Plastic versus glass

[Dorkusmalorkus]

Are there any major disadvantages to using plastic jugs versus glass ones for fermentation? Would a plastic jug have any undesirable effects such as causing strange or foul flavours?

 

[JonM]

This is one of those topics where people have strong opinions. Bottom line is just use whatever you're comfortable with.

 

[TandemTails]

I've let cyser sit in a plastic better bottle for 3 months and it came out fine. I usually do primary fermentation in a plastic bucket or plastic carboy and then age in glass.

Like @JonM said, just do whatever works for you. On the homebrew level I don't think any subtle differences are going to make any real noticeable difference.

Just keep your airlock topped off and reduce headspace for aging and you'll be good.

My only caveat to the above is I'd recommend against long term aging in a plastic bucket since they're notoriously bad at creating an oxygen barrier.

 

[kh54s10]

To me it depends on how long the brew is going to be in there AND the size of the fermenter. I will be one of those CAN OF WORMS people and say that I will never own a 6.5 gallon glass carboy. IMO they are just too dangerous for the small advantages they present. I will use 1 gallon glass bottles, glass beer and wine bottles etc. At that size you are much less likely to break one severing arteries.

It also depends on what type of "plastic jug" you are talking about. I would not age anything very long in a milk jug for instance.

 

[passedpawn]

Check it out: This Vs. That - A Pro/Con Analysis

 

[Hinermad]

It also depends on what type of "plastic jug" you are talking about. I would not age anything very long in a milk jug for instance.

Agreed. Milk jugs are polyethylene, which is porous. Anything you put in one will still be there later no matter how carefully you scrub, rinse, and sanitize.

It IS resistant to gasoline though, so it's got that going for it.

 

[Dorkusmalorkus]

Planning to use PET plastic 4L(1gallon) jugs. My main concern was/is whether or not the plastic will result in nasty taste or potentially dangerous to drink results

Also the jugs are originally meant to hold spring water.

 

[TandemTails]

I'm not sure where you live but you can find 1 gallon glass jugs of apple cider in the $8-10 range. They take a standard #6.5 stopper as well. You can either ferment with the juice or drink it then you have the glass jug to brew with.

 

[Dorkusmalorkus]

Glass jugs are not easy to get. There is a Costco, so that would be the first place to look. The only other option to get glass would be to order it made.

That is why the PET jugs seems like a good idea. They are very cheap and immediTely available