Large thread, and I've read quite a bit of it... So here's a couple questions I have before I seriously type in my CC number for a 10 gallon gas system.
Background- I have brew all grain for a while now, I batch sparge with igloo coolers, and a single kettle. Pump involved, and hopback, with a immersion chiller. Looking to build a big single tier stand, but like the "bling" and like the smaller footprint.
I've seen different places to buy from, which do you all think is the best as of now? Great fermentations has some really positive mentions.
I've seen two different Tower of Power systems.. a "regular one" and the "LTE" one.. Any preference over one and the other?
I'm looking at the 10 gallon system, more for the ability to have the advantage of doing larger mashes for big 5 gallons batches, or large 10 gallon batches of low OG sours and session ales that I want to experiment with. I regularly do only 5 gallons batches.. will I have much trouble in mashing and boiling in the larger kettles? What about efficiency? I keep seeing it's comparison to BIAB, but with my ignorance.. will be dipping under my current batch sparge numbers? I have a MM3 mill, and mill my own grain and average an easy 72+ percent efficiency.
Step mashing.. how do you feel it is on step mashing? Do you think you could perhaps do step mashes, even something similar to a decoction mash?
Extras needed on the system: Have people added the hop blocker to the kettles? How well does it work installed from the onset of the mash, till the completed boil? I use whole hops when I can, and if it works well, I can move to them exclusive if possible. I can use bags, and even a SS 400micro hop spider if needed, but love free floating them in the kettle. How about hooking up my Hop Rocket inline. I plan to buy a plate chiller if I use this system, and want to use the hoprocket to filter, and to add the addition on hops for the hoppier brews?
Plan to buy the wheeled stand... worth it? I haven't decided if I want to brew outside the garage, or drag it all out back.. more likely, out front.. is it worthwhile to wheel around on the concrete?
All told.. do you think you make better beer, or make beer easier, or both? I'm looking at $3000 out the door for everything I need, probably slightly more when done.. I could buy the Blichman kettles, and have my stand welded and have a 2 pump system for less, maybe even a RIMS or HERMS system.. but I like the footprint.. I just don't want to essentially pay 3000 for two kettles and an extra burner that I still have to work like my current system.
Any answered questions are greatly appreciated, and I appreciate the thread as a whole.. tons of info I'm reading through, and hopefully more direct answers can be found in additional reading.