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Making wine at home is such a fun activity, especially now that we spend most of our time indoors due to the global pandemic. The process is extensive but very informative. You just need to learn the basics and have all the essential wine making equipment, such as a carboy. 

An excellent-quality carboy is required for your final product to turn out great. But finding the right one is more complicated than it seems. Don’t worry because we’ve made it easy for you! Here are the best carboys for wine making.

Our Top Picks 

	Best Seller - North Mountain Supply 1G-38-ST-TB-1 Fermenting Jug  • Comes with three accessories • Not very heavy • Value for money
	Best Capacity - Home Brew Ohio COMINHKPR100932 Glass Carboy • 6.5-gallon capacity • Stable • Very clear
	Best Set - North Mountain Supply B084KXX553 Fermenting Jug • Includes four jugs • Comes with accessories • Durable and flawless glass

1. Beverage Factory KC FP-CB-06 Carboy - Best Splurge

What Customers Have To Say

One Amazon customer recommends using this carboy for wine making with caution and suggests adding a clear grip tape at the bottom and sides when transporting it. It is incredible, strong, and durable. Cleaning is a cinch, and he believes glass may be heavy but superior to any plastic.

Another shopper uses this standard container for brewing 5-gallon batches with the remaining space for the rising yeast. He also reminded potential buyers to be careful and make sure that their hands and the carboy are dry before handling it.

Why We Think It’s Great 

This Kegco carboy can hold about 5 to 6 gallons of your favorite homemade wine, beer, cider, or maple mead. It is approximately 22.5 inches tall and 11.5 inches wide. The glass exterior is not smooth but has lines or ribs to provide a bit of texture and structure.  

It is made of thick glass and weighs 17 pounds, so expect it to be quite heavy. However, using a glass carboy offers many benefits, such as easy cleaning and sanitation, no odor incorporated into your brew, and it doesn’t easily scratch.

The carboy for wine making doesn't have a handle, but it comes with a durable woven nylon carrying strap to transport it anywhere with no hassle. The strap perfectly fits the jar with the crisscrossed bottom supporting the weight and prevent sliding.

Even though it’s made of thick glass, it can still break, especially that it is not immune to high temperatures. But if taken care of properly, you’ll have this carboy as your fermenting partner for years to come.

Who Should Buy It 

If you only want the best fermenting containers for your precious wine and don’t mind spending a lot of money on it, the Kegco FP-CB-06 might be the best carboy for wine making for you.

2. FastRack B014T3LHFA Glass Wine Fermenter

What Customers Have To Say

One customer found this carboy for wine making a bit larger than 1 gallon, but it was okay as it gives a bit of room for measuring errors. The rubber stopper and bubble lock fit snugly and have not moved in the first days of fermentation. The glass is of medium thickness and is built sturdy. 

Another buyer uses this to brew homemade wine. This is small enough to carry when full, and if something goes wrong with the brew, you don’t have 3-6 gallons of wasted contents inside. 

Why We Think It’s Great 

FastRack offers a lot of models for carboys, and this one is a contender. The container is made from sturdy glass and can hold one gallon of wine, perfect for fermenting small batches. It is also designed with a handle by the neck to make it more manageable to carry from place to place. 

The carboy measures 12.4 inches in height and 7.7 inches in width. It is less heavy than other glass carboys, being only 3.2 pounds. Because it is smaller, it is easier to lift when it’s time to clean and sanitize it.

This glass container also comes with a #6 drilled rubber stopper and a twin bubble airlock, essential in fermenting. The former fits snugly in the carboy’s opening, assuring that it will not cause any interruption to the fermentation. Just make sure that it is dry, so it can easily fit. 

Who Should Buy It 

This is the best carboy for wine making to those who often make small batches of brew. Its affordable price is also one reason why it caters to many customers. 

3. Beautyfamily Glass Carboy

What Customers Have To Say

A customer had wine in this carboy, and it has been going well for five weeks. It looks pretty sturdy, and he has picked it up several times from the neck. Overall, it is solid and sturdy. 

A different customer is happy that this was delivered safely and sound, despite other customer reviews. It's well-made and is pretty to look at, too. There's a flat section of glass in the middle perfect for attaching a label or writing in the date or notes.

Why We Think It’s Great

Whether you’re using this carboy for wine, beer, or other types of brew, it is sure to do the job well, and you’ll end up with five gallons of delicious homemade goodness. It looks like a standard glass carboy with textured lines or ribs on the wall.

It stands at 22 inches tall and is about 11 inches wide. Furthermore, it weighs about 12 pounds, so be careful in using and carrying this around, especially when it doesn't come with any accessories. However, it gives you the chance to pick out the rubber stopper and airlock you prefer and a carrying material to make it easier to bring around. 

As mentioned, this is a fermenting container, but you can also use this as a water jug. It may be challenging to invert to be placed in the dispenser, but once it fits nicely, it will deliver thirst-quenching water with no foul odor or taste.

Who Should Buy It 

If you prefer glass carboys to ferment your wine, you can turn to beautyfamily as your carboy of choice.

4. North Mountain Supply 1G-38-ST-3P-2 Fermenting Jug - Best Value

What Customers Have To Say

A customer said that the glass carboys are thick and sturdy. The plugs seat deep and secure, do not leak nor migrate out. The airlocks were in perfect condition and worked well. This set of two carboys for wine making is economically priced and a good value. 

Another shopper recommends drying the inside of the mouth with a paper towel before inserting the stopper so it will fit just right. They are good quality carboys at a very reasonable price.

Why We Think It’s Great 

North Mountain Supply is well-known for its array of products relating to fermenting and bottling, and its carboys are not to be missed. This set includes two 1-gallon glass carboys with handles and accessories. 

The accessories include 6.5 rubber stoppers and 3-piece airlocks for the fermenting process and black plastic lids for storing the wine, beer, kombucha, or other brews. Each carboy is about 14 inches tall, 7 inches wide, and weighs about 6.7 pounds.

This carboy set is a great deal because not only does it include the necessary equipment for fermenting, you get to have two! This is excellent when you’re making different kinds of wine and experimenting with other flavors or fruits. If you think that a recipe needs some tweaking, you won’t be wasting too much content.

Besides fermenting purposes, you can also use these carboys to contain a yeast starter or use one carboy as a vessel for a sanitation solution. 

Who Should Buy It 

If you like making different types of homemade brew in small amounts, this carboy for wine making set can make a difference and be of great help.

5. Home Brew Ohio HOZQ8-1375 Glass Carboy

What Customers Have To Say

An Amazon customer loves this 6-gallon glass carboy because it doesn't take too much time to make batches than using a 5-gallon container. This is heavy-duty and very easy to clean. Besides, some of the best wine making kits are for six gallons.

A different customer appreciates the volume that this carboy can hold. While it may seem thin and fragile, it has been a joy to use. She has had no problems with lifting and placing full carboys when she uses the additional handle to fit this product.

Why We Think It’s Great 

The Home Brew Ohio HOZQ8-1375 carboy is constructed of Italian glass, so you can expect it to be high-quality. Surprisingly, the glass is relatively thin compared to other glass carboys, but it still holds up and has sufficient strength. Because the walls are made thin, it is more manageable to carry, especially when holding six gallons of wine or beer.

For a six-gallon carboy, it weighs 20 pounds and measures 24 inches tall and 12 inches wide. In terms of looks, it has a standard glass carboy appearance with a narrow neck and a ribbed exterior. It is not prone to leaks, making it a fantastic and functional container.

This carboy for wine making doesn't come with a stopper, but it’s still worth knowing that it is compatible with a 6.5 stopper. It can be used for any brew type to cater to various preferences.

Who Should Buy It 

If you frequently make a big batch of your favorite homemade wine, then this best carboy for wine making would come in handy for this purpose.

6. FastRack Glass Carboys

What Customers Have To Say

A customer uses these carboys to make homemade wine one gallon at a time. He brews small batches until he gets the recipe right before making bigger batches that might not turn out too good.

Another shopper bought these carboys to bottle her homemade wine. The glass is thick, and the caps seal tightly. She had no problems with broken bottles as they came in a box with cardboard separators, and they were wrapped in thin foam.

Why We Think It’s Great 

The FastRack Water Bottle set gives you four pieces of 1-gallon carboys and a 38mm polyseal cap. Each carboy is about 14 inches tall,12 inches wide, and weighs 3 pounds. A #6 stopper would be needed to use for making wine. 

The glass is of good quality, and it’s thick and heavier for its size, considering it can only hold a gallon. Although the product doesn’t break easily, it can’t withstand hot water. So remember to use warm water, not hot water, if you want to sanitize it.

Speaking of sanitation, since the carboy is tall and designed to have a small opening, cleaning it will be challenging. Ensure you have cleaning tools that are slim enough to fit inside and long enough to reach the bottom.

Furthermore, these carboys have a built-in hand feature, which is helpful and will make it easier for you to carry them around. The cap seals tightly too!

Who Should Buy It 

If you’re a beginner at brewing and want to try out some new things, you should get this carboy set. It’s best to start small when you’re just starting to learn if things don’t go as expected.

7. Never Pay Retail Again Inc. Glass Carboys

What Customers Have To Say

A customer is pleased with her purchase and is looking forward to a good glass of wine.

The bottles were of good quality and perfect for wine making. They arrived on time and in good condition.

Another shopper is also delighted because the carboy set was shipped very fast. She finds them light yet heavy-duty but wishes that they came with caps.

Why We Think It’s Great

This product is a bit on the pricey side, but it does include four good-quality 5-gallon carboys. Each carboy stands about 24 inches tall, 14 inches wide, and weighs about 17 pounds. It is pretty heavy, and using a carboy carrier is suggested to move a full one. 

The glass is made from high-standard materials that are thick and sturdy. Even better, it doesn’t scratch and break easily, making it last for years! They are perfect to use for wine making as they are airtight, and you can seal them with a standard 6.5 rubber stopper. The carboys don’t hold any off-odor too. 

Cleaning it won’t be much of a trouble, so make sure to maintain them well. Not to mention, each carboy is lead-free, making it both safe and functional! This product is everything a carboy should be.

Who Should Buy It 

Since this set includes four carboys, it would be great for people planning to make wine in bulk. It’ll save you money rather than buying four carboys separately.

8. North Mountain Supply 1G-38-2LD-1 Fermenting Jug

What Customers Have To Say

An Amazon shopper needed more 1-gallon jugs, and this did the job at a good value. He likes that it comes with both metal and plastic/silicone caps. Another customer said these are great for keeping fresh-pressed cider in the fridge.

Why We Think It’s Great 

Whether you use the North Mountain Supply 1G-38-2LD-1 Fermenting Jug for wine making or any purpose, it does an excellent job. A handle is present at the neck for easy handling, and it includes two kinds of lids - black polyseal and black metal.

The height is about 12 inches, the width is 7 inches, and it only weighs a pound. This product is safe and heavy-duty, and the glass is perfectly thick and transparent. You can also use this size for storing liquids.

This carboy is perfect for fermenting and brewing an ample amount of beer, kombucha, or wine. It’s easy to carry, store, and clean. Because of its shape, you can also use this as a container for coins, flowers, water, and other beverages. If it’s what you’re looking for, you need to get a hold of this jug!

Who Should Buy It 

It’s the perfect carboy if you’re looking for something small to use for winemaking or storing other things aside from drinks.

9. FastRack Vintage Shop PET Carboy - Most Lightweight

What Customers Have To Say

One Amazon patron needed a 2-3 gallon fermenter to make the best mead and smaller batch beers. This carboy looks and feels impressive with its solid construction. Its interior has no crevices and is completely smooth, and it even looks like glass without the extra weight. 

Another customer bought this plastic carboy for brewing because he did not want the danger associated with glass ones. This is a beautiful carboy because it looks like glass, and it's not until you pick it up that you realize it's actually PET. It also arrived in perfect condition. 

Why We Think It’s Great 

At first glance, this carboy looks a bit similar to the water containers used for water dispensers. Aside from looks, it is also identical in terms of material because this carboy is made of type 1 PET plastic that is BPA-free.

The plastic is relatively solid and thick and does not react to ethanol, unlike most water jugs. Its material also allows it to be more resistant to oxygen than other plastics, so you don’t have to worry about anything during the fermentation period. This is suitable for a #10 rubber stopper. 

This product comes from Canada. It weighs about 1 pound and measures 16.5 inches tall and 9.5 inches wide. Three gallons is a good amount if you’re just starting in your fermenting journey, and you can achieve success with this excellent plastic carboy. Be sure to clean it after every use so it will last longer.

Who Should Buy It 

This carboy is for fermenters who are more comfortable using plastic containers. It is also suitable for making small batches of brew.

10. Home Brew Ohio COMINHKPR100932 Glass Carboy - Best Capacity

Pros	Cons
6.5-gallon capacity Stable Very clear Well-made	Must be handled with extreme care

What Customers Have To Say

One customer highly recommends this product to anyone looking for a larger carboy. It was effortless to sanitize for immediate use and came in a very well-cushioned packaging. It held up well to some manhandling and is an excellent addition for any large-scale brews. 

Another shopper was impressed with this carboy’s quality. It is a beautiful and sturdy fermenting jug and has the exact size she was looking for.

Why We Think It’s Great 

If you think that six gallons are a large size for a carboy, how would you feel when it’s added with an extra half gallon? This Home Brew Ohio carboy can hold a whopping 6.5 gallons of any kind of brew! It is made of glass from Italy and is suitable for primary fermentation. 

Because it is larger than most glass carboys, it measures about 24.5 inches in height and 4 inches in width. Surprisingly, it weighs less than some five-gallon glass carboys, at only 18.56 pounds. You can use a #7 stopper or a universal carboy bung with this. 

Being made of glass, you can clearly see the fermentation take place inside this carboy. It also doesn’t impart any flavors to your wine or beer. The exterior doesn’t have ribbed construction, and the bottom is slightly concave to provide sufficient stability. 

Who Should Buy It 

If you mean business in your fermenting, then this is the best carboy for wine making to make a huge batch. This is ideal for long-time brewers since they are already sure of their recipe and process, so there's little to no room for error. 

11. North Mountain Supply B084KXX553 Fermenting Jug - Best Set

What Customers Have To Say

An Amazon shopper uses this carboy set to make wine. The quality of these vessels exceeded his expectations, and he doesn’t have any problems with them while brewing wine for four months and counting.

Another customer also uses these carboys for a few batches of brew with no issues. He currently has six in use and is planning to buy more. He suggests drying the inside of the mouth and the outside of the bung so that it doesn't slip out from the pressure of the carbon dioxide that builds up from the yeast.

Why We Think It’s Great 

This North Mountain Supply product is a package of four jugs with corresponding accessories, including #6.5 rubber stoppers, twin bubble airlocks, and black plastic lids. All of these come at an excellent price, making it one of the best sellers. 

The fermenting jug displays a handle at the neck, which is helpful in transferring it. It's made perfectly for small batches of wine, and it's great for first tries. The glass is thick, heavy, and durable. It'll be with you for years, just don't drop it!

The carboy is about 14 inches tall, 12 inches wide, and approximately 13 pounds heavy. Everything about this product is excellent, and you will save money from the tools it comes with. The only downside is the stoppers, as they have a hard time staying put, but you may improvise with rubber bands. Nevertheless, this product is a steal.

Who Should Buy It 

This is an excellent carboy set if you are a first-timer and want to start making wine in small batches. It is also perfect for those planning to make different types of wine and buy equipment in bulk.

12. FastRack MN-TF9E-S1RA Glass Carboy

What Customers Have To Say

A customer bought 14 of these for storing water, and the difference in taste is amazing. She no longer worries about plastic contaminants leaking into her drinking water. Overall, it was a great buying experience.

Another shopper said this carboy is the perfect size for homebrews such as apple cider vinegar, ginger beers, etc. She loves the thumb handle as well as the shape. It also looks good sitting on a counter.

Why We Think It’s Great 

This 1-gallon glass carboy is perfect for making small batches of wine or an additional vessel using the best mead making kit. It comes with a BPA-free, 38-millimeter white screw cap that can also act as a storage for juices or water when you’re not fermenting in them. 

Like most small carboys, this weighs 3.2 pounds and measures 12.2 inches in height and about 7 inches in width. It also has a handle that assists you in carrying and cleaning it. The glass is relatively thick, so you don't have to worry about leaks. 

With its standard design, there is an array of unconventional uses for this carboy beyond the craft of wine making. It can store yeast starters using the best wine yeasts, bleach, coin, and even plants. Nevertheless, this carboy is best used for fermenting. 

Who Should Buy It 

If you are looking for a carboy with an included cap, look no further because you have found the best carboy for wine making. 

13. E.C. Kraus Glass Carboy - Best Stability

What Customers Have To Say

One shopper bought two of these carboys, and they both came perfectly intact and shipped very quickly. They seem to be robust but don't weigh a ton. Cleaning them was also easy as they fit in the kitchen sink, unlike other brands. 

Another customer remarked that this carboy is excellent, thick, and has solid quality. The size is suitable for splitting a 6-gallon batch for spicing, oaking, etc.

Why We Think It’s Great 

Just like many big glass carboys, this one also follows the rib construction on the side walls. This fermenting container can occupy three gallons of wine or beer. It is made of lead-free glass from Italy that is thick with enough heft. 

It measures 18 inches in height, 12 inches in width, and weighs around 13 pounds. Its sharp shoulder extends to a narrow neck that provides little to no space for air to contact the wine. It also boasts excellent clarity and thus gives you visuals on the processes inside as they occur.  

You can use this carboy for secondary fermentation or long-term and bulk storing or aging. Because of its shape, you can also use this as a water container for your dispenser. Be sure to exercise extra caution in lifting as it can get quite heavy when filled up to the top. 

You only need to purchase a rubber stopper with an airlock or a tapered cork to seal the carboy up. In terms of cleaning, you can use hot water since it can take some heat. 

Who Should Buy It 

If you often make huge batches of wine to add different flavors, this is the best carboy for wine making to store each one with a specific taste.

14. FastRack FBA_2611731 Plastic Carboy - Easiest to Clean

What Customers Have To Say

An Amazon customer uses this carboy for wine making and hopes it will hold up for years. This plastic jug is so much easier to handle than the glass demijohns that he has. It is nice and light, and he is not so freaked out about handling and cleaning it because it is less likely to break.

A different customer said this is a terrific deal for the price she paid. She uses this carboy to make a batch of mead brewing, and it is straightforward to clean.

Why We Think It’s Great 

Like most plastic carboys, this one is also made of PET plastic tested to meet or surpass FDA standards. This proves that this product is safe to use, whether for primary or secondary fermentation.

This container can hold five gallons of liquid. Moreover, it is 19 inches tall, 8 inches wide, and weighs about 2.55 pounds. Because it has no extra weight that most glass carboys usually have, it is much easier to carry around and maintain.

Plastic is also non-porous, so you don’t have to worry about your brew picking up unpleasant tastes or odors. In terms of physical attributes, this carboy is built with no crevices, providing a smooth exterior. It is also spotless, so you can always see what’s going on in your brew. 

You can use a #10 stopper for this carboy, specifically those that don’t need an airlock and are made of silicone. Because it has a much wider mouth than glass jugs, it is easier to clean and more convenient to put additional ingredients into the brew. 

Who Should Buy It 

If you make large batches of homemade brew but don’t want to carry extra weight from the carboy’s material, this is the best carboy for wine making for you.

15. North Mountain Supply - 1G-38-ST-TB-1 Fermenting Jug - Best Seller

What Customers Have To Say

One customer uses this fermenting jug with the bubble airlock to make 1-gallon mead. The vessel is sturdy, and the bubbler fits nicely in the neck of the container. She washes the carboy using the dishwasher and the airlock by hand.

A separate buyer wanted storage for water or homebrew. This carboy offers not only that but an excellent carrying grip and lid that does not permeate with the smell of anything he puts in it. He liked this set so much that he purchased five of them.

Why We Think It’s Great 

Fermenting is easier when you have all the tools you need. It’s even better when you can get most of the equipment in one set at a meager price. This carboy is suitable for fermenting a gallon of all types of brew and storing juices and other beverages. 

Despite being made from glass, it is still manageable as it only weighs 3.92 pounds and measures about 12 inches tall and 7 inches wide. The glass has a smooth surface and a flat bottom for stability. There is also a handle for easier lifting and carrying.

The carboy’s mouth is suitable with a polyseal cap, which also comes with the set. Other accessories include a #6.5 rubber stopper and a twin bubble airlock. Together with the carboy, they work well to ensure limited oxidation while allowing carbon dioxide to escape. With this, whatever you’re making will come to a success. 

To use the rubber stopper the way it should be, ensure that the inner surface of the bottle’s neck is dry so it wouldn’t give in to pressure produced by the fermentation process and slide. 

Who Should Buy It 

This is the best carboy for wine making if you are new to the craft and experimenting with flavors. If it doesn’t work out the first time, at least you’re not wasting a lot of brews. 

16. FastRack PET Plastic Carboy

What Customers Have To Say

One shopper switched from glass to plastic carboys because he is more comfortable with the latter. The smooth sides are huge for viewing. He has made wine in plastic carboys for 18 years and never had a discrepancy in the outcome. 

A different customer also has several of these carboys. The smooth sides make it easier to use a plastic siphon hose in the carboy because the lip doesn’t catch the plastic hose when inserting it to the bottom.

Why We Think It’s Great 

This carboy is made for fermenting as much as six gallons of wine or beer. It is made from BPA-free and high-quality PET plastic, making it much lighter than its glass counterparts. Despite being made from plastic, it doesn't affect the brew’s taste and smell. It is also resistant to stains, so that you can use this repeatedly. 

The carboy has a smooth exterior, and because it has no ribbed wall, no particles or dust will accumulate outside as the fermentation process occurs. Also, no yeast or sediment will get stuck inside.

It measures 20 inches tall, 12 inches wide, and only weighs 2.4 pounds. Because it is significantly lighter, cleaning it is a breeze. Just make sure to use water not hotter than 127ºF, or it will warp. 

It may be light when empty, but this carboy gets extremely heavy when it’s full, so it is recommended to lift it by securing the bottom with one hand and grabbing the neck with the other. You can use this carboy for secondary fermentation or aging wine. 

Who Should Buy It 

If you don’t like carrying heavy containers all day, then switch to plastic! You can start with this FastRack plastic carboy for your fermentation. 

17. North Mountain Supply NMS 38 Glass Jug - Best for First-Time Brewers

What Customers Have To Say

One shopper bought this carboy for making wine and meads. The glass is thick and sturdy, while the airlock on top works great without any leaks. She suggests not to stick any fruit or flowers in the carboy if making fruit wines as it can be a little challenging to clean but not impossible.

Another customer just started to make homemade wine and needed a gallon container and release device to allow the wine to ferment. This carboy is very well made and ideal for the wine-making process, at least for a small batch. The packaging was also solid. 

Why We Think It’s Great 

With the North Mountain Supply NMS 38, you will get a glass carboy with a #6 drilled rubber stopper and a 3-piece airlock at a fair price. Aside from wine, you can also use this excellent carboy set for brewing beer, kombucha, spiced mead, and other beverages you like. 

The carboy is built with a handle by the neck to make transporting it convenient. It measures 12 inches in height, 7 inches in width, and weighs 4.23 pounds. The exterior has a smooth finish, and the bottom is even for stability. The mouth also has groves that can easily fit a 38-millimeter screw cap. 

The rubber topper is designed to fit snugly in the carboy's mouth to ensure that there’s no space for air to come through. Meanwhile, the airlock provides passage for the carbon dioxide to escape while ensuring that oxygen will not get in. The two accessories work together to make a successful batch of wine. 

Who Should Buy It 

If you want to make a quick batch of your favorite wine, mead, or other brews, you can buy a carboy set like this one so you can save money and time. 

18. Intelligent Design HOZQ8-1293 Glass Water Jug

What Customers Have To Say

An Amazon customer said the glass material is very sturdy, making them feel confident about how well-built these containers are. Another shopper said that the glass is thick and has good quality. However, it can get difficult to carry when it’s full, especially when it’s wet since it has no handle.

Why We Think It’s Great

The Intelligent Design HOZQ8-1293 Glass Water Jug is made of sturdy Italian glass that is lead-free, ensuring your safety while using this product. It is 19.5 inches tall, weighs 11.65 pounds, and holds up to 5 gallons of liquid inside.

The transparent look is complemented with a simple but elegant shape. Whether you're looking for a stylish addition to your kitchen countertop or want a practical carboy for your winemaking endeavor, this glass water jug is sure to please.

Who Should Buy It

This will make the ideal carboy if you’re brewing any type of drink. It also makes an excellent item for DIY ideas that require a glass container.

Best Carboys for Wine Making Buying Guide

Here are several factors that you need to consider before buying the best carboy for wine making.

• Material

Carboys come in glass or plastic, but which is better? Glass carboys outnumber plastic carboys with good reasons when it comes to fermenting. But plastic carboys also have their advantages, and you just need to contemplate which suits your needs.

Plastic carboys are much more affordable than glass. They’re also lightweight and won’t break if you drop them. However, plastic carboys won’t last as long as glass, and sanitizing them properly takes extra caution as they are prone to scratches. 

On the other hand, you can easily use glass carboys for years when you properly care for them. It’s safer and not prone to scratches, but these carboys may break if you drop or bump them into a hard object. Plus, they’re sensitive to heat. Carboys with thicker glass will be much heavier and more expensive.

• Size

How big your carboy is should depend on how much wine you’re going to make, so make sure you pick the one with an extra headspace. The available sizes are 1-gallon, 3-gallon, 5-gallon, and 6-gallon. 

• Opening

Some carboys have a 1-inch diameter opening, but others can extend up to 3 inches. While some may think narrow openings are better to limit the wine’s exposure to oxygen, some prefer bigger slots for hassle-free cleaning and adding ingredients. 

• Weight

A carboy’s weight depends on its size and material. Knowing bigger carboys equal to heavier weight is a no-brainer, but the glass’s thickness can also contribute to the weight. 

Thicker glass makes the carboy sturdier, and some people prefer it this way because it makes them feel like their wine is safer. However, some may find this bothersome as they would need a carrier to move it.

• Extra tools

You can go for carboy brands that come with accessories such as lids, harness, airlock, or cleaning tools to save you some cash.

Best Carboys for Wine Making FAQ

1. How long can you keep the wine in a carboy?

In making wine, you need to do primary and secondary fermentation. The primary fermentation lasts for three days to a week. 

The process is much faster than secondary fermentation because the wine must offer more fertile conditions for the yeast. On the other hand, secondary fermentation usually takes one week to two weeks and depends on the nutrients and sugar left. 

2. Is a carboy better than buckets?

Out of all the options, homebrewers use carboys often. Carboys are favored more because they are transparent. This way, you can easily monitor what is happening during the fermentation. 

With buckets, you’ll need to open the lid to see what’s happening inside, which can ruin the fermentation process.

3. How full should your carboy be?

The amount of wine you ferment inside your carboy is essential. If you fill up the carboy with too much or too little content, it won’t result in a tasty wine. Proper spacing is crucial and shouldn’t be taken lightly, so you should learn about the appropriate headspace, especially if it’s your first time.

The suggested headspace is approximately 2-3 inches from the bottom of the stopper to the top surface of the wine. Adding more gaps than what is recommended will cause the wine to oxidize quicker.

4. How much headspace should you leave in your carboy?

During the second fermentation period, your carboy will be left with about 1.25 quarts of headspace in volume, which is entirely okay. At that point, the wine will carry on fermenting and outgassing CO2, preventing oxygen. 

The next step is for you to fine, stir, add all the necessary ingredients, and let it rest for about two weeks. This process will gradually fill the rest of the headspace with the final carbon dioxide. If you intend to keep the wine clear longer than the recommended time, you need to top up and fill the headspace to avoid oxidation. 

The airlock isn’t enough to prevent oxygen as it can still pass through the seal and transfer to the wine. Topping up to the headspace is your only choice, and doing this would eliminate the extra surface area.

5. How can you tell when fermentation is over?

You can tell when the fermentation process is finished by using a hydrometer. You start by taking two different gravity readings from two other times about a week apart and compare the two. 

After that, you need to correct the readings and calculate the temperature. If you get two separate readings and there aren’t any changes in the gravity, that’s when you know it’s over.

Conclusion

Using the best carboy for wine making is vital. Investing in it is a smart move if you hope to bring your time, effort, and final product to success. The North Mountain Supply - 1G-38-ST-TB-1 Fermenting Jug is an excellent choice to start. Most customers recommend it for its quality, included accessories and value.  

Meanwhile, the Home Brew Ohio COMINHKPR100932 Glass Carboy is an excellent choice if you intend to make a big batch of wine and you want a robust vessel to contain it. Finally, the North Mountain Supply B084KXX553 Fermenting Jug offers four high-quality carboys, along with the necessary accessories. If you want a convenient package, this is the one to get. 

Which carboy are you planning to buy? Can you recommend other brands that are not on the list? Let us know in the comments. 

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