Top Carboys
Whether you’re making beer, wine, cider, or mead, if you’re an avid home brewer, you know that a great carboy is a key piece of the fermentation process. Carboys can be made from glass or plastic, and they can come in a range of capacities, with different mouth sizes. To help you find the right carboy for your home brewing obsession, we’ve rounded up four popular options. Read on for our take.
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Best Plastic
Vintage Shop Carboy6 6 Gallon Plastic Carboy
Less Heft
This carboy is made from PET food-grade plastic and promises to be BPA-free, making it a great option for those who want something lighter than glass.
What We Liked
This 6-gallon carboy is designed to be free from taste and odors, so your creations aren’t affected. It is meant to be safe to reuse if sanitized properly, Just be aware that it shouldn’t be cleaned with water hotter than 127 degrees Fahrenheit. Get it here.
Largest
Northern Brewer – Big Mouth Bubbler PET Plastic Carboy Fermenter
Reach Inside
This plastic carboy offers an impressive capacity of 6.5 gallons and features a wide mouth to make cleaning a breeze.
What We Liked
For clear measuring, this carboy features volume markers molded into its side. Plus, it uses three-inch thick anti-flex ribs that are designed to give it plenty of durability. Buy it now.
Best Glass
Beverage Factory KC FP-CB-06 Carboy
Lasting Material
This 6-gallon carboy is made from glass, so it is designed to be a sturdy option that doesn’t scratch easily and can provide years of use, if handled properly.
What We Liked
This glass carboy weighs a mighty 17-pounds, measuring 22 inches high and 10.5 inches wide. While glass has its benefits, it’s important to treat these carboys with care since glass can shatter when it’s exposed to sudden temperature changes. Buy it here.
Most Portable
Kegco SD-6076J Carboy
Creative Features
This plastic carboy comes with straps that fit around the jar and cross under the bottom, making it easier to move around.
What We Liked
This carboy comes in a 5.5-gallon size, so it is among the smaller options here. It comes with an adjustable dial on the lid, so you can keep track of the date you began fermentation without adding extra notes or markings to the jar. Get it now.