Fermenting in buckets sucks!

[marnel]

OK, well maybe there's nothing wrong with it but I've definitely been spoiled using carboys and better bottles. I like seeing my yeast swimming around happily in my wort and all I can do now is watch big starsan bubbles forming in my blowoff bucket

I guess I should just be happy my pipeline is so full I had to fall back on my fermentation buckets

 

[jakecpunut]

I wished they made clear buckets hahaha.. easy to clean.. easy to see!

 

[kingmatt]

I actually prefer buckets for my primary for the following reasons:

-they are cheaper than glass carboys and better bottles
-they are easier to transport (unless you buy a carboy handle or brew hauler for more $)
-they are less dangerous than glass carboys
-they are easier to clean
-there is less risk of uv damage to your beer
-it is easier to strain hops from my wort by placing a 5 gallon paint strainer in the bucket before dumping the wort in

I don't use buckets exclusively (I have multiple better bottles) but I do enjoy them.

 

[Brandonovich]

I also like them because you can pour from your kettle into the bucket from about 4 feet and really aerate the wort well.

 

[jtakacs]

6 gal better bottles are the best invention evah!

buckets have a place tho - keeps me from peeking on them every day.

 

[BendBrewer]

You'll get over it in time OP.

 

[iaefebs]

You'll get over it in time OP.

 

[flyerwire]

I actually prefer buckets for my primary for the following reasons:

-they are cheaper than glass carboys and better bottles
-they are easier to transport (unless you buy a carboy handle or brew hauler for more $)
-they are less dangerous than glass carboys
-they are easier to clean
-there is less risk of uv damage to your beer
-it is easier to strain hops from my wort by placing a 5 gallon paint strainer in the bucket before dumping the wort in

I don't use buckets exclusively (I have multiple better bottles) but I do enjoy them.

basically this. I use my better bottles that i have for lagers because i like to transfer when the craziness stops and can't see that in a bucket, other then that, especially IPA's i love being able to use a paint strainer to get the 2 inches of hops out of the bottom

 

[Demon]

I recently stopped using my carboys for most beers. The buckets are way easier to clean and easier to move around while full.

 

[kpr121]

I don't even understand why people use better bottles and carboys for primary fermentation (other than to watch the yeasties swim). I personally do not care what my beer looks like for the first 2 weeks. I just want it to be good when its poured in a glass.

I do understand (somewhat) the need for a carboy as a secondary (less oxygen permeability and headroom), but other than that give me my 10-12 dollar plastic fermentors anyday.

Filling, handling, draining, and cleaning a carboy SUCKS!

 

[Wheezer]

For a secondary fermentation using miscellaneous ingredients such as oak chips, cocoa nibs, dry hops, etc., I find it easier than carboys. If no special ingredients, I prefer carboys.

 

[straycat]

are you bucket folks using buckets from the LHBS or going the big box hardware store route?

 

[BendBrewer]

are you bucket folks using buckets from the LHBS or going the big box hardware store route?

You need to get food grade and they don't have those at the box stores. Plus, you want 6 or 6.5 gallon buckets. No spigot.

 

[kpr121]

are you bucket folks using buckets from the LHBS or going the big box hardware store route?

I try to use only the Ale Pails and other buckets from brewing stores, but many people on here do use plastic buckets from other source. Frosting buckets from bakeries, other foods (avoid pickles) from your local grocery store, are all good candidates.

Also, people have been using the orange Homer Buckets or grey Lowes buckets with some success. There are threads that discuss these. I would suggest you do some research before you try it though, there are mixed reviews about food-grade/added coloring/etc on those HD/Lowes buckets. Plus they generally manufactured regionally, so what they sell here in SW PA is not necessarily the same that the sell in CA.

I have used a Homer bucket on occasion (needed a new ferm bucket but didnt have time to bottle the previous batch).

 

[beergolf]

I like buckets fro my primary.

Easy to move
Easy to clean
I just pour my wort in which help aerate it
I can also use wisk to help aerate
Easy to pitch dry yeast all over the top
Easy to take hydrometer readings

Sure it is cool to see the krausen form and see the yeasty beasties swimming around, but I pretty much ignore my bucket for 3 weeks before I take a reading.

 

[wolverinebrewer]

OK, well maybe there's nothing wrong with it but I've definitely been spoiled using carboys and better bottles. I like seeing my yeast swimming around happily in my wort and all I can do now is watch big starsan bubbles forming in my blowoff bucket

What are you, 5?

 

[SevenFields]

I hate buckets also. I have only ever had one infection ever, and it was the one and only time I used a bucket. Never again, Carboys and Better Bottles Only- for me!

 

[marnel]

What are you, 5?

I guess I must be, but it doesn't put you to far behind me when making comments like that. How much value does it really add to this thread.

To those that thought I was knocking buckets you misunderstood my post, I was just stating that from a visual aspect it's not as fun. I'm not impatient, nor do I peak in on it a hundred times a day, it's just nice to have the option to visually see how your yeast are adapting to your wort.

I'd also like to know where you guys source your buckets, won't mention any names here (and my LHBS isn't much better), but better bottles are only like 7 dollars more than buckets after you buy the lid.

As for cleaning, i've never had to do anything more than rinse out, add half a scoop of oxyclean and fill to neck and soak over night.

 

[kpr121]

I hate buckets also. I have only ever had one infection ever, and it was the one and only time I used a bucket. Never again, Carboys and Better Bottles Only- for me!

Would Better Bottles not suffer the same infection possibilities as bucket due to being plastic?

 

[BendBrewer]

To those that thought I was knocking buckets you misunderstood my post, I was just stating that from a visual aspect it's not as fun.

Brew a big beer and toss it on a yeast cake in a carboy.

Flip Video it. Save your Yeast Porn for later viewing.

 

[Seven]

I also like to use carboys so I can see what's going on inside, but...

Are you actually able to see the yeasties when using a carboy or are you really just seeing sediment and other stuff getting kicked around by convection currents in the beer?

 

[wolverinebrewer]

I guess I must be, but it doesn't put you to far behind me when making comments like that. How much value does it really add to this thread.

To those that thought I was knocking buckets you misunderstood my post, I was just stating that from a visual aspect it's not as fun. I'm not impatient, nor do I peak in on it a hundred times a day, it's just nice to have the option to visually see how your yeast are adapting to your wort.

I'd also like to know where you guys source your buckets, won't mention any names here (and my LHBS isn't much better), but better bottles are only like 7 dollars more than buckets after you buy the lid.

Relax, I wasn't making fun...... but I understand the carboy thing. And I certainly didn't take your post as "bucket knocking". You aren't much different than many here that do the same thing. Everyone has their favorites. Use what you like.

 

[marnel]

Relax, I wasn't making fun...... but I understand the carboy thing. And I certainly didn't take your post as "bucket knocking". You aren't much different than many here that do the same thing. Everyone has their favorites. Use what you like.

No worries it's just been a rough day at work, so I logged on here to take my mind off for a while and saw that, just took it too personally. Cheers

 

[deprecated]

I suppose I'm too careless with buckets. I noticed that most of mine do have scratches in them and the thought of bacteria living in there bothers me.

Switched to carboys, don't mind the associated inconveniences and worst case my carelessness will only ever result in a severed appendage should I break one!

 

[BendBrewer]

Well we all have starred at our carboys for hours on end for no apparent reason whatsoever. Beats the hell out of a lava lamp though.

But you'll get over it. Just don't go out and buy 6 new carboys before yo do. I have 6 buckets and 2 carboys and only use the carboys rarely.

 

[Token]

I too enjoy being able to look in on my fermenting beer.

CARBOYS ALL THE WAY!!!

 

[Acoma]

To each their own. There are many pros to buckets but whatever you like and works for you is what matters. This is your hobby. I have 2 glass carboys and one plastic bucket and use whatever is empty.

 

[Jaysus]

I H-A-T-E cleaning carboys after primary fermentation...

 

[knotquiteawake]

Hmm... I just bought my first bucket after 3 years of carboy only action. I got tired of cleaning and don't care to see whats going on inside.
My only concern was aeration of the wort after pouring it inside. The glass carboy seems much easier to rock back and forth. I have this probably irrational fear that shaking it up will leave wort on the bottom of the lid where it will mold or get infected or something (since its apart from the yeast).

 

[schmoe]

I have a 6.5 gallon bucket for primary, 2 5 gallon carboys for secondary and a 5.5 gallon bottling bucket. I brew anytime I transfer from primary to secondary and it works well. I like seeing the fermentation but I prefer the easy cleaning of the buckets more.

 

[ReverseApacheMaster]

I have several 4L glass carboys that used to be Carlo Rossi wine jugs. They are easy to use and clean, but then again they are very small.

Otherwise, the only carboy I have is a 6gal BB that I am using for a lambic solera, so I don't anticipate having to empty and clean it for years.

 

[BendBrewer]

Hmm... I just bought my first bucket after 3 years of carboy only action. I got tired of cleaning and don't care to see whats going on inside.
My only concern was aeration of the wort after pouring it inside. The glass carboy seems much easier to rock back and forth. I have this probably irrational fear that shaking it up will leave wort on the bottom of the lid where it will mold or get infected or something (since its apart from the yeast).

Get a separate lid to use while you shake it, open, pitch and use your clean lid to ferment. Heck a Homer lid would probably work for that.

Or get O2.

 

[Flywheel]

B is for the Beer that gets made
U is for the Units of international bitterness
C is for the Crisp refreshing taste
K is for the Kiln that makes the barley great
E is for the East Kent Goldings in my bitter
T is for the Top-fermenting yeast I can't see in my bucket, but that's okay with me

 

[dfc]

I don't even understand why people use better bottles and carboys for primary fermentation (other than to watch the yeasties swim). I personally do not care what my beer looks like for the first 2 weeks. I just want it to be good when its poured in a glass.

I do understand (somewhat) the need for a carboy as a secondary (less oxygen permeability and headroom), but other than that give me my 10-12 dollar plastic fermentors anyday.

Filling, handling, draining, and cleaning a carboy SUCKS!

I completely agree.

 

[dfc]

Hmm... I just bought my first bucket after 3 years of carboy only action. I got tired of cleaning and don't care to see whats going on inside.
My only concern was aeration of the wort after pouring it inside. The glass carboy seems much easier to rock back and forth. I have this probably irrational fear that shaking it up will leave wort on the bottom of the lid where it will mold or get infected or something (since its apart from the yeast).

Do you have a bottling bucket?

 

[remilard]

I don't even understand why people use better bottles and carboys for primary fermentation

A couple of reasons I do.

1. I like to raise fermentation temperature once the krausen begins to drop. It helps if I can see that.

2. I can do a closed transfer via co2 pressure.

3. If I need to open up the fermentor to take a sample, the exposed surface area is much smaller.

 

[BoxofRain]

For a secondary fermentation using miscellaneous ingredients such as oak chips, cocoa nibs, dry hops, etc., I find it easier than carboys. If no special ingredients, I prefer carboys.

Where are you finding a 5 gallon-food grade bucket?

 

[RMitch]

where are you finding a 5 gallon-food grade bucket?

lhbs?

 

[Whut]

I H-A-T-E cleaning carboys after primary fermentation...

Cleaning a carboy has never been easier:



Obviouslly I wasn't the first to come up with this but I did steal shamelessly from others here on HBT. Here's my thread about it.

I can also clean a bucket:



And a corny keg too:

 

[BoxofRain]

lhbs?

Mine on has 6+ and I'm not convinced a Homer Bucket will muster for this kind of work.