the amazon link is for a very similar if not identical model. i was looking at that until i found it cheaper at walmart (even though i usually try and avoid them, i correctly figured it would be the cheapest place to get hunting gear). those two models have the bolt on winch, i was reading that people were having problems with a more expensive model that had the winch welded on.
i can vary the batch size depending on the abv i want the final beer to be. my first batch on this system i used 20 gallons of strike water and 65lbs of grain (55lb sack of maris otter, 5lbs c60, and 5lbs dextrine) i did a cold water sparge this time to take the level up to about 26 gallons preboil. i collected a little under 22 gallons in the fermentor that should be about 8%abv. with a single 50lb sack of 2 row i should be able to make 30 gallons of 4.3%abv. my plan is to see how full i can keep the kettle in that instance and then top off the kettle at flame out with filtered water. 3 or 4 gallons of cold water should not drop the entire kettle past the point where it will not be sanitized. if i want to make a monstrously strong beer i can still get 10-15 gallons with this system.
the price break at the sack level of grain is huge, and with batches this size i don't feel i need to wash/store yeast, so the wife will be happy to see the 15 mason jars leave the fridge.
at this size, i can also feasibly supply all of our beer needs. making fifty at a time does not cut it when i can drink 6-8 beers just while i'm making it.
