jab said:
Considering the number of people who use plastic as a primary I think it is a little foolish to discount the practice because of a few 'horror stories'.
I would like to restate this comment. This comment was not to be taken as directed at davram. For anyone who thought it was I apologize.
I think the comment is still valid but the 'foolishness' of the situation should sit on the shoulders of those professing to be informed and trying to pass that information along to someone trying to learn.
There are many ways to brew. Each different piece of equipment comes with it's own set of quirks. Plastic can get scratched and harbor bacteria. But stainless can get pocked and glass can get scratched and both of those will harbor bacteria as well.
Once you have chosen a viable container it comes down to 2 things really. First sanitation. You can never be too careful about sanitation. And secondly would be care of your equipment. All of your equipment: pots, tubing, carboys, pails, hydrometers, spoons,...everything should be cared for with special attention to cleanliness and usability status. Each piece should be checked periodically, and ideally before each use, for cleanliness, cracks, scratches, pock marks, fungus/bacteria, working order, etc.
All articles are suseptable to 'problems'. Some of those happen during the natural use of the item and some stem from misuse. Making mead is 10% brewing it and 90% preparation.