[Flem]

The buckets with the lids are also great for storing (sanitizing) corks and hoses with an open container of K-meta solution. Great score!!

[Neviawen]

Good idea about storing stuff I already sanitized in one of the buckets. That will def. make it easier.
I need to pick up some k-meta next time I visit the supply store. All I have is campden tablets left. Does anyone use bleach to sanitize their stuff? I've used that when I ran out of k-meta because I always have it around the house and it does the trick.

[Flem]

Bleach is considered by most to be a No, No. Pick up some potassium metabisulphite and mix 3 tablespoons to a gallon of water for a good sanitizing solution.

[Neviawen]

Originally Posted by Wade E

If you are making any kits you will have to split it into 2 buckets which youll still have to do with most fruit wine batches anyway. The buckets we use are 7.9 gallon and most kits are pretty tight on space with that!

So if I get a 6 gallon kit, do I split the ingredients (yeast, oak, etc.) in half and put half of the juice and ingredients in 1 bucket and 1/2 in another? Or should I buy a separate packet of yeast/ingredients for each bucket? (I don't want to short change either bucket by not getting the measurements right and 1 bucket receiving more than the other.) Have you ever made a batch where the 2 identical buckets of stuff don't taste the same?

[seaguy]

Lowes sells gromets. Look in the drawers where the nuts and bolts are. take an air lock with you so you get a good fit.

[JohnT]

Make a call to a local drywall guy.


Spackle buckets will only cost you a little elbow grease and soap.

[HillbillyTom]

Originally Posted by Wade E

If you are making any kits you will have to split it into 2 buckets which youll still have to do with most fruit wine batches anyway. The buckets we use are 7.9 gallon and most kits are pretty tight on space with that!

Split fruit wine batches? Can you explain this further? I have a 3-gal batch of raspberry going and wasn't aware I would have to do anything but rack into my glass carboy once the primary is over.

[Neviawen]

Originally Posted by HillbillyTom

Split fruit wine batches? Can you explain this further? I have a 3-gal batch of raspberry going and wasn't aware I would have to do anything but rack into my glass carboy once the primary is over.

He was saying that if I made a batch larger than the size buckets that I had that I would have to split the batch in half because it would not fit in one of my buckets.
(Like, if I made a 6 gallon batch of whatever but I only have 5 gallon buckets, I would have to split it between 2 buckets.)

[jswordy]

I will only use food grade buckets. You can get them from 1 to 5 gallons in size at nearly any bakery. I get mine free.

For the bigger size batches, I highly recommend what others here are also using, the Rubbermaid Brute from Home Depot. A 20-gallon size is $20 and a 32-gallon size is $30. I love the 20s - perfect for my needs. Mine are gray, from the store. HD also has the 20 in WHITE onsite, last I looked with free shipping if you have a $45 or more order (not too hard to do if you buy 2 and also 2 packs of 5-gallon paint strainers).

The Brute containers and lids are imprinted as food contact safe. In this matter alone, I am a wine snob! I am fastidious about the type bucket (and carboy) I use. It is one of the benefits of making my own wine that I get to limit my exposure to plastinogens that alcohol leaches out of non-food-grade containers.

I know of many commercial wineries that use non-food grade plastic in their primaries. It ain't for me.

[Levi24]

I spoke with Rubbermaid Commercial this afternoon and even though the Brute containers are food safe, they are not considered wine safe due the acidic nature.