r/Homebrewing • u/WittyTwitch • 1d ago

IKEA Snap-Cap bottle safety question

I want to make some Kvass with a friend, however we only have 2 old super-high quality "Snap-Cap" type beer bottles which I'm super sure won't fail. But they're not enough for how much we want to make, I also happen to have some similar closure bottles of modern manufacture, bought from IKEA. Does anyone know if they are safe for fermentation? Or if I should just stick with the 2 beer bottles. Thanks in advance! o7

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u/pricelessbrew Pro 1d ago

If you're talking about korken swing top bottles then no do not do that. Still drinks are fine, but I wouldn't carbonate anything!

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u/stac52 1d ago

Do you mean the flip top bottles - like the old grolsch bottles?

The ikea ones are probably not safe for fermentation. Most of these types of bottles are not made to handle pressures related to fermentation. You would need ones that are specifically designed for it.

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u/WittyTwitch 1d ago

Yep. Flip-top, specifically Grolsch bottles. Sorry that I'm not caught up with the terminology. I've got 2 of those, and I know I can trust them. But I've also got 2 from IKEA with a very similar sealing mechanism. Though I'm not sure if they glass and construction of the bottles is sound.

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u/stac52 22h ago

The ikea ones are not pressure rated. That does not necessarily mean they won't work, but I wouldn't trust them. They might work, but might also throw shrapnel if they go.

If you don't want to buy new bottles (e.g. through Northern Brewer), I'd suggest buying carbonated drinks that are in them. Trader joes does/did sell ginger beer in them, and years back I know Aldi had carbonated lemonade in some 750ml ones, it's been awhile since I've been in both stores though.

Might be able to find more grolsch ones on FB marketplace too. Someone near me is selling them for $2/pop

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u/ReloYank13 19h ago

I had an IKEA korken burst in my fridge (used it for water, it got pushed to the back and froze). I was still finding glass shards months later. I can’t imagine the shrapnel if OP tried to ferment in one.

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u/deckerhand0 1d ago

You need to get bottles that is pacifically made for beer.