Pro/Cons of starting with a 1 gallon kit

[TheHappyHopper]

I have been starting to do 2-3 gallon batches lately (actually getting some use out of my old Mr. Beer fermenters), so I have an excuse to tinker with my recipes and brew about once a week. Of course, like many others have said, if you brew a beer that is awesome, it ends up gone before you know it. Just makes sure you take great notes so that you can scale it up if needed.

 

[kombat]

I find it amusing how people fixate on the 5 gallon size, to be honest. It's an arbitrary amount.

I used to think so too, but when you think about it, I think the reason people have settled on 5 gallon batches as the "default" size is because it's the biggest size that can be comfortably managed without needing to "step up" to the next level of brewing, with brew stands and pumps and whatnot. 5 gallons is about the most that can be safely lifted and carried (as in a carboy) by most adults. 10 gallons is too heavy. You could do a split batch and run it into 2 fermenters, but you need to elevate your brew kettle, or use pumps. 10 gallons also takes longer to chill. More than 10 gallons, you start to get into limitations of your burners. 10 gallons also makes for an awfully heavy grain bag if you BIAB. Less than 5 gallons, you still need much of the same specialized equipment, but you don't get as much beer.

I think 5 gallons kind of emerged as the "default" volume out of an evolution of practical reasons.

 

[hopjunkie26]

It seems as though the OP has settled on 5 gallon batches, which really is fine. The right answer depends on the person that is brewing. But here are my $0.02...

I started brewing with 5 gallon batches and have stayed with 5 gallon batches (I just recently upgraded my system and chose to stick with 5 gallons as opposed to move to 10-15 gallon batches because I get to brew more). I would high suggest purchasing 1 gallon equipment if you plan on creating your own recipes. They are great for experimenting and still yield high quality beer.

A lot of folks make the argument that it is more work. Well, I see brewing as fun and not work so I am okay with it. Here is what I do though: when I plan a brew day (5 gallons) I also purchase ingredients to test out a new recipe or tweak an old recipe. That way, while I am working away on my 5 gallon batch, I can do my 1 gallon batch at the same time. That should eliminate the argument that it is too much work for not enough beer...you are already brewing, so why not make a small batch at the same time as a larger batch.

Off my soapbox now...

Regardless, cheers and welcome to the hobby!

 

[Calichusetts]

I've never understood why people brew 5 gallons when you could brew 30 gallons in just about the same amount of time with the same amount of work. 2 cases of beer just ain't going to cut it...

Seriously though,

1 gallon is an amazing way to start. Virtually no investment in equipment, most likely the stock pots you own will get the job done. And everything else you need (hydrometer, airlock, bottling equipment, etc) you will still use if and when you go to the larger batch sizes.

I did 1 gallon for years, literally 100s of batches. No regrets. I only went to 3.5 gallons recently. I simply do not want to drink the same beer over and over and over again. I also like to brew indoors and don't want my brewing equipment to take up more space than it already does.

1 gallon AG is a great way to get in with little stress and little cost. Learn the ropes, find a few recipes you really like. Make sure you really like brewing. Then you can upgrade to whatever you want.

 

[danomyte]

i've been brewing for just over a year doing all 1 gallon BIAB. since my yields are so low, it encourages me to brew more often and i feel like my learning curve has increased pretty quickly as a result. i've brewed around 25 batches so far and have had the ability to try out many different styles and recipes. all my brewing is done inside on the stove and cleanup and storage is not an issue. living in a small brooklyn apartment, that's key to keeping the wife happy. now that i have a few recipes i like, i plan on upgrading to 3 gallon batches for those while still experimenting and learning on other batches in the 1 gallon.

i'd encourage a new brewer to do 1 gallon to get a feel for the hobby and upgrade later on