Fermenter for 2.5 gallon batches?

[mls1970]

I've been looking for a decent quality fermenter for my smaller 2.5 gallon batches. Last time I just used my 5 gallon glass carboy but really don't need that much head space. Actual volume in fermenter is usually around 2.75 gallons so I end up with 2.5 in keg. I have seen alot of 3 gallon but don't think that's enough head space without a blow off. Usually do 5 gallon batches but I have a 2.5 gallon keg for test batches just looking for a good smaller fermenter. Thanks and Cheers!

 

[bigdawg86]

Here you go.

https://www.ssbrewtech.com/collections/brew-buckets/products/brew-bucket-mini

 

[mls1970]

Here you go.

https://www.ssbrewtech.com/collections/brew-buckets/products/brew-bucket-mini

Any first hand experience with the SS? Also looked at 4 gallon Anvil.

 

[bigdawg86]

I just bought one for kombucha .. It's really well made. I am a ssbrewtech fanboi and this one does not disappoint.

 

[ba-brewer]

I started with the 7gal brew buckets then later added a 3.5gal one. Been really happy with the 7gals one. I only have done a few brews in the 3.5gal one so far. I have been fermenting a little over 2gal to fill 1.75gal cannonball kegs. Not really a fan of the rubber base thing, other than that I like it. I might buy a second base to make moving it easier.

I have 3gal kegs too but have not tried a batch to fill that yet. I will be doing something for my 3gal keg in a week or 2 and will know more then. I feel fermenting 2.75gal should be OK but might need a blow off. Might also want to limit the amount of trub going into the fermentor.

Using the pickup tube you can drain down to about 24 maybe 20oz.

 

[phyllobeddo]

It's a very nice fermenter. I've used the 3.5 gallon BB for six batches so far. I've filled it up to at least 3.2 gallons and not needed a blowoff, but YMMV. The biggest thing for me with it is closed transfers for mitigating oxygen exposure. You can spend some extra money for parts to make it easier to do or you can jerry rig with a few parts and pull the air lock and plop in the CO2 line. But to me, so far at least, it's easier to use a five gallon corny to ferment in and then transfer to another keg via a jumper. My fermentation chamber (wine fridge) can hold one corny. I understand the geometry of the BB may be better than the geometry of the keg for fermenting, but it's working good so far. Overall, I like the SS BB 3.5.

 

[RM-MN]

I've been looking for a decent quality fermenter for my smaller 2.5 gallon batches. Last time I just used my 5 gallon glass carboy but really don't need that much head space. Actual volume in fermenter is usually around 2.75 gallons so I end up with 2.5 in keg. I have seen alot of 3 gallon but don't think that's enough head space without a blow off. Usually do 5 gallon batches but I have a 2.5 gallon keg for test batches just looking for a good smaller fermenter. Thanks and Cheers!

I'd vote for keeping your 5 gallon carboy. First off, you already have it. Secondly, the headspace is fine in primary. The fermenting beer gives off so much CO2 that if easily fills that extra space. Third, if you go to a smaller fermenter and forget to put on a blowoff you likely sometime will wish you did. You shouldn't need to worry about a blowoff with the 5 gallon carboy.

 

[madscientist451]

I've been using 3 gallon better bottles for several years for 2.5 gallon batches, headspace is adequate, haven't had any issues.

 

[Leezer]

I’ve been brewing 2.5G batches for a couple years, also using the three gallon better bottles with no headspace issues.

 

[mls1970]

I'd vote for keeping your 5 gallon carboy. First off, you already have it. Secondly, the headspace is fine in primary. The fermenting beer gives off so much CO2 that if easily fills that extra space. Third, if you go to a smaller fermenter and forget to put on a blowoff you likely sometime will wish you did. You shouldn't need to worry about a blowoff with the 5 gallon carboy.

Last 2.5 gallon batch was a chocolate oatmeal Stout 1.100 plus OG, used my 5 gallon glass carboy no secondary for 5 weeks plus 1 week cold crash. Beer came out excellent. I have been reading about excessive head space and off flavors which has me thinking. This was not the case with this last batch but maybe lighter beers? Cheers and thanks all!

 

[ilden06]

Any first hand experience with the SS? Also looked at 4 gallon Anvil.

I have 2, 13L i just love Ssbbucket

 

[TwistedGray]

I do 2 gallons in my 5 gallon carboy as well; it's fine. You get enough Co2 to push the o2 out of the carboy and through the airlock. Just don't go opening it up until you're ready to bottle.

 

[bpgreen]

Brew Demon and Mr Beer sell small batch fermenters.