Making the move, have a few ?'s

ChadChaney · Nov 7, 2011

I am making the move to all grain. I have spent numerous hours reading up on the topic, and there are so many variations out there, I think I might have confused myself some, lol. I decided to go with a 10 gallon cooler system for the mash tun and lauter tun(with a sparge arm) since I will still have to brew in my kitchen, no finished basement or garage. I wanted to go 10 gallon so i could still have the capacity to brew some higher OG brews.
That being said, I do not have a software program, but I am going to get beer tools or beersmith this week, just not sure which way I want to go. Anyway, I do not understand how you calculate your efficiency, am I missing something really easy here?

Next question, which is not really related, yet. how to you handle yeast for a 10 gallon batch, do you just make a massive starter?

cram · Nov 7, 2011

If you're looking to do high gravity 10 gallon batches then I think the 10 gallon cooler isn't going to be big enough. I use a 10 gallon cooler with a braid for AG in my kitchen and find that my cooler's maximum capacity is about 20-22 lbs. of grain. My efficiency ranges between 58-65% usually but I batch sparge. I find that the 10 gallon cooler set-up is perfect for higher gravity 5-6.5 gallon batches. Plus, can you boil a pot of 12-13 gallons in your kitchen? No way my high-output NG burner will do that...I have to resort to keeping the SS immersion chiller in the pot for the boil to get 8 gallons rolling.

Per the starter, you'd essentially make your usual starter times two. Or for a higher gravity beer, maybe even pitch on the yeast cake of a previous batch or, at least, save a lot of slurry from a previous batch--search "yeast washing" for some ideas, but it's really not that complicated. Good luck! It really isn't hard after you figure out the temps and quantities for your set-up.

heckels · Nov 7, 2011

I'd agree you want a larger setup for a 10 gallon batch. I had a 5 gallon Rubbermaid at first but the first IPA I wanted to make was cause to buy a 10 gallon Rubbermaid. The old one is now my HLT.

If you want 10 gal batches go with a 15 gallon MLT.

sudsmcgee · Nov 7, 2011

I use a 70 qt (17.5 gal) cooler for 10 gallon batches and I often fill it to the top with my higher alcohol beers.

If you ever intend to do batches bigger than 5-6 gallons, go bigger.

billy915 · Nov 7, 2011

As far as calculating your efficiency, that is done by which ever brewing software your going to get. I have beersmith and its real easy to use. Just create your recipe and when your brew day is done type in your OG into the program and it will tell you your %tage.

ChadChaney · Nov 8, 2011

Thanks for all the advice! I should have been more clear, I am going to a 10 gallon cooler setup which will allow me to still brew some higher OG batches, but I am still going to do 5 gallon batches. I only have limited space to ferment, store and condition, so for now this will work for me. I got a friend into the hobby and he is going to upgrade his equipment every time I do by purchasing my used stuff, pretty nice deal. I would like to go bigger right off the bat, but for now this will work.

As for the efficiency, I thought that was the deal, just wanted to make sure I wasn't dropping the ball somewhere.

Per the yeast, I already wash and reuse, I am curious how I would make a starter for a 10 gallon batch, in the future, I guess I could just make 2 right? I just picture this massive 10 Liter flask on a giant stirplate, lol.

frankstoneline · Nov 8, 2011

If you dont wish to cough up cash for a program beercalculus.hopville.com is what I use. So far its been good for my uses.

Spintab · Nov 8, 2011

Brewmate is great too. And free! It's a little more simple than something like beer smith but I find it has everything I need to throw together recipes and do my simple calcs. No strike temp calc though. I do that on my own and add it to the recipe notes.