General questions regarding brew stands

[bigken462]

This is just general conversation to pass the time at work, so if it needs moved, I understand.

Like most everyone else on this forum at some time or the other, I can't help but dream to have a brew stand someday. Financially speaking, it's just not possible right now, can't say it ever will be, but I still hope someday.......I feel I make good beer now with my single pot and cooler tun, but still, you guys know what I'm talking about i'm sure. lol

When I look at the pictures of all the single level stands, I notice feet upon feet of tubing. I get what they are for and understand the process, but I was wondering if you guys just add this extra volume into your recipe for loss or does those pumps manage to push all the wort out till they are dry?

From looking at the pictures, it looks like many of those pictured on the forum could easily hold a gallon or more. By the time you account for trub loss, I bet it would be pushing two gallons.

So here's the million dollar question. What would you guys guess the average $$$ is for a bumper to bumper mid to high end system would cost? I get this is a very open question. But if a person would need a ball park figure to set as a goal for everything, SS stand, burners, SS pumps, SS pots, nice fittings - everything. $1500, $2500 $3000?

It sucks to be broke:0(

Ken

 

[btbnl]

Check out the strut build threads (like this) - an affordable way to a custom-designed stand.

 

[bigken462]

Yeah, I think I've plowed through that thread long ago. Sometimes I wonder if these guys had it to do all over again would they wait and save a few bucks to build a steel tube stand or would they still choose the route they went.

There could easily be a DIY home brew TV show with all the creativity that goes on this forum.

 

[RM-MN]

What is the purpose for the brew stand? Is it to improve the taste of the beer, reduce the time, improve the efficiency, or impress your friends?

 

[bigken462]

It's so I can sit back in my brew chair, sip a cold homebrew and smile at something. lol

I'm a solo brewer, so the only people left to impress is the guy firing the kettle. But is all seriousness, one of my my goals is to get the most out of my brew day that I can get. I'm not suggesting that brewers have to depend on 5k worth of stainless steel to make good brew, but at the same time I want to be efficient at what I do and get the most out of the product that I can get. I understand much of this is technique, but I always wonder how much better I could make it if I had better equipment than a warped cooler, 60 year old 15 gallon pot and a turkey fryer.

I try to learn and much as I can. Refining techniques as I need to. Much of this I can do by brewing as often as finances allow, burying myself in every topic thread I can think of and study. This is a hobby that I don't have the privilege of having a live mentor to brew beside with, so I depend much on trial and error and the help I get here on the forums.

All that said, yes, I would like to have a single tier system sittin in my garage. lol

Cheers!

 

[jrcrilly]

It's all about time. Brewing is fun, but digging out the gear and setting it up isn't (for me, at least). With everything on a stand, it is just there. Kettles are in place, burners and pump are mounted and ready to use. Nobody but me sees it so the esthetics don't mean much. It is just very convenient.

 

[bigken462]

You kinda hit the nail on the head right there. Typically, since I work night shift, I'll set up the brewhouse sometime on Friday after taking a few hours of nappy. While I have it down to the minimal steps, it's still a chore.

Added to this my anal retentiveness of having to have the garage spot shined and mopped before the brew day adds to it. Of course that has nothing to do with a stand, but ya got to admit, a clean mopped brew house would look better with a nice brewstand other than a rubbermaid tabletop. lol

25 Years in EMS and I'm still piss broke on paydays. I should have chose nursing. lol

 

[Teromous]

When I look at the pictures of all the single level stands, I notice feet upon feet of tubing. I get what they are for and understand the process, but I was wondering if you guys just add this extra volume into your recipe for loss or does those pumps manage to push all the wort out till they are dry?

I do not have a brew stand but I do use a fair amount of silicon tubing to transfer wort to a pump and plate chiller. With my setup there is still beer left in the lines because there isn't anything left to create pressure in the lines and my pump can't push air. You could add water but what I do is I figure out how much volume is left below the pickup tube, lines, pump, and plate chiller then I brew that much more beer. You could disconnect everything and drain it all out but honestly it's not worth it. With a brew stand you could probably engineer it so that everything is high enough that even with a pump you could get the benefit of gravity as well.

On a side note I understand the want for a brew stand even though it doesn't necessarily mean better beer. For me it's the idea of having something put together as a single unit that is designed for making beer. Instead of taking out all of my beer making stuff it's right there...similar to a grill in the back yard or a workbench in the garage. It's an unmistakable construction that says "I am for making beer." Plus I think a lot of it has to do with the cool factor. It's something that will undoubtedly make your brew day that much more enjoyable.

Anyway cheers to a fellow dreamer.

 

[chickypad]

The tubing doesn't hold as much as you think. I just measured how much one of my 3.5 foot 1/2 inch silicone lines holds - you can see how bored I am today - its 4 oz. So as far as precious wort I guess I would lose about 8 oz if batch sparging on the final run from tun to kettle, or if fly sparging none because you go until you reach boil volume and discard the remaining runnings anyway. But for simplicity and great quality stovetop BIAB is what I'm mostly doing these days. The big rig sure is pretty and can be fun when I'm in the mood, I definitely like it for step mashing with the HERMS, but IME it's not going to give you better beer than your old cooler and pot.

 

[btbnl]

Yeah, I think I've plowed through that thread long ago. Sometimes I wonder if these guys had it to do all over again would they wait and save a few bucks to build a steel tube stand or would they still choose the route they went.

I built mine from aluminum strut and would do it again in a heartbeat.

 

[bigken462]

Back at work, kinda steady tonight. Crews are all out on 911's on football Saturday so you know everyone is happy. lol

Another question I have, again just general thoughts so I don't really want to start a whole new thread for general conversation, but I had a question on some kegs.

Currently I use two kegs from Northern Brewer that are newly filled and freshly tapped. These are the ones that has the rubber boot and metal handle on top. I think they are the ones that are made in Italy. I actually like the looks of these over the soda kegs, but that said, when the door to the fridge is closed, they all look the same.

I have two 6 gallon carboys in the ferm chamber now that will be ready to bottle in the next few weeks. The thought of screwing around with bottles again already gives me a headache, especially knowing it's going to be a double batch. It kinda spoils me when I can keg 10 gallons of beer and be done in less than 30 minutes.

With the typical cost of new kegs running in the 130-150's, buying the shiny new kegs from NB is just not feasible. My next idea is to purchase a few used soda kegs for 40each from a guy who sells them about a hour north of me from Craigs List. These are Pin Lock Coke kegs which would have to be refitted.

While contemplating my next steps, I came across some adds for those new SS kegs for 99 bucks from a online keg retailer. Now I'm wondering just how much money I would be saving by using the soda kegs. I'm looking at two hours drive for pick up, plus the cost of 4 balllock fittings and O-rings etc. Do you guys think it's still worth it? I don't know how much those refit sets cost, but I think they were around 25 a set and maybe 5 bucks for the new Oring set. By the time you factor in fuel, this is now 70 bucks or more invested in a used keg.

I'm almost thinking it would be better to go ahead and just suck it up and fork over the 25-30 bucks for the new keg, but then again, that's the cost of one additional used keg. lol

I'll never make fun of women again who can't make up their mind.
lol

Ken

 

[muels]

Not positive but do pin lock keg lids have vents in them? I think my buddy had to buy replacement lids so he could put a vent in. If it helps at all, I wish my kegs were the same. I have 12 in all and they are different brands/types so they have different post sizes and poppet types. I have to keep different spare stuff laying around in case something fails or breaks. They are all ball locks, so at least that's something.

 

[bigken462]

To be honest I don't know. Never held one before. That's a good question though and one i'll write down to ask.

Thanks,

KT


Here is what is on the CL add. Does not really mention anything about the lids.

Pin Lock Kegs - "A" Condition

5 Gallon Used Pin Lock Keg: Beer Keg supplies

Used 5 Gal Pin Lock Keg-Dual Handle

Perfect for kegging your homebrew, cider, or soda!
These soda kegs have been rinsed and pressure tested.

At less than one-half the price of a new keg, these are a great value!

These kegs are in "A" condition, most look almost new.

These are Cornelius style pin lock kegs.

Handle color may vary.

These kegs just came out of recent service from Coca-Cola

If you are concerned about the condition of the o-rings those may be purchased separately.
It's a good idea to have an extra set on hand in the event that any of the o-rings tear during use.

Tap/Disconnect sets are also available.

As with most "used" soda kegs we recommend that you thoroughly clean the keg inside and out.


22" Tall x 9" diameter - 23" tall with the disconnects attached.

 

[bigken462]

I've never measured before, and will have to do so later when I get home, but i'm wondering if those soda kegs will even fit in these small fridges?