looking for some advice on getting into all-grain

[JEH]

Hey guys,
Im working on getting into all-grain brewing, and figure my next step is getting a proper brew kettle. Im looking at getting this corn boiler from canadian trash http://www.canadiantire.ca/AST/browse/2 ... ?locale=en.
I figure that the one propane burner will have to do because building my own brew stand is out of the question for now. Do you guys think this is a good start or am i just wasting my money? Next I will have to look into building a mash tun, but that will be another day.
thanks
Jon

[mr x]

I started out with a similar boil kettle, and probably did 25 brews before I decided that 10 gallon batches were the way to go for me. 7.5 gallons is tight, but a little defoaming agent should keep the boilovers under control. I wouldn't say it's a waste of money. It depends on a lot of factors...

[Jimmy]

I'm no help when it comes to advice on the brew kettle, but here is an alternative you might be interested in. I know the Bayou Classic burners have a good reputation, and they seem pretty well priced. This website includes all brokerage and duties in their shipping cost, so there are no unexpected bills when the package arrives. I haven't ordered from them yet, but will be ordering a few burners from them in the next week or so.

http://www.hotplates.com/Gas-Burners-C73819.html

edit: and I believe a keggle will fit on most of the Bayou Classic burner stands without modification...just something else to think about if you ever go down that road.

[Garak]

I think Kents have larger aluminum pots for around $60 but I don't think it includes a burner. Its in there seasonal section.

[JEH]

Mr X: while 7.5g is still a little tight, im currently just using my stove top with a pot thats no more than 3 gallons or so. That pot would definitely be an improvement. As for the defoaming agent, I was just looking at the thread about that stuff so if a group order happened I would definitely get in on it. The current pot I use has also significantly improved my skill of watching a pot to make sure it doesn't boil over
Jimmy: Thanks for the link! I'm taking a look at the site now. My problem is that i'm very impatient and want to buy something to use this weekend. As for the keggle, ive looked at making one of those but definitely do not possess the tools or skill-set necessary to make one of those. I was surprised I was able to build a kegerator and still had a tough time with it haha.

This is probably a dumb question, but if I get something along these lines and build a mash tun our of a cooler should that be enough for a fairly simple start to all-grain brewing?
Again, thanks for your help guys I appreciate any input
Jon

[mr x]

Should get you started.

[RobD]

I have that exact same unit from Canadian Tire, and I've recently made my first all-grain batch. I had been using it for extract boils as the house "smelled" when I boiled it inside.

The unit I bought had been returned to Canadian Tire, and the instruction manual was not included. I had to do a lot of guessing with the assembly, but I got it all together.

It's got a 20-min timer on it. I discovered that by pushing on the "button" on top of the timer box, it will bypass the timer altogether. I found a nice cast iron fish decoration that my girlfriend brought with her when she moved in. I usually balance 1/2 the "fish" on a bucket and 1/2 on the button, and it works out perfectly. There are most definitely ways around this by taking the box apart and re-wiring, but I'm not there yet.

I haven't been able to get a nice blue flame, so my boil pot always ends up with a ton of soot on the bottom. From what I read, taking the burner apart and cleaning it out may fix it.

[JEH]

Thanks for the input Ron. So do you have much trouble controlling the temperature on it, and more importantly on the over boil? Im pretty serious about getting one on my way home from work tomorrow. Any trouble on the first all-grain batch with it?
Jon

[RobD]

My very first extract batch using it, it boiled over, but I haven't had any issues since. I was a little too excited the first time.....I boiled wort, and I kept a big flame going to get it to heat as fast as possible. I didn't really pay attention to the temp of the wort, just that it wasn't yet boiling. Once I learned to have a little patience and take the flame down a bit when it's close to boil, no issues. Keep an eye on the thermometer, and you'll be fine. It's actually marked off for the boiling temperature, which I noticed on my 3rd or 4th boil.

I had no issues doing my first (and only) all-grain batch.

If you do get it, I'd love to get a copy of the owner's manual.

[akr71]

I started out with that very same burner and kettle, only bought at WallMart. It served me well, but I have one warning - that little black box and dial attached to the stand (just under the burner) is a timer. The burner will not work unless that timer is ticking away. You have to stay near the kettle and every 20 minutes crank that thing or your flame shuts off. Annoying as hell, but its sold as a deep fryer - unattended hot oil and all that.

I bought a 'corn & lobster boiler' from Kent and it didn't have a timer, but didn't have a kettle either. I have seen kettles sold separately at WallMart though.

Now that I have the second burner, I should really try and take that timer off.

[ratchet]

why not just glue it in position?

[akr71]

why not just glue it in position?

Cuz I'm not that clever

Last time I used it, the timer didn't work anymore - 1 too many boil overs may have killed it. The burner still worked though.

[JEH]

Ron. I did buy it, so after ive made a batch with it this weekend your welcome to borrow the manual. Did you try looking for it online though? A lot of companies make that information public for situations like yours.

[akr71]

It's got a 20-min timer on it. I discovered that by pushing on the "button" on top of the timer box, it will bypass the timer altogether. I found a nice cast iron fish decoration that my girlfriend brought with her when she moved in. I usually balance 1/2 the "fish" on a bucket and 1/2 on the button, and it works out perfectly. There are most definitely ways around this by taking the box apart and re-wiring, but I'm not there yet.

I haven't been able to get a nice blue flame, so my boil pot always ends up with a ton of soot on the bottom. From what I read, taking the burner apart and cleaning it out may fix it.

Hmmm, I don't think the Walmart model has this 'button'. Same sooty yellow flame tho'

Edit: I should've read the whole thread the first time around...

[Jayme]

I had one of those Canadian tire burners/pots but I found it way too small so I got rid of it. Both Canadian Tire and Kent I believe have much larger aluminum stock pots (Canadian Tire has 2 sizes, I went for the smaller but would now recommend the larger) and I think Kent sells the burners on their own. It will cost a bit more this way, but I think it's worth it. I guess it's too late as it sounds like you've already fired it up! Hope it worked well!