Embarking on the journey of homebrewing is a rewarding adventure, but equipping yourself with the right gear is crucial for success. Among the essential tools, the bottles you choose play a surprisingly significant role in preserving the quality and carbonation of your meticulously crafted brew. While premium equipment can easily inflate your budget, finding high-quality, reliable bottles doesn’t have to break the bank. This guide is dedicated to helping you discover the absolute best beer brewing bottles under $20, ensuring you can bottle your creations with confidence and affordability.
Navigating the vast selection of brewing bottles can be overwhelming, with various materials, sizes, and closure types vying for your attention. To simplify your search, we’ve compiled a comprehensive review of the top contenders in the under-$20 category. Whether you’re a seasoned brewer looking for cost-effective replacements or a beginner just starting out, this buying guide will equip you with the knowledge to make informed decisions. Get ready to identify the perfect vessels to showcase your hard work and enjoy delicious, home-brewed beer without overspending.
Before we get to our review of the best beer brewing bottles under $20, let’s browse through some relevant products on Amazon:
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Affordable & Effective: Your Guide to Beer Brewing Bottles Under $20
When embarking on the rewarding journey of homebrewing, having the right equipment is crucial, and that includes your bottles. Fortunately, you don’t need to break the bank to find excellent options for storing and carbonating your delicious creations. This section delves into the world of beer brewing bottles that offer fantastic value and performance, all while staying comfortably under the $20 mark. We’ll explore the types of bottles that fit this budget and what makes them ideal for novice and experienced brewers alike.
For many homebrewers, particularly those just starting out or working with smaller batch sizes, glass bottles are the go-to choice. The most common and budget-friendly option you’ll find under $20 are swing-top bottles, also known as flip-top or Grolsch-style bottles. These come with an integrated wire bail and ceramic or glass stopper, making them incredibly easy to seal and reuse. They are readily available in various sizes, often in packs of six or twelve, allowing you to stock up without a significant investment.
Another highly accessible and affordable option are standard crown-cap bottles. While they require a separate bottle capper and caps, the bottles themselves are very inexpensive. You can often find cases of clear or amber glass bottles for well under your $20 budget. Amber glass is particularly beneficial as it helps protect your beer from light, which can cause skunking. These are the traditional choice for commercial breweries and offer a classic aesthetic for your homebrewed beverages.
Ultimately, the “best beer brewing bottles under $20” are those that are clean, sturdy, and seal effectively, ensuring proper carbonation and preventing oxidation. Whether you opt for the convenience of swing-tops or the classic charm of crown-cap bottles, you can achieve excellent results and enjoy your homebrewed beer without overspending on packaging. Focus on the quality of the bottle’s seal and its durability for multiple uses.
Best Beer Brewing Bottles Under $20 – Reviews
Northern Brewer 6.5 Gallon PET Carboy with Drilled Stopper (Serial #NB65PET)
This Northern Brewer PET carboy is a fantastic option for homebrewers on a budget, offering excellent value for under $20. Its 6.5-gallon capacity is perfect for most standard batch sizes, and the PET material is lightweight, shatter-resistant, and easy to clean, making it a great choice for those worried about glass carboys. The included drilled stopper is a convenient addition, allowing for easy insertion of an airlock to maintain a proper seal during fermentation.
The transparency of the PET allows for easy monitoring of fermentation activity, so you can watch your beer bubble away without having to disturb the vessel. While it might not have the same aesthetic appeal as glass, for its price point, this carboy delivers reliable performance and durability that will serve many batches of homebrew. It’s an ideal starter carboy or a solid addition to an existing setup for brewers looking for a cost-effective secondary fermentation vessel.
Oslo Beer Bottle Capper with 20 Caps (Serial #OSLOCAP20)
For those looking to bottle their homebrew, the Oslo Beer Bottle Capper offers a budget-friendly yet effective solution. This capper comes bundled with 20 bottle caps, providing everything you need to start sealing your creations right away. It’s designed for ease of use, requiring minimal effort to crimp caps onto standard beer bottles, ensuring a tight seal to preserve carbonation and flavor.
While not as heavy-duty as some professional-grade cappers, the Oslo capper is more than capable for the average homebrewer. Its compact size makes it easy to store, and the simple lever action makes the bottling process less of a chore. For under $20, this kit is an excellent entry point into bottle conditioning, allowing you to enjoy your finished brews in their final, carbonated form without breaking the bank.
Fermentis Safale US-05 Dry Yeast (Serial #SFUS05)
While technically not a bottle, this ubiquitous yeast is essential for brewing and can be found for well under $20, making it a critical component of any affordable brewing setup. Safale US-05 is a workhorse ale yeast, known for its clean fermentation profile, reliable performance, and versatility across a wide range of beer styles. It’s a favorite among homebrewers for its consistent results, producing beers with a balanced malt and hop character.
This dry yeast is incredibly easy to use, requiring no starter preparation if handled correctly, which is a huge plus for beginners or those on a tight schedule. A single packet is typically sufficient for a 5-gallon batch. For the price, the quality and consistency you get with Safale US-05 are unmatched, making it an indispensable ingredient for anyone brewing at home who wants delicious, well-fermented beer without a hefty price tag.
Brewer’s Best 5 Gallon Plastic Bucket Fermenter (Serial #BB5GBUCKET)
The Brewer’s Best 5-gallon plastic bucket fermenter is another stellar value option for homebrewers looking to keep costs down. Made from food-grade plastic, these buckets are durable, lightweight, and incredibly easy to clean and sanitize, which are crucial aspects for successful fermentation. The 5-gallon size is standard for many beginner brewing kits and recipes, making it a practical choice for most homebrewers.
While it lacks the visual appeal of a glass carboy, its functionality is undeniable. It’s an excellent vessel for primary fermentation, and many brewers also use them for secondary fermentation or even as brining vessels. For under $20, you get a reliable, reusable fermenter that will handle countless batches of beer. It’s a foundational piece of equipment that offers fantastic bang for your buck.
Homebrew Stuff 3-Piece Plastic Airlock (Serial #HS3PAIR)
An airlock is a critical piece of equipment for any brewer, and the Homebrew Stuff 3-Piece Plastic Airlock provides essential functionality at a rock-bottom price. This simple yet effective device allows carbon dioxide to escape during fermentation while preventing oxygen and contaminants from entering the fermenter. Its three-piece design makes it easy to disassemble for thorough cleaning and sanitation, ensuring a hygienic fermentation environment.
For less than $10, you can get a pack of these, making them an incredibly economical way to ensure proper fermentation. They fit into most standard stoppers and grommets, making them universally compatible with most fermenters. The clarity of the plastic allows you to easily see the bubbling activity, providing visual confirmation that fermentation is underway, all without adding significant cost to your brewing endeavors.
The Budget Brewer’s Secret Weapon: Why You Need Beer Brewing Bottles Under $20
For the burgeoning homebrewer, the journey from grain to glass is an exciting one, often navigated with a keen eye on the budget. While specialized equipment can quickly inflate costs, a foundational element of the brewing process, specifically the vessels used for fermentation and conditioning, can be acquired without breaking the bank. This is where the humble yet crucial beer brewing bottle under $20 emerges as an indispensable tool, offering both practicality and affordability for those looking to get started or expand their brewing endeavors.
The primary reason for seeking out cost-effective bottles lies in the sheer volume required for a typical homebrew batch. Brewing even a single five-gallon batch necessitates a considerable number of individual containers for carbonation and storage. Investing in expensive, designer bottles for every single serving would quickly become financially prohibitive for most aspiring brewers. Therefore, the availability of reliable and functional bottles within a modest price range allows individuals to scale their brewing operations without facing overwhelming upfront costs, making the hobby more accessible.
Furthermore, many of the best beer brewing bottles under $20 are designed with durability and reusability in mind. Often made from sturdy glass or high-quality plastic, these bottles can withstand the pressures of carbonation and the rigors of repeated cleaning and sanitization. This inherent reusability directly contributes to cost savings over time, as brewers don’t need to constantly purchase new packaging. It transforms the initial investment into a sustainable resource, promoting a more eco-conscious and economical approach to homebrewing.
Ultimately, the need for beer brewing bottles under $20 boils down to the democratization of brewing. These affordable yet effective containers empower individuals to experiment, refine their techniques, and share their creations with friends and family without the barrier of exorbitant supply costs. They represent a smart, practical, and economical choice for anyone passionate about crafting their own beer, ensuring that the joy of homebrewing remains within reach for a wider audience.
Types of Beer Brewing Bottles
When it comes to bottling your homebrew, the type of bottle you choose can significantly impact the final product and the brewing experience. For those on a budget, under $20 opens up a variety of excellent options. The most common are glass bottles, particularly those designed for carbonation, like flip-top bottles or standard crown-cap bottles. Amber glass is often preferred as it helps protect your beer from light, which can cause “skunking” or undesirable flavor changes. Plastic PET bottles are another budget-friendly alternative, though they are generally best suited for short-term storage or for certain styles of beer where oxygen ingress is less of a concern.
For brewers looking for ease of use and reusability, flip-top (or swing-top) bottles are a fantastic choice. These bottles come with their own built-in seals, eliminating the need for bottle caps and a capper. They offer a vintage aesthetic and are very convenient for sampling or for those who frequently bottle and un-bottle. Standard crown-cap bottles are the classic choice for many beer styles and are readily available. They require a bottle capper and crown caps, which are also quite inexpensive, making them a cost-effective long-term solution.
When selecting bottles under $20, consider the quantity you need and the style of beer you’re brewing. For a standard 5-gallon batch, you’ll typically need around 50-60 standard 12oz bottles. Many budget-friendly options come in bulk packs, which can further reduce the per-bottle cost. If you’re brewing a highly carbonated beer, ensure the bottles you choose are specifically designed for pressure and are made of thick glass to prevent explosions.
Essential Accessories for Bottling
Beyond the bottles themselves, a few essential accessories will make your bottling process smooth and successful, all while keeping your total cost under $20 for the bottles and accompanying gear. The most crucial of these is a bottle brush. Without a good bottle brush, thoroughly cleaning and sanitizing your reusable bottles becomes a near-impossible task, leading to potential contamination and off-flavors in your beer. Invest in a long, flexible brush that can reach all parts of the bottle’s interior.
Another vital accessory is a bottle capper, if you opt for crown-cap bottles. There are two main types: the bench capper, which is more stable but takes up more space, and the hand capper, which is portable and typically more affordable. For a budget under $20 for bottles, a simple hand capper is usually the most economical choice and perfectly adequate for homebrewing needs. Alongside the capper, you’ll need crown caps themselves, which are very inexpensive and come in bulk packs.
Sanitizer is, of course, paramount. While not a direct bottling accessory, it’s an essential part of the bottling process. Ensure you have a reliable no-rinse sanitizer on hand, such as Star San or Iodophor. Properly sanitizing both your bottles and all equipment that will come into contact with the beer is the single most important step in preventing spoilage and ensuring a clean, enjoyable final product. Even on a tight budget, never compromise on sanitation.
Maintaining and Reusing Your Bottles
The beauty of choosing budget-friendly bottles under $20 is their inherent reusability, which significantly reduces the long-term cost of brewing. Proper care and maintenance are key to ensuring these bottles can be used for many batches to come without compromising quality or safety. The first step after emptying each bottle is to rinse it thoroughly with cold water. This helps to remove most of the yeast sediment and any residual sugars, preventing them from drying and becoming difficult to clean later.
The most critical aspect of reusing bottles is diligent cleaning and sanitization. After rinsing, use a bottle brush with a mild detergent or a dedicated bottle cleaning solution to scrub the interior of each bottle. Pay close attention to the neck and shoulders of the bottle where yeast and hop debris can accumulate. Once clean, the bottles must be thoroughly sanitized before being filled with your freshly brewed beer. A no-rinse sanitizer is highly recommended for this purpose, ensuring that no residual cleaning agents are left behind to affect the beer’s flavor.
When storing your clean and sanitized bottles, it’s best to keep them upright with the caps loosely placed on top (if using crown caps) or the flip-tops slightly ajar. This allows for air circulation and prevents moisture from being trapped inside, which could lead to mold growth. Always inspect your bottles for any cracks, chips, or significant scratches before filling. Damaged bottles are a safety hazard and should be discarded immediately to prevent potential breakage during carbonation or handling.
Your Ultimate Guide to the Best Beer Brewing Bottles Under $20
Embarking on your homebrewing journey doesn’t require breaking the bank, especially when it comes to bottling your liquid gold. For many homebrewers, particularly those just starting out or on a tight budget, finding reliable and affordable bottles is a crucial step. The market offers a surprisingly diverse range of options that can keep your beer carbonated, protected, and looking great, all while staying comfortably under the $20 mark. This guide will equip you with the knowledge to navigate these choices and select the ideal vessels for your next batch of homebrew.
Durability and Material
When selecting beer brewing bottles under $20, durability is paramount. You need bottles that can withstand the pressure of carbonation without shattering or leaking, and that can be reused for multiple batches. Glass bottles are the most common and for good reason. They are non-reactive, meaning they won’t impart any unwanted flavors to your beer, and they create an excellent barrier against oxygen, which is crucial for preserving beer quality. Look for bottles made from thick, sturdy glass that feels substantial in your hand. Avoid bottles with visible imperfections like bubbles, chips, or thin spots, as these could be weak points.
The type of glass also matters. Amber or brown glass is generally preferred for brewing as it filters out UV light, which can cause “lightstruck” or “skunky” flavors in beer. While green or clear glass bottles are often cheaper, they offer less protection from light. For the best beer brewing bottles under $20, prioritize those made from recycled glass as it’s often stronger and more environmentally friendly. Ensure the bottle necks are consistently sized to accommodate standard crown caps and that the rims are smooth to create a good seal.
Cap Type and Seal Integrity
The cap is arguably one of the most critical components for successful bottle conditioning. A poor seal can lead to flat beer or oxidation, ruining your hard work. For bottles under $20, you’ll primarily encounter two types of capping systems: crown caps and swing-top (or bail-top) caps. Crown caps are the most traditional and require a bottle capper and new caps for each bottling session. They offer a very reliable seal when applied correctly with a good quality capper. The advantage here is the widespread availability and low cost of the caps themselves.
Swing-top bottles, on the other hand, come with a built-in ceramic or plastic cap and a metal bail mechanism. These are often seen as more convenient as they don’t require additional equipment to seal. The rubber gasket on the swing-top creates the seal. While convenient, it’s important to ensure the gasket is in good condition and properly seated for an airtight seal. Over time, these gaskets can degrade, so inspect them regularly. For a budget-conscious brewer, the reusability of swing-top bottles can be a significant cost saver in the long run, even if the initial bottle price might be slightly higher than plain crown cap bottles.
Size and Shape Variety
The size and shape of your bottles can impact both the brewing process and the final presentation of your beer. For homebrewers, the most common bottle sizes you’ll find under $20 are 12-ounce (355 ml) and 22-ounce (650 ml) bombers. 12-ounce bottles are classic and easy to find, making them a great choice for sharing or for smaller batch sizes. They also tend to be more readily available in multi-packs within the $20 price range.
Larger 22-ounce bombers are excellent for bigger batches or for beers that benefit from longer aging, such as strong ales or stouts. They also look impressive and are often favored for gifting or for special occasions. When considering the shape, a standard “straight-sided” bottle is common and easy to work with. However, some Belgian-style bottles have a slightly wider mouth, which can make filling and cleaning a bit easier, though they may require specific bottle brushes. The variety available ensures you can find bottles that suit your aesthetic preferences and practical needs.
Ease of Cleaning and Reuse
One of the biggest advantages of bottling under $20 is the potential for reusability. However, to make the most of this, the bottles need to be easy to clean. Bottles with wider mouths, like some Belgian styles or swing-top bottles, can be simpler to scrub out. For narrower-mouthed bottles, investing in a good bottle brush is essential. Proper cleaning involves rinsing immediately after emptying to prevent dried residue, followed by a more thorough scrub with a bottle brush and a cleaning solution like PBW (Powdered Brewery Wash) or even a mild detergent.
After cleaning, sanitization is the next crucial step. A no-rinse sanitizer like Star San is highly recommended for homebrewers. Ensure that your chosen bottles can withstand the heat of rinsing (if you choose to rinse after cleaning) and are compatible with your sanitization process. Reusable bottles are a cornerstone of economical homebrewing, so prioritizing those that are robust and straightforward to maintain will save you time, effort, and money over the long haul.
Availability and Packaging
When shopping for the best beer brewing bottles under $20, availability is a key consideration. You don’t want to be hunting for bottles for weeks when your beer is ready to bottle. Common places to find affordable bottles include homebrew supply stores (both online and brick-and-mortar), large online retailers like Amazon, and even sometimes at discount or liquor stores where you can purchase used bottles from breweries (though thorough cleaning and sanitization are even more critical here).
Bottles are often sold in cases or multi-packs. For a budget of under $20, you can typically expect to get around 20-24 standard 12-ounce bottles, or a smaller quantity of larger 22-ounce bombers. Pay attention to how the bottles are packaged. They should be securely packed to prevent breakage during shipping or transport. Look for reputable sellers who package their bottles well. Sometimes, purchasing a starter kit might include a set of bottles, which can be an even more cost-effective way to begin.
Aesthetic Appeal and Branding
While function is the primary concern, the aesthetic appeal of your beer bottles shouldn’t be entirely overlooked, especially if you plan to share your brews. The shape, color, and even the clarity of the glass can contribute to the overall presentation of your beer. Amber glass bottles offer a classic, professional look and provide the best protection against light. Swing-top bottles often have a distinctive, rustic charm that appeals to many homebrewers.
For those who want to go the extra mile in branding, you can purchase plain bottles and add your own custom labels. This allows you to personalize your beer and give it a truly professional finish. Many online printing services offer affordable custom label printing. Even simple, well-applied labels can elevate the appearance of your bottled beer, making them perfect for gifts or for showcasing at homebrew club meetings. The goal is to find bottles that are not only functional and affordable but also present your delicious homebrew in an appealing way.
FAQs
What makes a beer brewing bottle “best” for under $20?
When looking for the best beer brewing bottles under $20, the primary considerations revolve around durability, sealing ability, and safety for carbonation. Glass bottles are often preferred for their inertness, preventing any interaction with the beer that could affect flavor. Thick-walled glass, particularly amber or brown glass, is ideal as it offers better protection against light, which can degrade beer quality and create unpleasant “skunked” flavors.
Beyond material, the closure mechanism is crucial. Bottles with a reliable seal, such as swing-top (Grolsch-style) or sturdy screw-top caps, are essential for maintaining carbonation and preventing oxidation. For the under $20 price point, many homebrewers find excellent value in reusable glass bottles designed for carbonated beverages, often repurposed from commercial beers or specifically manufactured for homebrewing.
Are swing-top bottles a good choice for homebrewing under $20?
Yes, swing-top bottles are an excellent choice for homebrewing, especially when shopping on a budget under $20. They are highly reusable, and the integrated ceramic or glass stopper with a wire bail mechanism creates a very effective and robust seal. This seal is crucial for holding carbonation, which is a key element of well-finished beer.
The convenience of swing-top bottles is another major advantage. There’s no need for extra caps or a bottle capper, simplifying the bottling process. Many homebrewers find that the initial investment in a set of swing-top bottles is well worth it due to their longevity and ease of use, making them a staple for many small-batch brewing operations.
What are the advantages of using amber or brown glass bottles?
Amber and brown glass bottles offer a significant advantage in protecting your homebrewed beer from light-induced spoilage. Ultraviolet (UV) light, commonly found in sunlight and even some artificial lighting, can react with hop compounds in beer, leading to the formation of unpleasant flavors often described as “skunky” or “light-struck.”
By filtering out these harmful UV rays, amber and brown glass significantly extends the shelf life and preserves the intended flavor profile of your beer. This is particularly important if you plan to age your beer or store it for extended periods, ensuring that each sip remains as fresh and delicious as the day it was bottled.
Can I reuse bottles from commercial beers?
Absolutely, reusing bottles from commercial beers is a very common and cost-effective practice for homebrewers, especially when adhering to a budget under $20. Many popular beer brands use sturdy glass bottles that are perfectly suitable for homebrewing after proper cleaning and sanitization.
However, it’s crucial to select the right types of bottles. Look for bottles with sturdy glass, ideally amber or brown, and avoid any that have unusual shapes or thin glass, as these may not withstand the pressure of carbonation. Always thoroughly clean and sanitize these bottles to prevent contamination and ensure the quality of your final product.
How important is sanitization when bottling beer?
Sanitization is arguably the most critical step in the entire beer brewing process, and it’s especially vital when it comes to bottling. Even a microscopic level of contamination from wild yeast or bacteria can completely ruin a batch of beer, leading to off-flavors, spoilage, and a lack of proper carbonation.
Thoroughly cleaning and then sanitizing every piece of equipment that comes into contact with the beer after fermentation, including bottles, caps, tubing, and any bottling wands, is non-negotiable. Using a no-rinse sanitizer is highly recommended to ensure that no residual cleaning agents remain in the bottles that could negatively affect your beer’s taste or head retention.
What should I look for in a bottle cap if not using swing-tops?
If you’re not opting for swing-top bottles, the most important factor in a bottle cap is its ability to create an airtight and secure seal. For homebrewing, this typically means using standard crown caps, which are made of metal and have a vinyl liner to prevent corrosion and ensure a good seal against the bottle’s lip.
When purchasing caps, ensure they are specifically designed for beer bottles and that the vinyl liner is intact and free from any damage. You will also need a reliable bottle capper tool to crimp these caps onto the bottles effectively. A proper crimp is essential for maintaining carbonation throughout the aging process.
Are there any specific bottle types to avoid when homebrewing?
Yes, there are certain types of bottles you should definitely avoid for homebrewing. Twist-off cap bottles, often found with commercial beers, are not suitable because their caps are designed to be used only once and do not create a seal strong enough to hold carbonation effectively for the duration of homebrewing.
Additionally, avoid any bottles made from plastic that aren’t specifically designed for carbonated beverages, as plastic can leach chemicals and may not withstand the pressure, potentially leading to explosions. Also, stay away from bottles with thin or irregularly shaped glass, as these can be more prone to breaking under the pressure of carbonation, posing a safety risk.
The Bottom Line
Achieving a successful homebrew doesn’t have to break the bank, and as this review has demonstrated, investing in the right bottling solution is paramount. We’ve navigated the landscape of affordable yet reliable options, highlighting how quality construction, secure closures, and appropriate sizing can significantly impact the final presentation and longevity of your craft beers. By focusing on durability and ease of use, these selections ensure that your meticulously crafted brews are preserved and enjoyed as intended, proving that premium results are attainable even with a budget-conscious approach.
Ultimately, securing the best beer brewing bottles under $20 is a foundational step towards elevating your homebrewing experience. These carefully selected bottles offer the perfect blend of value and performance, empowering you to bottle your creations with confidence and pride. Don’t let budget be a barrier to showcasing your passion; invest wisely in these essential vessels and continue to impress with every pour, turning your brewing aspirations into a tangible and enjoyable reality.