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Best Fermentation EquipmentStandard Demijohn + Budget (2026)

8 fermentation equipment matching capacityStandard Demijohn + priceBudget, hand-picked from UK Amazon listings.

Not sure which one to pick? Read our Best Fermentation Equipment UK (2026) guide.

This selection of standard demijohn fermentation equipment is designed for budget-conscious home brewers and winemakers starting out. These demijohns, typically holding between 5 and 20 litres, provide a solid foundation for your brewing or wine making endeavours without breaking the bank. Constructed from food-grade plastic, they’re robust enough to withstand the pressures of fermentation while remaining relatively lightweight and easy to move around your workspace.

The equipment includes essential components like airlocks – crucial for maintaining carbon dioxide levels during fermentation - alongside flexible tubing and bottling spoons. While a full professional setup can be costly, these demijohns offer a reliable and affordable starting point, allowing you to experiment with various recipes and techniques as your skills develop.

These budget-friendly options are perfect for small batches or those just dipping their toes into the world of home fermentation. Remember to always check the manufacturer's guidelines for each piece of equipment regarding cleaning and sanitisation protocols to ensure a successful and hygienic fermentation process.

Fermentation Bubbler Airlock & Bored Cork Bung for Demijohn

#1 Pick

Fermentation Bubbler Airlock & Bored Cork Bung for Demijohn
Rated 4.4 out of 5 stars (56)
  • Plastic & Cork
  • Standard Demijohn

£6.99

Pros

  • Lets CO2 escape while keeping contamination out
  • Bored cork bung fits standard glass demijohns
  • Cheap essential accessory for any fermentation set-up

Cons

  • Cork bung can dry out over time and need replacing
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£11.95

Pros

  • Pack of 6 airlocks and bungs, good value for multiple demijohns
  • 6-bubble chamber design makes fermentation easy to monitor
  • Works across beer, wine, cider and kombucha brewing

Cons

  • Rubber bungs vary slightly in fit between demijohn necks
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4 Pcs Fermentation Airlocks and 2 Pcs Bored Rubber Bungs Brewing Airlock for Home Brew Beer Wine Making

#3 Pick

4 Pcs Fermentation Airlocks and 2 Pcs Bored Rubber Bungs Brewing Airlock for Home Brew Beer Wine Making
Rated 4.0 out of 5 stars (102)
  • Plastic & Rubber
  • Standard Demijohn

£6.69

Pros

  • Handy multipack for brewers running several vessels at once
  • Simple bubble-style airlocks are easy to read and clean
  • Very low cost entry point for fermentation monitoring

Cons

  • Basic plastic construction compared to glass airlocks
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Brewing Mate 2 x Demijohn Airlock and Bung Set, Bubbler Air Lock for Home Brewing

#4 Pick

Brewing Mate 2 x Demijohn Airlock and Bung Set, Bubbler Air Lock for Home Brewing
Rated 4.3 out of 5 stars (141)
  • Plastic & Rubber
  • Standard Demijohn

£9.99

Pros

  • Set of 2 bubbler airlocks with demijohn bung and grommet included
  • Keeps airborne bacteria out while fermentation gases escape
  • Works with both demijohns and fermenting buckets

Cons

  • Rubber bung fit can vary slightly between demijohn necks
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4PCS Fermentation Airlock for Home Brewing, Demijohn Airlock Food-Grade Equipment

#5 Pick

4PCS Fermentation Airlock for Home Brewing, Demijohn Airlock Food-Grade Equipment
Rated 4.0 out of 5 stars (4)
  • Food-Grade Plastic
  • Standard Demijohn

£7.09

Pros

  • Pack of 4 food-grade airlocks, good value for multiple demijohns
  • Universal fit for fermentation buckets and demijohns
  • Simple bubbler design is easy to check at a glance

Cons

  • Very small review count so far
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2 Pack Airlocks and Bored Rubber Bungs

#6 Pick

2 Pack Airlocks and Bored Rubber Bungs
Rated 4.6 out of 5 stars (1,158)
  • Rubber & Plastic
  • Standard Demijohn

£7.78

Pros

  • Amazon Choice pick with a very large review base
  • Simply add water to view fermentation bubbles clearly
  • Fits bored rubber bungs and fermenting bin lids

Cons

  • Basic 2-pack only, may need more for multiple vessels
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3x Bungs & Bubbler Airlocks - Demijohn Rubber Cork & Air Lock - Beer Wine Cider

#7 Pick

3x Bungs & Bubbler Airlocks - Demijohn Rubber Cork & Air Lock - Beer Wine Cider
Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars (35)
  • Rubber & Plastic
  • Standard Demijohn

£7.95

Pros

  • Pack of 3 bored rubber bungs and bubbler airlocks in one set
  • Pre-drilled bungs fit snugly into standard demijohns
  • Lets you keep an eye on fermentation progress at a glance

Cons

  • Small review count so far
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£7.99

Pros

  • Set of 4 airlocks and grommets covers multiple demijohns at once
  • High-transparency design makes fermentation easy to monitor
  • Reusable and simple to clean between batches

Cons

  • Small review count so far
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FAQ

What size demijohn is best for beginners?+

For new brewers, a 5-10 litre demijohn is often recommended. This capacity allows you to manage smaller batches, reducing waste and simplifying the learning curve. Larger demijohns can be overwhelming at first.

What kind of airlock should I buy with this?+

A simple one-way rubber stopper airlock is generally sufficient for budget fermentation equipment. Ensure it creates a tight seal to prevent oxygen from entering, which would spoil your brew. Replacement stoppers are widely available.

Do I need any special tubing?+

Flexible plastic tubing (approximately 6mm inner diameter) will be required to connect the airlock to the demijohn. This allows for gas exchange during fermentation and prevents pressure build-up. Look for food-grade tubing designed specifically for brewing.

What’s included in this equipment set?+

Typically, these budget sets include a demijohn, an airlock, flexible tubing, and a bottling spoon. However, specific inclusions may vary slightly between suppliers – always check the product listing details before purchase.

How do I clean my demijohn?+

Thorough cleaning is crucial to prevent contamination. Use hot water, a food-grade sanitizer (like Star San), and scrub all surfaces diligently. Rinse thoroughly with warm water before use.

What’s the best way to store the equipment?+

Store your demijohn and accessories in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. This will help prevent degradation of the plastic and maintain their functionality for longer. Protect them from extreme temperature fluctuations.

Can I use these demijohns for wine making?+

Yes, absolutely! These demijohns are perfectly suitable for both beer brewing and winemaking. Just ensure you adapt your sanitisation practices to suit the specific requirements of each fermentation process.

What’s the typical lifespan of plastic demijohns?+

With proper care and cleaning, these plastic demijohns should last several years. Avoid prolonged exposure to extreme heat or direct sunlight, which can degrade the material over time.

Are there any specific cleaning products I shouldn't use?+

Avoid using harsh chemicals like bleach or strong detergents as they can leave residues that are harmful to your fermentation. Stick to food-grade sanitizers and hot water for effective cleaning.

What’s the best way to seal the airlock?+

Ensure the rubber stopper fits snugly within the demijohn neck. A small amount of silicone grease can be applied to the sealing surface to improve the airtight seal, preventing air leaks during fermentation.