Need to replace the lid of my fermenting bucket.

[drb471]

This morning I found the lid of my fermenting bucket melted on top of the stove. I see that Midwest has a lid for around $2. How can I be sure it will fit my bucket (from the True Brew system). Are all 6.5 gallon buckets the same size?

As I was browsing the site, I saw I can get a glass carboy for $37. I'm considering just spending the extra cash and getting the carboy, rather than replacing the lid. The only reason I'm really bummed about the lid is that I've only used it ONE TIME. Any suggestions on just going up to the carboid, either pro or con?

 

[BigFloyd]

Got a Lowes nearby? They carry food grade 5-gallon buckets and lids. Very inexpensive. The lids will fit a 6.5 gallon fermenter bucket just fine.

I like my buckets. I'd be scared to death to haul a full glass carboy up and down the concrete stairs into my basement like I do regularly with a full bucket. They're very easy to clean too.

 

[munro]

My local grocery store ( save-on foods) sells 6 gallon glass carboys for $20 along with their wine and coopers kits. Cheaper than lhbs. I'm pretty sure all save on foods (British Columbia) carries them.

 

[wilserbrewer]

Glass breaks, when it breaks it can result in large pools of blood and beer. I don't use glass!

 

[stpug]

I've recently switch from glass to bucket for my beer brewing after many long years of only using glass. The reason is because of my bad back. The bucket is less overall weight (10-15 lbs less) and gives me a secure handle to carry it by that sits about 2.5 feet off the ground (so less bending for me). With a carboy I have the added weight and I really have to crouch fully down to get a hand under the bottom AND still lift with my legs. When I'm moving the bucket around I don't worry about bumping it against anything except I might stir up the yeast a little; when I would move the carboys around I always had a death grip on them for fear of dropping them. The single most aspect of carboys I miss is being able to watch the swirling inside the fermenter, however being able to see that doesn't affect its outcome in the least .

I still have and will keep my carboys for wine making; I just have to invite a strong friend over when I want them moved

$2 vs $37, and the shipping too! I see you're looking at the 6 gallon carboy, and while that would work very well, the 6.5 gallon carboys give you A LOT of extra headspace to avoid having to use a blowoff tube (my 6.5 gallon carboys actually hold about 7.25-7.4 gallons). Definitely work the extra couple bucks. The shipping on a single carboy is about $30. So a plain jane 6.5 gallon carboy will cost you ~$70 to get to your front porch with shipping.

A carboy handle is NOT meant for carrying full carboys. I actually don't trust them at all. When I have to borrow a carboy from a friend who uses them, I remove it while I use it, and put it back on when I give the carboy back.