Best Fermentation / Storage

You will need somewhere with a consistent temperature to store your homebrew while it ferments, whether it be buckets or carboys.

As a first time homebrewer or even a seasoned pro, worries about fermentation and overall storage of supplies can be a big fear. Below I will allay those fears, with some simple storage equipment that any homebrewer can benefit from.

Storage of homebrew can get pretty expensive, but it is an important investment. There are some DIY versions but the cost of equipment is still high.

However, you will save money in the long run, from less ruined batches and less energy costs as you move up in price of fermentation storage.

Below is my list of great ways to ferment and store your homebrew. I own some of these items but not all and hope to own all of them in the future. I go into more detail below on why you may need them and what is good and bad about them.

(Adventures in Homebrewing and Amazon affiliate links)

6 and 6.5 Gallon Glass Carboy

When it comes to fermentation nothing beats glass carboys. Although a lot of people like to ferment in plastic buckets, especially during primary. It stinks because you can’t see your homebrew.

Plastic also has a high likelihood of developing small scrapes that can harbor bacteria and spoil your homebrew. Glass carboys may be a bit more expensive than a plastic bucket, but they are well worth your money.

The reason you need more than a 5 gallon carboy is to fit those 5 gallon batches, if you just had a 5 gallon carboy you would be up to the rim leaving very little headspace.

The lack of headspace would require a blow-off tube to keep from having a huge mess when the yeast becomes active.

When it comes to beer you don’t need to worried about a gallon or two of headspace. Read more about headspace in beer if your not quite sure what to buy.

You can pick up either size for a surprisingly affordable price at the adventures in homebrewing website.

(Adventures in Homebrewing affiliate links)

Temperature Controlled Fermentation Chest Fridge

This is probably the cheapest way to keep your fermenting beer at a consistent temperature. It can lead to much more consistent flavor in your homebrew.

Wild temperature swings can lead to random flavors that you are not expecting. It could also lead to the death of your yeast if it gets too hot and your can’t have your brew in a home with central cooling.

You will also have the piece of mind that your homebrew is safe even if you are away.

The fridge / freezer that we have has space enough for two 6.5 gallon carboys. With room on the right for a few growlers or homebrew bottles.

Of course if this is a bit too expensive for you, try dialing it back to a fridge that can fit at least one 6.5 gallon carboy.

5 cubic feet chest freezer. (Amazon affiliate link)

Temperature Controller

You will need to buy a temperature controller alongside the chest fridge in order to get it to go the the temperature you want it to sit at.

Otherwise you just have a freezer and you yeast will either die or nothing will ferment.

Unfortunately they changed the model or something and can’t find the same item, So I found this other temperature controller that should work just as well.

Temperature Controller. (Adventures in Homebrewing affiliate link).

Setting up the freezer with temperature controller takes some know-how, so if you have any questions you should check out this YouTube video.

SS Brew Bucket Stainless 7 Gallon Fermenter

I could not for the life of me understand why anyone would buy this. It’s super expensive compared to a carboy and also bulky. But they do have their advantages.

  • The stainless steel makes it difficult to break, unlike a carboy that I have had crack before under the pressure of lots of beer.
  • The conical shape creates less surface area for your beer to touch the trub. Plus you don’t have to siphon from the top making it easier to transfer to secondary.

There are some con’s to this method of fermenting though.

  • You don’t get to see your homebrew.
  • Tougher to clean because of the bulky size.

SS Brew Bucket Stainless 7 Gallon Fermenter. (Adventures in Homebrewing affiliate link).

Chronical Fermenter with Temperature Control 7 Gallon

This package is pretty expensive, although if you forgo buying a chest fridge or glass carboy’s you can jump straight to this.

It will allow you to have a much more efficient and exact temperature of your wort as it turns to beer. This will perfect your consistency.

Not only is it great for temperature control but you can also get to your yeast trub for easy washing and reuse.

Chronical Fermenter with Temperature Control 7 Gallon. (Adventures in Homebrewing affiliate link).