After 3 decent brews about 2 years ago, I want to get back into homebrewing. Unfortunately, I have to re-acquire all of the equipment. I'm still a total noob but spending the past week on these boards has really helped me remember the basics (thank you all )
I've decided that I'm going to forego the secondary this time around. Seems pretty common to use primary only, then bottle.
I have an equipment question: I'm going to be extract brewing on my stovetop, and I'd like to do full boil (5 gal. batches). I can get a 40 qt. brewpot, but if I want the ball valve, it basically doubles the price. I want a quality kettle, but is the valve really necessary? What's the draw -- you can hook up a hose and drain straight to your primary bucket? I'm not planning on getting a wort chiller for now, so I'll need to move the pot from my stove to the sink anyway. Am I missing something? I'd hate to pay $140 now and want a $300 kettle down the road...
I also have a process question: I've never done a yeast starter, but seems to be the way to go, so I plan on incorporating this into my normal process. I've read various instructions/posts, and seems pretty straightforward, but where do you get the DME for the starter? Will I need to buy extra? I assume you don't want to take it from the kit, otherwise the OG will be totally off, am I right? Again, I'm sure I'm missing something
I'm really excited to get started on this! Hopefully by next week.
I've decided that I'm going to forego the secondary this time around. Seems pretty common to use primary only, then bottle.
I have an equipment question: I'm going to be extract brewing on my stovetop, and I'd like to do full boil (5 gal. batches). I can get a 40 qt. brewpot, but if I want the ball valve, it basically doubles the price. I want a quality kettle, but is the valve really necessary? What's the draw -- you can hook up a hose and drain straight to your primary bucket? I'm not planning on getting a wort chiller for now, so I'll need to move the pot from my stove to the sink anyway. Am I missing something? I'd hate to pay $140 now and want a $300 kettle down the road...
I also have a process question: I've never done a yeast starter, but seems to be the way to go, so I plan on incorporating this into my normal process. I've read various instructions/posts, and seems pretty straightforward, but where do you get the DME for the starter? Will I need to buy extra? I assume you don't want to take it from the kit, otherwise the OG will be totally off, am I right? Again, I'm sure I'm missing something
I'm really excited to get started on this! Hopefully by next week.