Choosing a Fermenter: Bucket, Carboy, Keg, or Conical

An overview and comparison of the pros and cons of the four main types of fermenters available to homebrewers and winemakers; plastic buckets, carboys (glass and plastic), cornelius (corny) kegs, and conicals (plastic and stainless steel).
2:05 - The Plastic Bucket
5:38 - The Carboy
9:54 - The Cornelius Keg
14:20 - The Conical
19.49 - My Final Thoughts
The name brand fermenters mentioned:
The Catalyst Fermentation System: amzn.to/2kiFxdB
The FastFerment: amzn.to/2BEfYrH
The Fermentasaurus: amzn.to/2kgFFKP
Spike Brewing CF10: spikebrewing.com/
Other useful items mentioned:
AutoSiphon: amzn.to/2jFPBJN
The Brew Hauler: amzn.to/2BF3z6N
Other videos mentioned:
Homebrewing Basics Video Series Playlist: • Homebrewing Basics Vid...
The Unnecessary Secondary - Why I Don't Use Secondary Fermenters: • The Unnecessary Second...
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[@bryanbereal]

Larry, I gotta say, no matter how many new channels I try to find, while researching everything I can before starting up my own home brewery, I just keep coming back to yours at the end of each day. Your channel has provided me with so much info that I'm starting to realize I should just search your channel for the whatever answer I'm looking for in the moment. So, thank you for being here and doing what you do. Also, I can't wait to start getting some BBQ tips from you too. Homemade bacon sounds like my kind of eating!

[@neilellis3883]

What’s What’s over hmm guy uh hi u Lml

[@neilellis3883]

A try okey jk iponiubu Hi Igngigi

[@DontStopBrent]

Sir, you are right. Larry is no nonsense and he thinks like we do. And certainly, he knows how to articulate all the info in videos in a way that is easily understandable.

[@Gribblefitz]

I've watched a few of your videos - love them! I was toying with the idea of getting a conical sometime next year, but your video really put it into perspective. I have two plastic 6.5 gal wide mouth carboys, they're doing just fine and there's no reason to switch them up! Thanks, and keep making these awesome, informative videos!

[@jodyschultz5870]

What a cool guy. Totally genuine. Great info. Thank you Sir.

[@privateteddy8764]

I have to agree. I learned a lot of good stuff all from just this one video. Great first video for any beginner. Informative and thorough. Good job , good sir!

[@bryantstuckey6036]

Absolutely love these videos! Very thorough and straightforward. I am a beginning home brewer and I'm hooked. Your videos answer the exact questions I have...and I love how detailed the videos are. Thanks!

[@MaximAvs]

I was fully prepared to move to a conical fermenter at some point in my brewing equipment upgrades, but after watching your video, I agree, it probably isn't worth it. Thanks for saving me $$$!

[@LloydGM]

I love your videos, especially this one. You talk plainly and cover the most common things most succinctly, and I really appreciate it. I've been brewing for years and still watch your videos for occasional tips and also because you often give me other good ideas to build upon.

[@ericsouligne6102]

Really enjoy your videos Larry. Just started my first home brew last night with the confidence I gained watching your BEER N BBQ videos. Thanks so much

[@MzaAndy]

I did plastic carboy for a long time, finally made the switch to buckets. Saves time on clean up on kegging day.

[@clarkewi]

You are a gold mine of information. Nice work.

[@malsearle]

First video if yours ive watched , as a total amateur who is starting on a brewing journey , i have learned so much from you !

[@anthonysamuel4790]

Favourite home brew channel 😁

[@BigAlunWyn]

Getting going with homebrew (just my 3rd grain brew) and Larry your videos are a revelation and a welcome distraction from the current worries of the world. Clear and concise advice on fermenters - this is just what I needed thanks!

[@skoue4165]

I have been using boil kettles as fermenters. On sale they are cheaper than a keg but still Stainless. You can get them with ports if you want or use them with an auto syphon. If you alternate between boil kettle and fermentor or just cool in the pot and pitch you don't have a sterilization issue. I use clear food wrap to cover the top and the O ring from a 5gal bucket to hold the plastic in place.

[@3rwparks3]

I have gone from carboy to conical and back to carboy (glass) again. The conicals you displayed can all be picked apart, but they each have good points as well. I do a primary and a secondary. And I prefer to use the six or six and a half gallon Big Mouth Bubbler as a primary fermenter. They make cleaning easier and they have more head space to help prevent blow off. Secondary is a regular five gallon glass carboy.. I like to see inside.

[@stevenmqcueen7576]

Thanks, Larry. This video was full of useful information and practical advice.

[@fatowen1988]

You're cool man. I just watched a few of your videos as I was curious about conical fermenter user reviews. I just wanted to say I appreciate you being you and doing what you do.

[@johngunn1473]

I really enjoy videos as well. Thanks for sharing your information with the home brewing community.

[@kahunabear]

Thanks for the honest reviews! Carboy fan here.

[@ervindrumgold2599]

thank you for sharing your knowledge without restaint i enjoy seeing your science on brew making. i truly appreciate you.

[@ricardomjollnir5998]

Thank you for your advice and nice videos Larry. Soon I'll have my setup complete and start my first brew. Greetings from the Netherlands 👍🏻

[@SimonDuffy2]

Great video. Especially as I'm always looking to evolve my set up. I particularly like your comments about keeping light off the glass carboys. I use a heavy duty, black rubbish bag; just cut the corner off so it slides over the neck of the carboy. Costs pennies, super effective.

[@markchestermusic]

Thanks Larry! That's a great, honest overview. You make a lot of sense. Toying with the idea of a Fermenter King Junior, or 2, but have already invested in the Pinter system in the UK. Enjoy your videos and learn from you

[@RyChannelBrewing]

Great videos LArry!, I keep watching your old ones!

[@improdia]

Really really useful video. Honest and unbiased. Thank you, just sent you a beer on PayPal :-) Looking forward to watching more of your videos as an amateur, beginner, home brewer in the UK and also a gadget person so always looking for new stuff without breaking the bank. Thanks to you I now don't need to buy a plastic conical fermenter. The idea of using kegs sounds brilliant!

[@HNTHub]

2:06 plastic bucket 5:40 the carboy 9:58 the cornelius keg 14:44 conical brewers referenced from other videos thanks for the vid Larry!

[@davez31turbo]

I’m happy with my 6.5 gallon glass carboys as well. Great video.

[@masonwheeler8515]

Thank you again Larry! Since buying a carboy/keg washer, the danger of using the glass carboys has significantly dropped (pardon the pun). Your videos have saved us time and money and we can't thank you enough.

[@hc8714]

Super! because you are using all of them, the actual example with you gave me the best understanding!

[@BradVilla]

Great Video Larry, I am looking into the SS conical. I guess you helped me understand why i am choosing that over the others even though the others ferment the beer just as good. I was intrigued by the suggestion of a keg! Thanks for sharing from a fellow homebrewer!

[@tojeivan]

great passionate honest presentation!

[@dj_cam]

Just the information I needed, thanks so much for the explanations

[@davemiller5875]

Thanks Larry, love these videos. I was trying to figure out which conical to buy but now have decided to go with a glass carboy or maybe even the stainless keg idea. I have never been afraid of trub anyway😊

[@robertYTB78g]

Such a genuine and helpful video. Thank you for posting.

[@BEERNBBQBYLARRY]

You’re welcome. Glad you found it useful.

[@lukeb7472]

Good video, thanks Larry. Just what I needed right now, I’m convinced to upgrade from a plastic fermentor to a glass carboy instead of a conical. In Australia everything seems to be double or triple the price. Keep doing what your doing mate.

[@scottyweimuller6152]

Ive been distilling for the past 14 years and have the mile high 8 and 16 gallon pro still which I highly recommend for anyone from new distillers to even seasoned vets like me. For use of Fermenters. I started using 5 gallon plastic brew bucket for fermenting and it does the job but then I bought a the 8 gallon Fastfermenter conicle that was a game changer for me and ive been using that for the last 5 years now and I have 3 of them. I highly recommend them for fermenting your distillers wash. For the price its perfect and I dont think thats ever going to change. I might buy the SS stainless steel fermenter in some time but for the price I still think the fastfermenter beats it for fermenting a distilling wash

[@treymeubanks]

Great video. I'm sitting outside of my lhbs debating fermenters and this really helps.

[@treymeubanks]

I ended up with the anvil stainless fermenter. I'll update where I'm done with my first batch.

[@helihoot]

I have two of the Catalyst's. I find them very easy to clean.

[@Joshua-rk7bl]

Thanks Larry! You are always helpful!

[@Wind_Ninja_Jubei]

Great honest video. Like the keg idea.

[@lukegarner8361]

Keep up the good work mate, I love your videos

[@jefflangley6205]

Great video Larry. I too also find my glass Carboy the easiest, but it does have limitations. I spent the bucks for a SS conical and to me, it was work it. I can sample with no effort, pressure transfer, harvest yeast and the one item you didn’t mention, I can control the fermentation temp down to +/- 1 degree. I find that very valuable. Over, great review!

[@bronzkhrome4024]

wow, that's a heck of a selection, but worth the watch. Thanks Larry

[@DiegoRodriguez-pr1bf]

This was the most helpful video. Thanks!

[@stephanelandry]

Very informational and very well broken down....I am subscribing!

[@simpsonladner1182]

Great explanation man! Carboy master race!!

[@evanhughes9576]

Great video, Larry, I have two points I'd like to make: For pressure fermenting in a 5 gallon corny keg, One can immediately pressurize the keg with CO2, then maintain that pressure with a spunding valve as the yeast ferment. This way the krausen formed will be reduced and less headspace is required. Or you could add fermcap, but I prefer to limit the number of additives. For avoid pulling the trub, one could replace the dip tube with a floating dip tube so the beer pulled goes from the top down. That way no beer is left behind, and the floating dip tube would just be sitting on top of the tube cake.

[@ernestocota5698]

Mind blown! Love your channel!!

[@paskrell]

So I’m getting started and want to assemble a grainfather as no space. This really helped. I’ll buy the bucket and a used fridge and will see after 10 batches if I want to spend more. I owe you a beer 🍺

[@aletsSpk5]

I’ve learnt a lot from your channel, thanks Larry.

[@iamno1864]

Great video.. thanks for the info.. I was getting ready to start brewing again and thinking of how to make good beer in the desert Southwest..looks like glass carboy in a DIY fermentation chamber made from a mini fridge and a upgraded temp control module is gonna be my best bet to make good beer.

[@bobmiles442]

I enjoy your videos. I was thinking about getting a conical. I think I will stick with the glass carboy. Also, I have washed yeast from the glass carboy. No conical needed for that. Keep brewing Larry!

[@TheTrueCelt28]

Nice overview!

[@frostisman]

Great content! Thanks for the very informative video. Helps a lot!

[@Helcarexe26]

Great advice and I'm still using my glass carboys that I purchased 32 years ago. If it's not broke don't fix it and drive on and save the money for more brews

[@buggyridge]

Do you have a brand made in the USA you can recommend? Thank you.

[@Helcarexe26]

@@buggyridge I haven't purchased any in forever, but I know that Northern Brewer has them the last time I checked.

[@808homeboy]

Great video. Lots of good information.

[@anubis24354]

At the end of the day I think if you don’t have a good bucket and carboy, you need them. A lot of the benefits of having the more complex fermenters don’t matter if you have no idea why they’re a benefit, and it’s hard to understand why they are a benefit if you haven’t used the most basic fermentation vessels. Besides, if you’re not developing your own recipe and trying to really fine tune it there’s almost zero point in doing things like salvaging yeast or eliminating trub. For learning, the bucket is good enough, but the carboy is your best learning tool.

[@gabrielfuentes445]

Really good info. Thanks Larry!

[@gregfinlayson1893]

Thanks for a useful overview

[@Evan-mh7it]

Great vid Larry

[@stevemolony9019]

Thanks Larry, great video.

[@oldcornerSE]

I really love your Channel. I have learned alot from you! Thanks alot 🙏

[@lucianomendes8968]

thanks for the experience you shared!

[@Dextamartijn]

great information thinking of starting my own brewing

[@TomLigman]

I've been using plastic buckets, even though I had a glass carboy (mostly because I used the glass to age cider), but I'm going to give that a try for awhile. Now that I found Brulosophy's recommendation for a "sterile siphon starter", it seems like it'll let me do everything I wanted a stainless fermenter (either an SS Bucket or the newer Anvil fermenter) for. Thanks for the video, it's helped in my thinking. :)

[@blafishing7581]

Great video Larry ! Thank you !

[@VanGoCleaning]

Thanks Larry, I enjoy the videos

[@fusion01wp]

Excellent, thanks for this.

[@MrPipvampire]

Hey Larry, I own a 1 barrel stainless steel conical fermenter and I love it to bits. However, your instructional video is totally true when it comes to brewing beer and cost savings. Given the same conditions, the beer will taste the same out of a plastic bucket of an expensive unit. But when you want certain conditions a properly fitted out fermenter can fairly accurately provide you with those. For instance, I recently brewed a Kveik Voss at 39 degrees Centigrade and I just set the temperature at that. After 3 days, and to keg the ale, I set the temperature to 10 degrees Centigrade. Cleaning after brewing is time-consuming since there are so many parts to clean but the advantage is that I don't need to brew often. Only once every 3 months. My setup consists of a one barrel conical stainless fermenter with a side-mounted stainless cooling coil attached to a glycol chiller. For my heating belt, I use a commercial oil barrel silicon heating belt that I bought on eBay which is rated at 120 degrees Centigrade. The chiller and heater are both plugged into a dual temperature controller which is really easy to use. BTW, I really enjoy your youtube videos.

[@kevingeorge5159]

Great info, ageless. Know you are appreciated. I disagree about cleaning carboys, though! Had one slip and in slow motion, barely knick the pavement. After cleaning up the driveway of glass, realized a shard had punctured the car tire. Loved my glass carboys, but kegs have been king, since.

[@ReviewBrew]

Haha. My brew shop sells buckets for $12 and used kegs for $80. I like how the Fermentasaurus has the floating dip tub. I would love to get one of those working in a keg. Just discovered your channel, great stuff!

[@TomLigman]

you can make a floating dip tube for the carboy or the plastic bucket pretty easily.

[@Youngsta0]

I did the stainless steel route for constancy, simplicity and making cleaning much easier. Also temperature control. When I have multiple beers going, I can control the temps easier and have them at different temperatures. I can also use a CIP and clean them out easily in my garage or on my laneway when it's warmer out (live in Canada). You can always do things cheaper, it's just like anything else, cars, homes etc. Do we all need the latest and greatest? No.

[@dirtyblond2332]

I use Anvil SS 7.5 gallon fermenters. Kind of middle of the road. I hadnt considered a corny for a fermenter before. Its a curious idea. May try that on my next batch with a blow off on the gas port. It sure would free up space in the fermentation and cold crash chambers.

[@chrislease5828]

Great points Larry. Carboy is gonna be it for me.

[@ThePr8head]

I personally like my plastic 7 gallon bucket with a Gamma Lid and spigot. I would love to have a Spike Brewing conical but will it make my beer 100 times better? Nope. My bucket has fermented me many good beers. Just got my Brother into brewing and we have a blast making beer! Thanks for the great videos! Keep on brewing Larry!!!

[@firststatetreasurehunter553]

Good video..I have the MiniBrew conical and really like it but, wish I could see the yeast in action. I may have to purchase a clear conical fermenter now..

[@petredesign07]

Larry, one that I would love to see you compare would be the use of a Sanke Keg as a fermentor. It checks a lot of boxes and would be a good comparison. NorCal Brewing sells (~$85.00) a tri-clover attachment that converts it to a full pressure system or you can use one of your carboy caps. Bonus is full 10 gallon fermentation. Love the vids. Thanks for all the info.

[@jeremyomnet]

Keep up the good work, new into the home brewing and your videos have really helped me out. Have you tired the SS Brewtech Brew Bucket ? Its on my list of potential fermenters to buy.

[@ThomasPetter]

Thank you for brining me back to reality! I have enjoyed using the FastFerment for two years. Unfortunately, I just stripped the threads between the main body and the valve at the base of the cone ....so, now it's garbage.

[@JimmyJusa]

I haven't been able to find a 6 gallon bucket anywhere very cheap, yeah 5 gallon for a few bucks but 6 gallons seem to all be around 20-25 a piece. With just starting out i like the simplicity of a bucket as well as not having to worry about heavy glass shattering especially with having little ones around.

[@GraymatterPix]

Awesome video, Larry. You just saved me a load of money. Thought I needed a conical next but you've set me straight. Do you have a video discussing if pressure transfers make a noticeable difference in the beer, or is it more to avoid manual handling associated with gravity transfers?

[@RepiTion830]

Fermented my last batch in a keg and overfilled it a little. Knew that I would expect a fair bit of blow off so I rigged up the blowoff to first vent to an empty airtight bottle before gassing out into a second with starsan. While i wasted about half a litre of wort, one great benefit was that I had a second fermentation occurring in the blow off bottle, giving me a great idea of what was going on in the keg. Also purchased a floating dip-tube so that i could close transfer without picking up all the yeast and trub

[@RSmerlinRS]

Thanks, helped a lot. Very detailed.

[@stemtostern7611]

Boom Head shot! You sold me on just rolling with the Car Boy! I'm looking at drinking beer not getting a second Job to afford all the bling. Good Vid! New Sub

[@stemtostern7611]

@@BEERNBBQBYLARRY I just did a brew today.. I don't need to make the Job any more cumbersome to deal with cleaning and buying more Stuff. I got a Beer Budget and champagne taste's. I'm doing just fine with what I do. Cheers!

[@brewdaddybikes]

Good input! I agree with most of the info. 😁 makes me think like always.

[@jonathanbailey5896]

Very good Presentation thank you

[@odelloutdoors3424]

Great video. Just Subbed ya. It does take a lot of work to film, edit, add music and upload videos so I appreciate what you do.

[@chrisville25]

I've been watching a lot of you're videos lately, and have learnt a lot. But one thing I can't seem to find you mentioning anywhere, but what's you're opinion on the Grainfather Conical Fermenter? Have you just not tried one? Thanks for your input,

[@bones549]

great video thanks for puttin it in great plain language

[@darlingwereleaving4364]

Thanks Larry!

[@jacobsecret1425]

I like the Kegco wide mouth fermenters. They are really priced right and easy to clean. You should check them out.

[@maxgieck498]

Thank you - GREAT video !!

[@smntsn]

I have all of them. The best thing to have (from start) a stainless steel fermenter with or without spigot. Buy the cheapest ss bucket like 30 litre milk bucket and thats it. Thanks for the good video. I am a fan :)

[@WhoopDePoopDeScoop]

FYI skunking only happens with isomerized (i.e. boiled) hop oils. The reaction with sunlight produces the exact same chemicals skunks use.

[@jsimpson8018]

LOVE the video. IF and i domain if, you were moving past the 5 gallon batch and wanting to cement larger, say 10 or even 15 gallon batches, which direction would you go? I see where the Glass carboy is still a good way to go, except the multiple yeast pitching issue. What would you recommend as a Larger batch fermenter vessel?

[@TheParkBadBoy]

Please do a video on the fermentasaurus 2!

[@tommyb709]

i agree with the carboy as the superior choice. however, i had a 6.5 gallon glass one shatter in my hands while washing in the sink. i don't remember even bumping it, but was taken totally by surprise. over a year later, and i still have no feeling in two fingers, so glass now scares the hell out of me. i still use glass for my long-term sour fermentations, but i now always wear kevlar gloves, jacket and boots when handling glass. i ferment now in fermonster carboys. to mitigate the scratching, i use a mark ii keg washer and pbw. that way i never put a brush or any other potential scratcher inside. i also use the keg washer with my glass carboys, to minimize the handling during the cleaning process. i had seriously considered a conical, but after your review, i believe i'll stay with the humble carboy. thanks for the review...

[@tommyb709]

i use a piece of aluminum foil at the rear of the keg washer as a shield, which stops the splashing. fermonsters have a large enough opening so i can rub with a cloth to remove caked on grunge. glass carboys run an hour or longer. since i only use them for secondary now (yes, i know how you feel, but for me, a second racking makes clearer beer) they do not have the dried on grunge.

[@beargreasebrigade]

man, yo beady engineer eyes (potential marketing graphic?) tell the real deal - awesome video and reviews - thanks!

[@smmrbldrd01]

Do you have any thoughts on the Big Mouth Bubbler fermenter? I have been using a glass carboy but I want to add fruits to the fermenting process for the extra flavor but I find I can't really fit it in my carboy. Thanks, I really enjoy your show. Keep it up.

[@acaone1]

If you get the chance it would be great to see these fermenters compared to the ssbrewtech bucket and anvil bucket.

[@arturopineda7594]

THE 🐐 🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽 SUPER LEGITIMATE!!!!