Is it ok to ferment cider in my beer fermenters?

[ScottA]

I have 2 buckets and a better bottle I ferment my beer in. Is it ok to ferment cider in these? I thought I heard not to ferment cider in them, but thought I would post it to the community to get some feedback. Thanks in advance for any advice!

 

[NineMilBill]

I've done it for several batches back and forth with no problems. Just be a stickler with immediate sanitation after racking and what not.

Others may have a molecular level - cost/benefit analyis, but like I said - no problems here.

 

[CadillacAndy]

I haven't had a problem. The only thing I do is label them so I don't use a stout/porter bucket for a light cider. But even if you clean the buckets well with oxyclean, there shouldn't be a problem.

 

[Revvy]

I do it all the time......why would you think it would matter?

 

[usfmikeb]

So long as you're properly sanitizing, it doesn't make a lick of difference...

 

[CadillacAndy]

My wife stole one of my buckets a few months ago to put very "fragrant" Gain scented cleaner in and no matter what I did the smell wouldn't come out of the bucket. I ended up with 5 gallons of Gain tasting cider. It took me a month before I put the taste and the smell together. After that, I figured it was a good idea to keep all my stuff labeled so nothing like that would happen again!

 

[NineMilBill]

Bingo.

Rule #1 of brewing. No Gain or pickles.

 

[ScottA]

I do it all the time......why would you think it would matter?

I thought I read it somewhere before. I don't think it was on HBT, but wanted to check before I did it.

Thanks for all the feedback! I guess I will be making my first cider tomorrow.

Any suggestions for a first time recipe from any of you guys?

 

[CadillacAndy]

My favorite is Brandon O's Graff. Out of all of the different recipes, it's ready to drink the quickest. The recipe is on the forum somewhere. I'm using the iPhone app, or I'd find it for you.

 

[dinnerstick]

Bingo. No Gain or pickles.

i'm going to start using this as my catch phrase if you don't mind

 

[NineMilBill]

i'm going to start using this as my catch phrase if you don't mind

I'd be honored.

 

[cmj141]

Yea you can.

There's a reason why we can only use Food Grade Plastic and food grade stainless steel. Basically they aren't as porous and not made with bad stuff that will mix in when heated. You can use those containers for anything.

You don't have to get crazy with sanitizing either. Hot water 200+*F will destroy all bacteria, organism, yeast, and spores.