Looking for some advice on starting all grain

[JanaM]

I'm an amateur brewer looking to get started with all grain brewing. Any advice and/or info on how to get started in a cost effective way is appreciated!

[LeafMan66_67]

Welcome! BIAB is very economical way to get started with all grain. With minimal investment (pot, bag, burner and immersion chiller) you could be on your way to your first all grain brewing day.

Check out the BIAB Discussion thread for more information.

[MitchK]

I agree with leafman on BIAB - it's also simple process wise compared to some rigs, and most of the gear is capable of being used in a larger/more advanced setup if you ever want to go that far (you wind up with a pretty big kettle compared to batch size with BIAB since you're doing a full volume mash, so adding a separate mash tun usually is an easy way to double your batch size later).

Have you brewed with extract before?

[JanaM]

Thanks, I will definitely read up on BIAB. I have been brewing with extract for awhile awhile and I enjoy it but I think I'll enjoy brewing from scratch even more

[hebertovich]

where are you located Jana?

[JanaM]

I'm in Truro, NS

[Woody]

Jana a couple of the Truro brewers BIAB myself included. I do 10 gallon batches in a 19 gallon pot. I sparge with any left over water I can't fit in the mash. My house recently sold and we are renting until our new home is built. To make a long story longer I'd invite you over for a brew day but we've been crazy busy, I'm not brewing as much and when i do it's last minute. I'd recommend watching a few of us brew and figure out which system is best for you. Truro water is good for brewing so you don't have to adjust it much with water treatment. I'd grab an all grain kit from Dave or put one together yourself brewing a reliable recipe online and try the BIAB as the other guys say. I highly recommend Becky's BIAB which can be found under the vendors section under "Mashed In". I'll send you a message the next time I brew.

[JanaM]

Thanks, I'm up for brewing anytime. Since posting this a friend of mine in Nfld gave me her old home brew gear because she's opened a brewery and does t use it anymore. So I have a big Gatorade cooler for my mash tun and another rectangular cooler for my sparge. I've made a 5 gal batch of IPA so far and doing a blonde this week sometime

[JanaM]

Did I meet you at Mark's?

[Woody]

Yes we did meet at Mark's and I was thinking this may have been you. Sounds like your diving in head first. It's the only way to do it. Enjoy your brew day and don't be shy with questions. Help is just a post away around here. Knowledgeable bunch of brewers on this forum.