Got some free buckets, but with loose lids...

[brewdogskip]

There is always a BUT.

I picked up two 4 gallon icing buckets from the local deli and was psyched about some free primary wine fermenters (3 gallon batches). The problem is that the lids fit loosely around the rim of the bucket.

Is this going to be a problem/source of infection or should I not give a hoot and use it?

 

[GilaMinumBeer]

Sounds like a perfect opportunity to get yourself off the airlock addiction.

 

[GrizlyGarou]

Sounds like a perfect opportunity to get yourself off the airlock addiction.

He doesn't have a problem, he can stop watching them anytime he wants!

 

[brewdogskip]

Sounds like a perfect opportunity to get yourself off the airlock addiction.

The real problem is sniffing them

But for real, you think it will be ok for a small primary?

 

[GilaMinumBeer]

The real problem is sniffing them

But for real, you think it will be ok for a small primary?

I haven't used an airlock in two years for primary fermentation. I much prefer to leave the lids loose so that if fermentation becomes so vigorous as to exceed the limits of the bucket the kraeusen can spill over the rim rather than plug the airlock and result in a potential explosion.

Airlocks are useful for secondaries only, imo, and I rarely do that anymore either.

 

[ShortSnoutBrewing]

As Gila is saying...you don't need an airtight cover for primary fermentation. There is so much CO2 off-gassing that nothing will climb in.

 

[GilaMinumBeer]

As Gila is saying...you don't need an airtight cover for primary fermentation. There is so much CO2 off-gassing that nothing will climb in.

I never said that!

 

[samc]

Personally I prefer a fruit fly free zone with my fermenting. I'd probably put a piece of tape around the edge. I had a nasty attack of those buggers this fall and was pleased that they could not get in.

 

[brewdogskip]

Well, I guess I'll try some experimental welches wine batches in them before I actually make a 3 gallon batch that costs over 20 bucks. I will report back with my results from primary fermentation in these buckets so hopefully more folks will not worry so much as I have.