Plastic or glass, what type of fermenter should I use?
For short term beer contact (under 3 weeks) plastic works well, and has the advantage of being easier to handle and clean. Better Bottles, made from non porous PET plastic, are the exception to this rule, and can be used for long (3-6 month) fermentation and storage times. Plastic can be used for both primary and secondary fermentation, as long as the total contact time of the beer with the plastic is three weeks or less. For long term lagering of beer, use a Better Bottle or glass carboy, as glass and PET plastic is completely non porous, and has the advantage of giving you a good look at the fermenting beer. Many brewers compromise by using a plastic primary fermenter (like the William’s Siphonless), and a 5 gallon Better Bottle or glass carboy as a secondary.
