Help me spend $2K on Complete (almost) System

[brew-in]

Hi Team,

I was an avid all grain brewer many years ago. I would like to get back into it and have $2K to spend.Here are my requirements:

1) Small footprint
2) Electric
3) Temp control for fermentation
4) SS Conical Fermenter
4) 5 Gallon minimum, 10 gallon capacity goal.

So here is what I am looking at

Colorado Brew systems 15 gallon BAIB System $1100
SS Brew Tech Conical 14 gallon $500
SS Brew Temp control for Conical $275
2 Soda Keg System $300
Temp Control for my unused chest freezer (for kegged beer) $75
Grand Total $2250

Any advice/thoughts/opinions/etc. would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Dan

P.S. I have a small chest freezer that I will use (with the temp control) to hold the kegs...

 

[DarkStormBrewing]

I think you are on the right track. Electric is definitely my favorite change I have made in my system. I think you could get it in under 2k. Look at the inkbird temperature controller and the $75 kegs at a few vendors. I love my Speidel plastic fermenters, with the ssbrewing valve mod. It has kept from conical fever for the past year. Keep us posted.

 

[normonster]

Picobrew and extras $1000: http://sfbay.craigslist.org/sby/hsh/5179176821.html

 

[mcgimpkins]

I agree with DarkStorm you can save some money if you go with the Inkbird Itc-308. I have one and I like it.

I have no experience using it but I did look into, the Colorado Brew systems 15 gallon BAIB System, and it seems pretty good.

If you're looking around I ended up buying the Brew Boss 15 Gallon Deluxe System about 6 months ago and I am pretty happy with that. It is small, fast cleanup, and automated so you can easily replace your results.

Other than that keep an eye on kegs and kegerators on your local craigslist, that seems to be where you can find the best deals on that equipment.

 

[dude3516]

my LHBS got in a Grain Father. It's a great system and comes in at $890 according to the website. Complete all in one system, with pump and counterflow chiller. I'm seriously considering getting rid of all the various kettles I've built for one of these guys.

 

[DarkStormBrewing]

At that budget level I would really consider tri-clamp kettle options.

I lose an hour every brew day, at the end, to disassemble all of my threaded and weldless fittings. That's every valve and kettle hole in mash tun and boil kettle. I find this cleaning necessary for me to make the best beer possible. I'm completely sold on welded tri-clamps to eliminate every thread possible. I have heard great mention of cobrewsystem's customer service and customization options on this forum.

 

[augiedoggy]

At that budget level I would really consider tri-clamp kettle options.

I lose an hour every brew day, at the end, to disassemble all of my threaded and weldless fittings. That's every valve and kettle hole in mash tun and boil kettle. I find this cleaning necessary for me to make the best beer possible. I'm completely sold on welded tri-clamps to eliminate every thread possible. I have heard great mention of cobrewsystem's customer service and customization options on this forum.

cam lock fittings are even easier than the triclamp... I have both and the only area I prefer triclamp is on the cold side after the boil on my conical.

 

[brew-in]

At that budget level I would really consider tri-clamp kettle options.

I lose an hour every brew day, at the end, to disassemble all of my threaded and weldless fittings. That's every valve and kettle hole in mash tun and boil kettle. I find this cleaning necessary for me to make the best beer possible. I'm completely sold on welded tri-clamps to eliminate every thread possible. I have heard great mention of cobrewsystem's customer service and customization options on this forum.

With the Colorado Brewing System, Tri-clamp valves are a very reasonably priced option ($65)

 

[decoleur]

+1 for Colorado Brewing. I got a custom pot and the experience was painless.