Beer Forum

Does anyone have any suggestions for a plastic type fermenter that will work for 10 gallon batches? I'm looking for 12.5-15 gallons, in that ballpark somewhere. I'd love to have a conical, but I have a specific size requirement due to my refrigerator in the shed, and I can't fit a conical in there with my other equipment (loaded kegs, etc). I've found a couple of 16.5 gallon food grade plastic fermenters with locking rings for the lid, but wanted some feedback before I purchased.

Any help would be very handy. I really want to get into lagers, but want to have a single fermenter for a large yeast pitch. That way I don't have to split my starter production.

Anyone have any suggestions or experience with these fermenters?

Btw, the URL for the items I'm talking about is http://www.midwestsupplies.com/products ... SubCat=610 and scroll about halfway down the page. the 16.5 and the locking lid for it.

Anyone know how this performs?

I use 15 gal plastic containers for 10 gal batches. Found them through a guy on another forum. They are originally used for bulk baking powder. The lids screw on and you need to drill your own hole but they were $23 (including shipping) each and work as well as any plastic pail I've used. I'll get a pic or two up later.

I bought a used 10 gallon container from Ontario Recycling on Ebay. I love it. I don't use an air lock, just screw the lid down partway so the gasket doesn't make a full seal. I have done up to 9 gallon batches in this manner. They have 20 gal HDPE barrels also. $30 shipped.
http://cgi.ebay.com/20-Gal-Carboy-Plastic-Drum-Snap-On-Lid-w-Handles_W0QQitemZ250150795592QQihZ015QQcategoryZ20655QQcmdZViewItem

I've got a few of the 14 gallon size
http://www.usplastic.com/catalog/product.asp?catalog%5Fname=USPlastic&category%5Fname=25&product%5Fid=15691
They're perfect for grain storage, a sack slides right in.
It's the perfect size for a corny and a couple bags of ice, great for parties.
Lid seals tight, drill and add a grommet for a 14 gal fermenter.

Lord-Byron wrote:Btw, the URL for the items I'm talking about is http://www.midwestsupplies.com/products ... SubCat=610 and scroll about halfway down the page. the 16.5 and the locking lid for it.

Anyone know how this performs?

My buddy uses somethin similar to those but a bit cheaper then the MW ones, Last time I was at the MW store I looked at them and seem to be alot more durable then the ones that my buddy uses. he does not use a airlock just places the lid on top and then checks the gravity after a week
he does both 5 gallon and 10 gallon batches in them and never had any oxydizing that he could tell

I decided to go ahead and purchase one of these things. It's significantly stronger than I expected. The lid locking ring should really help keep things out of it while in my shed fridge. All I need to do is drill a couple holes for the rubber grommets to fit into for the air locks.

I'll be giving it it's first test drive this weekend, as I'm making 10 gallons of Munich Helles (to be followed by a Maibock).

As of right now, I couldn't be more pleased with it.


Btw Numsquat, your avatar makes my eyes hurt. I love it. That thing should be part of every field sobriety test.