Does type of carboy matter?

[Photofrogger]

I am brewing a large batch of an IPA style beer and wanted to see if the type of carboy would matter. I own a plastic one. Should I be using glass?

 

[Hello]

Food safe plastic is fine. I've never nor will I ever ferment in glass unless it's a 1 gallon glass jug for a small batch.

 

[Jaybird]

Nahhhhh not at all. USA, China, Italy, Glass, or Plastic. All is going to do you well as long as you clean and sanitize well..

Cheers
Jay

 

[bransona]

Food grade is all that matters. Other than that, you're just gonna miss watching the beautiful fermentation porn going on in there

 

[Photofrogger]

Thank you all so much. I purchased "The bubbler" plastic carboy from Northern Brewer and had brewed in it before, but wasn't that impressed with the beer. I am sure that's just user error though seeing as I am fairly new. I will stick with the plastic carboy for the large batches. Thanks for the input. I am also using glass for my small batches.

 

[FloppyKnockers]

There's a small difference. Plastic is good. Glass will f**king kill you.

 

[yono1986]

If you can use a plastic bucket you can use a plastic carboy.

 

[kev211]

Thank you all so much. I purchased "The bubbler" plastic carboy from Northern Brewer and had brewed in it before, but wasn't that impressed with the beer. I am sure that's just user error though seeing as I am fairly new. I will stick with the plastic carboy for the large batches. Thanks for the input. I am also using glass for my small batches.

Just make sure with plastic that you take care when cleaning it. Dont use anything abrasive (like a carboy brush) as it can scratch the inside and give a place for bacteria to hide. Use an oxyclean (or equal) solution and/or swirl around a wash cloth.

As far as best type of carboy, its preference. I own glass and plastic. Ive used the plastic only a few times (usually when my glass ones are full) and Im not a huge fan of them. No real reason why, I just like my glass ones. Glass is plenty safe if you treat it right; dont thermally shock it, dont clink them together, dont forcefully set it on hard surfaces, etc.

 

[juskojj]

like others have said personal preference.

i love my glass, i've accidently knocked them together and nothing has broken. i don't thermal shock mine and try to be gentle with them. glass is a funny beast though it's all about the right angle on how it's hit...... i've dropped glalss off my counter and haven't broken them and have dropped them off a surface much lower and broken it so....

just be gentle with your cleaning of the plastic though, scratches can harbor bacteria and be hard to sanitize