Is it a stupid idea to ferment in 2.11 plastic bottles?

[Elysium]

glass carboys are not available in spain, and the plastic fermenters cost more or less 22 dollars (which I find really expensive).

I thought of buying 2.1 gallon water bottles and use the water inside while brewing and punch a hole in the cap and use a valve.

I think it is a good idea (one bottle like that with the water cost only 1 dollar)....I will have to split the 6.39 gallon batch to fill up 4 different plastic bottles and that's it. After fermentation I just siphon everything in a bottling bucket and bottle the beer.

what do you guys think? Stupid idea or viable?
I am wondering if the plastic bottles could be used several times. I think it shouldnt be a problem at all.

 

[NTXBrauer]

I don't see why this would not work. You will also have the ability to use different strains of yeast, for each 2.1G and compare to one another to determine which you prefer once fermented. I would only do this if the plastic water bottles are new, and not refilled. Cheers!

 

[CUrchin]

You want to make sure they are PET which is recycling number 1 in the US (I have no idea about Spain). There was some info on here awhile back about avoiding recycling number 7 over concern about leaching. If you search around I bet you can find it. I personally would try to track down food grade buckets. I've got to believe you could source one cheap somewhere over there. Good luck!

 

[Elysium]

You want to make sure they are PET which is recycling number 1 in the US (I have no idea about Spain). There was some info on here awhile back about avoiding recycling number 7 over concern about leaching. If you search around I bet you can find it. I personally would try to track down food grade buckets. I've got to believe you could source one cheap somewhere over there. Good luck!

Hey.

The cheapest option (I am not joking....I have been looking for food grade buckets for weeks by now) is 52 dollars for 4 food grade 7.9-gallon buckets with no volume indication, nor holes on the lid and not even a hole for a tap (which doesnt bother me much though).....so, I am pretty surprised how expensive plastic is in Spain.

 

[TNugent]

glass carboys are not available in spain, and the plastic fermenters cost more or less 22 dollars (which I find really expensive).

$22 for a single dedicated fermenter instead of having to sanitize 4 containers, 4 caps, 4 blow offs, etc seems like money well spent to me.