What to Ferment in?

[NorthernStar]

Hello, well, I have a 1.5L glass apple cider jug that I have been using to ferment my meads in, but I was curious if it was safe to ferment in a plastic juice bottle. One of those bigger ones with thicker plastic, without risk of getting a plastic taste to it. Thanks!

 

[Mojzis]

Look for #1 or #2 bottles. PET or HPDE.

Also if you drink wine, those 1.5L glass jugs are cheap and come full of alcohol.

 

[NorthernStar]

Look for #1 or #2 bottles. PET or HPDE.

Also if you drink wine, those 1.5L glass jugs are cheap and come full of alcohol.

I have a #1 PET bottle, that will work just fine, right?

 

[Mojzis]

Yup. I believe some use milk jugs also. I don't know what # they are though.

 

[fatbloke]

Milk jugs are usually HDPE here, presumably the same your side of the pond. The 1 gallon to 5 litre water jugs/cans are usually fine too, as they're PET.

It's handy if they've got a screw top, then that can be punched with a hole to take an air lock grommet.......

Batches with fruit are best made in buckets, as the fruit tends to form a cap that needs to be punched down daily for at least the first 1/3rd of the ferment. If you did a batch like that in a jug or water can/bottle, then not only are you losing space to make the brew but the shape of them can help toward causing foam eruptions.........

very messy.......

 

[NorthernStar]

Milk jugs are usually HDPE here, presumably the same your side of the pond. The 1 gallon to 5 litre water jugs/cans are usually fine too, as they're PET.

It's handy if they've got a screw top, then that can be punched with a hole to take an air lock grommet.......

Batches with fruit are best made in buckets, as the fruit tends to form a cap that needs to be punched down daily for at least the first 1/3rd of the ferment. If you did a batch like that in a jug or water can/bottle, then not only are you losing space to make the brew but the shape of them can help toward causing foam eruptions.........

very messy.......

Ohh, I see, thank you . Haha, I will not not hesitate to ferment in my sturdy plastic jugs!

 

[Complete_Amateur]

Yup. I believe some use milk jugs also. I don't know what # they are though.

I would not use milk jugs, as they retain milk, and are made of LDPE (#4,#5) plastic that degrades somewhat quickly. Gallon water jugs are a better option, and are usually made of HDPE (#2).

I have seen a 2.5 gallon water dispenser-jug used by removing the spigot, and that is a decent size.

I don't use plastic, but opt for the carboy or a jug - be it wine, apple juice, or whatever else I can get for a few bucks (which is what a gallon jug costs empty at the brew store)