Expanding and futureproofing

[Brewberries]

Hello! I am about to invest in some more serious home brew equipment. Right now, all i have is the most basic extract stuff. Basically, what i want is to make all grain double batches (11 or so gallons). I am looking at brew in a bag type set ups, or the pot inside a pot setups now, but am wondering if anyone can suggest where to go from here, in a fairly economical fashion.

I am, however planning (dreaming) of opening my very own brew pub as my exit strategy from the navy, so i would like something of high enough quality that it could also be a tiny "pilot" brewery in addition to the wildly expensive commercial stuff i will need later!

I am in sydney, Australia.

 

[kanzimonson]

My impression is that turning a cooler into a mashtun with a braid is probably the cheapest way to go.

I have several pro-brewer friends, and I own a small business myself (non-brewing related), so take it from me that if you open your own brewery you'll have much more important things to worry about than pilot systems. Make the hobby what you want for now.

 

[ghohn]

^^ Agreed. They are different animals.

As far as the mashtun goes, I'm a big fan of this design: drilled stopper with a copper elbow exiting the MT, stainless steel colander on top (pictured) with a sheet of muslin draped in the MT.

 

[Conan]

As was mentioned the cooler and SS braid is cheap, easy and works well. I just changed my braid after 3 years of abuse. If you want a shiny pro level pilot system you're going for a Brutus or MoreBeer setup for a couple grand. Either way, buy bigger than you need. Kyle

 

[Brewberries]

Thanks for the great advice everyone! I'm now hunting for an esky (cooler) that I can sacrifice! !!