Fermeting in plastic jerry can? (no-chill cube)

Llamaman · Mar 5, 2019

As per the title, has anyone tried using a no-chill cube / plastic jerry can as a primary fermenter? I'm aware of these being used for no-chill or as secondary FVs, but not heard from anyone using one as a primary.

My main, temp-controlled fermenter is the usual plastic bucket affair but I'd like a second FV to do small batch 5/10L free ferments (saisons so far but might do other Belgians). I've currently been using 2x 5L Ashbeck bottles, but these are space inefficient and bottling is a faff. Some of the jerry cans come with built in taps near the bottom, so bottling should be breeze.

Apart from cleaning (can't get your hand in) - is there any reason not to use one? Would you bother with an airlock (drill a hole in the cap and fit a grommet) or just use cling film and an elastic band?

Drunkula · Mar 5, 2019

Yeah, I seen other people brewing in them. Some add airlocks, some even brew with spunding valves.

I would have been scared of using cling film a year ago but after making starters with a j-cloth and lakky band and knowing some of the guys here use strips on full fermenters and they're good brewers I'm not afraid of it remotely any more. And Dudes Brews on youtube brews in Wilko storage boxes with it on.

Gerryjo · Mar 5, 2019

I've used no chill cubes as fermenters and still have two.
I drilled a 20mm hole in the lid and used an electrical stuffing gland to keep my airlica in place and gives a great deal.
They do get quite cruddy inside with krausen build up but is easily cleaned with hot water,oxi clean and a handful of rice giving it a vigorous shake every now and then.

Llamaman · Mar 5, 2019

Thanks for the help. Looks like this idea is a 'go'. :)

aamcle · Mar 5, 2019

I've used them, a bit of doing film over opening is all you need.

Aamcle

Petrolhead · Mar 5, 2019

All my brewing has been done with two of these, the same two, and I don’t use a primary fermenter.

Easy to move around with the handle, remember to loosen the airlock, and as soon as I drain them I shake water to clean and store full. Rinse with starsan before use.

All dead easy.

Minimag1 · Mar 5, 2019

I use them too when I want to ferment in my fridge which is too small for my other fermentors, as others have done, a hole drilled in the lid, a fermentation lock, some oxi clean and starsan to clean and sanitise, and you're away

Stephenj · Mar 5, 2019

I've thought about using these for a while as could get 2 side by side in the temp control freezer rather than just 1 standard FV. Can I ask where people got theirs from (sorry to OP for hijacking post)

Minimag1 · Mar 5, 2019

Stephenj said:
Can I ask where people got theirs from

Got mine from Amazon (set of 4)

Nicks90 · Mar 6, 2019

I've got 2 of them for doing water changes for my fish tank
Never thought of using one to brew in!

Davvy · Mar 6, 2019

Yep - have just got one and works a treat. (ebay - food grade type).

All I did after it arrived was to cut an appropriate sized hole on the screw on lid with a step drill bit , to use a rubber bung for an airlock.

Llamaman · Mar 7, 2019

Davvy said:
Yep - have just got one and works a treat. (ebay - food grade type).

All I did after it arrived was to cut an appropriate sized hole on the screw on lid with a step drill bit , to use a rubber bung for an airlock.

The ones I’ve been looking at (with taps) all seem to have the cap at an angle so fitting an airlock won’t work. Cling film FTW!
Would happily fit my own tap, but the openings always seem to small to fit your arm in.

Davvy · Mar 11, 2019

If you go on to Fleabay and copy this....
"20L Litre Water Container Drum & Air Tight Cap Food Grade"
This will get you(roughly) to something like the one I bought - they are currently £6.93 including delivery - there is no tap, and no, you cannot get your arm into it because the lid is too small. The screw on lid has a rubber seal included.
Hope this helps,
David.

uDicko · Mar 12, 2019

Can also pressure ferment in one by the looks of it.

https://www.thehomebrewforum.co.uk/threads/fermenting-under-pressure-in-a-no-chill-cube.75662/

uDicko · Mar 12, 2019

uDicko said:
Can also pressure ferment in one by the looks of it.

https://www.thehomebrewforum.co.uk/threads/fermenting-under-pressure-in-a-no-chill-cube.75662/

Actually I said that... But the Jerry cans and the cubes might be quite different. Particularly around max pressure they can hold.

Still think it's entirely possible just needs a bit of research

Llamaman · Mar 12, 2019

I won’t be trying to ferment under pressure as I’d fear the tap seal would be the weak point in that system. I brew inside the house (in a cupboard with other stuff in it) - so no risk taking!

Fermeting in plastic jerry can? (no-chill cube)

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