Sounds like all you need is a HLT and possibly another stockpot. I use a cooler with a homemade braid and batch sparge. I heat my strike and sparge water on my stovetop then use my turkey fryer outside. Works great and I get pretty good efficiency.
Just buy a six pack here and therfe of pry-offs and you'll have a ton before you know it. That or check your local recycling center.
By doing just those two things I have more bottles than I know what to do with.
Maybe it's co2 offgassing? Mine does the same exact thing and I've never worried about it and never had any off flavors. Except for and infection once. Not the autosiphon's fault.
Wind will play a big part in your outdoor boil. The first one I did the wind was blowing moderately strong and I could barely maintain my boil. That's with the 165,000 btu sp10.
Just ordered a pound each of cascade, northern brewer, and willamette. I thought this looked like a decent mix for some american and english and possibly german ales?
Great prices though I'm waiting on a shipping price....