large fermenter

[kborndale]

Hey guys, quick question: is there any real disadvantage to using a large fermenter? For instance, what disadvantage or problems would there be if one made a 5 gallon batch and put it into an 8 gallon bucket fermenter? Seems there wouldnt be a need for a blow off tube, but would the extra head space cause any problems?

 

[MetallHed]

Too much headspace increases the risk of oxidation due to more O2 being able to take up that space and enter the beer, but I don't think a 5 gallon batch in an 8 gallon fermenter will cause any problems. You're right, you would probably only need an airlock (unless it's a HUGE beer).

 

[dinokath]

I do lots of hefeweizens and they tend to blow off a lot. I'd use a blow off all the time just to be sure (and I do use them on all my batches, even non hefe's).

I think your headspace is fine, especially in the primary. You added a bunch of O2 in there anyway when you got done boiling, right? As the yeast does its job, they'll push that O2 right on out! Now a secondary, that's another story. I'd purge it with CO2 if you had it, if not, just rack really carefully to avoid oxygenating.