Primary Fermenter
Primary Fermenter
The initial container where fruit, juice, or wort undergoes active fermentation during wine, cider, or beer making.
A primary fermenter is the vessel used for the initial, most vigorous phase of fermentation in winemaking, brewing, and cider making. Food-grade 5-gallon HDPE buckets are popular primary fermenters because they have wide mouths for adding fruit, are easy to clean, and are affordable. The primary fermentation stage typically lasts 5-14 days, during which yeast converts sugar to alcohol and CO2. After primary fermentation, the liquid is transferred (racked) to a secondary vessel like a glass carboy. A standard 5-gallon bucket yields approximately 25 bottles of wine.