Nostrildamus
Well-Known Member
Alright guys, I've made the decision to go to all grain in the next month or so and I've got a boatload of questions for you. I've read up on the technique and I'm interested to know what sort of equipment setup you have.
I've been presented with two ideas for systems, one involving a converted beverage cooler and one using a stainless steel mash tun.
Now at first glance the cooler seemed like the easiest method to brew and maybe a cheaper route but now looking at my LHBS website I see they have mash tuns on for $20. Coolers aren't $20 rather more like $40 and converting it takes time. I also want the ability to do three rests and having read Palmer's How To Brew it seems as though you can run out of space in the cooler when you're adding that much water. I myself would simply have a larger cooler.
Does it make sense to go the stainless steel mash-tun route and simply heat it directly while being careful to stir the grain? I would think that elevating the temperature for the next rest by turning on the heat would be easier than adding hot water, stirring checking the temp, adding more hot etc.
What other gear would you suggest AND WHY? Please explain it fully. I'm really interested in your experienced opinion.
Thanks again for your help folks.
I've been presented with two ideas for systems, one involving a converted beverage cooler and one using a stainless steel mash tun.
Now at first glance the cooler seemed like the easiest method to brew and maybe a cheaper route but now looking at my LHBS website I see they have mash tuns on for $20. Coolers aren't $20 rather more like $40 and converting it takes time. I also want the ability to do three rests and having read Palmer's How To Brew it seems as though you can run out of space in the cooler when you're adding that much water. I myself would simply have a larger cooler.
Does it make sense to go the stainless steel mash-tun route and simply heat it directly while being careful to stir the grain? I would think that elevating the temperature for the next rest by turning on the heat would be easier than adding hot water, stirring checking the temp, adding more hot etc.
What other gear would you suggest AND WHY? Please explain it fully. I'm really interested in your experienced opinion.
Thanks again for your help folks.