Beer keg as a fermenter.

[SpudtheBinx]

I can probably google this and get 100 different answers, but I wondered if anyone here has converted a beer keg into a fermenter. It all boils down to the fact I can likely get myself a 50l stainless steel beer keg and not wanting to see things go to waste, I considered making a fermenter. If anyone has converted one, what are the pro and cons? How did you go about it, and what would you do differently?

[Rich]

First off.. Beer kegs tend to belong to the breweries check out http://www.kegwatch.co.uk/

if you can get one legally, a stainless one would probably make a fine fermentor. What about a lid though?

Is it really worth it when a £10 ish plastic bucket lasts a fair old while if you are careful not to scratch it internally. (they also have a lid, a handle and stack neatly inside each other while not in use.

I get my wine kits via mail order due to where I live, so every so often ask Karl to send it in a new bucket.


If you were to suggest turning it into a HLT or boiler for beer making now.. that is where the stainless is good (but some people use plastic for that too)

[SpudtheBinx]

Oh right, didn't realise that. Some came in from some fly tipping clearance, I guess they Wil be returned then.

[Cellar_Rat]

Everything Rich said and IMO these are the best all rounder fermenter. Cheaper and better without the tap.

5 gal fermenter.jpg

http://www.wilko.com/homebrew-accessories+equipment/wilko-fermentation-vessel-screw-top-25l/invt/0075885?VBMST=fermenter

[Abervin]

Yes the plastic ones are good, but you can't resist a bit of shiney metal!
DSC00379.jpg

[Cellar_Rat]

Nice. I agree with that tooo...

braumeister.jpg

.. but I ferment in plastic

[Rich]

Bunch of show offs

My stainless is wrapped in silver foil to keep the heat in while brewing!

[SpudtheBinx]

Yeah, I use a Wilkos 5 gallon, made some IPA before Christmas in it and I agree they are very good. Like I say, I saw these kegs come in and thought they would just be scrapped and I always try to reuse before recycling I like the idea about a boiler for malt.

[Cellar_Rat]

If you fancy doing all grain brews these could be put to use.
There are quite a few articles about making mash tuns and boilers of them.