Carboys

Homebrewing Fermenters- Carboys

The Grape and Granary sells a number of carboys (water jugs) for homebrewing and winemaking. Many beginning homebrewers will use a carboy (plastic or glass) as a secondary fermenter (for the clarifing stage). It is also possible to use a carboy as a glass primary fermenter.

If using a carboy for a primary (initial)fermenter, you will want to use a carboy that is 10-20% larger than the batch size. For example, if you are making a five gallon batch of beer, you will want to use a 6 or 6.5 gallon glass carboy. The larger size insures additional head space so that the beer does not foam-out during the primary fermentation process.

When using a carboy as a seconary fermenter, it is best to choose a carboy size that is the same as the batch size. If you are making a one gallon batch of beer, use a one gallon glass jug (carboy) as the clarifying (seceondary) fermenter so as to limit the amount of airspace above the beer. This will insure that the beer does not oxidize or begin forming mold on the surface.

Whether considering to use either a glass or plastic carboy for homebrewing, we at The Grape and Granary have not found any performance difference between glass or plastic. Glass is much heavier and more difficult to clean. They can also break easily. Plastic carboys are lighter, won't break if dropped and have a larger opening and are easier to clean.