Help Me Build My Home Brewery Setup on My Budget.

[DonT]

Don't know if you saw this or not... For Sale - Spike 15G Solo

 

[Komodo]

I have this conversation an average of 3 times a day and it's always amazing how variable the goals can be. I've been trying to put together a standard list of questions. Batch size is a big one and I encourage you to really think hard about it. You will brew more often and get better at it with smaller batches. Can you make 10 gallons of beer disappear once a month? How often do you want to brew? This affects how many fermenters you need.

I just rebuilt my whole system from the ground up, and this was central to the whole process. I have three gallon kegs, so 3G, 6G, or even 9G batches. All equipment was built around that. In the past I brewed 10G and bottled.

I built a system based on what @Bobby_M has put together. Considering the time, $ and sourcing of everything, you really can't do much better.
https://www.brewhardware.com/product_p/biabpackagetank.htm

 

[adhomebrew10]

For your budget with 5-10 gallon batches, the spike or SSBrewtech systems are fantastic. The higher end of both come with all sanitary welded fittings with triclamp connections and are totally worth it. I don't personally have experience with the electric systems, choosing direct fire for my needs, but I don't think you can go wrong. I am an SSBrewtech fan and their unitank 2.0 is awesome. Glycol jackets paired with a glycol chiller will let you make anything you want with precise temp control. Be mindful of the additional expenses, however. You will need braided or thick wall tubing, TC clamps, etc and those will easily be another 1000 for the system. SSBrewtech does ship with MPT connections and threaded TC assembly, but you can purchase TC ball valves, sight glasses etc atermarket. I also recommend the CIP for the unitank and an RO system so you can create your water profiles and have blank water for all of your cleaning, sanitization, etc. I got one from Amazon for $250 an it has been well worth it. Cheers!