Ag setup how much$ ?

[Stellarstar]

Hi all am thinking of going to AG brewing and was wondering how much it would cost to get a decent setup.

 

[OneHoppyGuy]

You have just opened Pandora's box.

There are so many methods, options and opinions to that question. All grain can be done in your kitchen or on a complete computerized decked out brew machine. Or anywhere in between.

Two suggestions:

1. Determine your budget
2. Determine the mash style

When customers come to us and are not sure, I ask if they have done any research. The next is their desired mash style. Much of the equipment required (and cost) is determined by the mash style you choose.

Good luck on your quest!

 

[cmybeer]

Well, what is your budget look like. You could easily spend a next to nothing if you are scouring craigslist for coolers/kettles and random parts or you could spend a couple thousand dollars.

If I had it to do over again I'd go with something like Denny's Batch Sparging mashtun. It's cheaper than what I did and effective.
http://hbd.org/cascade/dennybrew/

After that you'll need at least a 7 gallon pot, a wort chiller and a fermentor.

 

[Stellarstar]

So 1500 could get me pretty good set up for the shed u reackon? Want a good looking set up as it will be next to my bar want to have that brewery feel going on.

 

[wilserbrewer]

So 1500 could get me pretty good set up for the shed u reackon? Want a good looking set up as it will be next to my bar want to have that brewery feel going on.

Yes I reckon 1500 will get you a pretty good brewery feel going on...might be easier to learn how to brew w/ a simple set up, rather than an impressive 'brewery feel' equipment.

 

[cmybeer]

You should have no problem with $1500. Still though, do your research so you're getting the stuff you need and know that you want. Some stuff out there looks real fancy and cool but is not completely necessary. Example would be (IMO) a stainless steel conical fermentor. That could set you back $800 and look awesome next to your bar but could very easily be swapped out for a $30 glass carboy.

I guess what I'm saying is don't just show up at a homebrew store and say "I have $1500, what should I get?"

 

[Stellarstar]

Thanks for all the advise I will start looking into it a bit more so I do get what I need but would love all stainless.

 

[cmybeer]

You could easily do a large stainless steel mashtun and kettle along with a pretty neat stand for them and the burners without much of a problem.

 

[wilserbrewer]

Thanks for all the advise I will start looking into it a bit more so I do get what I need but would love all stainless.

Yea get as much stainless as you like...just hide the cooler in the back closet when your friends come over...

I say this as using a stainless MT will be a little tricky for a noob IMHO.

 

[Boerderij_Kabouter]

What do you have in inventory now?

I think there is a lot of advantage in getting good quality equipment and staying at the extract level longer, and moving to AG when you have the equipment to do it right. I find working with hobbled together equipment frustrating. Others make do or love the scrapped together systems. It is all personal preference.

For me, I would set aside 1k to move to a well thought out AG system. Less than that it just isn't worth it in my eyes. You can make really high quality beer with a simple extract and steeped grains system. The advantages of AG are only worth it to me if I am doing it in a well put together system that is relaxing and nice to use.

 

[OneHoppyGuy]

The other part of the equation is availability and cost of materials in Australia. $1500 here may cost $3000 there.

 

[Rbeckett]

I guess what I'm saying is don't just show up at a homebrew store and say "I have $1500, what should I get?"

Smart money sez, do a good bit of research before you whip out that credit card. If you do youre homework and select youre parts carefully a 1500 dollar set up could be absolutely awesome and right in line with the brewery look you are going for. You can build the brewing machine and the kegging machine and keep a very consistent theme through out. I personally am all for workable, not looks, but to each his own. Good luck and put up some pics of youre system when you build it. Thanks!!!
WCB

 

[Polboy]

cheap way:
2 kegs $40-100
cooler+conversion $50
1 burner (but i would go with 2) $50-100
stand anything between free and $1000 (mine was $40)
thats basic that would do but i would add welded/weldless ports in kegs, some tubes, thermometer, ball valves, sight glass thats probably $100-200

 

[Stellarstar]

Will probly start with a good extract kit first then see how I go. At te moment have just got a starter kit plastic carboy and 20lt pot making good beer but making a mess in kitchen.

 

[mpcluever]

I would definitely get some more batches under your belt before jumping into all grain. Not that all grain is difficult, but you kinda need to have a grasp on your process and how YOU do things. Everyone does things different and only you know how you want to do it. Always be looking for the bottlenecks and snags and be working to resolve them. Once you can do extract in your sleep, then start adding in all grain equipment to supplement what you already have. Knowing where you're heading, make sure all future purchases towards doing extract can also be used after the switch to all grain.

 

[Special Hops]

For me, I would set aside 1k to move to a well thought out AG system. Less than that it just isn't worth it in my eyes. You can make really high quality beer with a simple extract and steeped grains system. The advantages of AG are only worth it to me if I am doing it in a well put together system that is relaxing and nice to use.

1k! I went all grain for less then $150.

 

[mpcluever]

There is definitely something to be said for a well designed system that is FUN to brew on rather than a bunch of random pieces that need a lot of work each time you brew. If you're going to add a lot of time to your brew day, make sure that you're going to still ENJOY it. If you don't thoroughly enjoy brew day and look forward to it, your hobby just died.
You can absolutely get by for cheap. Think long term though. Try to minimize equipment that will wear out in a few years or do the whole thing SUPER cheap and replace it ALL once you know exactly what you want.
The individualism of All Grain is what makes it fun. It's also what scares a lot of people away.

 

[goybar]

Didn't you Aussie's invent the Brew In A Bag method?

Great and cheap way to get into All Grain. I don't see me moving to a 3 vessel system.

I will refine my BIAB system, eventually build a brew cart/stand etc.

Chris