Question for the cheapskates out there using plain old buckets for fermenting

[Hoochin'Fool]

That's brilliant, actually -- thanks for the tip! (re mylar balloon)

 

[jtrainer]

Been using buckets for 23 yrs. I average 2-3 yrs per. I've had 1 infected batch.

I add a spigot to each bucket. For the airlock I add a large hole for a bung. Large enough for my their to get a sample.

After goofing with corny kegs as a fermentation vessel I went back to buckets. I am planning to try a fermzilla of sorts. Just to try this pressure fermentation.

Sometimes I think we over think the equipment.

 

[Hoochin'Fool]

I add a spigot to each bucket. For the airlock I add a large hole for a bung. Large enough for my thief to get a sample.

I got frustrated trying to clean my siphon (too long to submerge in my sink), so I've now put spigots on my fermenter as well.
Question tho, why can't you take a sample from the spigot? That's what I've been doing on my latest batch, working great so far...

 

[jtrainer]

I got frustrated trying to clean my siphon (too long to submerge in my sink), so I've now put spigots on my fermenter as well.
Question tho, why can't you take a sample from the spigot? That's what I've been doing on my latest batch, working great so far...

You can. However I bought my thief for carbons and just kept using it. I have sampled from the spigot. Just have to rinse clean. Add to that your diptube you may pull trub.

 

[Hoochin'Fool]

Just have to rinse clean.

Yikes, hadn't thought of that!

 

[Witherby]

Yikes, hadn't thought of that!

That’s why you need a spray bottle full of starsan. Blast the valve after taking a sample. Easy peasy.

 

[skeeterman]

You can drill lids yourself, or buy them pre-drilled with a grommet.
IIRC, it's a 1/2" hole for a regular airlock grommet.

All my fermenter bucket lids are drilled to hold an airlock. In some I drilled an extra 1" access hole, opposite to it, so I can stream CO2 into the headspace while adding dry hops, syrups, or other stuff through it, or gently stir the beer with the back end of a long plastic brew spoon. That little "paddle" at the end is wonderful for that. I then flush/purge the headspace afterward, a few times.

That access hole gets a regular 1" rubber stopper.

I guess I combined both those ideas into one. I drill a 1 1/4 inch where the usual gromment hole is. A #8 drilled stopper fits well. This way, the CO2 is vented and I can pull the stopper to add something. Or just to admire and sniff.

 

[Worf]

Sometimes I think we over think the equipment.

I'll drink to that... (lifts pint of red ale)

I used buckets for quite some time, then moved to [plastic] 30L Speidels. Only have two and am considering increasing production, so may have a couple buckets too.

I always have a good-grade bucket on hand for submersing my bottles in sanitizer on bottling day...

 

[mattdee1]

My main fermentor is now a Fermzilla All-Rounder, which I mostly like for its ability to hold pressure.

But I still use my buckets. They're not glamorous but they sure have great bang-for-your-buck. Also, they're dead simple to clean and much easier to lug downstairs to my fermentation fridge than most other options.

 

[skeeterman]

I bought a set of step-bits for just this purpose (drilling holes in buckets), and found them too difficult to control the hole width.
The "spade"bits next to them work much better, imo.

View attachment 784893A circle w

...

Maybe you should check into hole bits. These are a metal circle with teeth and a mandril. I agree on the taper bit. I use a 1 1/4 hole bit. A #8 drilled stopper fits well.

 

[JoeSpartaNJ]

Just buy a bottling bucket and put a lid on it.......no?

I actually replaced the spigot on my fermonster with the one for a bottling bucket. Just felt better then the original one.

 

[kingmatt]

The difference between a solid bucket lid and a drilled grommeted lid is a couple US dollars. I realize everyone is operating on their own budget, and times are tough, but this is a hobby and every hobby comes with expenses...I'd say this is a worthwhile expense.

 

[Andy10019]

Ikea Vardagen beverage dispenser is a good fermenter? You just need to drill a hole and add an airlock? You can buy a stand from Ikea too. What do you all think?

 

[DosGatosBrewing]

I have used the cheap plastic buckets with tight fitting lids drilled and grommeted for airlocks. For better than 20 years, I have never had issues. My carboys are OK, but I brew on the concrete patio, so I'm safer with plastic. Keep it clean, don't scratch it, lasts a long time. I think the last one cost me +/- $15. I don't want any other fermenter.

 

[BrewnWKopperKat]

Ikea Vardagen beverage dispenser is a good fermenter?

Does the spigot work well for bottling?

 

[Andy10019]

Does the spigot work well for bottling?

You can always change the spigot to the one you prefer.

 

[BrewnWKopperKat]

You can always change the spigot to the one you prefer.

Assuming the bottling spigot matches the size of the hole, that could work.

Maybe there's a video where someone has done this successfully

 

[IslandLizard]

Ikea Vardagen beverage dispenser is a good fermenter? You just need to drill a hole and add an airlock? You can buy a stand from Ikea too. What do you all think?

Let's see what it looks like:
https://www.ikea.com/us/en/p/vardagen-beverage-dispenser-80452639/
VARDAGEN - $24.99
Beverage dispenser, 5.3 qt
Body: Glass
Metal parts: Stainless steel
Plastic parts: Silicone rubber

It being glass can surely be a deterrent (it can break), and it's only 5.3 qts (4 liter).