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Mr. Mojo Rising · 06-07-2007, 05:59 PM

I am thinking of moving into AG at some point in the next few months. I am the type of person who is better off going big right from the start, otherwise I will spent money and time UPGRADING. So, should I go with a big rack with keggles, HERMS, and pumps or will I be fine with a converted cooler MLT. What is better? Does it make a difference in the end other than satisfiying my gadget obsession. What is the best way to go here?

**Lil' Sparky** · 06-07-2007, 06:30 PM

Oooh, tough one. I'd say if you've got the inclination and $$, don't like to constantly tinker and "upgrade", then do it like you want from the start, be it HERMS or whatever.

I've got a 3-tier stand with kegs and love it, but it took me a while to get there. I started with a turkey fryer, unmodified cooler, and bucket-in-bucket lauter tun. From there I got one keggle - you want a big kettle - and then the other 2 for the MLT and HLT. I'm still modifying and improving and have a nice list of to-do's. It's part of what makes the hobby fun and interesting for me. If I had it all from the start, I would've missed out on the journey (that I'm still on).

Ryanh1801 · 06-07-2007, 06:34 PM

I say go simple just for the fact, those expensive systems confuse the hell out of me. But if you have the money, go for it.

jdoiv · 06-07-2007, 06:39 PM

I started with extract kits and moved to mini/partial mashes in a bottling bucket. When I decided to go AG and went ahead and bit the bullet and bought a complete system. Wasn't the top of the line, but it met my needs and budget. I have no regrets. The only thing I haven't worked out into a final process yet is my fermentation set up. I'm still wanting to get the ss conicals, just haven't pulled the trigger yet. So even if you buy all the AG equipment you think you need, you will find other areas of the brewery to upgrade.

**Bobby_M** · 06-07-2007, 06:43 PM

Upgrading is kinda fun and many times you don't lose much in the deal. You tend to continue to use piece of entry level stuff. If you go with a converted cooler MLT, you'll alway have use for a cooler. If you buy a small pot, you'll end up using it anyway if you upgrade to a keggle.

**EdWort** · 06-07-2007, 06:51 PM

Go Big!

Only 48 Large at B3

Seriously, you could start small with a decent 10 gallon pot, a good propane burner, a 10 gallon Rubbermaid Cooler, a wort chiller, and a couple Better Bottles.

You can alway upgrade and sell your stuff here or on Craigslist.

**BierMuncher** · 06-07-2007, 06:56 PM

Go big but ya gotta earn it.
Ain't no respect unless we see:
A couple posts on stove top boil overs.
Screwing up your mash cuz your MT was too small for a big beer.
Falling way short on your OG cuz you had to add 3 gallons of bottled water to get a five gallon batch....

Seriously, go for the larger capacity but keep in mind, no equipment will go to waste. You'll always find something to do with it.

**Lil' Sparky** · 06-07-2007, 07:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BierMuncher

Go big but ya gotta earn it.
Ain't no respect unless we see:
A couple posts on stove top boil overs.
Screwing up your mash cuz your MT was too small for a big beer.
Falling way short on your OG cuz you had to add 3 gallons of bottled water to get a five gallon batch....

Does this qualify as "earning it"? This was my first brew session on my 3-tier. Note to self - covering the false bottom in the keggle with nylon fabric is a bad idea!

Desert_Sky · 06-07-2007, 07:42 PM

thats a sad, sad picture indeed.....a moment of silence please

**BierMuncher** · 06-07-2007, 07:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lil' Sparky

Does this qualify as "earning it"? This was my first brew session on my 3-tier. Note to self - covering the false bottom in the keggle with nylon fabric is a bad idea!

WOW. I think I remember that post.

I can still smell that sh!t from here.