Equipment upgrade time

[SirSpectre]

Hi everyone,

I've been brewing for about 18 months and feel its time to upgrade some equipment. I've been doing All-grain batches with a cooler and home made manifold for a while now and want to get better. I have been sitting about 62% brewhouse efficiency and it sucks. I've been wanting to do some step mashes as well and the single infusion with the cooler makes it hard. I haven't been able to control fermentation temps too well, but I typically do Belgians so I haven't needed to. Room temp was working very well. My first upgrade is a freezer and controller for temp control/lagering. Question on this, is my dual action controller will turn the freezer on to cool, but what method is used to warm? Light bulb? Aquarium heater?

Next, I've been looking up actual brewing equipment. I have a budget of about $1000 to upgrade with. I was looking at something like a Grainfather. I've read so many mixed reviews on it I'm not sure. I've tried to find other machines like it, but it don't see the value in those. Electric brewing would be awesome, but gas wouldn't be so bad. I am putting in a fume hood in the workshop for indoor brewing. Any advice on better equipment?

Thanks!

 

[woo_pig]

A small space heater works well. As far as the rest. It all depends on what you believe is better for you. I'd say a kegging system .

 

[jerbrew]

Kegging for sure. And with whatever money you have left you can probably build an electric system.

 

[SirSpectre]

Forgot to mention that I already have a Kegging setup

How would I go about building an electric setup from scratch?

 

[jerbrew]

This is a pretty good Resource and it has a lot of links to buy stuff you need

http://www.theelectricbrewery.com/


And of course the electric brewing forum on HBT

 

[Toga]

There are many options to use as a heater in your fermentation fridge. The heat lamps for reptiles work extremely well and are a safe inexpensive solution. I use a waterbed heater in mine. I rolled it up and set to its hottest setting and put it on the bottom of the fridge. Others use an incandescent light bulb in a soup can. If I did not have the waterbed heater laying around i would have used a reptile heater. https://www.chewy.com/flukers-ceramic-reptile-heat-emitter/dp/129150?utm_source=google-product&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=hg&utm_content=Fluker%27s&utm_term=&gclid=CLOH7rfdqM4CFQyCaQodHkIGrA I would stay away from a standard space heater...................

 

[BeardedBrews]

The answer on how to "go electric from scratch" depends entirely on how much DIY you want to do.

http://www.brew-boss.com/product-p/bb240120-biab-basket.htm
http://www.highgravitybrew.com/store/pc/BIAB-Electric-Brewing-System-240V-269p3987.htm

Your $1000 will get you right around here in a pre-built system.

@The_Bishop built what I believe is a comparable or better system for less, but there was quite a bit of labor involved too.

My signature has my eKeg which I've been quite happy with, and I was way under the $1k mark. My system is absolutely not for everyone, but for simple electric BIAB I couldn't be happier.

 

[SirSpectre]

Man those electric brewery control panels are crazy! New goals in place for when I have a ton of room. :rockin:

Brew boss looks really good, but I haven't done BIAB yet, just pure mashing all grain. I like the idea of a 240v system for really fast temps, especially if I want to do a larger batch. I am still leaning toward the Grainfather, but If I can build something similar with higher quality materials, that'd be great. My best friend is a certified electrician and a certified specialty welder, so he can wire anything in, and do a sanitary weld if need be.

I think I have enough info that I can start looking into what all is needed and what needs to be done!

 

[SirSpectre]

so 5 months later, I am still torn.

I have all temp control and kegging sorted, but now I really want an electric system.

I am torn between the Grainfather or an all out 3 vessel, 240 volt HERMs system, which after an exhaust fan install and a new sub panel with 30 to 50 amp circuit would run about $3500 brand new.

I think I'd out grow the Grainfather pretty quick, and the 3 vessel system would make 7 gallon batches, enough for a keg and a few bottles. Pretty sure this would be the last system I'd need for a very very long time.

Grainfather for 900 now.....or save up for the master system.....

is there anything the Grainfather can't do that the 3 vessel system can?

 

[jmark]

What about starting to build out an full 3 vessel system by first building/buying a control panel and getting the brew kettle sorted? That way you can start with BIAB as your saving and purchasing all the stuff to build out the full system. I kind of went that way, except I continued to just do extract boils over gas while I was buying pieces of the final system over the course of about a year. The key is, at least for me anyway, was to use a spreadsheet to keep track of everything that was needed so that you don't end up over-buying stuff (very easy to do). In the end I had a handful of stainless steel tees and nipples left over but not much more.

EDIT: Found the parts list if you're interested... not sure if this was the final one I ended up with, but it looks pretty accurate. (rename the file extension to .xlsx - doesn't look like HBT allows Excel uploads so I had to rename it).

View attachment PartsList.xml

 

[plazola86]

Get a 15 - 20 gallon kettle to do a single vessel BIAB electric system. That way you could brew 5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12,13,14,15 gallon batches LOL. Three vessel systems are great but are triple the clean up and triple the money. I've seen a lot of people go from three vessel to single vessel after life happens and get crunched for time. I'm currently upgrading to a single vessel (15 gallon kettle brew boss system) electric from a two vessel propane set up. Once I get it up and running I don't think I'll go back. The pros outnumber the cons IMO.

 

[BeardedBrews]

If the idea of "a keg and a few bottles" appeals to you, plan your system with a 10 gallon finished batch in mind.

In your shoes I'd go with plazola86's suggestion. Start with a 15-20 gallon electric boil kettle that is no wider than 16". If you love doing BIAB in that, then don't upgrade. If you really want to fool with rice hulls and sparge arms, go get yourself a HLT/HERMs and have a blast.

 

[SirSpectre]

What about starting to build out an full 3 vessel system by first building/buying a control panel and getting the brew kettle sorted? That way you can start with BIAB as your saving and purchasing all the stuff to build out the full system. I kind of went that way, except I continued to just do extract boils over gas while I was buying pieces of the final system over the course of about a year. The key is, at least for me anyway, was to use a spreadsheet to keep track of everything that was needed so that you don't end up over-buying stuff (very easy to do). In the end I had a handful of stainless steel tees and nipples left over but not much more.

EDIT: Found the parts list if you're interested... not sure if this was the final one I ended up with, but it looks pretty accurate. (rename the file extension to .xlsx - doesn't look like HBT allows Excel uploads so I had to rename it).

I do like this idea. I'm not a fan of BIAB, but I may just do it like this for a month until I can get everything done.

Get a 15 - 20 gallon kettle to do a single vessel BIAB electric system. That way you could brew 5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12,13,14,15 gallon batches LOL. Three vessel systems are great but are triple the clean up and triple the money. I've seen a lot of people go from three vessel to single vessel after life happens and get crunched for time. I'm currently upgrading to a single vessel (15 gallon kettle brew boss system) electric from a two vessel propane set up. Once I get it up and running I don't think I'll go back. The pros outnumber the cons IMO.

I See your point here. Single vessel would be fine still, but I know I will have days that I'd want to brew 2 batches. Being able to mash and boil at the same time for 2 different batches is appealing for those occasions.

If the idea of "a keg and a few bottles" appeals to you, plan your system with a 10 gallon finished batch in mind.

In your shoes I'd go with plazola86's suggestion. Start with a 15-20 gallon electric boil kettle that is no wider than 16". If you love doing BIAB in that, then don't upgrade. If you really want to fool with rice hulls and sparge arms, go get yourself a HLT/HERMs and have a blast.

Theres a lot of talk about BIAB. I did try it once for a batch and I didn't find it very effective. I hit about 40% efficiency, and the beer was filled with off flavors, Had to dump it. It could be process or something, but I do like the stages of pure, non-BIAB brewing. I like the idea of getting something running that I can do in the mean time, with the level of control I am craving though. But right now BIAB I don't find fun, just frustrating.



It feels like the Grainfather is kind of half BIAB anyway. Just uses a metal basket instead of a bag. Perhaps I need more reading about BIAB and give it another shot before I make a decision.

 

[Murphys_Law]

I do like this idea. I'm not a fan of BIAB, but I may just do it like this for a month until I can get everything done.



I See your point here. Single vessel would be fine still, but I know I will have days that I'd want to brew 2 batches. Being able to mash and boil at the same time for 2 different batches is appealing for those occasions.



Theres a lot of talk about BIAB. I did try it once for a batch and I didn't find it very effective. I hit about 40% efficiency, and the beer was filled with off flavors, Had to dump it. It could be process or something, but I do like the stages of pure, non-BIAB brewing. I like the idea of getting something running that I can do in the mean time, with the level of control I am craving though. But right now BIAB I don't find fun, just frustrating.



It feels like the Grainfather is kind of half BIAB anyway. Just uses a metal basket instead of a bag. Perhaps I need more reading about BIAB and give it another shot before I make a decision.

There is no reason you can't have an efficient brew day using BIAB. Your low efficiency was likely due to process and/or crush because people regularly get >70% and even mid to high 80's. I like BIAB just because of the simplicity of having one vessel to wash and store, etc.

There's a lot of good info on the BIAB sub-forum.

 

[passedpawn]

Can't comment on BIAB because I've never done it, but I do suggest building a system that allows you to brew large batches.

Inevitably, your life will get busier (kids, job) or you'll weary of the time it takes to brew and cleanup. Making bigger batches doesn't mean you need to drink more, but it does mean you can brew less often and still have homebrew on tap. I think back when I used to do 5g batches AND bottle. I don't think I'd be brewing now if those were still true, though both are still possible if I choose to (e.g., I would not brew a large batch of a Belgian beer).

 

[oujens]

Theres a lot of talk about BIAB. I did try it once for a batch and I didn't find it very effective. I hit about 40% efficiency, and the beer was filled with off flavors, Had to dump it. It could be process or something, but I do like the stages of pure, non-BIAB brewing. I like the idea of getting something running that I can do in the mean time, with the level of control I am craving though. But right now BIAB I don't find fun, just frustrating.



It feels like the Grainfather is kind of half BIAB anyway. Just uses a metal basket instead of a bag. Perhaps I need more reading about BIAB and give it another shot before I make a decision.

I've recently switched to single vessel BIAB from a 3 vessel propane setup. I saw no drop in efficiency. I do mill my own grains and mill at the finest setting. I'm around 78-80% BH efficiency. Gavin C has a great illustration of BIAB, and following his instructions should get you similar results. I think grain crush plays a critical factor in your results. I don't see myself ever going back to using a mash tun.

 

[BeardedBrews]

But right now BIAB I don't find fun, just frustrating.

You have to do what's fun for you, we are talking about a hobby not a job.

If you like the 3v for any reason (it looks cool, it's the right size for your space, your wife uses it to prove how manly and desirable you are) then by all means stick with that!


I've never had a 3v Rig, I'd like to, but for now I have BIAB pretty dialed in so I guess I'll stick with it.

 

[trav77]

If you like the 3v for any reason (it looks cool, it's the right size for your space, your wife uses it to prove how manly and desirable you are) then by all means stick with that!

If you have figured out a way to manipulate your wife into using your brewery to prove to others how manly you are, then you need to post an in-depth explanation and I will pre-emptively nominate it for a sticky.

 

[ejf063]

I scanned the posts, and I didn't see any mention of it, but how about a Blichmann Brew Easy? its a 2 vessel system, has a 240v boil coil and you can do 15 gallon batches with a 15 and 20 gallon pot. some places even have turn-key systems. so if you have the wiring all ready to go, this would probably be another consideration.

 

[BeardedBrews]

If you have figured out a way to manipulate your wife into using your brewery to prove to others how manly you are, then you need to post an in-depth explanation and I will pre-emptively nominate it for a sticky.

Perhaps your brewery doesn't have enough stainless steel...

"Hey Honey, have you taken Jim and Sally out to see your brewery yet?"


/Flex

 

[SirSpectre]

I scanned the posts, and I didn't see any mention of it, but how about a Blichmann Brew Easy? its a 2 vessel system, has a 240v boil coil and you can do 15 gallon batches with a 15 and 20 gallon pot. some places even have turn-key systems. so if you have the wiring all ready to go, this would probably be another consideration.

I was looking at those too. My brewing area will only be about 7' after the vent hood. It makes no mention on height of the unit. I would be interested in it.

 

[plazola86]

If your going three vessel, then get yourself the Spike turn key brewery!

 

[SirSpectre]

If your going three vessel, then get yourself the Spike turn key brewery!

Those guys are local too!!

 

[plazola86]

Those guys are local too!!

Its settled no more options needed! Seriously though their equipment looks top notch and the price isn't bad for everything included. That's a system that would get me back to three vessel brewing LOL

 

[SirSpectre]

Well I was at my LHBS, and they had a demo of the grainfather going. I was pretty impressed. I ended up picking one up today. I figure I can use this, until I save up for a spike turn key system.

Also I scored some Nelson Sauvin hops. Super excited to try those out.

 

[plazola86]

Nice! Nelson is by far my favorite hop and the grain father looks like a nice little system #justbrewit

 

[ejf063]

I was looking at those too. My brewing area will only be about 7' after the vent hood. It makes no mention on height of the unit. I would be interested in it.

Is it settled then? Because I can just measure mine and let you know how tall it is. I keep mine on a 2-tier table. I take the top tier off when I brew and assemble the system. On Sunday I achieved 85% efficiency.
I want to say its probably 4.5 feet when its all together. I have a vent hood too, which I think the bottom is at around the 6 foot mark.