How old is your bucket?

[Stauffbier]

I'm just curious how long you folks have used the same buckets for brewing? I have 2 that have been used for about 2.5 years. I imagine they have both fermented about 175 gallons each in that time. They still look great aside from a slight staining. I recently ordered a new bucket, but I haven't decided if I will use it as a replacement for an old one or just make it bucket number 3...

 

[Fordzilla]

I used to use carboys only. Now I mainly just use buckets. I started using buckets in January 2013, and I figured it would be a good idea to write that on the bottom of them. My buckets have no staining yet, but they all do carry a smell. It doesn't seem to affect any of the beers, meads or ciders I've fermented in them.

Initially I was planning to replace them after a year, but now I really don't see a need for that.

 

[dstranger99]

I've had the same 2 buckets for fermenting & bottlling for the past 6 years.

 

[Stauffbier]

I've never had an infection or off flavors or anything, but I can't help but think I should replace them at this point. I was thinking the old ones could now be used for sours only..

 

[Yooper]

Some of my buckets must be 7 or 8 years old.

 

[shadows69]

Had mine for 3 years. Replacing now only because the lids dont seal anymore.

 

[GrogNerd]

using the same buckets I bought in '93

didn't brew from '95 to '12, so they're 20-years old, but can't say I've been using them for 20 years

 

[NivekD]

Two of my buckets are over 30 years old...still use them. Mostly for temp racking and cleaning stuff. Don't ferment in them anymore but I probably could...

 

[Johnnyhitch1]

Ended up buying 2 Midwest kits when I started with the half price groupon deal.

Been using them for around 2.5-3 years and I recently bought 2 6.5 gal BB at the beginning of the year.
Im like a kid in a candy store when I see krausen. Love seeing them yeasties do there job!

 

[unionrdr]

I'm still using my Cooper's Microbrew FV from January '11 & the bottling bucket I got 2 months or so later. I tossed the BB Ale Pail after the infection I got recently. Bought a Midwest 7.9 gallon bucket with a good lid seal to replace it. I also have the 6 gallon better bottle I traded for a couple months ago. The Microbrew FV & bottling bucket are still going strong. No staining & little odors that don't bother anything.

 

[david_42]

Approximately 13 years. I bleach them occasionally. Lids don't last as long though.

 

[fusa]

I have 2 bought in 1995. One has 5 gallons of water and star san, the other used with my malt mill.

 

[brick]

One primary and my bottling bucket are coming up on 10 years old. The other primary is only 2 years old. I was using a 30+ year old carboy as a brite tank but I just retired it.

 

[Stauffbier]

After reading all this I'm convinced to just keep using my buckets. The new one I bought will just become fermenter number 3 as opposed to replacing one of the other two.