Clueless grandma needs help with AG gift for SIL

[Grandmasue]

Hello, apologies to start for being a clueless idiot.

I bought my SIL a propane burner and 10 gallon stainless pot a few years back to start making his own beer. I am pretty sure he has the basic equipment for extract brewing (?) as he has made a few 5 gallon batches from kits

He wants to change to what I think is called all grain. I would like to get him a basic inexpensive setup for Christmas and need help/advice.

I know he has talked about needing 2-10 gallon coolers- I am considering the ones at HD. ($40 ea w/hubbys military).

I also think he needs a bigger kettle- thinking about bayou classic 16 gallon w/valve- $125-135 .

It seems he needs different valves in coolers and a false bottom w/tubing that attaches to valve in one. Am I right about all that?

If so, where is the best source for all parts, fittings, etc for coolers? Exactly what all is needed? Please dumb it down and be very specific as much as possible and help me buy the most cost effective setup I can. I am totally clueless about every part needed to convert the 2 coolers.

Thx in advance for any help you can give this dumb granny.

 

[Pkrd]

There are so many different ways to do things in this hobby that even with the best intentions and the best advice you'll likely get him something he wouldn't choose himself. Best bet is to get him a voucher for the local homebrew shop or an online vendor.

 

[Cyclman]

Bobby- https://www.brewhardware.com/

 

[Pkrd]

OF COURSE THE BEST THING YOU COULD BUY HIM IS A LIFETIME SUBSCRIPTION TO HBT!

https://www.homebrewtalk.com/payments.php

 

[ProblemChild]

OK - first you have to be the most incredibly cool Mother-in-Law ever.

On top of that, you have even done a decent amount of homework. You clearly care about what he talks about and does and have researched it.

If he switches to all grain and has a 10 gallon kettle, he should be fine with that.

Northern Brewer has a kit with all the valves, hoses and coolers to complete a decent all-grain kit. (seeing as he has the kettle, boiler, and fermenter anyway)

Edit - going with what was said above - that is good advice - afford him the opportunity to make selections when possible.

For your own edification, go to northernbrewer.com and look up All-Grain Brewing Starter Kit - 10 Gallon - there you will see a kit with two coolers and a little video showing what it is and how it works.


There are other similar systems out there. I mention this one as it is more than good enough to get the SiL started and the price point is very good. I have been brewing this way for a few years and love it. I will move on to an all stainless system at some point, (have to have more awesome toys eventually) but the equipment will not hold back anyone doing basic ales. Professional results are possible with practice on this system

 

[augiedoggy]

Get him a grain mill! Anything but a barley crusher brand unit will be a great help for his hobby.

 

[Grandmasue]

Hello again, thx for all your help. Decided to either get northern brewer system listed above or this one:
http://www.homebrewing.org/10-Gallon-Converted

I kinda like the idea of igloo coolers, they have great reviews, and also kinda like the idea of all stainless hardware .( cleanliness, lack of aftertaste, etc). Same price thru aug.9 as NB system.

Anyone care to weigh in on diff between the two?

I kinda have to be done shopping and wrapping very soon as we r leaving for Fl for winter.

Thx so much for all ur help and great input, very help ful!!

 

[ProblemChild]

I prefer stainless. A few bucks more and well worth it.

He will need to establish which method of sparging he will want to use.
http://howtobrew.com/book/section-3/getting-the-wort-out-lautering/aspects-of-lautering

If he batch sparges, he will only need the cooler with the false bottom. If he wants to fly sparge, hw will need both. A lot of fantastic brewers use one method or the other. They both have their benefits. I fly sparge becaseu that is how I learned, and continue to do so because me and my brew friends somehow have almost made it ritualistic.

FLy sparging wil lneed a sparge arm.
Batch sparging allows you to get only one cooler, but you may (also, may not) lose efficiency in extracting the fermentable sugar.

 

[Grandmasue]

Hello, thx for all your help. Bought the igloo stainless 2 cooler system and something called a "Siphon Spray Wort Aerator " , it was included in northern kit but not this one. $208.48 shipped, very happy. Thx to all !!!

 

[bruteforce]

Hello, thx for all your help. Bought the igloo stainless 2 cooler system and something called a "Siphon Spray Wort Aerator " , it was included in northern kit but not this one. $208.48 shipped, very happy. Thx to all !!!

I'm sure he'll love it. Happy brewing to him!

 

[ProblemChild]

Hello, thx for all your help. Bought the igloo stainless 2 cooler system and something called a "Siphon Spray Wort Aerator " , it was included in northern kit but not this one. $208.48 shipped, very happy. Thx to all !!!

Has to be said again - you have to be the most awesome In-Law ever.

 

[Kent88]

OF COURSE THE BEST THING YOU COULD BUY HIM IS A LIFETIME SUBSCRIPTION TO HBT!

https://www.homebrewtalk.com/payments.php

I wish someone would gift me a subscription here...