Ridged Carboys vs. Smooth ??

[Apoxbrew]

So I'm definitely picking up a glass carboy for my next batch. I'm only on my first now, but don't like not being able to see the product. I'm confident all is well of course based on what I've read, the temps I've held, and the activity in the air-stop I see... but I just wanna see everything in there you know! The plastic bucket doesn't allow that obviously.

Anyway, I haven't been to all the local brew shops, but at the one where I got my current setup, the carboys they have have the ridged grid look to them (if that makes sense). I know, however, that there's also carboys out there with entirely smooth walls.

It seems to me there would be at least two advantages and one disadvantage to the smooth walled carboys. 1 advantage is with cleaning... no crevices to have to get to on the smooth wall. 2nd advantage is that things like the sticker-temp strip thingy and/or those warming belts for winter brewing would have good and full contact against the glass. The disadvantage I see is that the grid-ridge likely adds some structural support... no?

Anyway, before I buy I just thought I'd ask to see if the experts have any input. Thanks.

 

[knightbeer39]

I have both types. I think one is made in Italy and one is made in Mexico. I don't think either one is heavier duty than the other. It's personal preference.

 

[Bentpirate]

Typically from my experience in glass carboys; the 3 and 5 gallon's are ridged vertical and horizontal. My 6.5 gallon carboys are smooth. There is really no difference or reason that I found worth while to explore. Sort of like picking fly s**t out of pepper... I would assume the ridges give some 'strength' at stress points, but they all are great and you see exactly what is going on.... Before the debate begins, better bottles are good also - plastic vs. glass should not matter, each still allows visual inspection.

 

[Apoxbrew]

hehehe. thanks gents. ya, i've read up on some of those plastic vs. glass debates. i'm kind of a pureist / old-timey i guess when it comes to things like this so that's the main reason i'd go with glass vs. the plastic.

 

[jerryalan]

I have a 3, 5, and 6.5 gallon and all have ridges. However, I've never taking the time to see if the inside is smooth with the ridges on the outside only or if the ridges create 'crevices' on the inside. Anyone have any insight on this?

 

[jaba]

I have a 3, 5, and 6.5 gallon and all have ridges. However, I've never taking the time to see if the inside is smooth with the ridges on the outside only or if the ridges create 'crevices' on the inside. Anyone have any insight on this?

There usually are some little dips where the ribs run, but its only a very slight indentation, definitely not a sanitation or structural problem.

 

[ahave]

I believe 6 gal carboys are also smooth.
I was told they make them that way so that you can visually distinguish between a 5, 6, 6.5 gal carboy.

 

[Pappers_]

I've read that the Italian-made carboys are of a higher quality than the Mexican. I have an Italian one, but have no experience with the Mexican ones, so can't compare them.

 

[jerryalan]

There usually are some little dips where the ribs run, but its only a very slight indentation, definitely not a sanitation or structural problem.

That would make sense. Thanks! I've cleaned mine many times but never took notice to the shape inside.