Demijohn vs. Carboy — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on April 8, 2024
A Demijohn is a glass or ceramic vessel with a large body and narrow neck, used for fermenting or storing liquids, whereas a Carboy is a rigid container with a narrower neck, often used for transporting chemicals or fermenting beverages.
Difference Between Demijohn and Carboy
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Demijohns are traditionally made of glass or ceramic, featuring a wide, bulbous body and a relatively narrow neck. Carboys, on the other hand, are rigid containers made from glass, plastic, or other durable materials.
The main difference between demijohns and carboys lies in their construction and intended use. Demijohns, with their wide body and protective casing, are suited for storing and fermenting large quantities of liquid in a way that may also serve a decorative purpose. Carboys, with their durable construction and airtight seals, are better suited for the precise and safe handling of liquids, particularly in scientific and brewing applications.
Both demijohns and carboys serve the purpose of containing liquids, but the choice between them depends on the specific needs of the user. For those involved in home brewing or winemaking, the selection may depend on the volume of liquid, the need for airtight sealing, and whether the vessel will be moved frequently. Demijohns offer a traditional, aesthetically pleasing option for fermentation and storage, while carboys offer practicality and safety, especially when handling volatile or sensitive liquids.
Despite their differences, both demijohns and carboys play crucial roles in the fermentation and storage of beverages. Their unique characteristics cater to various aspects of the process, from the initial fermentation to the storage and aging of wines, beers, and ciders. Whether one chooses a demijohn or a carboy often comes down to personal preference, the scale of production, and the specific requirements of the liquid being handled.
Comparison Chart
Material
Glass or ceramic, often encased in wicker
Glass, plastic, or other durable materials
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Neck Width
Relatively narrow, but wider than carboys
Very narrow, designed for precise pouring and safety
Use
Fermenting or storing liquids like wine, beer, cider
Transporting chemicals, fermentation of beverages
Size
Varies, generally large (up to 15 gallons or more)
Varies, designed for both small-scale and large-scale use
Aesthetic
Often decorative, traditional appearance
More utilitarian, functional design
Compare with Definitions
Demijohn
Large Glass Vessel.
The winemaker stored his finest batch in a large demijohn to age.
Carboy
Narrow Neck Design.
The carboy's narrow neck prevented any spillage during transport.
Demijohn
Traditionally Encased in Wicker.
The demijohn, encased in its traditional wickerwork, sat in the corner of the cellar.
Carboy
Made of Durable Materials.
Their new carboy, made of high-grade plastic, was perfect for homebrewing.
Demijohn
Storage for Liquids.
The pantry was lined with demijohns filled with olive oil.
Carboy
Used for Transportation.
Chemicals were transported in carboys to ensure safety.
Demijohn
Decorative Purpose.
The demijohns were used as decorative pieces in the rustic kitchen.
Carboy
Rigid Container for Liquids.
The scientist carefully filled the carboy with a chemical solution.
Demijohn
Used for Fermentation.
They used a demijohn to ferment their homemade cider.
Carboy
Essential in Fermentation Process.
For his latest batch of beer, he opted for a glass carboy for fermentation.
Demijohn
A large, narrow-necked glass or earthenware bottle, usually encased in wickerwork.
Carboy
A carboy (or carbuoy), also known as a demijohn, is a rigid container with a typical capacity of 4 to 60 litres (1 to 16 US gal). Carboys are primarily used for transporting liquids, often water or chemicals.They are also used for in-home fermentation of beverages, often beer or wine.
Demijohn
A large bottle with a short neck, sometimes with two small handles at the neck, sometimes encased in wickerwork.
Carboy
A large glass or plastic bottle, usually encased in a protective basket or crate and often used to hold corrosive liquids.
Demijohn
A glass vessel or bottle with a large body and small neck, inclosed in wickerwork.
Carboy
A large, rigid bottle, originally made of glass and mainly used for fermentation, and now commonly made of plastic and used to store liquids.
Demijohn
Large bottle with a short narrow neck; often has small handles at neck and is enclosed in wickerwork
Carboy
(transitive) To bottle in a carboy.
Carboy
A large, globular glass bottle, esp. one of green glass, inclosed in basket work or in a box, for protection; - used commonly for carrying corrosive liquids; as sulphuric acid, etc.
Carboy
A large bottle for holding corrosive liquids; usually cushioned in a special container
Common Curiosities
What materials are carboys made from?
Carboys can be made from glass, plastic, or other durable materials suitable for holding liquids.
Are demijohns decorative?
Yes, demijohns can also serve a decorative purpose, especially those encased in wickerwork or made of colored glass.
How is a demijohn cleaned?
Cleaning a demijohn typically involves rinsing with hot water, using a bottle brush for scrubbing, and sometimes employing sterilizing solutions.
What is a demijohn used for?
Demijohns are used for fermenting, storing, and sometimes aging liquids such as wine, beer, and cider.
Do demijohns come in different sizes?
Yes, demijohns vary in size, from small enough for home use to very large sizes for commercial purposes.
Why do carboys have narrow necks?
Carboys have narrow necks to facilitate precise pouring and prevent spillage, especially important when handling chemicals.
Can a carboy be used for storing non-fermented beverages?
While possible, carboys are primarily designed for fermentation and the safe transport of chemicals, rather than general storage.
Can I ferment beer in a demijohn?
Yes, beer can be fermented in a demijohn, though the size and opening may affect the fermentation process compared to a carboy.
What’s the maximum capacity of a carboy?
Carboys can hold from just a few liters to over 20 gallons, depending on their design and intended use.
Can carboys be used for fermentation?
Yes, carboys are commonly used for the fermentation of beverages due to their airtight sealing capabilities.
Is a demijohn the same as a carboy?
No, while they may serve similar purposes in fermenting and storing liquids, their design, material, and traditional uses differ.
What safety precautions are necessary when using a carboy for chemicals?
Use gloves, eye protection, and ensure the carboy is made of a material resistant to the chemicals being handled.
How do you seal a demijohn?
Demijohns are often sealed with a cork or rubber stopper, sometimes using an airlock during fermentation.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
