Small batch fermentation

[Aarong2008]

I was curious if fermenting a 1 gallon batch, or even a 3 gallon batch, in a 5 gallon carboy or 6.5 gallon bucket will cause issues due to the extra oxygen and headspace. Thanks.

 

[billl]

That kinda depends on you. Active fermentation will produce a ton of CO2 and drive the O2 out. As long as it has a decent seal and you don't open it, you'll be fine for a normal brewing timeline.

If these are test batches you want to age though, you would want to do that in a more appropriately sized vessel.

 

[sumbrewindude]

5gal bucket's fine for 3gal brews. It's a little large on the headspace for 1 gal, I recommend picking up a cheap 2gal bucket and using that for small batches.

 

[Aarong2008]

Okay, I will stay away from using the larger carboys/buckets for 1 gallon test batches. Thanks billl and sumbrewindude

 

[fuelish]

What bill said....if it seals well and you don't open it and muck around with it 'til bottling day, should be fine.....you could pick up a few 1 gal jugs, either new or buy 'em with cider or wine or something in them... one gallon jugs are handier than I ever imagined

 

[C-Rider]

I use 2 gal paint buckets from HD. I try for approx 1.9 gal in the fermenter and get 2 six packs in return.