• Welcome to the new forum! We upgraded our forum software with a host of new boards, capabilities and features. It is also more secure.
    Jump in and join the conversation! You can learn more about the upgrade and new features here.

Newbie Question

BigJim810

New Forum Member
Joined
Apr 13, 2019
Messages
2
Reaction score
0
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.
Cheers!
Jim
 

Oginme

Grandmaster Brewer
Joined
Mar 16, 2013
Messages
3,214
Reaction score
45
Location
New Hampshire, US
My personal take on buckets like these (and I have had a few, not pickle, but other odoriferous ingredients), is that the effort of removing the odor, even if it could be done, is greater than the cost of purchasing new food grade buckets.
 

BOB357

Grandmaster Brewer
Joined
Dec 17, 2016
Messages
826
Reaction score
44
Location
Fallon, NV
I recall seeing more than one post where people have tried and failed. If you plan on doing 5 gallon batches you'll need fermenters that hold about 6.5 gallons to be safe. If you're planning smaller batches, I saw 5 gallon HDPE buckets at Walmart for just under $3. Lids are extra, I think under $2.
 

brewfun

Grandmaster Brewer
Joined
Sep 6, 2011
Messages
2,314
Reaction score
5
Location
Ventura, CA
I think it's near impossible to remove pickle flavor from buckets. Something about the acidity and salt... just stays in the plastic.

Try asking restaurants that use a lot of dairy for buckets they get their sour cream in. Steakhouses seem to have a lot of these.
 

dtapke

Grandmaster Brewer
Joined
Nov 5, 2018
Messages
467
Reaction score
9
Location
Portage, Wisconsin
Spend the $10 on a new bucket/lid. a homebrewstore should have a nice quality bucket with a lid and an airlock for 10-15 tops.

I couldn't imagine spending a half a day, $30 in ingredients, and then have it all ruined because i didn't spend an extra $10 on a bucket. :) your time is worth WAY more than that. You'd end up throwing out the cost of ingredients, the cost of your 4-6 hours of brewing, and the free bucket.

Even better yet, spend an extra few bucks and get an even nicer fermenting vessel like a fast ferment, or a Fermonster/big mouth bubbler.
 
Top