Newbie questions about equipment

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Just starting out and looking for some advice as to what to buy for brewing a beer kit.

There seem to be a lot of cheap plastic buckets with lids around that don't appear to use an airlock, such as these:

http://www.the-home-brew-shop.co.uk/acatalog/Fermenting_Bins_and_Buckets.html

Are these okay or should I be looking for something that's sealed? Would something like this "25 ltr Fermenter 4 inch top" wine fermenter be okay for making beer:

http://www.the-home-brew-shop.co.uk/acatalog/Demijohns_and_Fermenters.html

 

[BrosBrew]

I personally would go with one that has a hole for an airlock. Although, if you have a drill you can drill one yourself.

 

[BrianP]

First of all, welcome to HBT.

The buckets in the first link most likely have a hole in the lid with a gromet that will allow use of an airlock. The photos don't show the lid, but I'd bet they're there.

Many of us use glass carboys or "BetterBottles". I prefer the better bottle since it's lighter and safer than glass (won't shatter). Carboys/BB's are more fun for a beginner since you can watch the fermentation without opening the lid (which introduces the risk of infection).

Here's the link to BetterBottle. I'm not sure if they're available in the UK, but they may be. click here

If you use the search function, there are numerous threads about the benefits of the various fermenter options.

Good luck with your brewing.

 

[findthefish]

They might also have a hole in the lid that is large enough for a stopper and airlock. Most likely there is some sort of hole in it. If not you can drill one like was mentioned already.

 

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Thanks for the help.

I like the idea of using a clear container, and it looks like Better Bottles are available in the UK:

http://www.brew-it-yourself.co.uk/shop/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=360

Can cleaning them be a problem due to the small opening?

 

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Edit: Never mind, I found the section on cleaning on the Better Bottle website.

 

[Revvy]

Just starting out and looking for some advice as to what to buy for brewing a beer kit.

There seem to be a lot of cheap plastic buckets with lids around that don't appear to use an airlock, such as these:

http://www.the-home-brew-shop.co.uk/acatalog/Fermenting_Bins_and_Buckets.html

Are these okay or should I be looking for something that's sealed? Would something like this "25 ltr Fermenter 4 inch top" wine fermenter be okay for making beer:

http://www.the-home-brew-shop.co.uk/acatalog/Demijohns_and_Fermenters.html

My homebrew shop carries what appears to be the same type as the first one, and if they are the same, they indeed do have a grommeted airlock hole in the top.