Why some Do , And why some Don't

[karljrberno]

Why do some home brewers not use a secondary fermentor ?

"They" say it stay in the primary for 2-4 weeks then they bottle ?

If I ferment out in the primary is the plastic bucket ok to use ? Or do I need a bigger glass ?

 

[Revvy]

We have multiple threads about this all over the place, all the info you need already is here. THIS is where the latest discussion and all your questions answered.;

https://www.homebrewtalk.com/f163/secondary-not-john-palmer-jamil-zainasheff-weigh-176837/

 

[rycov]

its been argued to death. but secondaries are fine, keeping it in primary is fine. the argument for primary only is that it spends more time on the yeast cake, and thats supposed to be helpful. also that you risk infection and oxidation by transfering.

the argument for secondary is that you want the beer off the trub to prevent off flavors and that you get a clearer beer (although the clear beer is one of the arguments for primary only two?)

many people only secondary to do dry hopping or fruit additions, or to bulk age for an extended period.

the plastic bucket will be fine with regular beers for the primary only thing. but if its going to be aged for very long then you hear the suggestion to switch to glass because the plastic can let oxygen in.

 

[karljrberno]

Agree + 1 On the topic .

 

[karljrberno]

I have 2 beer going rite now , 1 Grolsch Lager , And 1 Dogfish Head 60min IPA , .

The Dog head requires a DRY HOP , So I will tranzfer that to a secondary , The Grolsch can stay in the primery as it requiers no additives . . .

 

[terrapinj]

you can dry hop in primary once active fermentation is done

 

[asidrane]

you can dry hop in primary once active fermentation is done

I just did this for my super hoppy IPA "Hoppicratic Oath" and it seems to have turned out great (I've only had one bottle and that was after just a week of bottle conditioning).

 

[pjj2ba]

Why do some home brewers not use a secondary fermentor ?

"They" say it stay in the primary for 2-4 weeks then they bottle ?

If I ferment out in the primary is the plastic bucket ok to use ? Or do I need a bigger glass ?

A bucket is fine.

The secondary question is one of personal taste. Try it both ways and decide for yourself which you like better. There are taste differences. Also keep in mind that your preference might be different for different beer styles.

 

[Irishpenguin13]

Ive just stuck to the "only use secondary for fruit, spice, or dry hop additions" idea. If im not using any of that its just one less place I have to transfer the beer to.

 

[nefarious_1_]

I find most beer requirements can be accomplished using a primary. The beer will clear itself over time, if not in the fermenter, without a doubt after sitting in the fridge for 2 weeks in the bottle. Dry hopping is no problem in primary, the results are excellent. As for racking off the yeast, there is absolutely no need to unless the beer will be sitting for months at a time: 3 or 4 weeks on the yeast will actually IMPROVE the flavor by allowing the yeast to clean up. Autolysis is a myth, especially pertaining to short term conditions such as a few weeks. I'd be more worried about contributing off flavors while transferring to secondary due to either oxidation (although I believe it is extremely hard to oxidize your beer) or contamination.

But I'd take Revvy's advice and read that thread to decide for yourself. To each his own, to a certain extent...

 

[osagedr]

I skip the primary now and go straight to the secondary.