All Grain Equipment? Where to buy?

[CascadesBrewer]

I always use spring water from the store, the water here is high in calcium.

Water chemistry can be a big topic to dive into...but "high in calcium" is seldom a big problem for brewing water (unless all you brew are pale lagers). Often it is the bicarbonate that may come along with the calcium that is an issue. Using spring water is not a bad way to go if you don't know what is in your tap water.

As far as this topic, I tend to think that the cooler based mashtuns were great when that was about the only option. These days, either single vessel BIAB or the single vessel all-in-one systems are the best systems for making typical 5 gallon (or smaller) batches. I used to brew 3-vessel fly sparge, but moved to BIAB 3-4 years ago.

 

[k-daddy]

I built a 10 gallon kettle BIAB system based on this design and highly recommend it. Addresses some of the shortcomings of many other systems. Brewhardware is a great source for equipment & ingredients. Good luck. Premium Recirculating Electric (240v) BIAB Package (SPIKE brand kettle)
Here’s the BH video explaining how the system works.

 

[Yesfan]

Okay, thanks. I have a gas stovetop, but also already have a propane tank with burner if needed. I just bought Brewers Friend yesterday.

Will probably get the 10 gallon kettle + BIAB.

10 gallon kettle is good, but a 15 gallon kettle is better for BIAB. Plenty of space. I know you don't do 10 gallon batches, but you may change your mind in the future. There's not much difference in price between a 10 gallon and 15 gallon kettle.

I like the suggestions of just getting the paint strainer bags and use those with what you already have and do small batches. I'd go that route. Then when you want to make the jump, get a 15 gallon kettle since you have a dedicated burner.

 

[Nixter]

Don't forget to figure out what you want then check Craigslist.com. Type in: "Home brew beer" and see what's around.

 

[redrocker652002]

Plus one on the checking Craigslist. Had I known then what I know now, that is where I would have looked for my stuff.

 

[redrocker652002]

Water chemistry can be a big topic to dive into...but "high in calcium" is seldom a big problem for brewing water (unless all you brew are pale lagers). Often it is the bicarbonate that may come along with the calcium that is an issue. Using spring water is not a bad way to go if you don't know what is in your tap water.

As far as this topic, I tend to think that the cooler based mashtuns were great when that was about the only option. These days, either single vessel BIAB or the single vessel all-in-one systems are the best systems for making typical 5 gallon (or smaller) batches. I used to brew 3-vessel fly sparge, but moved to BIAB 3-4 years ago.

I agree. My Gasone kettle is great and holds temps very solid for the 60 min mashes. I just never am satisfied and like to fool around with the DYI realm. So, the cooler mash tun, homemade keg washer and small cooler recycler for my wort chiller have been fun little projects. Next is going to be a way to insulate the closet I use to ferment so I can control my temps a bit better. Most of this stuff is probably easier and more cost effective to buy, but I dig doing it myself.

 

[superiorsat]

https://www.kegconnection.com/diy-h...D_9DzGb7xLakr_gSGYtF3jBXRG5tdODwrmwwY=.Ybd7dP
Thought this was a pretty good deal.

 

[JaxBrewerSahti]

I started with a Klarstein all in one from Amazon. Painfully long to boil, and always got gunk on the bottom. Now I use it just for mashing, with a bag, it allows step mashing, which is why i will keep using it, and I boil in my 10 gallon GasOne stainless steel kettle. It has a valve, temp gauge and everything

 

[Bobby_M]

Foundry 10.5 if you can swing $425. Plug it in to 240 volts if you can.