Planning on stepping up to 5 gallon batches. Suggestions????

[bsigmon1103]

So ive been researching brewing for a couple of months and have made 3 batches (ferming the 3rd batch now) so far and things seem to be going pretty well. The work that goes into a batch of beer 2 gallons just doesnt seem to pay off. I've looked at many threads and searching aot of equipment. What i'm wondering is:

Option 1 - Is it cheaper to purchase everything in one lump purchase or accumulate things over time? My wife will not be too happy and and it may take some bargainning, but i think i can swing it.

Option 2 - I could also buy the kit without the kettle. this is why.... let me know what you think. I work for a sheet metal fab shop. I was going to get them to make me a kettle. I can most likely get the material/labor for nothing and would purchase a thermowell, spiggot attachment, and whatever other fancy gadgets i want on there.

If i dont move to 5 gallon batches soon, im just going to get 2 or 3 2 gallon fermenters and make a few batches at once.

 

[LMGK]

If your really into brewing just jump to as big of a kettle as you can afford or make yourself etc. it will save you in the long run.

 

[bsigmon1103]

I have my shop making this for me right now. We'll see how it turns out.

 

[Cosmicbrew]

I have my shop making this for me right now. We'll see how it turns out.

I want one

 

[unionrdr]

Conical fermenters are def nice to have. Just get the other things you need here & there to put together a set up that won't break the bank. That should keep momma happy.

 

[bsigmon1103]

I want one

There for 2 gallon batches. I sized it around 3 gallons full. Its about 18" tall. If it turns out well I'll see about making more.

 

[CPFITNESS]

So ive been researching brewing for a couple of months and have made 3 batches (ferming the 3rd batch now) so far and things seem to be going pretty well. The work that goes into a batch of beer 2 gallons just doesnt seem to pay off. I've looked at many threads and searching aot of equipment. What i'm wondering is:

Option 1 - Is it cheaper to purchase everything in one lump purchase or accumulate things over time? My wife will not be too happy and and it may take some bargainning, but i think i can swing it.

Option 2 - I could also buy the kit without the kettle. this is why.... let me know what you think. I work for a sheet metal fab shop. I was going to get them to make me a kettle. I can most likely get the material/labor for nothing and would purchase a thermowell, spiggot attachment, and whatever other fancy gadgets i want on there.

If i dont move to 5 gallon batches soon, im just going to get 2 or 3 2 gallon fermenters and make a few batches at once.

Since you've already done some brewing you probably don't need a whole kit. quite frankly, all you probably need is a larger pot and mash tun. I paid $50 for an 8 gallon aluminum pot that I drilled a hole and added a spigot too and I also bought a $40 cooler from home depot that I also put a spigot on. I also bought 50 feet of copper tubing and made my own wort chiller. the tubing was $60. it's not a mandatory but honestly, I loved the fact that I chilled my wort in 10 minutes versus 90 mins in my bathtub.