Plastic fermenters - the lightweights
Lightweight and inexpensive. Two arguments that clearly speak for a fermenter made of plastic. This makes them ideal for newcomers to the brewing scene. These lightweights are available from as little as 3 L filling volume
Plastic fermenters are relatively easy to clean, although you should always treat them gently. If you approach the matter with a wire brush and muscular grease, the plastic fermentation vessels are quickly scratched. This provides a wonderful breeding ground for bacteria that you definitely don't want in your beer.
However, plastic fermenters can also become deformed if they repeatedly come into contact with 60 °C hot wort. This is particularly the case with extremely inexpensive products. There are rumors in the brewing scene (and actually always when it comes to plastic) about substances dissolved out of the plastic, which then accumulate in the beer. Therefore, pay attention to the specified temperature resistance
Go for a plastic fermenter if you are:
- are just starting to brew beer.
- have only a small budget.
- need several smaller containers for experiments.
- don't need precise temperature control.
- prefer a light weight fermenter.