Staged E-build, looking for comments

[SPR-GRN]

I've been through so many threads it isn't funny, but I think I've assembled my purchase list; comments are more than welcome.

Goal: 10 gallon batches, in my basement, electric, full boil.

Stage 1: E-BIAB - single vessel

Keggle build #1
1.) 15.5gal Sanke keg (local scrap yard, or one of the local breweries)
2.) Weldless Spigot setup (1/2" full bore SS ball valve)
http://morebeer.com/products/weldless-spigot-stainless-1.html
3.) Weldless Thermometer (2")
http://morebeer.com/products/weldless-stainless-thermometer-2.html
4.) weldless 5500watt element with wave ULWD element
http://www.kegkits.com/Merchant2/me...&Product_Code=240VBP-EL&Category_Code=EB_Kits
5.) DIY controller
http://www.stilldragon.com/diy-controller.html

Misc.
Hole saws (1" and 1-1/4") or stepped drill bit
oil
cutting disc & stone grinding wheel for dremel
sand paper
stainless hose clamps
silicone hose
range hood (craigslist)
dryer vent tubing

Does that appear to include everything I'll need for the stage 1 build? looks like I can accomplish a 1-vessel E-BIAB for ~$300 (+the cost of getting a 30amp 2 pole GFCI breaker installed in my panel and a used range hood).

Stage 2: E-RIMS - 2 vessel

Mash Tun Build
1.) Mash Tun ala Homebrewtalk DIY section (except with a "cube" cooler)
https://www.homebrewtalk.com/f51/70-quart-coleman-extreme-mash-tun-w-cpvc-manifold-391483/
2.) chugger pump
http://morebeer.com/products/chugger-high-temperature-stainless-steel-brew-pump.html?gclid=COid7KP1tLkCFdOj4Aod9DYA2w

stage two will arguably be pretty cheap, I would have included it in stage 1 but with financing as it is, it was a few hundred bucks more than I want to drop at once.

Stage 3: E-HERMS - 3 vessel

Keggle build #2
1.) 15.5gal Sanke keg (local scrap yard, or one of the local breweries)
2.) Weldless Spigot setup (1/2" full bore SS ball valve)
http://morebeer.com/products/weldless-spigot-stainless-1.html
3.) Weldless Thermometer (2")
http://morebeer.com/products/weldless-stainless-thermometer-2.html
4.) weldless 5500watt element with wave ULWD element
http://www.kegkits.com/Merchant2/me...&Product_Code=240VBP-EL&Category_Code=EB_Kits
5.) herms coil
(haven't picked a source yet)

I'd love to buy shiny new Blichmans and a controller from "the electric brewery", but I don't have that kind of green for what is essentially a "hobby".

comments are much much appreciated.

 

[MercMan]

Looks like you have everything covered but I'd go with a new vent hood. They are cheap enough from LOWES and Home Depot and with the new you get a new blower motor.

 

[jeffmeh]

If you are not already aware of kegkits' reputation, google it.

 

[shuckit]

You can do ten gallon full volume batches in a keggle. I would suggest cutting the widest mouth possible for the top of the keggle. When you pull the bag out with that much grain it rubs against the rim and drips a bunch down the outside of the keggle.

You'll need a large hole punch for the element in the keggle and a receptacle for element cable going back into the control box.

 

[ktblunden]

If you are not already aware of kegkits' reputation, google it.

Seriously, stay far away from that place.

Here's an element kit for about the same price from a much more reputable supplier: http://www.ebrewsupply.com/ebrew-kits/elements/element-package.html

 

[mrwizard0]

I don't do biab but you might want the chugger pump for stage 1 so you have a more consistent temp. For the element kits, you could get a lot of those parts on eBay or amazon for a lot less than buying them as a kit. I bought a 9' 10-3 cord with twist lock plug on eBay for about 15-20, a one gang outlet/cover from lowes, an the element on here for 10.

 

[MercMan]

If you are not already aware of kegkits' reputation, google it.

I looked at their BBB rating and they are listed as A+
http://www.bbb.org/northern-alabama...tom-hargrave-sales-in-huntsville-al-900050886

Is this the same company?

 

[SPR-GRN]

If you are not already aware of kegkits' reputation, google it.

Seriously, stay far away from that place.

Here's an element kit for about the same price from a much more reputable supplier: http://www.ebrewsupply.com/ebrew-kits/elements/element-package.html

yeah I looked them up.. I will most likely be getting my stuff from ebrewupply and others instead of kegkits..

I don't do biab but you might want the chugger pump for stage 1 so you have a more consistent temp. For the element kits, you could get a lot of those parts on eBay or amazon for a lot less than buying them as a kit. I bought a 9' 10-3 cord with twist lock plug on eBay for about 15-20, a one gang outlet/cover from lowes, an the element on here for 10.

I had originally planned to go that route - buying it cheaper and assembling it myself, but after going through everything I needed to assemble and the work involved I got a little overloaded and looked at the kits, if I break it down the way I plan to, in stages, I may go the DIY route as the DIY's are pretty darn easy to follow on this site.

I had planned on drilling the holes not using punches, guess it depends on the cost of a stepped bit or TC hole saws vs. punches.

Thanks guys, I appreciate the comments, keep them coming.