fermenter

[mwawrzyniec]

Can anyone think of a reason why these would be a bad idea http://www.walmart.com/ip/EAGLE-1654-Spill-Salvage-Drum-20g/41122122

I plan on increasing my batch size to 15 gallons and would like to use one large fermenter instead of having to buy 3 smaller fermenters

 

[day_trippr]

Do you really think a salvage drum would be food safe?

 

[jimyson]

I bet every location out there on Craigslist land has a local company selling food safe containers from 10 gallons upwards to 55 or more. Usually cheaper than the one you are looking at on WM.

 

[Raenon]

No way that's food grade.
This is:
http://www.uline.com/Product/Detail/S-19419/Drums/Plastic-Drum-with-Lid-30-Gallon-Open-Top-Natural

 

[mwawrzyniec]

Do you really think a salvage drum would be food safe?

I can't see a reason it wouldn't be. It's a new manufacture HDPE drum. But sometimes I read things fast. Can you see anything that would suggest they aren't ok?

 

[mwawrzyniec]

I bet every location out there on Craigslist land has a local company selling food safe containers from 10 gallons upwards to 55 or more. Usually cheaper than the one you are looking at on WM.

Craigslist was my first thought, the only thing I'm finding in my area are the 55 gallon barrels and Im afraid that will allow to much empty space. An I wrong with that thought?

Do you know of any place else that might carry 20 gallon containers that would be suitable

 

[wilserbrewer]

I think some or perhaps all of the Rubbermaid brute trash cans are food safe, lots of folks have fermented in these. Some have even used a good grade plastic bag liner in larger fermenters, my local brew on premise does just this.

 

[augiedoggy]

I can't see a reason it wouldn't be. It's a new manufacture HDPE drum. But sometimes I read things fast. Can you see anything that would suggest they aren't ok?

are you sure the lid is also the same material? they could be using non foodsafe dye to color them since they are not intended or made for food... thats the thing, no effort would be made to make them foodsafe which means they could be manufactured for less... not worth the risk without knowing imo

my local brew store sells cheap plastic fermenters I believe are like 15 or 17 gallons for less than $20 a piece...

 

[mongoose33]

I can't see a reason it wouldn't be. It's a new manufacture HDPE drum. But sometimes I read things fast. Can you see anything that would suggest they aren't ok?

What makes something food-safe is the mold-release lubricant used. Food safe lubricants are just that, but there are others used as well which are not food-safe.

Unless it's advertised as food-safe, do not assume it is.

 

[mwawrzyniec]

What makes something food-safe is the mold-release lubricant used. Food safe lubricants are just that, but there are others used as well which are not food-safe.

Unless it's advertised as food-safe, do not assume it is.

Exactly the information I was looking for, thanks!

 

[Twotaureanbrewing]

This one looks pretty cool http://www.uline.com/Product/Detail/S-19418/Drums/Plastic-Drum-15-Gallon-Closed-Top-Natural

 

[wilserbrewer]

This one looks pretty cool http://www.uline.com/Product/Detail/S-19418/Drums/Plastic-Drum-15-Gallon-Closed-Top-Natural

LME is packaged in those 15 gal closed head drums, lots of LHBS's give them away once empty.

 

[jimyson]

Also, just because it's HDPE doesn't mean it's food safe.

 

[jimyson]

This one looks pretty cool http://www.uline.com/Product/Detail/S-19418/Drums/Plastic-Drum-15-Gallon-Closed-Top-Natural

Yes, Uline sells them but more expensive than finding a local company that has them used from food product.

 

[jimyson]

This is what I have on Craigslist.

View attachment ImageUploadedByHome Brew1452038482.430173.jpg

 

[Twotaureanbrewing]

LME is packaged in those 15 gal closed head drums, lots of LHBS's give them away once empty.

Did not know that! I'll have to ask next visit, as Im thinking of moving up to 10 gallon batches.

 

[Raenon]

I picked up three of those closed head 15 gallons from uline a few weeks ago after calling my lhbs... Apparently they have an eager waiting list for their pails, and they resell them for $15-20 after emptying them of LME. I figured the price from uline was worthwhile when it meant no waiting and getting new, perfect condition drums for my wine.

They're working great

 

[mwawrzyniec]

The only one I am finding locally is a 55 gallon drum, what problems might I run into of I'm only fermenting 15 gallons in this large of a barrel?