Hello Everyone! I am very new to brewing and am still getting my equipment together. I have a question about using 5gal pickle buckets ( the ones you can get at Firehouse Subs) for fermentation. Is there anyway to get that pickle stink out of them and if not would that stink effect the end product? I would be very grateful with any help you guys could give me.
Thanks
Jim
Yes, those odors could definitely permeate your beer which would really bum you out (unless you’re going for that flavor). I’m all about doing things on the cheap but for $20 or less you can get a new 6.5 gallon food grade fermentation bucket with lid and spigot. On craigslist you can find them for less as local homebrewers are always selling off their equipment as they upgrade.
If you do try to clean out the smell I’d start by soaking it in oxyclean or pbw (professional brewers wash). You don’t want anything too harsh that could etch the plastic making it harder to sanitize before fermenting.
On the cheap… Lowe’s has 5 gallon Food Grade buckets with a lid for less than 5 bucks. drill the lid with a step bit and your in business.
+1
However, I believe you might need a rubber grommet for the hole to get a tight seal for the airlock.
Yes, totally forgot about the grommet… Also a Lowes item
Or one of those 5 gallon RO water jugs found in machines outside grocery stores. Use the water to brew with then you have a fermentation vessel.
Just need the rubber plug and airlock. I had one with a plastic cap and a perfect size hole for an airlock.