Homebrew Setup

[ScottyLill]

Hi All,

I'm currently waiting for Dave to restock his supply of brew kettles to pick one up and get my setup going. Just wondering if anyone has any thoughts or ideas about setups they wish they had of went with. I'm not looking to spend a crazy amount but if anyone has any ideas or has seen any setups online that are a great deal and make sense to buy a package deal rather bits here and bits there. I would rather go with a setup including pumps, lines and connections now then find out down the road I have been missing out. Looking forward to the replies.

Thanks,

Scott

[LeafMan66_67]

It really depends on what your brewing plans are. One of the most economical ways to get started is with a single brew pot. A 15g pot set up for BIAB with an immersion chiller gets you going for almost any 5G batch. A 19G pot may be more versatile if you have any desire to upgrade to double batches in the future while still functioning as a great 5G BIAB setup. Add an immersion chiller and a burner and you are done. Adding a pump to whirlpool while chilling also has benefits since you no longer have to stand at the pot stirring constantly to cut chill times.

Once you have the items above, you can expand as required without having to ditch any gear already purchased.

[GuingesRock]

I agree with Derek. A 20 gal pot is nice though for double batches, if you can get one. If not a 19 would do.

I have a 20 gal Blichmann which I love.

[GAM]

I never have finished with setup.

almost 20 years brewing.

Sandy

[Ruby]

I'm getting settled into a fairly new set-up and I'm currently looking to hook my brew pot with an electric element. I love my gas burner and it was fantastic brewing in the great outdoors during summertime. However I don't have a heated outdoor area and last weekends brewing was a nightmare. Even in the garage, the garden hose was freezing. Starsan was freezing to the sides of the bucket and the propane tank looked like Frosty the Snowman before I even started the boil!

If you're looking to start a new set up, you might want to consider if propane or electric is the way you want to go? when I was deciding, I knew that I could endure and even enjoy the cold, but the gear is what makes the difference between willing and able!

I have a 15 gallon pot and a modified 60 qt rectangular cooler for a mash tun. I use the pot as my HLT and gather wort in buckets while I fly sparge with a watering can. Once I've collected enough wort, the HLT is now my brew kettle. I've not ventured into 10 gallon batches, but I have more than enough room to. I'm enjoying brewing little and often for experience and variety.

I suppose as long as your initial purchases have some redundancy, then you can make modifications and additions as you go.

I haven't found the need for pumps yet, but I'd definitely like to add one for whirlpooling while I cool. What size of batches are you thinking about doing now, and in the future?

[ScottyLill]

Thanks All,

I'm thinking I will mostly keep to 5 gallons batches as I really enjoy having a selection on tap in my kegerator. I'm not saying eventually I won't get into 10 gallon batches but it's mostly just me drinking my beer so I'm ok with it. I have already purchased my 10 gallon round cooler for my mash tun and a burner. Just need a bigger pot and wort cooler to start all grain, have just been a little shy to pull the trigger. I have a heated garage area so I'm not worried about the cold. Is there anything anyone would have done differently when starting out ? Any items to stay away from and not waste the money on ?

Thanks

[Keith]

Scott get a 15 gal pot and a biab bag for it. This way you can biab obviously, and allows you to mash in with your cooler, then start a 2nd batch in your cooler.

[bandarker]

Hey ScottyLil,

One thing I forgot about was a second pot for either (a) first runnings of your mash, or (b) for strike/mash water. I'd go 5 gallons or more if possible, though I guess some people just use a plastic fermenter bucket for that too?

[ScottyLill]

Ok everyone, I know I'm probably the most indecisive person ever but here's where I'm at. Keggle vs. kettle, I'm leaning towards kettle (15 gallon) for ease of cleaning and mobility. Wort chiller, immersion vs. Plate, I'm leaning towards immersion for the simple fact of keeping a chiller sanitized. Feel free to weigh in.

Thanks

[evanisnor]

I went with a Keggle/BIAB setup first, and I wish I would have just purchased a good kettle instead. Keggles are really heavy (35lbs) and there's a ton of dead space, which means you'll probably end up tipping it unless you spring for a dip tube and a pump.

Immersion chiller is the easiest and probably cheaper option because you don't need a pump and they're easy to clean.

[LeafMan66_67]

If you have the budget for the kettle, go with it. Immersion chiller is the easiest, just keep the wort moving as you chill.

[ScottyLill]

I'm looking at buying the 15 gallon advanced kettle from Dave and getting a pump with a whirlpool arm from the get go.

[LeafMan66_67]

I'm looking at buying the 15 gallon advanced kettle from Dave and getting a pump with a whirlpool arm from the get go.

That will do you great for 5G BIAB batches or 10G batches using a cooler mash tun and a bit of fermcap in your boil.

[McGruff]

I use 3 keggles and they are getting real heavy now that I am 60. Even downgrading to 5 gallons will cost me money. My back will make that decision for me I am sure. Brewed yesterday and my back is still hurting.