What's a good FV to use

Fruitloopy · Feb 18, 2021

Hi All

As said on another post I bought a cheap Woodfords Wherry kit from Tesco so I am still using the plastic fermenting bin for my beer. I feel like I am missing out on something better so can you recommend a good fermenting vessel I can buy? I have an Inkbird temperature controller so some way of incorporating the thermometer probe into the vessel so I can monitor and control the temperature would be ideal.
I'm still buying the 40 pint kits and not moved on to anything more involved yet as I cant even seem to get the kits right either, for details you can read my first post here.

All help appreciated.

crowcrow · Feb 18, 2021

I am still happy with a plastic fermenter - but probably only 10 or 15 brews in. I've been very tempted by a pressure fermentation vessel, but I haven't really got the space (or cash) currently.

Mavroz · Feb 18, 2021

I have used plastic FV's, specifically fron The Range for years now. 50 odd brews in and no issues. I have replaced them once due to scratching on the insides.

Rodcx500z · Feb 18, 2021

As above i have 3 plastic fv's been using them for almost 2 years, i have thrown one brew down the drain and that was my fault

Chippy_Tea · Feb 18, 2021

Fruitloopy said:
I am still using the plastic fermenting bin for my beer. I feel like I am missing out on something better so can you recommend a good fermenting vessel I can buy?

You don't need an expensive FV to make great beer, what do you think you are missing out on?

What is your budget?

Chippy_Tea · Feb 18, 2021

If you like SS this'll keep you happy.

Clint · Feb 18, 2021

My plastic fv are about 4 years old.

lupinehorror · Feb 18, 2021

plastic FV for me. just cleaned with nothing too abrasive.
temp and gravity monitored via inkbird and ispindel.

raymondo · Feb 18, 2021

Chippy_Tea said:
If you like SS this'll keep you happy.

Spot on - I got two a couple of years back - 22 litres and 12 litres I think - fantastic, don't know how I ever managed with plastic. They are expensive but if you're in for the long run, well worth it.

MmmBeer · Feb 18, 2021

I still use plastic FV's too, have considered something more exotic, but lack of height in my brewfridge has prevented most options and the money spent on ather areas has I think proved more effective.

Ezza · Feb 18, 2021

Plastic with a tap fitted

Badgersack · Feb 19, 2021

I'm not entirely sure if this will help, but a handy way to measure your FV temp with the inkbird is to tape the probe under some insulation (eg. bubblewrap) to the side of the FV

Crappyfish · Feb 19, 2021

Same thoughts here should I go to stainless

Graz · Feb 19, 2021

The plastic buckets are absolutely fine. I've been using them for years, wine, beer, cider, all brewed without issue. I do keep 2 sets one lot for beer and 1 lot for wine/cider as the beer ones do smell slightly of beer and I wouldn't want that in wine.

Also as above I just tape my temperature probe to the side of the bucket and then tape a layer of bubble wrap over. Never compared the readings from this to the actual liquid temperature but never had any issues fermenting.

I can see the attractions of the various pressure fermenters but they have there downsides so for me as a predominately kit brewer I'll be sticking with the buckets for the foreseeable.

Gazbev · Feb 19, 2021

I’m sticking with plastic, I have one for fermenting with out a tap and one for bottling with.
If they get scratched buy another

MmmBeer · Feb 19, 2021

I now have 4 full size plastic FV's (all different brands) and two 16l ones. By simply writing the FV number on each bucket and lid with a permanent marker, it saves ages finding the right lid for the bucket you are planning to use.

moto748 · Feb 19, 2021

I'm still using the plastic fermentation bucket I used when I last brewed beer in 1985!

Once upon a time, it even had a lid, but that's long gone now!

And I find it does the job just fine!

dalecek · Feb 19, 2021

I'm using 30L blue plastic barrel. Tap for easy transfers and thermowell in the middle for accurate temp control. 30/40 brews in and no issues

The Baron · Feb 19, 2021

Plastic for me unless you have money to burn but its your choice also it will not make you a better brewer ( some people throw money at many hobbies)that comes with experience and knowledge. Sorry to sound bolshy but there are many brewers who think the newest item will make them better brewers and it does not always follow I would say learn your craft before putting loads of dosh down

moto748 · Feb 19, 2021

Yes, more seriously, for me, there's a certain pleasure in being able to produce good beer with the simplest of methods and equipment. I'd never say never, but I cannot see myself wanting to buy some of the equipment some of you guys have! I wouldn't have the space for it anyway. The only modest purchase I have considered is one of those big plastic vessels with a small neck at the top that a bung and fermentation can be fitted into, which I have seen in the window of my local home-brew shop.

What's a good FV to use

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