Plastic fermenter vs carboy?

[brewmedic43]

I am a NOOB to home brewing and was just wondering y'alls thoughts on plastic fermenting buckets vs carboys. Thanks, I have learned a lot so far by looking through here.

 

[passedpawn]

I am a NOOB to home brewing and was just wondering y'alls thoughts on plastic fermenting buckets vs carboys. Thanks, I have learned a lot so far by looking through here.

Welcome to the forum!

Exhaustive comparison list here:
https://www.homebrewtalk.com/f39/vs-pro-con-analysis-109318/

 

[Ramitt]

They both work fine, each has plus and minus. Make beer and enjoy.

 

[skimo281]

Welcome to the forum!

Exhaustive comparison list here:
https://www.homebrewtalk.com/f39/vs-pro-con-analysis-109318/

I wanted a glass carboy until I read that thread.

"Many people have had to go to the hospital because of glass carboys. Gotta be careful with these things"

I can just imagine to much pressure in it and BOOM! I think I'll take the feeling of safety over being able to actually see what's going on.

 

[Crito]

either works well. Pros and cons to each.

One of the best beer brewers on this form uses single ferm buckets. No secondary.


For me, I am going to do keg ferms. then using CO2 tank transfer it to secondary.

Use cheap vodka or run in the air trap instead of water.

 

[brewmedic43]

Thanks to all for the replies, its all good info and I am looking forward to diving in head first. (Although I still have y'all as my floaties) lol

 

[Crito]

Thanks to all for the replies, its all good info and I am looking forward to diving in head first. (Although I still have y'all as my floaties) lol

when i first started, i didn't clean as well as I do now.

I still haven't gotten a bad batch of beer.

You will do fine

just remember, don't stress over it. have fun!!!!

 

[kcbrewmeister]

I am a newbie too and have used both buckets and just started a batch in a better bottle. I think it is worth it to use a carboy at some point so you can see what is going on during ferment, I am enjoying watching this batch.

 

[venquessa]

I made a brew in 2 1 gallon DemiJohns so I could see what was going on. What I'm not looking forward to is cleaning them. At least at 1 gallon they are easily picked up and shaken violently after soaking to clean..... I hope.

 

[RuffRider]

I use a 6 gallon Better Bottle as my primary. A Better Bottle won't shatter and cut an artery if you drop it, and you can see the fermentation. Warning: I was mesmerized the first time I watched my wort fermenting and I couldn't look away. Who am I kidding? I still love watching it.

 

[chuckstout]

I have used both, moving more towards the carboy for the santized (pro) but they are awfully heavy (con). Hearin about people goin to th ER though. Hmmm i think i just might put some grip tape on there

 

[Special Hops]

Buckets work just fine. Over time they will stain and scratch and you will need to replace them. But they are cheep.

 

[beergolf]

The choice is up to you.

I have both but mostly use the buckets. Easy to move, easy to clean. I often use some yeast from a batch so I just am able to scoop out a couple of cups.

They both work just fine and make beer.

 

[Slipgate]

I got a Carboy when I first started brewing and haven't used it in years. Just primary in a plastic bucket for 2 weeks or so and keg. The carboy is only really needed if you secondary since it has a more precise volume so you are able to avoid most of the headspace and oxidation issues that comes with the plastic bucket when secondarying. The only reason I can think of for a secondary is additions that don't go in the primary like cherrys or something like that.