New Brunswick Craft Brewers Association

Brewing => Technique => Topic started by: shazapple on May 26, 2014, 07:26:08 PM

Title: Question on bucket fermentation
Post by: shazapple on May 26, 2014, 07:26:08 PM
I just finished brewing my second kit (Best Case from Noble Grape, Picadilly Porter). I had a question about the fermentation process. I have a plastic bucket for the primary fermenter, and the instructions say NOT to snap down the lid. What's the reasoning behind this?
Title: Re: Question on bucket fermentation
Post by: Chris Craig on May 26, 2014, 07:57:48 PM
You need a way for CO2 to escape from the bucket.  If you have a lid with an airlock, then go ahead and snap down the lid, otherwise you can just set the lid on top or partially seal it.
Title: Re: Question on bucket fermentation
Post by: shazapple on May 26, 2014, 08:11:20 PM
Thanks Chris, so why have an airlock on the secondary fermenter but not the first? Or is it better to have it on both?
Title: Re: Question on bucket fermentation
Post by: Roger on May 26, 2014, 08:43:24 PM
I've always had an air lock on both. Not that its completely necessary because when its fermenting there's a layer of co2 blanketing the wort/beer. But it's in my opinion a good practice to get into. I'd rather be safe than sorry.
Title: Re: Question on bucket fermentation
Post by: Chris Craig on May 26, 2014, 09:05:29 PM
I agree with Roger.  The only purpose of the air lock is to allow CO2 to escape and prevent air (and contaminants) from getting in.  In the secondary, there will be CO2 produced from latent fermentation as well as just coming out of solution because it's warm.  You want that to be able to escape if it builds up too much.
Title: Re: Question on bucket fermentation
Post by: shazapple on May 26, 2014, 09:48:34 PM
Thanks Guys! Even though this is only my second kit I am having a lot of fun. My first has been described as "surprisingly drinkable"   :D
Title: Re: Question on bucket fermentation
Post by: Two Wheeler on May 27, 2014, 09:01:03 PM
What's the consensus on buckets? I typically use carboys now but have a mini fridge which will fit a bucket, and a second temp controller.

Now my keezer is doing double duty between serving and fermenting (4 days in controlled temps, then room temp). It would be nice to dedicate the mini fridge to fermentation.

does the partially sealed lid work well enough for two weeks, no secondary?
Title: Re: Question on bucket fermentation
Post by: Chris Craig on May 27, 2014, 09:09:51 PM
Yes. You don't really need to do a secondary. 2 weeks in the bucket would work fine.
Title: Re: Question on bucket fermentation
Post by: jamie_savoie on May 28, 2014, 08:24:05 AM
I only use buckets for primary, carboys are just too much a pita to clean.  My lids have holes for bungs and I typically just put a sanitized foil over the hole for 4-5 days and add an airlock when fermentation starts to slow down
Title: Re: Question on bucket fermentation
Post by: pliny on May 28, 2014, 08:59:18 AM
This is an age-old debate that will probably last forever. I would say this is possibly one of the most debated topics I've read.

In my case I strictly use carboys and I don't secondary. When for lagering, I do it in keg.

Yes, it is tricky to clean at times. I've just had some bad luck a couple of times with buckets and gave them up. I may change my mind in the future.

Some of the more reputable homebrewers use buckets only(Denny Conn 400+batches). Some other ones use carboys. It really depends on you.   
Title: Re: Question on bucket fermentation
Post by: Two Wheeler on May 28, 2014, 09:24:19 AM
Yeah I think I'm going to give the bucket a few tries since it fits nicely in the fridge
Title: Re: Question on bucket fermentation
Post by: shazapple on May 28, 2014, 10:26:25 AM
I like the bucket for the type of brewing I'm doing. It's easy to clean, the carboy fits inside it for smaller storage, easy to pour boiling hot liquids and yeast into. I may try to modify the top of mine to include an airlock since right now there is nothing.

Growing up I remember my dad using buckets with a grocery bag on top for his wine.
Title: Re: Question on bucket fermentation
Post by: Chris Craig on May 28, 2014, 10:55:41 AM
You can get a lid with a hole for an air lock at Noble Grape for $3.  I've tried drilling a hole in the lid before.  I failed.
Title: Re: Question on bucket fermentation
Post by: brew on May 28, 2014, 11:00:23 AM
I use buckets for primary frequently, especially when doing 15G. I havent had problems yet...
Title: Re: Question on bucket fermentation
Post by: Two Wheeler on May 28, 2014, 11:16:24 AM
You can get a lid with a hole for an air lock at Noble Grape for $3.  I've tried drilling a hole in the lid before.  I failed.

Ha. I did the same thing. I also asked the guy at NG if he had bucket lids with an airlock hole and he looked at me weird and said "Why would you need an airlock for a bucket"
Title: Re: Question on bucket fermentation
Post by: brew on May 28, 2014, 11:22:01 AM
I got my buckets from Vinter's for 2.50 each (with a lid) - I drilled my lids with a spade bit and haven't had any issues... just drill slow with a 2x4 underneath...
Title: Re: Question on bucket fermentation
Post by: Waterlogged on May 28, 2014, 12:07:09 PM
I have been considering on of these from everwood.

With this you can close the top tightly but it still allows for the CO2 to be release.  I am getting tired of blow off tubs and won;t to possible start top cropping of yeast.  That being said, has anypne top cropped yeast before and then stored it for future use?

https://www.everwoodavebrewshop.com/product/clearbrew-32-litre-fermentation-pail/

Title: Re: Question on bucket fermentation
Post by: Roger on May 28, 2014, 12:41:08 PM
I've used both ways with a bucket and with a carboy. I prefer the carboy for several reasons. One being I can watch the fermentation in action this helps me know when the krausen drops I can rack the beer to a secondary. I like glass because its competly inert and will clean very well. I find if you use hot water in a bucket it seams to open little pores and starts to stain quicker. The up side to plastic buckets is they're cheep, hard to break and light weight. The down side in my opinion is they stain, higher risk of infection from bacteria being caught in small scratches and imperfections on the inside of the bucket, and I hate the idea of more plastic shit everywhere. That being said I've used plastic buckets for many many years without any problems and always with an airlock.
Title: Re: Question on bucket fermentation
Post by: jamie_savoie on May 28, 2014, 01:18:56 PM
I have been considering on of these from everwood.

With this you can close the top tightly but it still allows for the CO2 to be release.  I am getting tired of blow off tubs and won;t to possible start top cropping of yeast.  That being said, has anypne top cropped yeast before and then stored it for future use?

https://www.everwoodavebrewshop.com/product/clearbrew-32-litre-fermentation-pail/

I have 4 of these buckets and they’re great.  The handles are a bit weak though.  I rarely need a blowoff since there’s alot of headspace.  Cleaning is a breeze as compared to white buckets (or carboy)

I’ve started to do top cropping for the last 2 months or so and I love it.  It’s great if you want to brew 2 recipes in a row and use the same yeast.  I would top crop 3-4 times during active fermentation and pitch that into the next brew.  Usually they start in a few hours.  I also like to do it for hoppy beer that I want to save the yeast, it gives me a chance to save the yeast before I start dry hopping because the oil can coat the cell walls and inhibit cell budding.  Another plus is that the saved yeast almost has zero trubs
Title: Re: Question on bucket fermentation
Post by: brew on May 28, 2014, 01:24:06 PM
I've used both ways with a bucket and with a carboy. I prefer the carboy for several reasons.

Honestly I like the carboy as well, glass is always better I believe. The only reason I dont use carboys more often is you have to be more careful with them and they are harder to clean.

Some of my buckets have some pretty dark stains on them, but I think they make the beer taste better... :party:

Waterlogged, I have a couple of those 32L buckets, I use them for measuring mostly, but the are great fermenters as well... If they weren't so much more expensive than the buckets I get at Vinters I would have more of them...
Title: Re: Question on bucket fermentation
Post by: DandyMason on May 28, 2014, 01:45:45 PM
To echo everyone else, I use both also... my buckets are worn and some are stained enough that I will only use them when I have to, otherwise Ill stick with Carboys... I fill my carboys with oxyclean for a couple days and they come out spotless every time with very little effort!

Im like Brew I mostly use those buckets for measuring water... You can get those 32L buckets from co-op on the southside for 20-25 bucks too
Title: Re: Question on bucket fermentation
Post by: pliny on May 28, 2014, 02:51:46 PM
I have been considering on of these from everwood.

With this you can close the top tightly but it still allows for the CO2 to be release.  I am getting tired of blow off tubs and won;t to possible start top cropping of yeast.  That being said, has anypne top cropped yeast before and then stored it for future use?

https://www.everwoodavebrewshop.com/product/clearbrew-32-litre-fermentation-pail/

Those look nice. The fella from Shiretown up in Charlo uses these.
Title: Re: Question on bucket fermentation
Post by: Waterlogged on May 28, 2014, 03:48:59 PM
To echo everyone else, I use both also... my buckets are worn and some are stained enough that I will only use them when I have to, otherwise Ill stick with Carboys... I fill my carboys with oxyclean for a couple days and they come out spotless every time with very little effort!

Im like Brew I mostly use those buckets for measuring water... You can get those 32L buckets from co-op on the southside for 20-25 bucks too

You get these exact ones or another type??
Title: Re: Question on bucket fermentation
Post by: DandyMason on May 28, 2014, 03:59:28 PM
They look pretty similar to me.. I have 4 or 5 of them... 32 L clear-ish plastic and like Jamie said, weak handles.
Title: Re: Question on bucket fermentation
Post by: shazapple on May 28, 2014, 04:27:28 PM
I have been considering on of these from everwood.

With this you can close the top tightly but it still allows for the CO2 to be release.  I am getting tired of blow off tubs and won;t to possible start top cropping of yeast.  That being said, has anypne top cropped yeast before and then stored it for future use?

https://www.everwoodavebrewshop.com/product/clearbrew-32-litre-fermentation-pail/

This is the type that came with my kit.
Title: Re: Question on bucket fermentation
Post by: brynn on May 30, 2014, 03:51:14 PM
Vinters Cellar sells buckets with lids for $2.50. Sometimes they have holes, sometimes they dont. At that price I just get a new one every couple of batches