Leaping in! - Need turnkey kit guidance

[conrabr]

I've been wanting to get into brewing my own beer for years. I've been seeing new innovations like the PicoBrew system and it has really vamped up my interest. I have never brewed before and have no supplies. I'm wanting to buy-in and get a nice turnkey brewing solution. From my limited research, I've seen options from Sabco Brew Magic, B3, Blichmann to name a few. It seems the PicoBrew system can't be customized very well and doesn't feel like the "full home brew" experience. I'm wanting to find something like the Brew Magic that has all the nice components I need and won't cost me $2500-3000+. I'm willing to spend around $1000 or less. Does anyone have some recommendations or suggestions? It would be greatly appreciated.

 

[phishheadmi]

In what part of the country are you? I live in Michigan and have seen some really good deals on craigslist. I recently picked up a three vessel system (loosely based on the brew magic) including: custom three burner brew stand with electric RIM system/heat control, single march pump, three keggles and all associated goodies (hoses, false bottom, coil chiller, sparge arm, whirlpool attachment, etc) for $650. After purchasing, I found a couple systems that were possibly even better deals, though I'm happy with what I got.

Keep a close eye on CL and the classifieds here...be patient and you'll find a deal on a system you love.

 

[Andyoesq]

check out the Grainfather. All in one system, under a thousand $, uses 120v power so you don't need to rewire your house.
www.grainfather.com

There are a bunch of threads on it here.

 

[Hello]

Another vote for Grainfather due to price and small footprint. Also consider the Colorado Brewing BIAB setup. http://www.cobrewingsystems.com/products/single-vessel-electric-brew-system-ebiab

 

[conrabr]

In what part of the country are you? I live in Michigan and have seen some really good deals on craigslist. I recently picked up a three vessel system (loosely based on the brew magic) including: custom three burner brew stand with electric RIM system/heat control, single march pump, three keggles and all associated goodies (hoses, false bottom, coil chiller, sparge arm, whirlpool attachment, etc) for $650. After purchasing, I found a couple systems that were possibly even better deals, though I'm happy with what I got.

Keep a close eye on CL and the classifieds here...be patient and you'll find a deal on a system you love.

I live in Saint Louis, MO. I'll check Craigslist. Thanks!

 

[conrabr]

Another vote for Grainfather due to price and small footprint. Also consider the Colorado Brewing BIAB setup. http://www.cobrewingsystems.com/products/single-vessel-electric-brew-system-ebiab

Fantastic. I think I'm leaning towards the Grainfather.