Category Archives: Grain Storage

Homebrew Grain Storage Capacity Rule of Thumb

malt storage capacity

Part of Our Homebrew Tips and Tricks Series.  Check out the complete list – Homebrewing Tips, Tricks & Shortcuts!

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deals on sacks of malt

deals on sacks of malt

Storage Options Resource Post!

Vittles Vault Review!

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Make sure the components you use are compatible and rated for your intended application.  Contact manufacturer with questions about suitability or a specific application.  Always read and follow manufacturer directions. rp:tips#25

Get Food Grade Buckets for Cheap – or FREE

Bucket photo courtesy of MoreBeer – Search MoreBeer for “Bucket”  – For illustrative purposes, I’m not suggesting that you buy this.  Read the tip below.

Why Buckets?

Buckets are super handy around your home brewery and beyond.  Potential Uses: Convert to a Fermenter, Convert to a Mash Tun, Grain Storage, lugging around stuff on brew day, general storage, use to help with cleaning and sanitation.

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Homebrew Storage Options! – Base Grain, Specialty Grain and DME

When it comes to storing grain and DME, we’re concerned about keeping ingredients fresh minimizing oxygen and moisture exposure.  We’re also interest in keeping Grain and DME away from possible pests.  Beyond that convenient access and efficient use of space are issues to consider.  This post also includes some tips and general sizing guidelines.

Buckets for Grain Storage – Pros and Cons

Pictured: Food Grade Buckets via Amazon

Buckets are one of the most basic and popular options out there and for good reason.  They are generally easy to source, well made and cheap.  Food safe options are also easy to find.

Search Food Grade Bucket on Amazon

Grain Storage Capacity Estimations

My rule of thumb for grain storage capacity is about 5 lbs per gallon for unmilled malt storage.  That’s a rough estimate, actual storage capacity will vary.  A 5 gallon bucket holds about 25 lbs Two buckets = a 50 lb bag.  Two 6 gallon buckets would comfortably hold a 55 lb bag.

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Hands On Review: Gamma Seal Lids for Homebrew Grain Storage

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!

Related Review, Review Continues Below:

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