Buckets are… Good for Grain Storage
Buckets are cheap and efficient containers for storing bulk homebrewing malts. They are generally sturdy and cost effective. Since they stack, they are also space efficient. Search Amazon for “food safe buckets”
How Much Grain Can You Store in a 5 Gallon Bucket?
My general rule of thumb for unmilled malt storage is 5 lbs per gallon. That means a 5 gallon bucket would hold about 25 lbs. Two x buckets would hold a full 50 lb bag of malt. That’s a rough estimate. Actual storage capacities will vary.
The Problem… Lids
I’ll group standard bucket lids into two categories.
- First… relatively easy to install and remove and…. questionable on air-tightness. No o-rings or gaskets. They go on fairly easy and come off relatively easy. Sometimes too easily, I’ve had this style pop off on their own.
- Second… sturdy, airtight lids… that require the power of Thor to remove. These are gasketed and seal well but are tough to remove. They’re so hard to remove, they make tools to do it. If you’re stuck with these lids, those are worth a look. Search Amazon for “bucket lid opener” to see what’s out there.
The Fix… Gamma Seal Lids!
High quality, gasketed lids do exist for 5 gallon buckets. The problem with these lids is… they are usually difficult to remove, sometimes very difficult. The revolutionary thing about Gamma Seal lids is that the ring stays installed on the bucket. That ring is used in conjunction with an easy to remove spin off lid that features airtight seals. Airtight + Easy to Use = Whammo!
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