Kunzman Guide to Simply Aerating a Wort

By Matthew Kunzman


There are three common methods for aerating wort.

Method Pros Cons Time required
Shaking Fermenter Cheapest method, Least equipment required Least effective method, takes the longest, most work 60 min
Aquarium Pump Not a lot of work Takes a long time, not as effective os pure oxygen 60 mins
Pure Oxygen Quickest method, most effective Most expensive 2 to 3 mins




Shaking Method
  • When using a carboy, be careful to place glass on a soft surface.
  • If no soft surface is available, a folded towel will work well.
  • Your arms will get tired, but try to shake as long as you can.

    Directions
    1) Sanitize and place a rubber stopper in carboy mouth
    2) Shake carboy vigorously for 30 to 60 mins



    Aquarium Pump Method
  • Using an aeration stone will spread the bubbles smaller to get better absorbtion in the liquid .
  • Using an inline filter will help prevent contamination.
  • Aquarium pumps can be purchased with filters and stones at most online homebrew shops.

    Directions
    1) Sanitize equipment
    2) Place end with aeration stone in wort
    3) Turn on pump
    4) Cover mouth of carboy loosly with tin foil
    5) Turn off pump as needed to avoid bubbling over
    6) Aerate for 30 to 60 mins



    Pure Oxygen Method
  • Pure oxygen is the only way to aerate to the best levels for proper fermentation
  • At normal brewing temperatures, overaerating is unlikely (but at colder temperatures, overaeration is very possible.)
  • Pure oxygen equipment can be purchased at most homebrew shops. The tanks purchased online will be shipped empty.

    Directions
    1) Sanitize equipment
    2) Place end with aeration stone in wort
    3) Turn on gas
    4) Cover mouth of carboy loosly with tin foil
    5) Turn off pump as needed to avoid bubbling over
    6) Aerate for 2 to 3 mins