Jerry Cans

[rohanbutler]

Hey Guys,

I have been reading around the forum looking for info on using the plastic 20-25l jerry cans as primary / secondary fermenters.

The square shape means I can fit two (i think) in my brew fridge.

What are people experiences pro's and con's . Is 25l big enough for a standard 23l batch to primary ferment in?

Any suggestions on fitting one out?

Thanks,

Rohan
(sorry if this is covering a topic previously reviewed)

[Old Gil]

If it's one with a hollow handle I could imagine it would be a bugger to clean

[James L]

I use the cubes.... not the jerry cans.... i find no hassles cleaning and the 20L ones can actually hold about 22L...

I have seen people use teh jerrry cans, and i guess if you use them pretty much for secondary, you shouldnt get alot of muck growing on the sides, plus there will be minimal surface for beer oxidation.

I dont think i'd use them for primary though....

[rohanbutler]

James how stackable are your cubes? where do you get them?

I'm thinking the jerry cans are most likely a secondary ferm option

[drsmurto]

Mate of mine used 3 plastic jerrycans for secondary. Could fit them into 1 fridge that doesnt hold 2 x 25L cubes. I have a jigger siphon so can transfer to the keg with minimal splashing/oxidation. Good idea for lagering or cold conditioning

[James L]

you can stack them, but it isnt too stable... and they are the sort of water cubes you see at bunnings in the camping/outdoor section. you can get them in 20 or 25L sizes..

[porridgewog]

Im with Swainy on this one, hollow handle would be a bugger. I have a couple and use them for secondry and they work a treat, but would stear away from using as primary fermenters

cheers

porridge

[SpillsMostOfIt]

They can be a bit of a pain to clean, but there is little that will not move if you use a pressure washer or some sodium percarbonate.

I've got 11litres of fruity mead just entering its third day in a 17-litre jerry. It is unlikely that much will get stuck in the handle if you leave enough headspace.

[lethaldog]

I use to of the 20 litre ( not square ones) for lagering and i have never had any probs cleaning them but i dont think i would use them for primary.

[rohanbutler]

Thanks guys. I don't think the 25l size are going to be big enough to primary ferment 23l. But the consensus seems to be you can secondary this amount in them.

Have to get in contact with HB shop man now he stocks them but last time I was there NONE IN STOCK! no wonder because he was actually cheaper than Kmart/Big W/Bunnings (that never have them anywhere)

[regan]

i brought home a 25lt 'open head camper drum' from bunnings yesterday arvo. the only real difference between it and my other fermenters is that it doesnt have a hole for an air lock (yet) and may be a bit smaller, but i only brew enough to fill 19lt kegs and a bottle or 3 so size is not an issue.

$15.99+ $1.50 for a tap

i should have cleaned them out

[SpillsMostOfIt]

That is exactly what I ferment my standard size batches in. One of them just fits inside my fermenting fridge. I don't bother with an airlock - cling film is fine.

Why pay more?

[chargermac]

I too use them for lagering, 3 side by side and one lying flat across the top if needed. i rotate that one to upright well b4 bottling. also use one for bulk priming.
you can get them from Supercheap. last time i paid $14.99 plus $1.90 for a tap.