1 - 2 Gallon Fermenter Options?

[TempTest]

OK, so it looks like I'll be grabbing one of the following options for fermenting, after a bit of research:

1) Standard open-top bucket
http://www.thebrewshop.com/contents/en-uk/p33.html

2) 10L jerry can (style a)
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/331496712169

3) 10L jerry can (style b)
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/221517083932

Any recommendations out of these three? Which'd you go for?

I was originally going to go with (1) because it should be easier to clean, etc, and it has a little bit more headspace for vigorous fermentations. However, I do have a STC waiting for me to wire up. So while I do not have a fermentation fridge *yet* it's on the cards eventually, so on that basis I wondered if going for the jerry cans might be a better move. (Even with the small fridge I'll be able to fit in the kitchen two jerry cans should still fit)... So the latter options are *possibly* a little bit more future proof. But a bad idea? Hmm.

I know it seems like a silly question but I'd appreciate any opinions! Depending which fermenter option I go with will have a knock on effect for a few other bits and pieces so the sooner I make a decision the sooner I can get my orders in and get brewing Thanks!

[beerlover1983]

How about these i wish they did smaller than 17ltr but they very solid easy to clean and airtight lod great for fitting airlocks
http://www.ampulla.co.uk/MINI-BARRELS-- ... RS/c-1-156


I would rather ferment in somegthing i can get my hand in to clean.
I have fermented in 10ltr water containers like above and with a good soak in sodium percarbonate they come really clean.But the krausen gets everywhere and can be a pain.

[TempTest]

That looks good but 17 ltr is *far* too large for me. Given the stock pot I've ordered then 10 ltr batches will be absolute max. Depending on style of beer it might not even manage that. My aim is to get at 7 - 8 ltrs (in the future - not just yet - I'd like to get 6 ltr and anything over that will be bottled). In fact, the 7 ltr is nearer to my requirements but on the small side given that it'd have no headspace for fermentation and not allow the full 10 ltr brew length when beer style permits.

Out of the three options I gave which would you go for? I appreciate you'd rather a container you can get into to clean but you then go on to say the water containers 'come really clean'... I guess it's just a case of leaving to soak which is no biggie. Would would you go for? And which of the two styles (option 2 or 3) have you experience with?

Oh, and sodium percarbonate... Is that just normal Oxi? Or PBW? Thanks.

[beerlover1983]

That looks good but 17 ltr is *far* too large for me. Given the stock pot I've ordered then 10 ltr batches will be absolute max. Depending on style of beer it might not even manage that. My aim is to get at 7 - 8 ltrs (in the future - not just yet - I'd like to get 6 ltr and anything over that will be bottled). In fact, the 7 ltr is nearer to my requirements but on the small side given that it'd have no headspace for fermentation and not allow the full 10 ltr brew length when beer style permits.

Out of the three options I gave which would you go for? I appreciate you'd rather a container you can get into to clean but you then go on to say the water containers 'come really clean'... I guess it's just a case of leaving to soak which is no biggie. Would would you go for? And which of the two styles (option 2 or 3) have you experience with?

Oh, and sodium percarbonate... Is that just normal Oxi? Or PBW? Thanks.

Yeah i wish they did a 10ltr but i was getting greif for storing big fermenters in cupboards lol.

Really either of the top two i think.I found in the early days before used sp that trying to get sides clean was a pain.

My method now is rinse out get all major grub off.Some hot water even some from kettle a spoonful of sp or pbw.

And then shake it tend to half fil then i screw lid on and keep turning it every 10mins when passing so all sides had contact witj solution or you could fill to top but for me thats wasting water.

Then rinse out a few times and get as much water out as possible which gathers in the neck i stuff a tea towel in half way in neck so last water is absorbed leave upside down overnight before storing without a lid.

[TempTest]

So is sodium percarbonate (sp) the same as (cheap poundland) Oxi or do I need to use (more expensive) PBW?

So you don't think that option c (the thinner red capped jerry can) is a good idea? The reason I should this might be good is because I've read (and your message confirms it) that getting the final bits of liquid out of the other jerry cans (option b) can be very difficult (it just collects around the neck)... The slightly narrower desire of option b (and the fact the neck/spout is at an angle) should make life easier...

Having said that, I'm not sure if the taller handle on option b makes it difficult to invert (in order to let the upper half of the container get a good soaking during cleaning).

How easy it is to procrastinate over the smallest of details, but I want to make sure I make the right decision The standard 12 Ltr bucket would probably be fine but I guess it just requires more storage space...

[beerlover1983]

So is sodium percarbonate (sp) the same as (cheap poundland) Oxi or do I need to use (more expensive) PBW?

So you don't think that option c (the thinner red capped jerry can) is a good idea? The reason I should this might be good is because I've read (and your message confirms it) that getting the final bits of liquid out of the other jerry cans (option b) can be very difficult (it just collects around the neck)... The slightly narrower desire of option b (and the fact the neck/spout is at an angle) should make life easier...

Having said that, I'm not sure if the taller handle on option b makes it difficult to invert (in order to let the upper half of the container get a good soaking during cleaning).

How easy it is to procrastinate over the smallest of details, but I want to make sure I make the right decision The standard 12 Ltr bucket would probably be fine but I guess it just requires more storage space...

You will probably find that you will never be happy and allways looking foe something i know i have when it comes to small fermenters.

I now only use my 10ltr jerry cans as no chill cubes so they have been put to use ans they dont get as dirty in doing so.

Thinking if your unsure get the buckets then they will allways be handy for grain storage should they prove no good or for weighing out grains prior to brewday.

Most things will get a second use if they dont prove good for intended job with brewing.

[TempTest]

Good advice, thanks. If others have any I'd be please to hear that too

Sorry to keep asking, however, beerlover1983: So is sodium percarbonate (sp) the same as (cheap poundland) Oxi or do I need to use (more expensive) PBW?