Need help finding a large fermenting container!

[thoughtfulmom]

I'm new to this forum, and new to fermenting . I found this site doing a google search for fermenting containers. I have recently started making kimchi. I started out only making 2qts at a time, but now I have 3 other families that have asked me to make for them as well! When I was only making 2qts while I was trying to get the recipe like I wanted, finding a container for the veggies and brine wasn't hard. Now that I am making large batches, I'm having trouble getting it into containers with brine. I live in a small town and have to travel almost 3 hours to get some of the ingredients I need for the recipe. Making a large batch is a must with the cost of gas!

I would love to find a container that will hold up to 10 gallons. I can't afford to pay $200 or $300. Is there anything decent that doesn't cost a lot? I appreciate any help you can give! Thanks!

Karen

 

[Onkel_Udo]

Ebay, food grade HDPE barrells with full removable top....think they are like $30 delivered for the 13 gal screw on top kind.

 

[Hello]

Hopefully this link works but I echo what the above poster writes.
http://m.ebay.com/itm?itemId=200912962572

 

[Jim_Holmes]

yea ebay something like this one would work for you http://www.ebay.com/itm/PLASTIC-BAR...704?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item4d179e9958 here is another good one http://www.ebay.com/itm/13-gallon-B...d=100034&prg=1079&rk=4&rkt=8&sd=271269503210&

 

[gratus fermentatio]

I'm new to this forum, and new to fermenting . I found this site doing a google search for fermenting containers. I have recently started making kimchi. I started out only making 2qts at a time, but now I have 3 other families that have asked me to make for them as well! When I was only making 2qts while I was trying to get the recipe like I wanted, finding a container for the veggies and brine wasn't hard. Now that I am making large batches, I'm having trouble getting it into containers with brine. I live in a small town and have to travel almost 3 hours to get some of the ingredients I need for the recipe. Making a large batch is a must with the cost of gas!

I would love to find a container that will hold up to 10 gallons. I can't afford to pay $200 or $300. Is there anything decent that doesn't cost a lot? I appreciate any help you can give! Thanks!

Karen

Here's a link to what you're looking for:
http://www.midwestsupplies.com/homebrewing-equipment/fermentation-equipment/plastic-buckets.html

Plastic fermentors from 5gallon to 20 gallon. New, food grade, Easily delivered anywhere in the USA.
Regards, GF.

 

[thoughtfulmom]

Thanks everyone. It's ok that these are plastic? Everything that I read said to not use plastic. Thx.

 

[meadowstream]

Thanks everyone. It's ok that these are plastic? Everything that I read said to not use plastic. Thx.

I work with biotech companies and they do leaching studies when they evaluate food grade plastic. What these studies show is that there is nothing to indicate any dangerous level of toxicity emerges from the plastic but there is measurable leeching into fluids held by bags and tanks. Personally, I choose not to use plastic.

 

[brew_ny]

I have a couple of these to make 11.5 gallon batches of beer in they are 13 gallons

http://www.ebay.com/itm/200849025434?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1438.l2649

the lids are screw on and the handles are strong

S_M

 

[thoughtfulmom]

I work with biotech companies and they do leaching studies when they evaluate food grade plastic. What these studies show is that there is nothing to indicate any dangerous level of toxicity emerges from the plastic but there is measurable leeching into fluids held by bags and tanks. Personally, I choose not to use plastic.

"Dangerous level" is what concerns me. My idea of dangerous is usually different from what regulations require! Lol. Do you have a decently affordable option otherwise?

 

[Hello]

If plastic isn't okay for fermentation then all those buckets sold as fermentation vessels are killing all of us slowly. Use glass if your paranoia out smarts you.

 

[meadowstream]

"Dangerous level" is what concerns me. My idea of dangerous is usually different from what regulations require! Lol. Do you have a decently affordable option otherwise?

Standard sanke 15.5 gallon kegs and standard 5 or 10 or 15 gallon cornelius kegs make good fermenters if you want stainless. A standard sanke keg typically costs between $50 and $100. Corny kegs of 5.5 gallon size are usually $30-$40 - but sizes that are not standard "soda" size can be pretty expensive (into the range you said you don't want to pay.)

Sanke keg accessories can be had at HBT vendors like Brewers Hardware (tri-clamp, therowell, dip tupe assembly.)

 

[gratus fermentatio]

Thanks everyone. It's ok that these are plastic? Everything that I read said to not use plastic. Thx.

I use a food grade plastic bucket fermenter all the time, but if you'd rather use glass (I use glass carbouys for secondary/tertiary) then your choices are a little more limited. 1, 3, 5, 6, 6.5 & 15 gallon sizes are available in glass, but they'll cost you more.
http://www.midwestsupplies.com/15-gallon-glass-demi-john.html
Regards, GF.

 

[meadowstream]

Good point Gratus, glass is another option. Typically you can pick up 5-6.5 gallon glass fermenters on craigslist pretty inexpensively (all those kits sold to people who try but don't continue home brewing.)

 

[Jacob_Marley]

One of the most common fermentation vessels are Rubbermaid Brutes.
Conveniently, they are available at most Home Depot and Lowes.
They come in various sizes including 32 and 44 gallon (and smaller) and are National Sanitation Foundation approved and stamped with the NSF logo and food safe. The 32 gal's about $30.