Cheap Fermenter from Walmart?

[loonman]

Arrow Plastic 00744 Slimline Beverage Container, 2.5-Gallon. Could I use one of these, from Amazon or Walmart, as a primary fermenter for small batches? I have used two of the smaller versions to cold crash my 2 gallon batch of hard cider. The spout is above the floor of the container and the sediment stays there. It didn't leak and expanded a bit due to continued fermentation. I could drill a hole for an airlock. Seems like a possible cheap alternative for experimentation.

[BlackDuck]

With an airlock or any way to vent it, it could work. If it's clear, just make sure you cover it or put it in a dark room. Don't want the light to get at it.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Dawg LB Steve]

I heated a shank from a Phillips screw driver and melted notches into the top where you screw the cap on, like the Mr Beer LBK, before I went to buckets.

[RickBeer]

Last time I checked, Walmart stopped carrying these. Also, why ferment in a clear container that with an airlock costs the same as an LBK?

[HerbMeowing]

Reviews on Amazon suggest they're susceptible to leaking around the spigot and seams.

[gwcr]

I (along with many others) used to use the slimline as a bottling bucket for MB sized batches. Worked great for that. I would be hesitant to use it as a fermenter. The plastic is quite thin and fragile. I "dropped" mine about 2-3 inches onto the counter with water in it. One of the corners hit first and that was the end of that slimline. Between the MB LBK and BD LDC, there are better options out there that aren't much more expensive.

[gwcr]

BTW, welcome to the Borg! Lots of great people out here that love to help, so keep asking questions!

[Stinkfist]

Not all plastics are the same....I would not use this too ferment.. bottling bucket sure no problem, but fermentation is a different beast..

[LouieMacGoo]

On the Mr. B community forum, years ago there were several people that were using them but like Beer-lord mentioned they were very prone to leakage. The quality control on them is non existant and they tend to develop leaks around the spigot and seams and as mentioned the plastic is thin so if dropped you might as well toss it into the garbage. I wouldn't risk my homebrew in one of these. We still use one in our fridge but just for having cold water readily available. The Mr. Beer LBK is only $10 and works. Also I think Philm00x is or had been using 3 gallon plastic ice cream buckets he got from a local dairy.

BTW Glad you found us.

[loonman]

Thanks to all that have replied. I impressed with the number of responses, so quickly. The containers fit my refrigerator so nicely, and the sediment remained behind, but I see your points. I defer to your collective wisdom and will continue to use my Brew Demon as the primary fermenter. Loonman.

[Dawg LB Steve]

loonman, I think I have 3 that I have used a few times as fermenters, modified as I said in an earlier reply, they are 3 gallon capacity I think. They work the same as the Mr Beer fermenters, CO2 escapes through the notches under the cap. You are welcome to them for the cost of shipping. I ship from work, if you have a commercial address to ship to it would cost less for UPS than to a residential. Private Message me if you are interested.

[FrozenInTime]

I used them for quite a while as a bottling bucket, also used them to ferment small batches of cider because they are clear. Keep them out of the light for beer and I don't see why they would not work. Just make sure the hole for the spigot is even/smooth, like said lack of quality control on some of them. If that's the size batches you brew, may I suggest Brew Demon conicals? They are awesome for under 3 gallons and not too spendy.

[swenocha]

The cheap fermenter I got from Walmart was a food-safe 5 gallon bucket and lid back in the camping section. I was able to do 3-4 gallon batches in it by simply drilling a hole for the airlock. I think it cost me $8 total with the lid, but not sure. Same buckets are at Lowe's and Home Depot.

[LagerPMP]

An even cheaper version... Visit the bakery section of Walmart or any supermarket and ask for one of their buckets with a lid, that held icing for cakes. Free. Then buy a spigot. I did that for a bottling bucket, but it would also work for as a fermentor.

[MrBandGuy]

I've used the free buckets from Sams as a fermentor plenty of times. Holds 5G, so you don't want to make a hefe in them unless you go a bit smaller. Stuck an airlock grommet on it and I was in business. Still use them for measuring water and hauling grain now too.

Free is good.