Fermentors for small batches?

[h22lude]

What size jugs/carboys would you recommend I use for a 1 gallon batch and a 2.5 gallon batch?

Maybe a 3 gallon and a 5 gallon or would that be too much headroom?

 

[prpromin]

I just did a 1 gal test batch in a 2 gal fermenting bucket (I think it was 3.00 at my LHBS). It has a hole for an airlock just like a big bucket. For the bigger batch, maybe a 3 gal carboy?

 

[NordeastBrewer77]

3 gal carboys and 1 gal jugs are great for small batches. you can primary in the 3 gal carboy, secondary in 1 gal jug.

 

[h22lude]

I was also thinking of getting a Mr beer kit to try out for fun and then use that as a test fermentor

 

[sockozz]

All I can provide to this is that I brew 2.5 gallon batches and use 5 gal carboys all the time, without any problems.

 

[ClarnoBrewer]

As mentioned, there are a lot of custom sized fermenting vessels out there.

Alternately, any food-safe plastic or glass container will work. Plastic food buckets come in a variety of sizes and typically seal well. Get a hole-saw of the appropriate size for a stopper and you're good to go. Just make sure it held something that didn't leave a strong odor or it will transfer to your beer (pickles, kraut).

There are a lot of folks on here that don't even worry about airlocks, they just use plastic film and secure that over the top. Not my thing, but it works for many and means you could ferment in almost anything.

 

[tpitman]

I've been doing 2.5 gallon batches in a 3 gallon carboy, but I've had to use a blow-off tube as the krausen really creeps up into the neck of the bottle. First time I noticed a little brown crap in the fermentation lock after the first night, so I've used the tube ever since.

 

[NCGrayson]

I was also thinking of getting a Mr beer kit to try out for fun and then use that as a test fermentor

This.

 

[RM-MN]

I've done 2 1/2 gallon batches in my 6 1/2 gallon fermenter. Once fermentation starts the beer should have a layer of CO2 over it so as long as you aren't moving it around it is protected and with that much headroom I never worry about a blowoff tube.

 

[Calichusetts]

1 gallon batches in 1 gallon jugs...simple as that