brine in it"

Your/my Ale Pail does not say it is "Food Safe". So it violates what this site is saying, yet most of us have all used an ale pail to ferment at some point. It's no different than the #2 HDPE buckets from home depot. I agree with Cidahmaster, you are free to make your own choice. Maybe the effects are like you said, not readily apparent. But I have a hard time believing that homebrew equipment stores would sell something that is harmful to us.

 

[Beezy]

This is a fun subject heheh. I have heard that the food grade tag just means the product is tested in a lab and so you are basically paying for all the labwork. Its not necessarily to say that ones that aren't tested aren't safe. Have also heard that food grade plastics have more to do with high temperature use. So mashing in a bucket would be more concerning than fermenting. Maybe I should research this myself. I am very curious if the ale pales are indeed food grade or not as that could through this debate into orbit.

 

[BonnieJ]

I bought a 6 gallon bucket for $12 a few days ago. I love the idea of getting one from a restaurant, though.

 

[kpr121]

I have used both Home Depot "homer" and Lowes grey buckets before, but I do have to admit that I am hesitant for the simple fact that the plastic is colored in some fashion, instead of being plain white. I would be more comfortable using the white pails that they sell in the paint section.

 

[Komodo]

From that site it states this:
"There is a common misconception that all containers made of white plastic or HDPE plastic bearing the symbol are food grade containers. This is not true. If you are considering the purchase of a container from some place other than a kitchen or restaurant supply store, and the container is not clearly labeled as "food safe" or being made of food grade plastic, then you should assume that it is not food grade and you should not brine in it"

Your/my Ale Pail does not say it is "Food Safe". So it violates what this site is saying, yet most of us have all used an ale pail to ferment at some point. It's no different than the #2 HDPE buckets from home depot. I agree with Cidahmaster, you are free to make your own choice. Maybe the effects are like you said, not readily apparent. But I have a hard time believing that homebrew equipment stores would sell something that is harmful to us.

I actually agree with what you're saying. I posted that one link as an example of what I've found while I am searching for the same info you guys are. I'm pretty much undecided, and am going with the free buckets from the bakery route. Free + they came with food in them originally.

 

[BluWtrBrew]

I bought one of these about a month ago. My second batch in it is bubbling away happily. It really is vacuum tight.

"The first ever screw top with built in turning handle for ease of opening and closing. The screw-top lid has an optional spout for easy pouring of your liquid or dry products. Life Latch® lid creates a vacuum-tight seal to protect your products. Pail and cover are prime virgin HDPE. White in color. Vacuum-tight, moisture-resistant seal. Tamper evident. UN Certified for Groups II and III. Width at widest point 13.35". Overall height with cover in place 16.75". Bottom outside diameter 10.51”. Inside diameter at top 12.03". Inside height 15.75". Minimum cover and pail wall thickness 0.090". Meets FDA standards."

I ordered mine with a spout. The blow off tube fits over the spout. The lock plug fits inside the spout. The top screws on and off very easily. The gasket is on the bucket so it is very easy to inspect and clean. Only problem for most would be the five gallon size. I brew 3 gal biab.

 

[joeybeer]

get a 7.5 gallon "Aqua-tainer" from the camping section at Walmart, made in Canada and BPA free - same material as an Ale Pail & they're only about $10 !

 

[Beezy]

get a 7.5 gallon "Aqua-tainer" from the camping section at Walmart, made in Canada and BPA free - same material as an Ale Pail & they're only about $10 !

Hmmm interesting. I do need a bigger one. I wonder even because its square if it might fit better in my cooler than a round one.

 

[bilder]

Back in the day people used those collapsible water containers you find in the camping section of you local sporting goods store. They are cheap and take up little space when not in use. I have never used one, but have thought about it many times. Worked for guys back in the 70's.

I get lots of 3 gallon buckets from a local bakery for free. Just use two of them when making a 5 gallon batch and you are good to go. I drill out a hole in the lid to put the bung and airlock and have saved myself a few bucks.

 

[wolfej50]

If you like small batches, I've converted a 5 lb protein powder jug. It can ferment about 1.5 gals including space for the krausen.