Fementing bucket, or barrel?

[robbo79]

Hi guys
i currently have a lager brew on the go in a bucket, i was wondering what the difference is when using a barrel with a screw lid, whats the hold in the top for? is this a pressure vessle, if no what is one of those and when to use?

[Parva]

The hole in the top is so that you can fit an airlock to it. This means that you can seal the wort in from the outside world and prevents any nasties in the air getting in. That said, I use one of them and I also have a 10G fermenting bin which doesn't have an airlock and I merely snap the lid shut then just crack one small section slightly open and I've not had trouble with an infection yet. It's just a little extra insurance if you go the airlock route but it's really not a necessity.

[robbo79]

that makes sense. Thanks for the reply