Simple setup

MrSmug · Feb 28, 2012

Hey all,

Just finished my 3rd extract batch using this basic start kit http://www.hoptech.com/products/hoptech-homebrewing-kit and a super cheap 20qt alumnium brewpot. I've been brewing out of my kitchen and it's been working but there are obviously quite a few in-effiences. The largest amount of time is spent either bringing the wort to a boil or cooling it down. I'm thinking about getting an outside burner, immersion chiller and anything else that may help (better bigger brewpot?). I'm hoping to get some good reviews/suggestions on a simple set-up keeping in mind I'll probably be graduating to all grain brewing in the future. Any suggestions on what I should buy?

Thanks!

CompassBrewing · Feb 28, 2012

I would definitely suggest both an outside burner and chiller asap. As for a bigger brewpot i'd recommend converting an old keg. To me that's the best bang for the buck

Patirck · Feb 28, 2012

First - you should decide if you want to stick with 5 gallon batches or do 10 gallon batches. I would size the pot either 9 gallons for a 5 gallon batch or 15 gallons for a 10 gallon batch. The tri clad pots with built in 1/2" ports for ball valves are really nice. There is a guy who recently started selling some for very cheap at http://spikebrewing.com. I've not ordered anything from him but the pricing seems very good.

As for a burner - you best bang for the buck is to watch craigslist for a turkey fryer. I picked on up for $20. It had a BG12 burner on it which is plenty big for 5 or 10 gallon batches.

For a chiller - you can get an immersion chiller off ebay or make one using copper tubing for pretty cheap. You'll probably find it's as cheap to buy one already made as it is to buy the materials for making one. You may also want to consider a counterflow chiller or a plate chiller. Morebeer sells nice counterflow chillers but they cost a few $$$. You can get a decent plate chiller from dudadiesel.com. The only thing with a plate chiller is that you run the risk of clogging it up if you have a lot of hop particles etc in your wort. The simplest solution is really the immersion chiller and a good spoon/paddle to get a good whirlpool going.

MrSmug · Feb 28, 2012

I'll probably be sticking with only 5 gallon batches for the foreseeable future as I would rather make more "smaller" batches.

I'm guessing 9 gallons is ideal so there is no chance of a boil over? Is that why the extra 4 gallons is needed? I checked out that link... I like the thermo. Do most brewpots come with this?

Still deciding on whether an immersion chiller or counter flow chiller would be best. Any one else have some opinions?

Patirck · Feb 28, 2012

9 gallons is great just for the boil over reason. Especially if you plan on doing 90 minute boils. I usually start off with 6.5 - 7 gallons pre boil and that doesn't leave much room in an 8 gallon pot. I have an 8 gallon pot with a valve and thermometer and it get's pretty close when I have a large pre boil volume. In hindsight, I would have gone with a 9 gallon pot.

If money isn't an issue, the morebeer counterflow with the built in thermometer is the way to go in my opinion. You can open or close the valve on the end to get the temperature you want. They are a bit pricey compared to other options.