New to all grain... Equipment and challenges

[AWKBrewing13]

hey guys I posted once before about 5 gal all grain and extract batches but due to few responses I wanted to post again and add more info.

I live in an apartment. No balcony. i was in a rush to get a place so I just signed here. But its private entrances so I can open my door and brew right on the sidewalk (management was cool with it)

So heres my dilemma. I have made some well not quite bad purchases but could have made better ones. I am going to try and make a few all grain batches in the following months but need equipment. Since Christmas is coming up I was told to get a list and Mom would help (moms rock)

As we speak Im boiling some water as a test just to see how long it takes to get to a boil on the gas stove. So far 140 degrees 30 minutes.

The equipment I need is a new brew kettle and stove. I have seen some go with the SQ-14 and some with the SP-10. Both same price on Amazon. ALSO Adventures in Homebrewing have these two Items I have been looking at for Full boil extract kits and 5 gallon all grain. take a look

http://www.homebrewing.org/2-WELD-9-Gallon-Stainless-Steel-Brew-Pot-_p_1684.html

and

http://www.homebrewing.org/14-Propane-Burner--220000-BTU_p_1190.html

I am certain Im going with the kettle. But what about the burner? should I go with this versus the Bayou brands?

Lastly for doing my first all grain I will have a 10 gallon used Igloo water cooler for my mash tun. DOES ANYONE HAVE EXPERIENCE USING THESE??? is it a good idea? does it hold temp well for mashing?

Will these items be all I need for a budget setup?

9 gallon kettle
Screw in Thermometer
Brass Spitgot
Burner
Igloo cooler
False bottom and brass spigot

 

[AWKBrewing13]

P.S. went back and checked 50 minutes still no boil at 180 degrees. May be asking for equipment a little early lol

 

[AWKBrewing13]

65 minutes full boil or close to.

 

[sanch]

just make smaller batches. until the equipment comes.

the pot and burner look good to me. although the burner looks a little pricey. good luck.

 

[AWKBrewing13]

whats the BTU rating on the SP-10? this one says 220,000 BTU's

 

[daveooph131]

I found that the SP-10 is up to 185,000 BTU's. I'm in the same boat looking for a burner and may be going with this so I would like some more opinions.

I kind of like how it has the 360 wind screen.

 

[mrcastellino]

Alright Ill chime in...

"But what about the burner? should I go with this versus the Bayou brands?"

My 2 cents would be to stick with one of the Bayou brands. Not that there is anything wrong with the other burner but you save about ~ 30 bucks by going with the Bayou which is more than adequate for heating water and wort for 5 gallon batches. I believe the sp-10 is in the range of 185,000 BTUs in comparison. Many homebrewers use the sp-10 or sp-14 and are quite happy. I think especially in comparison to your stove top you will be quite pleased. If you do decide to go with the bayou make sure you end up with the 20 psi regulator. There has been some quality assurance issues there where a 10 psi regulator was shipping instead. You are going to want the 20 psi regulator to dial in the the heat you want.

"Lastly for doing my first all grain I will have a 10 gallon used Igloo water cooler for my mash tun. DOES ANYONE HAVE EXPERIENCE USING THESE??? is it a good idea? does it hold temp well for mashing?"

Do a search on this and you will see MANY people that utilize the 10 gal water coolers as their mash tuns. Why? Because for the cost and simplicity when doing single infusion mashes they do a great job of holding their temp (assuming they were properly pre-heated). So yes its a great idea for getting into all grain brewing vs. using RIMS or HERMS for a metal mash tun or even wrapping it in a bunch of insulation.

"Will these items be all I need for a budget setup?"

Im assuming that this is addition to all other pieces of equipment you have for extract brewing? If so, for the most part it seems you have the bare essentials but there are questions as to which approach you are going for all grain (batch vs fly sparge). If you are doing fly sparge you will need a sparge arm and a HLT. Again research the forums ...there is information aplenty (yay to the internet!) on relatively cheap and basic all grain setups. You could even do BIAB if cost is of high concern. Also do you have a wort chiller? The 30 bucks you save from the burner could go to a cheap and simple IC to save time on the brew day and attempt to get a cold break.

Anyway good luck and happy brewing!

 

[AWKBrewing13]

which the sp-10 or the Adventure in homebrewing one?

 

[AWKBrewing13]

sweet thanks... So the SP-10 you think?
I called AIH and there have the metal sent out to be constructed and actually use bayou parts for the burner add a 30 PSI regulator with braided hose. It sounded good. I think I will decide between the SP-10 and this one from AIH.

A 9 gallon pot good though for 5 gal batches?

 

[mrcastellino]

your call as to spending the extra 30 bucks for the AIH burner...i think in your case it could probably be better utilized elsewhere for your brewery setup...but your money your decision.

Yes a 9 gallon pot will work for 5 gal batches... i think an 8 gallon pot would be about as low as you would want to go though...

 

[daveooph131]

I just bought the SP10 on Amazon, signed up for Amazon Prime Free trial and got two day free shipping. Plan on canceling the free trial to incure no charge once I receive my burner.

After reading about the regulator what should I do? I believe the Amazon burner is a 10psi preset.

 

[mrcastellino]

It looks like amazon revised the specs for the burner to 10 psi (see customer review threads regarding this). One option would be to see if Bayou would entertain a discount on the 20 or 30 psi regulator in exchange for the 10. If not you can always purchase the 20 or 30 psi regulator from amazon but it will set you back another 20 bucks...still at least its free shipping in your case. Also note that im sure the 10 psi regulator will work just fine but its always nice to have a broader range of modulation...

 

[AWKBrewing13]

see then i wouldnt do that. i would get the one from AIH because it has a 30 psi regulator and its 80 total.

 

[AWKBrewing13]

unless i could get the one with a 20 psi regulator for 60

 

[daveooph131]

I'll probably just use the 10 and if I feel a need to upgrade I'll by the 20 or 30. Will the PSI mainly effect the speed of getting to boil?

Even with the 10 shouldn't it still be able to reach the specs of 180,000 BTU's?

 

[AWKBrewing13]

im not as knowledgable as the other guys but i believe its like a propane torch kinda effect. the gas will come out at a higher psi increasing the intensity of the heat.

 

[mrcastellino]

@ daveooph131...yes the 20 psi regulator should allow a higher output than the 10. Im not sure what the total output in BTUs will be for the 10 but i bet it will still be adequate for homebrewing purposes.

@AWKBrewing13...if you order from Bayou Classic directly its specd with the 20 psi regulator for 60 bucks... http://www.bayouclassicfryers.com/index.php?l=product_detail&p=180

 

[AWKBrewing13]

i can go pick the AIH one up because I live around Ann Arbor MI. SO I think I will get that one.

 

[AWKBrewing13]

What do you guys think? NO shipping bayou parts. Braided line.

 

[AWKBrewing13]

I think the kettle is a great deal though right? I havent seen many that are around 80-90 range with the two weld on them