Mothman
Well-Known Member
I have a few odds and ends (equipment) left over from the one time I tried doing home brew many years ago, but I am missing several components, and have been keeping my eyes open for good deals for the pieces I need (new or used) and not had a lot of luck.
I don't have many options locally for HBS, and sourcing either locally or online (Canada) it seems to get the few pieces of kit I need is going to cost me around $100 (Cnd). And that would have me using my old gear which may be in questionable condition (years of storage and being moved around through a couple moves).
On the other hand I've found this kit - Everwood Ave Intermediate Kit which would set me back about $125 + shipping but would have, I think, everything I need, and I'd have all new gear to start with, so I could get rid of, or repurpose, my old gear. This kit is lacking sanitizer and caps (cheap), bottle capper (a buddy has one he'll give me)... I think that's it.
I'd be starting with extract + specialty kits, so for now wouldn't need a grain bag. If/when I move to all-grain, I'd do BIAB, and I believe the 9 gallon pot would suffice, I could dunk sparge in a second, smaller, pot if I needed extra volume.
Compared to other online or local sources I've checked, this kit seems like a great value, other starter kits are way more $$ and/or come with a smaller (usually 5 gal) pot, so want to make sure I'm not overlooking something.
Am I? Overlooking something?
Second question is, there is the option to upgrade the siphon/filling gear from 5/16" to 1/2". I assume the benefit of 1/2" is just faster transfer? Is there a strong argument for upgrading to 1/2" for an extra $9?? It's only $9, but if there really is no significant benefit, then I might as well save the $9.
I don't have many options locally for HBS, and sourcing either locally or online (Canada) it seems to get the few pieces of kit I need is going to cost me around $100 (Cnd). And that would have me using my old gear which may be in questionable condition (years of storage and being moved around through a couple moves).
On the other hand I've found this kit - Everwood Ave Intermediate Kit which would set me back about $125 + shipping but would have, I think, everything I need, and I'd have all new gear to start with, so I could get rid of, or repurpose, my old gear. This kit is lacking sanitizer and caps (cheap), bottle capper (a buddy has one he'll give me)... I think that's it.
I'd be starting with extract + specialty kits, so for now wouldn't need a grain bag. If/when I move to all-grain, I'd do BIAB, and I believe the 9 gallon pot would suffice, I could dunk sparge in a second, smaller, pot if I needed extra volume.
Compared to other online or local sources I've checked, this kit seems like a great value, other starter kits are way more $$ and/or come with a smaller (usually 5 gal) pot, so want to make sure I'm not overlooking something.
Am I? Overlooking something?
Second question is, there is the option to upgrade the siphon/filling gear from 5/16" to 1/2". I assume the benefit of 1/2" is just faster transfer? Is there a strong argument for upgrading to 1/2" for an extra $9?? It's only $9, but if there really is no significant benefit, then I might as well save the $9.